tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.archive2011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Self Employed WriterChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comBloggertag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.layout2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Template: Self Employed Writer<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?> <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> <html expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml' xmlns:b='http://www.google.com/2005/gml/b' xmlns:data='http://www.google.com/2005/gml/data' xmlns:expr='http://www.google.com/2005/gml/expr'> <head> <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Play' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'/> <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Lobster' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'/> <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Shadows+Into+Light' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'/> <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Droid+Sans:bold' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'/> <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Droid+Serif:bold' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'/> <link href='http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Raleway:100' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'/> <b:include data='blog' name='all-head-content'/> <title><data:blog.pageTitle/></title> <b:skin><![CDATA[/* ----------------------------------------------- Blogger Template Style Name: Laguna Author: Klodian URL: www.deluxetemplates.net Date: July 2011 License: This free Blogger template is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License, which permits both personal and commercial use. 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You can't really calculate the width reliably in JS because margins are not taken into account by any of clientWidth, offsetWidth or scrollWidth, so we don't force a minimum width if the user is using shrink to fit. This results in a margin-width's worth of pixels being cropped. If the user is not using shrink to fit then we expand the header. --> <b:if cond='data:mobile'> <div id='header-inner'> <div class='titlewrapper' style='background: transparent'> <h1 class='title' style='background: transparent; border-width: 0px'> <b:include name='title'/> </h1> </div> <b:include name='description'/> </div> <b:else/> <div expr:style='&quot;background-image: url(\&quot;&quot; + data:sourceUrl + &quot;\&quot;); &quot; + &quot;background-position: &quot; + data:backgroundPositionStyleStr + &quot;; &quot; + data:widthStyleStr + &quot;min-height: &quot; + data:height + &quot;_height: &quot; + data:height + &quot;background-repeat: no-repeat; &quot;' id='header-inner'> <div class='titlewrapper' style='background: transparent'> <h1 class='title' style='background: transparent; border-width: 0px'> <b:include name='title'/> </h1> </div> <b:include name='description'/> </div> </b:if> <b:else/> <!--Show the image only--> <div id='header-inner'> <a expr:href='data:blog.homepageUrl' style='display: block'> <img expr:alt='data:title' expr:height='data:height' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_headerimg&quot;' expr:src='data:sourceUrl' expr:width='data:width' style='display: block'/> </a> <!--Show the description--> <b:if cond='data:imagePlacement == &quot;BEFORE_DESCRIPTION&quot;'> <b:include name='description'/> </b:if> </div> </b:if> <b:else/> <!--No header image --> <div id='header-inner'> <div class='titlewrapper'> <h1 class='title'> <b:include name='title'/> </h1> </div> <b:include name='description'/> </div> </b:if> </b:includable> </b:widget> </b:section> <b:section class='ads-header' id='ads-header' showaddelement='no'> <b:widget id='HTML102' locked='true' title='' type='HTML'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> </b:section> </div> <div class='second-row'> <b:section class='second-row' id='second-row' preferred='yes' showaddelement='no'> <b:widget id='AdSense2' locked='false' title='' type='AdSense'> <b:includable id='main'> <div class='widget-content'> <data:adCode/> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </div> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='Label1' locked='true' title='Labels' type='Label'> <b:includable id='main'> <b:if cond='data:title'> <h2><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div expr:class='&quot;widget-content &quot; + data:display + &quot;-label-widget-content&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:display == &quot;list&quot;'> <ul> <b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'> <li> <b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'> <span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span> <b:else/> <a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'> <span dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span> </b:if> </li> </b:loop> </ul> <b:else/> <b:loop values='data:labels' var='label'> <span expr:class='&quot;label-size label-size-&quot; + data:label.cssSize'> <b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:label.url'> <span expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection'><data:label.name/></span> <b:else/> <a expr:dir='data:blog.languageDirection' expr:href='data:label.url'><data:label.name/></a> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:showFreqNumbers'> <span class='label-count' dir='ltr'>(<data:label.count/>)</span> </b:if> </span> </b:loop> </b:if> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </div> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='PageList14' locked='true' title='Pages' type='PageList'> <b:includable id='main'> <div class='widget-content'> <ul class='menus menu-primary'> <b:loop values='data:links' var='link'> <b:if cond='data:link.isCurrentPage'> <li class='current_page_item'><a expr:href='data:link.href'><data:link.title/></a></li> <b:else/> <li><a expr:href='data:link.href'><data:link.title/></a></li> </b:if> </b:loop> </ul> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </div> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='PageList17' locked='true' title='Pages' type='PageList'> <b:includable id='main'> <div class='widget-content'> <ul id='pagemenu'> <b:loop values='data:links' var='link'> <b:if cond='data:link.isCurrentPage'> <li class='current_page_item'><a expr:href='data:link.href'><data:link.title/></a></li> <b:else/> <li><a expr:href='data:link.href'><data:link.title/></a></li> </b:if> </b:loop> </ul> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </div> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='LinkList64' locked='true' title='Chrystal Mahan' type='LinkList'> <b:includable id='main'> <b:if cond='data:title'><h2><data:title/></h2></b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <ul> <b:loop values='data:links' var='link'> <li><a expr:href='data:link.target'><data:link.name/></a></li> </b:loop> </ul> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </div> </b:includable> </b:widget> </b:section></div> <div id='content-wrapper'> <div id='sidebar-wrapper2'> <b:section class='sidebar2' id='sidebar2' preferred='yes'> <b:widget id='HTML8' locked='false' title='Find Work' type='HTML'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='HTML9' locked='false' title='Get Paid' type='HTML'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='HTML4' locked='false' title='Lets Network' type='HTML'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='FollowByEmail1' locked='false' title='Follow By Email' type='FollowByEmail'> <b:includable id='main'> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'><h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2></b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <div class='follow-by-email-inner'> <form action='http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify' expr:onsubmit='&quot;window.open(\&quot;http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=&quot; + data:feedPath + &quot;\&quot;, \&quot;popupwindow\&quot;, \&quot;scrollbars=yes,width=550,height=520\&quot;); return true&quot;' method='post' target='popupwindow'> <table width='100%'> <tr> <td> <input class='follow-by-email-address' name='email' placeholder='Email address...' type='text'/> </td> <td width='64px'> <input class='follow-by-email-submit' type='submit' value='Submit'/> </td> </tr> </table> <input expr:value='data:feedPath' name='uri' type='hidden'/> <input name='loc' type='hidden' value='en_US'/> </form> </div> </div> <span class='item-control blog-admin'> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </span> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='Text2' locked='false' title='' type='Text'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='Followers1' locked='false' title='Followers' type='Followers'> <b:includable id='main'> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:codeSnippet != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> <b:else/> <b:if cond='data:totalFollowerCount != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/> (<data:totalFollowerCount/>)</h2> </b:if> </b:if> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;-wrapper&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:codeSnippet != &quot;&quot;'> <div style='margin-right:2px;'> <data:codeSnippet/> </div> <b:else/> <b:if cond='data:totalFollowerCount == &quot;&quot;'> <span class='item-control following-not-admin'> <b><data:failureSnippet/></b> </span> <span class='item-control blog-admin'> <b><data:adminFailureSnippet/></b> </span> <b:else/> <b:if cond='data:followingLinkPresent'> <div class='follow-this profile-link item-control following-follow-this'> <a expr:href='&quot;javascript:_FollowersView._openPopup(\&quot;&quot; + data:followUri + &quot;\&quot;);&quot;'> <data:followThisMessage/> </a> </div> <div class='follow-this profile-link item-control following-stop-following-this'> <a expr:href='&quot;javascript:_FollowersView._openPopup(\&quot;&quot; + data:followUri + &quot;\&quot;);&quot;'> <data:stopFollowingMessage/> </a> </div> </b:if> <div class='followers-grid'> <b:if cond='data:totalFollowerCount == 0'> <div class='profile-link item-control following-follow-this'> <data:emptyFollowersMessage/> </div> </b:if> <!-- Relies on the js written out in navbar.gxp --> <b:loop values='data:followers' var='follower'> <div class='follower'> <a expr:href='data:follower.profileUrl' expr:title='data:follower.displayName' rel='nofollow'> <img class='follower-img' expr:alt='data:follower.displayName' expr:height='data:follower.imageHeight' expr:onerror='&quot;this.onerror=null;this.src=\&quot;&quot; + data:anonFollowerImageUrl + &quot;\&quot;;&quot;' expr:onload='&quot;setAttributeOnload(this, \&quot;src\&quot;, \&quot;&quot; + data:follower.imageUrl + &quot;\&quot;)&quot;' expr:width='data:follower.imageWidth' src='http://img1.blogblog.com/img/blank.gif'/> </a> </div> </b:loop> <div class='clear'/> </div> <div class='followers-canvas profile-link'> <data:followersFooterMessage/> <span class='item-control following-not-admin'> <a expr:href='data:followersUri'> <data:viewAllMessage/> </a> </span> <span class='item-control blog-admin'> <a expr:href='data:manageFollowersUri'> <data:manageFollowersMessage/> </a> </span> </div> </b:if> </b:if> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </div> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='Text1' locked='false' title='Recommend' type='Text'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='HTML5' locked='false' title='..' type='HTML'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> </b:section> </div> <div id='main-wrapper'> <b:if cond='data:blog.url == data:blog.homepageUrl'> <b:section class='slider-k' id='slider-k' showaddelement='no'> <b:widget id='HTML101' locked='true' title='Featured Posts' type='HTML'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='Feed1' locked='false' title='PSD Templates' type='Feed'> <b:includable id='main'> <h2><data:title/></h2> <div class='widget-content' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_feedItemListDisplay&quot;'> <span style='filter: alpha(25); opacity: 0.25;'> <a expr:href='data:feedUrl'><data:loadingMsg/></a> </span> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> </b:section></b:if> <b:section class='main' id='main' showaddelement='no'> <b:widget id='Blog1' locked='true' title='Blog Posts' type='Blog'> <b:includable id='nextprev'> <div class='blog-pager' id='blog-pager'> <b:if cond='data:newerPageUrl'> <span id='blog-pager-newer-link'> <a class='blog-pager-newer-link' expr:href='data:newerPageUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_blog-pager-newer-link&quot;' expr:title='data:newerPageTitle'><data:newerPageTitle/></a> </span> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:olderPageUrl'> <span id='blog-pager-older-link'> <a class='blog-pager-older-link' expr:href='data:olderPageUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_blog-pager-older-link&quot;' expr:title='data:olderPageTitle'><data:olderPageTitle/></a> </span> </b:if> <a class='home-link' expr:href='data:blog.homepageUrl'><data:homeMsg/></a> <b:if cond='data:mobileLinkUrl'> <div class='blog-mobile-link'> <a expr:href='data:mobileLinkUrl'><data:mobileLinkMsg/></a> </div> </b:if> </div> <div class='clear'/> </b:includable> <b:includable id='shareButtons' var='post'> <a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-email' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + &quot;&amp;target=email&quot;' expr:title='data:top.emailThisMsg' target='_blank'> <span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.emailThisMsg/></span> </a><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-blog' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + &quot;&amp;target=blog&quot;' expr:onclick='&quot;window.open(this.href, \&quot;_blank\&quot;, \&quot;height=270,width=475\&quot;); return false;&quot;' expr:title='data:top.blogThisMsg' target='_blank'> <span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.blogThisMsg/></span> </a><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-twitter' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + &quot;&amp;target=twitter&quot;' expr:title='data:top.shareToTwitterMsg' target='_blank'> <span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.shareToTwitterMsg/></span> </a><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-facebook' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + &quot;&amp;target=facebook&quot;' expr:onclick='&quot;window.open(this.href, \&quot;_blank\&quot;, \&quot;height=430,width=640\&quot;); return false;&quot;' expr:title='data:top.shareToFacebookMsg' target='_blank'> <span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.shareToFacebookMsg/></span> </a><b:if cond='data:top.showOrkutButton'><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-orkut' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + &quot;&amp;target=orkut&quot;' expr:title='data:top.shareToOrkutMsg' target='_blank'> <span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.shareToOrkutMsg/></span> </a></b:if><a class='goog-inline-block share-button sb-buzz' expr:href='data:post.sharePostUrl + &quot;&amp;target=buzz&quot;' expr:onclick='&quot;window.open(this.href, \&quot;_blank\&quot;, \&quot;height=415,width=690\&quot;); return false;&quot;' expr:title='data:top.shareToBuzzMsg' target='_blank'> <span class='share-button-link-text'><data:top.shareToBuzzMsg/></span> </a> <b:if cond='data:top.showDummy'> <div class='goog-inline-block dummy-container'><data:post.dummyTag/></div> </b:if> </b:includable> <b:includable id='backlinks' var='post'> <a name='links'/><h4><data:post.backlinksLabel/></h4> <b:if cond='data:post.numBacklinks != 0'> <dl class='comments-block' id='comments-block'> <b:loop values='data:post.backlinks' var='backlink'> <div class='collapsed-backlink backlink-control'> <dt class='comment-title'> <span class='backlink-toggle-zippy'>&#160;</span> <a expr:href='data:backlink.url' rel='nofollow'><data:backlink.title/></a> <b:include data='backlink' name='backlinkDeleteIcon'/> </dt> <dd class='comment-body collapseable'> <data:backlink.snippet/> </dd> <dd class='comment-footer collapseable'> <span class='comment-author'><data:post.authorLabel/> <data:backlink.author/></span> <span class='comment-timestamp'><data:post.timestampLabel/> <data:backlink.timestamp/></span> </dd> </div> </b:loop> </dl> </b:if> <p class='comment-footer'> <a class='comment-link' expr:href='data:post.createLinkUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_backlinks-create-link&quot;' target='_blank'><data:post.createLinkLabel/></a> </p> </b:includable> <b:includable id='mobile-main' var='top'> <!-- posts --> <div class='blog-posts hfeed'> <b:include data='top' name='status-message'/> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == &quot;index&quot;'> <b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'> <b:include data='post' name='mobile-index-post'/> </b:loop> <b:else/> <b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'> <b:include data='post' name='mobile-post'/> </b:loop> </b:if> </div> <b:include name='mobile-nextprev'/> </b:includable> <b:includable id='post' var='post'> <div class='post hentry'> <a expr:name='data:post.id'/> <b:if cond='data:post.title'> <h3 class='post-title entry-title'> <b:if cond='data:post.link'> <a expr:href='data:post.link'><data:post.title/></a> <b:else/> <b:if cond='data:post.url'> <b:if cond='data:blog.url != data:post.url'> <a expr:href='data:post.url'><data:post.title/></a> <b:else/> <data:post.title/> </b:if> <b:else/> <data:post.title/> </b:if> </b:if> </h3> </b:if> <div class='post-header'> <div class='post-header-line-1'/> </div> <div class='post-body entry-content' expr:id='&quot;post-body-&quot; + data:post.id'> <data:post.body/> <div style='clear: both;'/> <!-- clear for photos floats --> </div> <b:if cond='data:post.hasJumpLink'> <div class='jump-link'> <a expr:href='data:post.url + &quot;#more&quot;' expr:title='data:post.title'><data:post.jumpText/></a> </div> </b:if> <div class='post-footer'> <div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-1'><span class='post-author vcard'> <b:if cond='data:top.showAuthor'> <data:top.authorLabel/> <span class='fn'><data:post.author/></span> </b:if> </span> <span class='post-timestamp'> <b:if cond='data:top.showTimestamp'> <data:top.timestampLabel/> <b:if cond='data:post.url'> <a class='timestamp-link' expr:href='data:post.url' rel='bookmark' title='permanent link'><abbr class='published' expr:title='data:post.timestampISO8601'><data:post.timestamp/></abbr></a> </b:if> </b:if> </span> <span class='post-comment-link'> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != &quot;item&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != &quot;static_page&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'> <a class='comment-link' expr:href='data:post.addCommentUrl' expr:onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick'><b:if cond='data:post.numComments == 1'>1 <data:top.commentLabel/><b:else/><data:post.numComments/> <data:top.commentLabelPlural/></b:if></a> </b:if> </b:if> </b:if> </span> <span class='post-icons'> <!-- email post links --> <b:if cond='data:post.emailPostUrl'> <span class='item-action'> <a expr:href='data:post.emailPostUrl' expr:title='data:top.emailPostMsg'> <img alt='' class='icon-action' height='13' src='http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_email.gif' width='18'/> </a> </span> </b:if> <!-- quickedit pencil --> <b:include data='post' name='postQuickEdit'/> </span> <div class='post-share-buttons goog-inline-block'> <b:if cond='data:post.sharePostUrl'> <b:include data='post' name='shareButtons'/> </b:if> </div> </div> <div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-2'><span class='post-labels'> <b:if cond='data:post.labels'> <data:postLabelsLabel/> <b:loop values='data:post.labels' var='label'> <a expr:href='data:label.url' rel='tag'><data:label.name/></a><b:if cond='data:label.isLast != &quot;true&quot;'>,</b:if> </b:loop> </b:if> </span> </div> <div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-3'/> </div> </div> </b:includable> <b:includable id='status-message'> <b:if cond='data:navMessage'> <div class='status-msg-wrap'> <div class='status-msg-body'> <data:navMessage/> </div> <div class='status-msg-border'> <div class='status-msg-bg'> <div class='status-msg-hidden'><data:navMessage/></div> </div> </div> </div> <div style='clear: both;'/> </b:if> </b:includable> <b:includable id='comment-form' var='post'> <div class='comment-form'> <a name='comment-form'/> <b:if cond='data:mobile'> <h4 id='comment-post-message'> <a expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_comment-editor-toggle-link&quot;' href='javascript:void(0)'><data:postCommentMsg/></a></h4> <p><data:blogCommentMessage/></p> <data:blogTeamBlogMessage/> <a expr:href='data:post.commentFormIframeSrc' id='comment-editor-src'/> <iframe allowtransparency='true' class='blogger-iframe-colorize blogger-comment-from-post' frameborder='0' height='410' id='comment-editor' name='comment-editor' src='' style='display: none' width='100%'/> <b:else/> <h4 id='comment-post-message'><data:postCommentMsg/></h4> <p><data:blogCommentMessage/></p> <data:blogTeamBlogMessage/> <a expr:href='data:post.commentFormIframeSrc' id='comment-editor-src'/> <iframe allowtransparency='true' class='blogger-iframe-colorize blogger-comment-from-post' frameborder='0' height='410' id='comment-editor' name='comment-editor' src='' width='100%'/> </b:if> <data:post.friendConnectJs/> <data:post.cmtfpIframe/> <script type='text/javascript'> BLOG_CMT_createIframe(&#39;<data:post.appRpcRelayPath/>&#39;, &#39;<data:post.communityId/>&#39;); </script> </div> </b:includable> <b:includable id='backlinkDeleteIcon' var='backlink'> <span expr:class='&quot;item-control &quot; + data:backlink.adminClass'> <a expr:href='data:backlink.deleteUrl' expr:title='data:top.deleteBacklinkMsg'> <img src='//www.blogger.com/img/icon_delete13.gif'/> </a> </span> </b:includable> <b:includable id='mobile-nextprev'> <div class='blog-pager' id='blog-pager'> <b:if cond='data:newerPageUrl'> <div class='mobile-link-button' id='blog-pager-newer-link'> <a class='blog-pager-newer-link' expr:href='data:newerPageUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_blog-pager-newer-link&quot;' expr:title='data:newerPageTitle'><data:newerPageTitle/></a> </div> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:olderPageUrl'> <div class='mobile-link-button' id='blog-pager-older-link'> <a class='blog-pager-older-link' expr:href='data:olderPageUrl' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_blog-pager-older-link&quot;' expr:title='data:olderPageTitle'><data:olderPageTitle/></a> </div> </b:if> <div class='mobile-link-button' id='blog-pager-home-link'> <a class='home-link' expr:href='data:blog.homepageUrl'><data:homeMsg/></a> </div> <div class='mobile-desktop-link'> <a class='home-link' expr:href='data:desktopLinkUrl'><data:desktopLinkMsg/></a> </div> </div> <div class='clear'/> </b:includable> <b:includable id='mobile-post' var='post'> <div class='date-outer'> <b:if cond='data:post.dateHeader'> <h2 class='date-header'><span><data:post.dateHeader/></span></h2> </b:if> <div class='date-posts'> <div class='post-outer'> <div class='post hentry uncustomized-post-template'> <a expr:name='data:post.id'/> <b:if cond='data:post.title'> <h3 class='post-title entry-title'> <b:if cond='data:post.link'> <a expr:href='data:post.link'><data:post.title/></a> <b:else/> <b:if cond='data:post.url'> <b:if cond='data:blog.url != data:post.url'> <a expr:href='data:post.url'><data:post.title/></a> <b:else/> <data:post.title/> </b:if> <b:else/> <data:post.title/> </b:if> </b:if> </h3> </b:if> <div class='post-header'> <div class='post-header-line-1'/> </div> <div class='post-body entry-content' expr:id='&quot;post-body-&quot; + data:post.id'> <data:post.body/> <div style='clear: both;'/> <!-- clear for photos floats --> </div> <div class='post-footer'> <div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-1'> <span class='post-author vcard'> <b:if cond='data:top.showAuthor'> <data:top.authorLabel/> <span class='fn'><data:post.author/></span> </b:if> </span> <span class='post-timestamp'> <b:if cond='data:top.showTimestamp'> <data:top.timestampLabel/> <b:if cond='data:post.url'> <a class='timestamp-link' expr:href='data:post.url' rel='bookmark' title='permanent link'><abbr class='published' expr:title='data:post.timestampISO8601'><data:post.timestamp/></abbr></a> </b:if> </b:if> </span> <span class='post-comment-link'> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != &quot;item&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != &quot;static_page&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'> <a class='comment-link' expr:href='data:post.addCommentUrl' expr:onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick'><b:if cond='data:post.numComments == 1'>1 <data:top.commentLabel/><b:else/><data:post.numComments/> <data:top.commentLabelPlural/></b:if></a> </b:if> </b:if> </b:if> </span> </div> <div class='post-footer-line post-footer-line-2'> <b:if cond='data:top.showMobileShare'> <div class='mobile-link-button goog-inline-block' id='mobile-share-button'> <a href='javascript:void(0);'><data:shareMsg/></a> </div> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:top.showDummy'> <div class='goog-inline-block dummy-container'><data:post.dummyTag/></div> </b:if> </div> </div> </div> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == &quot;static_page&quot;'> <b:include data='post' name='comments'/> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == &quot;item&quot;'> <b:include data='post' name='comments'/> </b:if> </div> </div> </div> </b:includable> <b:includable id='postQuickEdit' var='post'> <b:if cond='data:post.editUrl'> <span expr:class='&quot;item-control &quot; + data:post.adminClass'> <a expr:href='data:post.editUrl' expr:title='data:top.editPostMsg'> <img alt='' class='icon-action' height='18' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif' width='18'/> </a> </span> </b:if> </b:includable> <b:includable id='main' var='top'> <b:if cond='data:top.showDummy'> <script expr:src='data:top.dummyUrl'>{&#39;lang&#39;: &#39;<data:top.languageCode/>&#39;}</script> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:mobileindex'> <!-- mobile index --> <div class='blog-posts hfeed'> <b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'> <b:if cond='data:post.isFirstPost == &quot;false&quot;'> &lt;/div&gt; </b:if> &lt;div class=&quot;mobile-date-outer date-outer&quot;&gt; <b:include data='post' name='mobile-index-post'/> <b:if cond='data:post.trackLatency'> <data:post.latencyJs/> </b:if> </b:loop> <b:if cond='data:numPosts != 0'> &lt;/div&gt; </b:if> </div> <b:else/> <!-- posts --> <div class='blog-posts hfeed'> <b:include data='top' name='status-message'/> <data:defaultAdStart/> <b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'> <b:if cond='data:post.isDateStart'> <b:if cond='data:post.isFirstPost == &quot;false&quot;'> &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt; </b:if> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:post.isDateStart'> &lt;div class=&quot;date-outer&quot;&gt; </b:if> <b:if cond='data:post.dateHeader'> <h2 class='date-header'><span><data:post.dateHeader/></span></h2> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:post.isDateStart'> &lt;div class=&quot;date-posts&quot;&gt; </b:if> <div class='post-outer'> <b:include data='post' name='post'/> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == &quot;static_page&quot;'> <b:include data='post' name='comments'/> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == &quot;item&quot;'> <b:include data='post' name='comments'/> </b:if> </div> <b:if cond='data:post.includeAd'> <b:if cond='data:post.isFirstPost'> <data:defaultAdEnd/> <b:else/> <data:adEnd/> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:mobile == &quot;false&quot;'> <div class='inline-ad'> <data:adCode/> </div> </b:if> <data:adStart/> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:post.trackLatency'> <data:post.latencyJs/> </b:if> </b:loop> <b:if cond='data:numPosts != 0'> &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt; </b:if> <data:adEnd/> </div> </b:if> <!-- navigation --> <b:if cond='data:mobile'> <b:include name='mobile-nextprev'/> <b:else/> <b:include name='nextprev'/> <!-- feed links --> <b:include name='feedLinks'/> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:top.showStars'> <script src='//www.google.com/jsapi' type='text/javascript'/> <script type='text/javascript'> google.load(&quot;annotations&quot;, &quot;1&quot;, {&quot;locale&quot;: &quot;<data:top.languageCode/>&quot;}); function initialize() { google.annotations.setApplicationId(<data:top.blogspotReviews/>); google.annotations.createAll(); google.annotations.fetch(); } google.setOnLoadCallback(initialize); </script> </b:if> </b:includable> <b:includable id='commentDeleteIcon' var='comment'> <span expr:class='&quot;item-control &quot; + data:comment.adminClass'> <b:if cond='data:showCmtPopup'> <div class='goog-toggle-button'> <div class='goog-inline-block comment-action-icon'/> </div> <b:else/> <a class='comment-delete' expr:href='data:comment.deleteUrl' expr:title='data:top.deleteCommentMsg'> <img src='//www.blogger.com/img/icon_delete13.gif'/> </a> </b:if> </span> </b:includable> <b:includable id='feedLinks'> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != &quot;item&quot;'> <!-- Blog feed links --> <b:if cond='data:feedLinks'> <div class='blog-feeds'> <b:include data='feedLinks' name='feedLinksBody'/> </div> </b:if> <b:else/> <!--Post feed links --> <div class='post-feeds'> <b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'> <b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'> <b:if cond='data:post.feedLinks'> <b:include data='post.feedLinks' name='feedLinksBody'/> </b:if> </b:if> </b:loop> </div> </b:if> </b:includable> <b:includable id='mobile-index-post' var='post'> <div class='mobile-date-outer date-outer'> <b:if cond='data:post.dateHeader'> <div class='date-header'> <span><data:post.dateHeader/></span> </div> </b:if> <div class='mobile-post-outer'> <a expr:href='data:post.url'> <h3 class='mobile-index-title entry-title'> <data:post.title/> </h3> <div class='mobile-index-arrow'>&amp;rsaquo;</div> <div class='mobile-index-contents'> <b:if cond='data:post.thumbnailUrl'> <div class='mobile-index-thumbnail'> <div class='Image'> <img expr:src='data:post.thumbnailUrl'/> </div> </div> </b:if> <div class='post-body'> <b:if cond='data:post.snippet'><data:post.snippet/></b:if> </div> </div> <div style='clear: both;'/> </a> <div class='mobile-index-comment'> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != &quot;static_page&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'> <b:if cond='data:post.numComments != 0'> <a class='comment-link' expr:href='data:post.addCommentUrl' expr:onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick'><b:if cond='data:post.numComments == 1'>1 <data:top.commentLabel/><b:else/><data:post.numComments/> <data:top.commentLabelPlural/></b:if></a> </b:if> </b:if> </b:if> </div> </div> <b:if cond='data:post.trackLatency'> <data:post.latencyJs/> </b:if> </div> </b:includable> <b:includable id='feedLinksBody' var='links'> <div class='feed-links'> <data:feedLinksMsg/> <b:loop values='data:links' var='f'> <a class='feed-link' expr:href='data:f.url' expr:type='data:f.mimeType' target='_blank'><data:f.name/> (<data:f.feedType/>)</a> </b:loop> </div> </b:includable> <b:includable id='comments' var='post'> <div class='comments' id='comments'> <a name='comments'/> <b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'> <h4> <b:if cond='data:post.numComments == 1'> 1 <data:commentLabel/>: <b:else/> <data:post.numComments/> <data:commentLabelPlural/>: </b:if> </h4> <b:if cond='data:post.commentPagingRequired'> <span class='paging-control-container'> <a expr:class='data:post.oldLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.oldestLinkUrl'><data:post.oldestLinkText/></a> &#160; <a expr:class='data:post.oldLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.olderLinkUrl'><data:post.olderLinkText/></a> &#160; <data:post.commentRangeText/> &#160; <a expr:class='data:post.newLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.newerLinkUrl'><data:post.newerLinkText/></a> &#160; <a expr:class='data:post.newLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.newestLinkUrl'><data:post.newestLinkText/></a> </span> </b:if> <div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_comments-block-wrapper&quot;'> <dl expr:class='data:post.avatarIndentClass' id='comments-block'> <b:loop values='data:post.comments' var='comment'> <dt expr:class='&quot;comment-author &quot; + data:comment.authorClass' expr:id='data:comment.anchorName'> <b:if cond='data:comment.favicon'> <img expr:src='data:comment.favicon' height='16px' style='margin-bottom:-2px;' width='16px'/> </b:if> <a expr:name='data:comment.anchorName'/> <b:if cond='data:blog.enabledCommentProfileImages'> <data:comment.authorAvatarImage/> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:comment.authorUrl'> <a expr:href='data:comment.authorUrl' rel='nofollow'><data:comment.author/></a> <b:else/> <data:comment.author/> </b:if> <data:commentPostedByMsg/> </dt> <dd class='comment-body' expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + data:comment.cmtBodyIdPostfix'> <b:if cond='data:comment.isDeleted'> <span class='deleted-comment'><data:comment.body/></span> <b:else/> <p> <data:comment.body/> </p> </b:if> </dd> <dd class='comment-footer'> <span class='comment-timestamp'> <a expr:href='data:comment.url' title='comment permalink'> <data:comment.timestamp/> </a> <b:include data='comment' name='commentDeleteIcon'/> </span> </dd> </b:loop> </dl> </div> <b:if cond='data:post.commentPagingRequired'> <span class='paging-control-container'> <a expr:class='data:post.oldLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.oldestLinkUrl'> <data:post.oldestLinkText/> </a> <a expr:class='data:post.oldLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.olderLinkUrl'> <data:post.olderLinkText/> </a> &#160; <data:post.commentRangeText/> &#160; <a expr:class='data:post.newLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.newerLinkUrl'> <data:post.newerLinkText/> </a> <a expr:class='data:post.newLinkClass' expr:href='data:post.newestLinkUrl'> <data:post.newestLinkText/> </a> </span> </b:if> <p class='comment-footer'> <b:if cond='data:post.embedCommentForm'> <b:if cond='data:post.allowNewComments'> <b:include data='post' name='comment-form'/> <b:else/> <data:post.noNewCommentsText/> </b:if> <b:else/> <b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'> <a expr:href='data:post.addCommentUrl' expr:onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick'><data:postCommentMsg/></a> </b:if> </b:if> </p> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:showCmtPopup'> <div id='comment-popup'> <iframe allowtransparency='true' frameborder='0' id='comment-actions' name='comment-actions' scrolling='no'> </iframe> </div> </b:if> <div id='backlinks-container'> <div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_backlinks-container&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:post.showBacklinks'> <b:include data='post' name='backlinks'/> </b:if> </div> </div> </div> </b:includable> </b:widget> </b:section> </div> <div id='sidebar-wrapper'> <b:section class='sidebar' id='sidebar' preferred='yes'> <b:widget id='Label2' locked='false' title='Labels' type='Label'> <b:includable id='main'> <b:if cond='data:title'> <h2><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div expr:class='&quot;widget-content &quot; 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Are You?' type='HTML'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='HTML1' locked='false' title='Donate to Cains Fund' type='HTML'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='HTML6' locked='false' title='Book Love' type='HTML'> <b:includable id='main'> <!-- only display title if it's non-empty --> <b:if cond='data:title != &quot;&quot;'> <h2 class='title'><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <data:content/> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </b:includable> </b:widget> <b:widget id='BlogArchive1' locked='false' title='Blog Archive' type='BlogArchive'> <b:includable id='main'> <b:if cond='data:title'> <h2><data:title/></h2> </b:if> <div class='widget-content'> <div id='ArchiveList'> <div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_ArchiveList&quot;'> <b:if cond='data:style == &quot;HIERARCHY&quot;'> <b:include data='data' name='interval'/> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:style == &quot;FLAT&quot;'> <b:include data='data' name='flat'/> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:style == &quot;MENU&quot;'> <b:include data='data' name='menu'/> </b:if> </div> </div> <b:include name='quickedit'/> </div> </b:includable> <b:includable id='flat' var='data'> <ul class='flat'> <b:loop values='data:data' var='i'> <li class='archivedate'> <a expr:href='data:i.url'><data:i.name/></a> (<data:i.post-count/>) </li> </b:loop> </ul> </b:includable> <b:includable id='menu' var='data'> <select expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_ArchiveMenu&quot;'> <option value=''><data:title/></option> <b:loop values='data:data' var='i'> <option expr:value='data:i.url'><data:i.name/> (<data:i.post-count/>)</option> </b:loop> </select> </b:includable> <b:includable id='interval' var='intervalData'> <b:loop values='data:intervalData' var='i'> <ul class='hierarchy'> <li expr:class='&quot;archivedate &quot; + data:i.expclass'> <b:include data='i' name='toggle'/> <a class='post-count-link' expr:href='data:i.url'><data:i.name/></a> <span class='post-count' dir='ltr'>(<data:i.post-count/>)</span> <b:if cond='data:i.data'> <b:include data='i.data' name='interval'/> </b:if> <b:if cond='data:i.posts'> <b:include data='i.posts' name='posts'/> </b:if> </li> </ul> </b:loop> </b:includable> <b:includable id='toggle' var='interval'> <b:if cond='data:interval.toggleId'> <b:if cond='data:interval.expclass == &quot;expanded&quot;'> <a class='toggle' href='javascript:void(0)'> <span class='zippy toggle-open'>&#9660;&#160;</span> </a> <b:else/> <a class='toggle' href='javascript:void(0)'> <span class='zippy'> <b:if cond='data:blog.languageDirection == &quot;rtl&quot;'> &#9668;&#160; <b:else/> &#9658;&#160; </b:if> </span> </a> </b:if> </b:if> </b:includable> <b:includable id='posts' var='posts'> <ul class='posts'> <b:loop values='data:posts' var='i'> <li><a expr:href='data:i.url'><data:i.title/></a></li> </b:loop> </ul> </b:includable> </b:widget> </b:section> </div> <!-- spacer for skins that want sidebar and main to be the same height--> <div class='clear'>&#160;</div> </div> <!-- end content-wrapper --> <div id='content-but'/> </div></div> <!-- end outer-wrapper --> <div id='footer-bg'> <div id='footer'> <!-- Remmeber!!! This free Blogger template is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. You are required to keep the footer links intact which provides due credit to its Author and Supporters. --> <div class='first-links'>Copyright (c) 2011 <a expr:href='data:blog.homepageUrl'><data:blog.title/></a>. Designed for <a href='http://www.footballkitnews.com/'>Football Kit News</a><br/><small><a href='http://www.templatewordpress.org/'>http://www.templatewordpress.org/</a>, <a href='http://www.gifthampers.me.uk/'>Gift Hampers</a>, <a href='http://www.handbags.me.uk/'>Handbags</a></small></div> </div></div></div></div> <script type='text/javascript'> var infolink_pid = 298313; var infolink_wsid = 0; </script> <script src='http://resources.infolinks.com/js/infolinks_main.js' type='text/javascript'/> </body> </html>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_PUBLISHING_MODE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The type of publishing done for this blog.PUBLISH_MODE_HOSTEDChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_NAME2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The name of the blogSelf Employed WriterChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_DESCRIPTION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00A description of the blogI "do" write. Does not mean I "am" a writer. That's why I hire an editor!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_PROMOTED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether this blog can be promoted on BloggertrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_SEARCHABLE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether this blog should be indexed by search enginestrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ADULT_CONTENT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether this blog contains adult contentfalseChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_QUICK_EDITING2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether Quick Editing is enabledtrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_EMAIL_POST_LINKS2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to show a link for users to e-mail poststrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ANALYTICS_ACCOUNT_NUMBER2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Blog's Google Analytics account numberUA-8338608-10Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_MAX_NUM2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Maximum number of things to show on the main page"15Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_MAX_UNIT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Unit of things to show on the main pagePOSTSChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_DATE_FORMAT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The number of the date header format26Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ARCHIVE_DATE_FORMAT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The number of the archive index date format9Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_TIME_STAMP_FORMAT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The number of the time stamp format27Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_TIME_ZONE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The time zone for this blogAmerica/New_YorkChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_LOCALE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Language for this blogenChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_CONVERT_LINE_BREAKS2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to convert line breaks into <br /> tags in post editortrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_SHOW_TITLE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to show the title fieldtrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_SHOW_URL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to show a related link box in the post composerfalseChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_USE_LIGHTBOX2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to show images in the Lightbox when clickedtrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_FLOAT_ALIGNMENT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether float alignment is enabled for the blogtrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_POST_TEMPLATE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The template for blog postsChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ALTERNATE_JSRENDER_ALLOWED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether alternate JS renderings are allowedtrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENTS_ALLOWED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to show commentstrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_ACCESS2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Who can commentTEAMChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_DEFAULT_COMMENTS_MODE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Default comment mode for postsDEFAULT_HAVE_COMMENTSChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_BACKLINKS_ALLOWED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to show comment backlinks on the blogtrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_DEFAULT_BACKLINKS_MODE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Default backlinks mode for postsDEFAULT_HAVE_BACKLINKSChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENTS_TIME_STAMP_FORMAT2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Comment time stamp format number29Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_FORM_LOCATION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Blog comment form locationEMBEDDED_IFRAMEChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_MODERATION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to enable comment moderationDISABLEDChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_MODERATION_DELAY2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Number of days after which new comments are subject to moderation14Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_CAPTCHA2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to require commenters to complete a CaptchafalseChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_PROFILE_IMAGES2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to show profile images in commentstrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_EMAIL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00List of e-mail addresses to send notifications of new comments totheokirishchik@gmail.comChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_MODERATION_EMAIL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Email address to send notifications of new comments needing moderation toChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_MESSAGE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Blog comment messageChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ARCHIVE_FREQUENCY2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00How frequently this blog should be archivedMONTHLYChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_BY_POST_ARCHIVING2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Whether to provide an archive page for each posttrueChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_POST_FEED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The type of feed to provide for blog postsFULLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_COMMENT_FEED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The type of feed to provide for blog commentsFULLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_PER_POST_FEED2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The type of feed to provide for per-post commentsFULLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_FEED_REDIRECT_URL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00URL to redirect post feed requests tohttp://feeds.feedburner.com/TheSelfEmployedWriterChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_POST_FEED_FOOTER2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Footer to append to the end of each entry in the post feedChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_SEND_EMAIL2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00Comma separated list of emails to send new blog posts toblogaholics-anonymous@googlegroups.comChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_READ_ACCESS_MODE2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The access type for the readers of the blog.PUBLICChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_READER_PERMISSION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The list of emails for users who have permission to read the blog.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_AUTHOR_PERMISSION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The list of authors' emails who have permission to publish.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.settings.BLOG_ADMIN_PERMISSION2008-07-11T20:25:06.323-04:002011-11-11T11:10:02.405-05:00The list of administrators' emails for the blog.theokirishchik@gmail.comChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18941711530125243202011-11-12T07:36:00.003-05:002011-11-10T20:01:01.411-05:00A Tale of Tease by Jeremy Fink (includes a collaboration with me!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9pabZkVof4/Trxu3TutryI/AAAAAAAAAlU/s2ewVbSTXcI/s1600/c6a307551b133b5efe4a0e69f7afb539896d721f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9pabZkVof4/Trxu3TutryI/AAAAAAAAAlU/s2ewVbSTXcI/s320/c6a307551b133b5efe4a0e69f7afb539896d721f.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So be it from me to toot my own horn (TOOT TOOT) but I just had to let someone know that my friend Jeremy Fink (aka The Crow) has finally released his Tales of Tease on Smashwords for a mere 99 cents.<br /><br />The best part (ok, maybe not the best, but it's still pretty good) is that there is a story in there that Jeremy and I wrote together.<br /><br />Jeremy asked me a few weeks ago if it would be alright to include the story (well, yes!) and I have been patiently awaiting the release.<br /><br />Look for me under my old pen name : Irish Chik<br /><br /><br /><br /><h2 class="fn" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97166?ref=cmahan">Tales of Tease: an Intimate Collection by Jeremy Fink&nbsp;</a></strong></h2>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18887736804341752812011-11-11T07:14:00.013-05:002011-11-11T07:14:01.091-05:00A Beautiful Day by Jeremy Fink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrgSngv3J1k/TrxtdjbWMpI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PPHTJEa91J4/s1600/320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrgSngv3J1k/TrxtdjbWMpI/AAAAAAAAAlM/PPHTJEa91J4/s1600/320.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago I wrote a little <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/superdaddyman-aka-my-friend-crow.html">post about Jeremy</a>, and his <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/75833?ref=cmahan">Superdaddyman book</a>. It’s another you’ll want to check out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A Beautiful Day is a beautiful short story written by Jeremy to the love of his life, Carrie.&nbsp; It is a free download available at Lulu. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Having read this the day after I was married brought a tear to my eye. Not because I was all lovey-dovey, but because I have watched Jeremy go through many ups and down in life over the last 6 years. To see him finally be ooohhhhing and ahhhhhing over love gives me chills. I can’t think of anyone more deserving than “The Crow” and I wish him and Carrie nothing but the best in life together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why not download your own free copy and share in the celebration of love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-beautiful-day/18636360?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/4">A Beautiful Day by Jeremy Fink</a> in eBook (epub) form. It's FREE!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36539300414756269852011-11-10T18:56:00.000-05:002011-11-10T18:56:16.317-05:00Sierra Jensen Collection Volume 1 by Robin Jones Gunn<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=B002361KK8" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">This collection of stories, Volume 1, includes the first three books in the Sierra Jensen series. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book 1 : Only You. </b>Even though Sierra was introduced to the readers through another of Gunns series, it is this book where we really get to know Sierra Jensen for the 16 year old girl she really is. In Only You, we meet up with Sierra flying home from the UK where she was staying on a mission trip. The trip provided Sierra with an outlet to make some new friends, Katie and Christy. While she was away, Sierra’s parents made the move the Portland, OR. She is anxious and unsure of this move. No teen likes the thought of a new town, new home, new school, and leaving old friends behind. With this story comes the change of life, perhaps a new love, and a reevaluation about her faith and friendships.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book 2: In Your Dreams.</b>&nbsp; Granna Mae has family going out of town. Instead of staying home alone, Sierra is going to watch over her for a few days. It’s never easy for a grandchild to watch the one they love have a memory that comes and goes; it sometime is something they must go through in life. Even though sitting with Granna seems like a simple responsibility, it turns in to something quite larger when it becomes apparent that Granna may need surgery. Sierra used to be the most popular girl in her old school, having to find a job, watch her Granna, and make new friends, why does life have to be so hard?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Book 3: Don’t You Wish.</b> Sierra and her sister Tawni are spending Easter break at the beach with Christy, Katie, and some other friends. Tawni gets along fabulously with Jeremy, Katie swoons over Antonio, Sierra struggles with issues of jealousy. Sierra wants a boyfriend too. Christy and Todd are the perfect couple, but even as a relationship, they have troubles too. Sierra takes a look at life and wonders how people can overcome their struggles. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">All books are intended for young adult readers. Being 36 years old, I would have to say that even as an adult I found them a lot of fun to read. I really like how they all have growing, coming of age, life lessons written in such a manner that many can related and understand. I think a lot of young adults can learn a lesson or two from these books.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b>&nbsp;I received this book free as part of a Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65499175444672929842011-11-10T18:13:00.000-05:002011-11-10T18:13:45.420-05:00The Woman by David Bishop<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=B005VIR5IQ" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />Before reading this book I had read the reviews on Amazon. 8 reviews, all positive words of encouragement and high star ratings.&nbsp; I felt the book was a little slow going and I had a hard time holding on for the ride. I wanted to love it, but I&nbsp;didn't. Usually, when I start to get bored within the first few chapters, I don’t finish.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">One of the reviewers on Amazon labeled this book as “scary.” I would call it far from a scary horror thriller novel, but I would say it ranks within the murder mysteries. Not meant to scare you, but rather to make you think. Who did it, and why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Like many mysteries, there are a lot of turns and twists. I enjoy a good change of scenery, but this novel had a tad too much for my liking.&nbsp; Characters started to melt together in a cauldron, not suitable for sipping. The turns and twists made the book heavy with story. Mysteries don’t need a lot of story. They need a lot of here, now, and why. Stay with the why. Too much of the past, and you have lost your reader. You want to confuse them, but get them back on track, not stuck in the back story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I kept reading because I loved the character, Linda Darby, and her simple life of a day trader in Sea Crest. There was also this “need-to-know” thought running through my head regarding Darby’s past and why her friend Cynthia Leclair had been murdered. It helped that it was a quick read I was able to finish in two nights. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When writing a mystery, that is the authors’ intentions, right? To suck you in for the long ride? The problem was, the book had a lot of boring spots that I felt could have been left out of the novel and you would still know exactly what is going on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what was going on in this quiet coastal town?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the pages we follow Darby on her quest to find answers. What she gets in return is a whole lot of cash, a handful of new identities, men after her life, and perhaps in the end, a love worth holding on to.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The pace really starts to pick up around Chapter 10. Once I got that far, I felt I had really started to get in to the story and appreciate this mystery.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe mystery fans will enjoy this little gem. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure: </b>I received this book for free from the author for a paid review. I was not paid to write a positive review, but a review of my honest opinion. These words are my own opinions.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41549992381541812232011-11-08T20:29:00.003-05:002011-11-10T17:44:42.912-05:00Why We Didn’t Tell Anyone We Were Getting Married<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0npkJoU2BSU/TrnWJFjwLbI/AAAAAAAAAk8/OxINCZs9_jY/s1600/386026_10150452526730915_569555914_10879562_427825148_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0npkJoU2BSU/TrnWJFjwLbI/AAAAAAAAAk8/OxINCZs9_jY/s320/386026_10150452526730915_569555914_10879562_427825148_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">So it has come to my attention that some of you are a bit freaked out by the fact we got married, just so out- of -the -blue. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t blame you, but ……..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate to break the news to you, but it was not out-of-the-blue. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No, I am not pregnant.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I had originally planned to marry in 2010. We wanted to get married at Curwood Castle in Owosso, MI with a Renaissance style wedding. We had all our ducks starting to waddle in a row, and we decided that we needed more time. We both had a lot going on in life, separately and together, that needed to be addressed. So, we decided to push it back a year. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/02/engagement.html">The Engagement</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/02/proposal.html">The Proposal</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/02/wedding-celtic-style.html">The Wedding</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/03/wedding-update.html">The Wedding – An Update</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/03/wedding-invite.html">Wedding Invite</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The problem with that was it ended up crosses paths with Matt’s friends, Jack and Andrea. Although I really wanted it to be in the month of October, I did not want to step on toes, so we planned it for September 2012.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/im-getting-married.html">I’m Getting Married</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.myregistry.com/public/Chrystal-Mahan-Matt-McConnell">Our Honeymoon Registry</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">As life always seems to do, it got in the way. January to June I took 9 classes in order to graduate. That was extremely time consuming and my freelance career suffered. During this time Cain became very ill and between his vet bills and medications, the wedding savings account was starting to disappear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I spent the summer trying to get back on track after graduation, found a couple of great business leads. Only one did not turn out so well. I found myself being scammed out of $7000. While I was able to get most of it back, we still had to pay some out of pocket, and there is still about $1000 left unpaid. It would not be such a big deal, but it was not my money to begin with. People bought a product that never got delivered. Those people are due back their money. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These three things took its toll on my mental health and honestly, the last thing I was thinking about was trying to re-plan and pay for a wedding. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most of you in our social circle know our relationship was not without its problems. We are getting help and slowing picking away at those.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As time went on, we mutually agreed we HAD to get married. We needed to get right with our church, with God and set a good example for lil m. It’s $30 to get married at the courthouse. This seemed to be the “answer” we were seeking on how we were going to get married.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We called last week, made the appointment and got married Monday. We did not tell anyone. We had our reasons for this. First of all, there are a lot of people to tell. Second of all, it was extremely last minute and we did not have time to sit down and tell each and every one of you. Thirdly, this is a second marriage for us both, and it just did not seem like such a big deal since it was just a courthouse wedding. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, there is the fact that we have 3 sets of parents between us. There is his mom, dad and step-mom and my mom. We did not want to let one know before the other and we did not want parents to come since I already had someone in mind to be our witness. And, I have my reason for that too. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We both agreed we would tell our parents over the weekend, but no, they were not invited. It would have been unfair if one parent came and the others could not for whatever reason. I did not want anyone to feel left out or forgotten, so it was only fair that none of them come. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I picked my cousin, her husband and their baby boy because she is someone extremely important in my life. While on the surface it may look like I have a lot of friends, I really don’t. Not the ones that you can call at all hours and bleed your heart to. I can count on one hand how many of those I have in the state of Michigan. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Chrissy and I were not very close when we were kids. I only saw her once a year when my family would travel back from Oklahoma to Michigan. When I moved to Michigan after I graduated High School, we became best friends, practically inseparable. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I only stayed in Michigan a year, but we wrote and talked on the phone as much as we could. She was a sister to me. Having gone through so many similar experiences. She is the one who helped me find my real dad when I found out I was adopted. She was the one who helped me with my past. She may have no longer been blood to me since I was adopted, but she was still my cousin, more like my sister. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A few years ago we had a fight. Both being super stubborn, we did not speak for at least five year. It was not until a year or so ago we began to speak again. It was as if those years never happened, picking up right where we left off. Chrissy and Kevin have had many obstacles in life. It has taken them 12 years to finally have a happy, healthy, beautiful baby. Eli. Having lost her first baby last year, and dealing with all life had to offer, I knew he was a miracle baby, and should be treated as such. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a no brainer on who to ask to be a witness. I wanted Eli there. I wanted him to know that his parents are special to me, as is he. &nbsp;There is no one in life that understands my struggles and pain, both physical and mental, more than Chrissy does. I wanted her to know how much I love her. Matt agreed, and so that is how our witnesses came to be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t feel Matt and I owe anyone an explanation, but there it is anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The choice is ours, we are adults, and we did exactly what we wanted. It was our day to be had.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are still going to have a church ceremony and reception. Since we are both Celtic heritage, we are hoping we can get the church for March 17, 2012, St. Patrick’s Day, with a reception to follow. &nbsp;We will be sending out invitations to this, as it will be just like a traditional wedding.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can see, we have our reasons for getting married the way we did. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I only hope you all can understand and honor our decisions.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14803368169594393082011-11-08T15:33:00.002-05:002011-11-08T20:49:04.837-05:00I'm Back !! (In the #NSNation)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You may remember that <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation_14.html">back in Janurary I was extremely excited (and grateful) to become a part of the Nutrisystem Blogger program.</a> #NSNation/ <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nustrisystem </a>helped me to lose 10 lbs, but the stress and overload of life caught up with me and I just did not have the time to keep up with it. I wanted to give my spot to someone else that could benefit from it, so when they offered me another 3 month, I&nbsp;politely&nbsp;declined. During that time I was planning a wedding (or at least trying to), taking 9 classes to graduate (I did that in June), and was working my rear end into a frenzy trying to keep up with clients for money in the bank!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Life has slowed down, a little. The weight came back, and then some. I did not get to have the church wedding because <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/">Cain, my 8 year old boxer, started having seizures</a>. His first few vet bills alone took a good portion of the money I had saved for the wedding. We then had a business deal go very badly and we were scammed out of $7000. Thankfully we were able to get some of that back, but we still had quite a bit we had to come up with out of our own pockets. Most of the mess is behind us now.<br /><br />Now, I am in grad school, where I only have to concentrate on 1 class at a time. I have some amazing clients lined up for the tax season and beyond. I feel extremely blessed right now as things are falling in to place.<br /><br />We have a gym membership. It expires in a few weeks though. When we first started we went every day (not weekends) for a month. Now, we don't go much. Between his knees and my back/hip it seems like all it does is cause us more pain than anything. I know the saying, no pain, no gain, but I would rather spend my time here with my DVDs, treadmill (even though the electric one is about to die)&nbsp;and&nbsp;various equipment. Then I can get back to doing my back exercises.<br /><br />We can only go first thing in the AM before he goes to work. That's the worst time for my back. Again, just not enough hours in the day! Working out at home is the best option for me right now. I do want to try to get back to the gym and at least finish out our membership.<br /><br /><br />Yesterday I got married. Today I am placing my food order for Matt and I to do Nutrisystem as a team. We have been through so much in life together, now its time to take on the weight challenge.<br /><br />I have a wedding ceremony and honeymoon in about 5 months. I need to be in better shape.<br /><br />You can follow his progress here, as well as his own blog: <a href="http://www.uncomfortableinmattshead.blogspot.com/">Uncomfortable in Matt's Head</a><br /><br />Read all the Nutrisystem posts from the past right here on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/NutriSystem">Self Employed Writer</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling&nbsp;</span></i><a avglsprocessed="1" href="tel:1-888-853-4689" style="color: #1155cc; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank" value="+18888534689">1-888-853-4689</a><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;or by visiting &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></i><a avglsprocessed="1" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" style="color: #1155cc; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">http://www.nutrisystem.com/<wbr></wbr>nsblog</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20089607594890781172011-11-08T09:25:00.004-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.291-05:00Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit by Stella Vance<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=1466326654" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />First, I have to praise Stella for putting her life out there like that. As I work on my own memoir, I was often struck with bouts of insomnia wondering how to put it together. I thoroughly enjoyed that separated on chapters, divided between decades. We had the 70s, 80s, and 90s. With so much time to discuss, it turns out to be more of an autobiography (all about a person’s life) than a memoir, which is a portion of a person’s life meant to give a point.<br /><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With so many women out there with testimonies of survivorship, and millions more who are afraid to speak up (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Survivor">read my own survivor stories</a>) Stella shows the world that it is OK to tell your story. If anything, it makes me respect her even more. Many will look down on her for her many abortions; others will praise her for standing up for herself and not bringing another child in to this world when one could not take care of it, or adding to the long list of children available for adoption. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In some ways, we could all learn a thing or two about her. Education. We all need it. No matter how much money you make, or what type of family you come from, you need it and you should take advantage of what it has to offer. Even if you can’t afford a 4 year college degree and loans are not available to you, there are other alternatives. Community college, trade schools, and even adult learning workshops are all available to those who seek it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stella’s education allowed her to travel and see the world. Living in other countries many of us may know nothing about. Traveling abroad is a rich experience, adding to the value of your education. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She shares her tales of eat disorders. Another subject people would rather not hear about and sweep under the rug as if it does not exist. Her tales also include that of many lovers. This is another subject women tend to not speak of when telling their tale for fear the world will instantly label them a “whore” and take nothing they say seriously.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a fickle world in which we live and for one am glad Stella Vance had the courage to stand up for women all over the world and tell every detail of her life. It will make you laugh, cry, and every emotion in between. For the period it took me to read this work, I felt as if Stella and I had known each other all our lives. Her words, her story, become a part of you. It is even more so when there are things in her life that you can relate to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always said that it sucks when there are things like these that bring women like us together, but it helps to know that from this day forward, you never have to be alone in the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have your own survivor story, whether its anorexia, bulimia, laxative addiction, binge/purge, sexual abuse (molestation, rape, incest)&nbsp; or even cancer, whatever your story, feel free to leave a comment or drop me a line at <a href="mailto:cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com">cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com</a>. Your story is yours; you should never be ashamed to tell someone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can purchase Stella’s book on Amazon.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1466326654/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373&amp;creativeASIN=1466326654">Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1466326654&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14303580021068625622011-11-07T08:12:00.000-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.295-05:00Snowmen by James Melzer<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=B003AZY6FM" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">This is the second book I have read by James Melzer (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/hulls-landing.html">the first was Hulls Landing</a>), and it does not disappoint.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One this I must say before you download Snowmen, it is a SHORT story. Very short. I had put off reading it for so many months because I had this giant backlog of paid reviews to do. By the time I had a short, free moment, I was worried I was not going to be able to finish it. I had to laugh to myself when I reached the end and I literally said out loud “that’s is?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted more. I did not want the story to end. I need to know what happened. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a bit creepy, but I expected it to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It reminds me of an episode of Alfred Hitchcock or The Twilight Zone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Insert Edgar. A man who lives alone, in an isolated part of town. Every year, when the fresh snow falls, he creates a set of snowmen. Every year he creates a different theme. In the past he has done the manger scene, a scene from <u>It’s a Wonderful Life</u>, and this year, he’s decided on <u>Transformers</u>. One that is sure to please the children. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Children come every year. Their parents come from near and far to see Edgar’s latest creation. When the children come this year, they play on the sculptures and Edgar is having such a good time, he decides to share snacks with everyone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The dark twist is that there is something not quite right about the Snowmen. Some say it’s predictable. Either way, it’s still shocking.&nbsp;</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39362726059182114822011-11-04T19:53:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.298-05:00Sacrifice by Nicole Ireland<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=B0054EX3UG" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">I have to admit, I am a little biased when it comes to Nicole’s writing. I simply adore her. This is my second book to read and review. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/second-chance-by-nicole-ireland.html">The first I read, Second Chance,</a> was a story of a mother dying of cancer. The story is sad, it is happy. It will make you think, it will make you cry. But most of all, it will just make you think.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sacrifice is a complete 360 from Second Chance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In Sacrifice we are introduced to Harper James, her daughter Avery and son Aidan. The family is living in a run-down mobile home in Chambers, Maine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing the little that I do about Nicole, the thought did cross my mind that perhaps this story could be based on actual people, places and things. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Harper things her daughter has a wicked imagination, seeing a man in the mirror at night, until she sees him herself. Little does she know that this man and the events that follow her sighting were set in stone long before her daughter Avery was born. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />How far would you be willing to go to protect your own child? Read along as Harper discoveries her father's secret and what really happened that day.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a little bit creepy. Just the way I like it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s hard to write a review on short stories without giving too much of the detail away. If you like horror, scare, a bit of creep and fright, than this book is perfect for you. It’s not too long, it’s not too short. It sucks you in and makes you want to throw a sheet over all of your mirrors before you fall asleep at night. </div><div class="MsoNormal">You can purchase your copy of Sacrifice on Smashwords or Amazon (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054EX3UG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373&amp;creativeASIN=B0054EX3UG">Sacrifice</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0054EX3UG&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />) and check out her website <a href="http://nicoleireland.com/">The Evolution on Nikki: Making a DifferenceOne Word at a Time</a>.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23187218043673881262011-11-04T08:05:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.302-05:00Levels of Deception by Susan Schreyer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__iozinzioo/TrHa5uqIUoI/AAAAAAAAAkg/Dfg5dCYPaNg/s1600/51rUBYoRGuL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__iozinzioo/TrHa5uqIUoI/AAAAAAAAAkg/Dfg5dCYPaNg/s320/51rUBYoRGuL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is book two in the Thea Campbell series.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found this book to be rather amusing. It took me a while to really get in to it, but it turned out to be quite good. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thea Campbell, work at home accountant, and Paul, the sexy paleontologist are together, even though he’s in Montana for a dig. The two find themselves right in the middle of a murder mystery when the department chair is found dead and fossils are missing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The problem with Thea is she is hard-headed, nosy, and an amateur detective. Her sleuthing is getting her into a whole lot of hot water. This romance is not all butterflies and rainbows.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The characters are quirky. The pace keeps up enough to keep you entertained. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I suggest reading Death by a Dark Horse first so that you can get to know Thea and Paul and learn of how they came to be. Even though I have not read it, I have come to love Thea and her quirky ways. I look forward to reading the first in the series.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19641131056942976402011-11-03T09:04:00.001-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.026-05:00What is Accounting, Anyway?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATbywh46j_w/Tqc7DCGx11I/AAAAAAAAAiw/L_6j_Wzwm_E/s1600/TaxQueen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATbywh46j_w/Tqc7DCGx11I/AAAAAAAAAiw/L_6j_Wzwm_E/s320/TaxQueen1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, what is&nbsp;Accounting, anyway?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've posted over on <a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/2011/11/what-is-accounting-anyway.html">The Tax Queen,</a> trying to get her built back up!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87435992545859374292011-11-02T16:37:00.014-04:002011-11-02T16:37:00.598-04:00What Is WebAnswers?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPINBTorArQ/Tq8HcpgYN0I/AAAAAAAAAkM/iZwTqs-mKv4/s1600/WebAnswers.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPINBTorArQ/Tq8HcpgYN0I/AAAAAAAAAkM/iZwTqs-mKv4/s320/WebAnswers.com.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />What exactly is WebAnswers? After my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/whole-lot-of-writing-going-on.html">residuals post on Monday</a>, I received a few questions regarding this fun little website.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a">WebAnswers</a> personally reminds me of sites like Ask.com, Yahoo! Answers, and Q&amp;A platforms like Weegy, KGB and ChaCha. All have the same basic concept, someone asks a question and you answer. What makes WebAnswers different is that they pay you based on revenue.<br /><br />In order to participate you must have a Google Adsense account. Sign-Up is easy. Enter a few pieces of incormation, add your adsense account number and start answering questions. If your answer is awarded the best by the asker, your rewards in revenue will be higher.<br /><br />If you like sites that "fill in the blanks" between clients, writing assignments, or just to kill time when watching TV, WebAnswers will do just that.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57618582410600800452011-11-01T08:30:00.018-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.304-05:00The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HN_23YP42d8/Tqhf-F3f2NI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/QKMsTgPSH54/s1600/TheBakersWifesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HN_23YP42d8/Tqhf-F3f2NI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/QKMsTgPSH54/s1600/TheBakersWifesm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unbelievable!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is really all I can say. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book was THAT good.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It left me speechless.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not really.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But it was by far one of the best Christian Fiction books I have read this year. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">About the book:</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3" class="MsoNormalTable"><tbody><tr> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">To save her husband and son, Audrey Bofinger must rescue her enemy.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Bofinger family has lost their church ministry in a scandal exposed by Officer Jack Mansfield. Hoping to heal and to restore their reputation, Audrey, Geoff, and their son Ed take over a failing bakery in the small community.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Driving to the bakery one morning, blinded by fog, Audrey hits a motor scooter owned by Jack’s wife, Julie. The mangled scooter is crushed and bloody. But Julie is nowhere to be found. Her disappearance coincides with a sudden illness that nearly cripples Audrey.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jack believes the Bofingers have hurt Julie to take revenge on him, but the evidence dries up and her trail goes cold. At a breaking point, Jack takes the tiny bakery and its patrons hostage, issuing only one demand: Audrey has six hours to return Julie to him, or lose Geoff and Ed forever.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">With only an excruciating and intuitive&nbsp;gift, an ex-con, and Julie’s estranged daughter to help search for clues, Audrey starts the search of her life for a woman who has vanished like the fog.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.erinhealy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ch-1-4-for-Web-Site.pdf" target="_blank">Read an excerpt here.</a></span></span></i></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Murder. Mystery. Lies. Betrayal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Satan has his grip on a community member. His family has fallen apart. Sick wife, wayward daughter, the husband has nowhere to turn, and needs someone to blame. &nbsp;The wayward daughter told a scandalous lie, leaving the pastor’s wife Audrey to become the baker’s wife. What follows is a life of gratitude, blessings and detection.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a good murder mystery. It does not matter if you read Christian books or not. Yes, there is talk of God and a few scriptures, but it does not take away from the tale being told. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Early one morning, on the way to the bakery, Audrey and her son are in an accident. With dense fog, the van she is driving hits a someone, or the motor scooter the someone belongs to. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cops search the scene. No body is found, and nothing seems to match and makes sense. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Audrey has no choice but to find the answer to the question. Where is the owner of the scooter and who did she hit for there to be so much blood?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About&nbsp;<u></u>Erin<u></u>:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Well-known to critics and reviewers, Erin Healy has established herself as an award-winning editor and a best-selling co-author with Ted Dekker. Healy received wide acclaim for her two debut novels&nbsp;<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Never Let You Go</span></i>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<i><span style="font-style: italic;">The Promises She Keeps</span></i>. Her work focuses on the psychological and spiritual, driven by high moral stakes. She lives and writes in&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Colorado<u></u><u></u>&nbsp;with her family.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">For more information please&nbsp;<a href="http://visit%20www.earinhealy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">visit www.erinhealy.com</a>.&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Link to buy the book:<a href="http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595547525&amp;title=The_Baker's_Wife&amp;author=Erin_Healy"> </a><a href="http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595547525&amp;title=The_Baker's_Wife&amp;author=Erin_Healy">Thomas Nelson</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the contest:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Let the flour fly!&nbsp;Beginning October 24th, Erin's celebrating the release of her latest page turner,&nbsp;<i><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595547525&amp;title=The_Baker's_Wife&amp;author=Erin_Healy" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Baker's Wife,</a></span></i>&nbsp;with an outstanding&nbsp;<a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/165048" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">KitchenAid baking prize package giveaway</a>&nbsp;that includes a brand new KitchenAid Mixer, cook books, and all you need to whip up some fabulous bread or sweets! Then and on November 10th she'll be wrapping up the release of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112996508810661" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-style: italic;">The Baker's Wife</span></i>&nbsp;with an Author Book Chat Party</a>&nbsp;on Facebook! Don't miss a minute of the fun!<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">One grand prize winner will receive:<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><ul style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Empire Red 4.5 QT Ultra Power KitchenAid Stand Mixer<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Black &amp; White Kitschy Apron<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Black Silicone Oven Mitt<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Black OXO Rolling Pin<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u></u><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Wilton</span></span></b><u></u><u></u><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">&nbsp;9X5 loaf pan<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">At My Grandmother's Knee Cookbook</span></span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">&nbsp;by Faye Porter<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Second Helpings with Johnnie Gabriel</span></span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">&nbsp;Cookbook<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Baker's Wife</span></span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">&nbsp;by Erin Healy<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 0.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div></div><br /></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"></span></b></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Don't miss a moment of the fun.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112996508810661" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">RSVP today</a>&nbsp;and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 10th!<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Blog Tour Schedule: <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13434589">Read Other's Reviews</a></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></b></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel;"><b><br /></b></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81311741479872370702011-10-31T14:55:00.001-04:002011-10-31T15:07:20.380-04:00A Whole Lot of Writing Going On!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3E8pXnuWCA/Tq7qE4JxpoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/Pw0v3XDXTJ8/s1600/HardBook1-JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3E8pXnuWCA/Tq7qE4JxpoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/Pw0v3XDXTJ8/s320/HardBook1-JPG.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>I have a whole lot of exciting news! Over on my other website, <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/10/31/a-whole-bunch-of-exciting-news/">Chrystal Mahan</a>, I wrote about most of it. Poetry contents, published poetry, poetry book, some surprises, and more!<br /><br />Over here I wanted to talk about the <a href="http://skyword.com/">Skywords </a>Bounty Program. Yes, Bounty, "the quicker picker upper." The one in the same. It's actually quite fun, easy work, $10 an article plus revenue. If you are looking to put another writing gig under your belt, this might be one for you. Skywords offers a few different company programs. I've done 2, each taking me about 20 minutes to write. So, $20 for less than an hours worth of work? Yes, that is OK with me.<br /><br />Been working a lot with private clients, too.<br /><br />I have not been writing for (what people love to call) content mills much. Most of the companies I did write for have closed down or went to an all revenue sharing program. I few companies let me go because I was not meeting the minimum requirements (you take 9 classes and see how well you keep up. you not you, but you as in the company). <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/I-Will-Not-Cry-for-You-Demand-Studios">I did not cry thats for sure.</a><br /><br />Instead, I have been focusing my time on residual income. Mostly <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPages</a> and <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a">WebAnswers.</a>&nbsp;Right now I am just working on getting a lot of content written while I spend some time reading up on keywords and get a stronger grip on SEO. I have a<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/getting-those-residuals-going.html"> goal to write 1 article a day.</a>&nbsp;Starting in January, I think I will do a 365 day challenge and post the&nbsp;earnings&nbsp;as well.<br /><br />I have not checked my actual adsense in some time, but this is just for the HubPage revenue program (they do both). Since its the end of the month, even though yesterday and today will need to be added, this will give you a general idea.<br /><br />I have posted 4 new articles in a week. Last month &nbsp;I posted nothing new.<br /><br />In September I made 11 cents on HubPages ad program. In October, so far, I have made 92 cents, 39 of which being in the last 7 days. That's a pretty huge increase.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7rHZhr7ffI/Tq7t9za_tPI/AAAAAAAAAkE/kpVyWCTCwRY/s1600/october.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7rHZhr7ffI/Tq7t9za_tPI/AAAAAAAAAkE/kpVyWCTCwRY/s640/october.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As you can see, I am not making thousands like so many are. I don't even have 100 articles published. The good news is, I look at this as a savings account. The more I write, the more I make. The more I backlink and learn about good keywords and such, the better writer I become.<br /><br />&nbsp;Over and over again, I earn. Or, at least until HubPages shuts down, and then I will post my work somewhere else. I have a couple of other revenue sharing sites I use but I feel HubPages offers me the best bang for my buck.<br /><br />I want to reach the $1000 a month club. I will keep working until I get there.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44910004837756301962011-10-28T19:40:00.000-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.028-05:00No Credit Checks: Some Truth about Cash Advances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hraTP6asFY/Tqs9ERIqH0I/AAAAAAAAAj0/-vBpw0frams/s1600/cash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--hraTP6asFY/Tqs9ERIqH0I/AAAAAAAAAj0/-vBpw0frams/s320/cash.png" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Using cash advances for&nbsp;</span><a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/cash_advance_for_Christmas_shopping" style="background-color: white; color: #297ccf; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Christmas shopping</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;is not the only reason a person would find themselves in need of a no credit check cash advance.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">While some may not agree,</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;from a financial perspective, using a cash advance company which has a no credit check policy would be a blessing for many people.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 26px; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/no-credit-checks-the-truth-about-cash-advances?done">No Credit Checks: The Real Truth about Cash Advances</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32620796055168076552011-10-27T19:45:00.000-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.030-05:00How to Use Cash Advances for Christmas Shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbFbD9QQjuo/TqnsGYaLbrI/AAAAAAAAAjo/4BG-ILPm1Ks/s1600/100_8471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbFbD9QQjuo/TqnsGYaLbrI/AAAAAAAAAjo/4BG-ILPm1Ks/s320/100_8471.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Not tax related, but 'tis financial related)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wanted to share with you my latest HubPage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/cash_advance_for_Christmas_shopping?done">How to Use Cash Advances for Christmas Shopping</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88994982041550704532011-10-27T10:47:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.308-05:00The Best Laid Plans by Sarah Mayberry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zmCdTSbKEI/TqiqRQvE9oI/AAAAAAAAAjg/FYAZUeeB1RI/s1600/51LZg-vvviL._SX106_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zmCdTSbKEI/TqiqRQvE9oI/AAAAAAAAAjg/FYAZUeeB1RI/s1600/51LZg-vvviL._SX106_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can remember as a younger girl getting bags of read and recycle books (you read, you give to someone else) from my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/07/on-this-day-one-year-ago-stay-strong.html">grandmother.</a> Every summer I would make the trip with my family from Oklahoma to Michigan. And every summer I would return back to Oklahoma with 2-3 bags full of books and another bag full of what my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/i-back-my-story-of-michigan-and-back.html">grandfather</a> called “trash” magazines. That would consist of publications like Examiner, Sun, and so on. I did not care. If it had words, I wanted to read it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the bags I would return home with would be 90% Harlequin romance novels. Most of them I did not care for, but I read them anyway just to have something to read. As I got older, I started to read them less and less. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the years my reading tastes changed and I started to skip over the old-fashioned romance novels. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Some years ago, Harlequin changed. They began offering different genres of romance. Genres that I actually liked. Murder, Mystery and Paranormal. It was like CSI and Ghost Hunters in a book. This led me to the Ambassador program.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, now for the book. As part of the program we are not given the option to pick books that we want to read. This book is part of the “Super Romance” Series. I wasn’t expecting a great literary work of art. No offense. What I expected was an old fashion, perhaps a little historical, romance novel.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What a got was something a little more fun. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Alexandra Knight, corporate lawyer, hears her biological clock ticking. We her sexy, single collegue finds out she’s about to head to a sperm bank…..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well let’s just say he’s on the path to offer his own.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What follows are the adventures of the two, forming a relationship, and falling in love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I laughed, I had a few tears, and I thought it was just the cutest book I had read in a long time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well worth the read!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b>&nbsp;I received this book free from&nbsp; Harlequin as part of their Ambassadors program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73628183794352898812011-10-27T09:03:00.014-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.311-05:00Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2bQVEFtNlc/TqhdZFaSy0I/AAAAAAAAAjI/fAwwRq3VQ10/s1600/LOTL+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2bQVEFtNlc/TqhdZFaSy0I/AAAAAAAAAjI/fAwwRq3VQ10/s1600/LOTL+cover.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What did I get myself in to? Cowboy hats? Train robbers? The old west?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No. No!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sure, I read the description. Sure, I paid attention. But I did not realize what I was in store for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: silver; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">About the book:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">It's a</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></i></b><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Battle</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></i></b><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">of Wills ... and Love Is on the Line!</span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world . . . which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I liked about the book was, here is this character, Georgie Gail; strong, independent, living alone, working, and an animal activist. She holds a job, out of her own home, through the telephone company. So, imagine her attitude when she finds out they have sent a man to work with her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What she doesn’t know is Luke Palmer is an undercover Texas Ranger looking for a train robber. The exact train robber that stopped the train Georgie was riding on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The story takes many twists and turns. Some might make you giggle; others will leave you angry at the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While this is a love story, unlike some other novels, this one has not centered itself around the love story. What I liked was that friendships developed, lives were changed, and birds were saved. The story is typical in the senses that two strangers fall in love, but that’s the only thing that this book has in comparison to others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is a bit of history in the book, the author has researched it well. Again, it’s not centered on the historical facts. Just gives you enough to add depth to the words and insight to the characters. I tend to find it hard to read overly historical novels because the history lessons tend to bog down the words and the actual story.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you like love, mixed with a bit of history, and a side of adventure, I think this is a good curl-up-with-a-hot-cup-of-tea book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection</b>:&nbsp;I received this book free as part a readers review <span>&nbsp;</span>program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: silver; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">About Deeanne:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Dee--has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical &amp; contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success.</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">She has a very active online community on her website at&nbsp;<a href="http://iwantherbook.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">IWantHerBook.com</span></a>&nbsp;and at</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><a href="http://facebook.com/DeesCircle" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Facebook.com/DeesCircle</span></a>.</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: silver; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Link to buy the book at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764204092/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&amp;camp=213381&amp;creative=390973&amp;linkCode=as4&amp;creativeASIN=0764204092&amp;adid=0MVKVNZAFG109QSXN54N">Amazon</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: silver; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">About the contest:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Love on the Live iPad2 Giveaway and Facebook Party!</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Deeanne is thrilled to introduce Georgie and Luke to the word in her latest novel. To celebrate Deeanne's publisher, Bethany House, is hosting the&nbsp;<i>Love on the Line</i>&nbsp;iPad2 giveaway an Author Chat on Facebook! Enter today and follow the link below to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=240526342663236" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">RSVP for Deeanne's rip-roarin' Facebook Party</span></a>!</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Corbel, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">One fortunate winner will receive:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 45.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">A Brand New iPad2</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 45.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">A Signed Copy of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 45.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Enter today by clicking one of the icons below.</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7<sup>th</sup>.&nbsp;Winner will be announced at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=240526342663236" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Deeanne’s Author Chat Facebook Party</span></a>. Deeanne will be wrapping of the<i>&nbsp;Love on the Line</i>&nbsp;celebration by chatting with friends new and old!&nbsp;So grab your copy of&nbsp;<i>Love on the Line</i>&nbsp;(it’s okay if you don’t have one yet- you might could win one!) and join Deeanne on the evening of November 8<sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">for a rip roaring book chat, a little trivia, a sneak peak at her next book, and lots of giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes &amp; Starbucks gift certificates)!</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">(enter Facebook/twitter/email icons here – found in embedded html code attached)</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Don't miss a moment of the fun.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=240526342663236" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">RSVP today</span></a>&nbsp;and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 8th!</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: silver; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Corbel&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Blog Tour <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13433396">Schedule</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18553486257563877512011-10-26T17:18:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.314-05:00Get Married for Christ’s Sake by Kenny Jackson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Get Married For Christ's Sake: The Christian Singles' Call to a World-Changing Marriage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51l-DzmBPRL.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was asked to review this book, I thought it could not have come at a better time in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal">As some of you may remember, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/my-life-feels-like-everything-is.html">I have called off my ownwedding</a>, not once, but twice.<span>&nbsp; </span>Some, for financial reasons, some stress related (thanks to school), some due to our differences, some to the baggage he has. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I question this relationship on a daily basis. I feel a relationship should not be hard, no matter how much you love someone. What makes this challenging is that we both suffer from mental illnesses. Mine, much, much, worse than his. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have started relationship counseling, so I thought that this book would be helpful.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I should also mention here that I don’t claim to be a Christian. Some people might find that a little weird since I do attend church. <span>&nbsp;</span>I have a lot to learn, a lot of questions, and will stay in “new believer” mode until I fully accept all things Godly. Until that time, I consider myself to be more spiritual than anything. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate labels anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, I know there are some people that look down on us because we live together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Others, even members of the church we attend, don’t care. They feel it’s not their place to judge, and they also know the reasons why we live together (how it started) and why the marriage has not happened yet. I think they are more understanding to the situation than outsiders who only see two unmarried people living together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s a book specifically written for Christian singles who are seriously considering engagement. Regardless of your marital status, single, married, engaged, I think everyone could benefit a little from reading this book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was an easy read. I was able to complete it during one sitting. Good news for those busy folks!</div><div class="MsoNormal">This book forces you to take a step back, giving you a bigger picture of marriage, and a fresh look from a different perspective. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To quote the book cover “ Many marriage crash and burn because the spouses were not careful about whom they became emotionally involved with in the first place. God is the best one to guide us through the relationship maze.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While M and I are working on our relationship, attending church more, trying to be involved more, raising his daughter in our church, and seeing a counselor for our relationship, we still have a deep and true love for each other. We feel we will find a way to come back to the couple that fell in love with each other 3 years ago, and undo the damage that was caused in our childhoods. Events that shaped us into the people we are today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b>I received this book free from the editor. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51651551455952202122011-10-26T16:39:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.317-05:00A Woman's Guide to Fasting by Lisa E. Nelson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWaB85fejeo/TqhtdVUx1II/AAAAAAAAAjY/KehZikjBXaQ/s1600/9780764209024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWaB85fejeo/TqhtdVUx1II/AAAAAAAAAjY/KehZikjBXaQ/s320/9780764209024.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>About the Book:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>A Woman's Guide to Fasting</strong></span></em><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;by Lisa E. Nelson</span></strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 13px;">The&nbsp;<i>Only</i>&nbsp;How-to Fasting Guide for&nbsp;<i>Women</i></b><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">When women think of fasting, many of us think of grumbling stomachs, low energy, and high-stress days. But this is not what fasting should be! With warmth and experience, Lisa Nelson provides the step-by-step advice women need for before, during, and after all types of fasts. When you learn how to fast successfully, you can--and will--experience God in a whole new way.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">__________________________________________________________________________________</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><div class="MsoNormal">This is not my usual cup-of-tea style book.<span>&nbsp; </span>I struggle with my weight and it has been documented<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation_14.html"> here on Self Employed Writer</a> more<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/10/taking-plunge-placing-my-orders.html"> than once</a>. I did not choose to review this book because I felt it was going to help me shed a few pounds. I wanted to review this book because I wanted to have a better understanding in the biblical fasting. </div><div class="MsoNormal">What I learned is that fasting does not have to be about that empty feeling in your stomach, the headaches, the lazy feeling, or the high stress that fasting can cause. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I thought of fasts in the past, I thought there was no way someone with a full time job, a student, or even a mom could go through a fast when food provided the energy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In a biblical fast, God provides the energy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In this book you will learn how fasting can fit in to a busy schedule, how one should prepare their mind and body for a fast, how to spiritually prepare for a fast, tips, things to do, advice to follow, cautions to be aware of, how to end a fast safely, warning signs, when to quit, and how to make the most of a non-food fast.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also learned that fasting isn’t about giving up food, going on liquids only, or just giving up a certain type of food. It can also be a fast from the internet, television, or other things that are keeping you from listening to God. That is especially useful for people who have diabetes or hypoglycemia and simply can’t be without food. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I recommend this book to anyone who has been interested in fasting spiritually in the past, or those interested now.&nbsp;</div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b>&nbsp;I received this book free as part of a writers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42775201370836410762011-10-26T08:15:00.017-04:002011-10-26T08:15:00.355-04:00Getting Those Residuals Going<div class="MsoNormal">It’s been a while since I wrote about writing. I have been so busy that all of my writing sites have fallen to the wayside. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t stop talking about the first school semester of the year, which was my last as an undergrad. I still can’t believe I managed to fit 9 classes in that one semester. All the hard work paid off. I managed to graduate with a 3.4 on my Bachelors of General Studies with majors in Accounting and Business. I was pretty happy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, my websites and freelance career suffered a bit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I spent the summer trying to make it right, but got caught in a scam and a bad business deal gone super wrong leaving me with $7000 in issues to take care of. I am still dealing with that mess and have yet to recover completely from it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Where I’ve Been and What I’ve Been Doing <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/where-ive-been-what-ive-been-doing.html">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/where-ive-been-and-what-ive-been-doing.html">Part 2</a> explain it all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The mess took so many hours of my day. Then, I had to work around the depression.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Still working on all of the mess and trying to put it in the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though I am back in school this semester working on my Masters degree, I am not bogged down with 9 classes. I posted my goals the other day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, I thought I would write about the challenge I have made for myself with residual income.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, I am not looking at a dollar amount. I would like to someday make the $10 then $50 a day mark, working my way up to the $1000 and $5000 a month mark. I plan to start a challenge January 1 and post my accomplishments (or not) along the way. Hopefully this will help me to be a little more accountable.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, my goal is to write 1 post/<a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPage </a>a day. Since I doubt I can get any done on the weekends, I am going to try for 5-7 a week. A couple days a week I can double up. I am working mostly on tax content since tax season is right around the corner.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have also made a plan to link to my blogs more, providing back links for everything. (and add commenting on others blogs)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lastly, at least for now, I am going to go back to <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a">WebAnswers</a> to work on some residuals.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow I was thinking I should write a new <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chrystal_Mahan">EZineArticle</a> for a back link and maybe update my Helium account.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We will see if time permits some of those things because I have to work on upfront paying clients!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78250750158238784822011-10-26T07:53:00.001-04:002011-10-26T07:53:00.365-04:00Looking for a Place to get FREE eBooks?Well you don't have to look any further!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.free-ebooks.net/1447-0-1-27.html" target="_blank"><img alt="get books for free" border="0" height="280" src="http://www.free-ebooks.net/affiliates/banners/Set_336x280.jpg" width="336" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87169046763702128002011-10-25T18:54:00.001-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.033-05:00Working on Tax Software (The Tax Queen is Back!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccbG_WGlbAM/Tqc8PWHP0sI/AAAAAAAAAjA/zDPemlsaaK8/s1600/AriseLogin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccbG_WGlbAM/Tqc8PWHP0sI/AAAAAAAAAjA/zDPemlsaaK8/s320/AriseLogin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I wrote a (rather long post)&nbsp;<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/working-with-arise.html">Self Employed Writer</a>, regarding my come-back into the tax world. Not that I ever really left, I was still doing taxes for people out of my home and answering tax questions as well as writing tax articles for clients and <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPages</a>. I am excited to say that I have contracted with Arise and Open Door to work this tax season on a tax software company line.<br /><br />I'll still be answering questions and writing accounting related things and working with my private clients. I just miss the fun of tax season, so this will be helping with that and helping me while I work on my Masters degree (which I have just started on this semester).<br /><br />If you missed the memo, I graduated June 2011 with my Bachelors in General Studies with Majors in Accounting and Business. That's why this website got pushed to the back burner for a while.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76752285326723378332011-10-25T18:45:00.000-04:002011-10-25T18:45:23.767-04:00Working with Arise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVkeBhuZdng/Tqc7kOFV4PI/AAAAAAAAAi4/8CKXW14D_Ng/s1600/AriseLogin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVkeBhuZdng/Tqc7kOFV4PI/AAAAAAAAAi4/8CKXW14D_Ng/s320/AriseLogin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Self Employed Writer has taken the plunge, right back into the world of customer service call center work – at home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If anyone has followed this blog for some time, back in the day before the Self Employed Writer title and url came about, I was just a girl trying to make ends meet have a 1000 mile move and a divorce. Even before that, when I was still living in OK and married, I would find myself between accounting clients and would work for phone lines through Live Ops and West at Home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Live Ops and I have a love/hate relationship. I love that I can pick my own hours and work any time of day. I hate that I am forced to do my first 25 calls on the Direct Response line. Infomercials are not fun. I have worked with Live Ops on 2 separate occasions. Once, around 2002/3 and once in 2009. They never last. I was always stuck in the infomercial line and hated every minute of it. <span>&nbsp;</span>Training was independent and even though they had forums for operators, they did not have live training like some companies do. With LiveOps you are an independent contractor and responsible for all your own taxes and office expenses. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also have many years of off and on experience with West. I have to say, I love West. I love the lines they offer and that I am allowed to pick my own schedule and that it was a set hourly paid employee position. Did not matter if call volume was low, I still got paid. I loved every line I was placed with on West.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">Training was independent. You did not do mock calls of have training with other operators. <span>&nbsp;</span>The only reason I am still not with them is because when I left OK and moved to MI I lived in a house where having a home office was not possible. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My last experience was with Alpine Access, it was like West in that I was a paid employee rather than an independent contractor position. It was an hourly wage, and it paid nicely. I decided to try another work at home call center customer service job because it was customer accounting and billing. <span>&nbsp;</span>They did have live paid training. However, the program used for the line I worked had a manual that was 1000 pages long and training was 14 days. Some of that was nesting. Nesting is where you are taking live calls, but a line manager sits in and listens with you. Talk about anxiety.<span>&nbsp; </span>I made it through most of the training, then I was stuck with the flu. They were nice enough about it, pretty understanding. However, I was not comfortable going right into calls. I asked if I could go through the next training class. Nope. They then demoted me to a lower paying section of the line if I felt I wanted to go through training again. No thank you. <span>&nbsp;</span>It was not worth any of the stress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Shortly after that experience I swore off all phone lines and started my freelance career with accounting/bookkeeping/taxes and writing. I also do internet marketing, business directory listings, social media and more. It’s much more fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, I caught wind of a very popular accounting and tax software company contracting with Arise. I have looked at Arise in the past, but did not pay much attention to it since I was sick of phone jobs. I do however LOVE doing taxes and tax season. So, I signed up with Arise and the Open Door Multiservice to use as my VCS. I went through the ACP 101 and passed. Today I sat in on a tax class for the program, just to see how things were going to be.<span>&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Miranda and Lexsine over at Open Door have been extremely helpful in helping me to get started. They have been prompt answering all the questions I have. I never had that with LO, West or Alpine. The customer service is something that needs improvement. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This time, I am home alone during working hours (unlike my last line with West and Alpine) and its TAX! <span>&nbsp;</span>Phone or no phone, its TAX! I mean that is what my past experience is in, my BA is in and I am still taking Accounting classes with my MBA.<span>&nbsp; </span>What difference does it make if I am back in the tax office answering questions in person (even on the phone there) or if I am in my own office on the phone? It’s all the same to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Training for the line starts in December and work starts in January.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am so excited I dusted off <a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/">The Tax Queen </a>and putting things back together there with the hopes of keeping up with it a little better this time (I think I will be fine since I am not overwhelmed so much with school).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll still be writing and doing my other freelance business, Arise/OD is just another client to add to my vault. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52249187884363120802011-10-22T06:58:00.014-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.319-05:00Review Baby its Cold Outside by Susan May Warren<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTHmWOB-8z4/TqH7IR65c9I/AAAAAAAAAiU/mR3OpUU3dLE/s1600/Baby+It%2527s+Cold+Outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTHmWOB-8z4/TqH7IR65c9I/AAAAAAAAAiU/mR3OpUU3dLE/s1600/Baby+It%2527s+Cold+Outside.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes it is hard for me to get excited about books that take place in certain eras.<span>&nbsp; </span>This was one of them. I was really excited that it was a Christmas novel and I have never passed up the chance to read a Christmas themed book. I was a little worried about the timeline. Sometimes certain historical events can create more of a problem in a novel rather than add to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Often many writers want to throw those types of subjects in there because they think it will add to the attraction of the book to other audience members they otherwise would not get to read their material. Thankfully this was not the case with “Baby Its Cold Outside.” Warren made sure those historical events did not overpower the story, or the characters. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dottie Morgan, town librarian, also town grump. <span>&nbsp;</span>It’s freezing, and it’s almost Christmas. She has no desire to share her home, or her heart, with her unwelcomed house guests. Dottie lost the person she loved most in the world, her son Nelson, in World War II. Her world has never been kind or loving since. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Gordon, Dottie’s next door neighbor and real true love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jake, somewhat of a friend to Violet, more of a friend to who she thinks she loves, Alex. Alex, the man Violet was writing to during the war. Had fallen in love with, only to find he had passes. Instead of Alex showing up to whisk her away, she got Jake. Jake, full of secrets.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Violet, just trying to get the town star from Dottie. Has enough to deal with in her life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All of these people, stranded in Dottie’s house during the blizzard of the century.</div><div class="MsoNormal">A little boy lost. Found, almost frozen to death.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Each, a tale to tell. Each brought together for a purpose. The purpose of family, forgiveness and love. </div><div class="MsoNormal">A must have book to curl up with during the season!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the book:</span></span></b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;<b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Baby, It’s Cold Outside</span></i></b></span></span><b><i><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Hope finds the hopeless when a storm hits.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">It's Christmas weekend 1949, and despite the threat of a storm, the townspeople of Frost are determined to continue their holiday traditions, if only as a means to forget the war that they had all just suffered through. But the suffering hasn't ended for Dottie Morgan who lost her only son in the war. She's preparing to wallow in her isolation for the weekend, when Violet, nearly a spinster at age 29, dares to make a request that will force Dottie to publicly revive the memory of her dead son.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">When a storm traps the two women at home with a strange young man who has an unbelievable confession and a neighbor with more to do with Violet's past than she would like, no one can predict how this Christmas will give them all a second chance.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Read an excerpt here and find out the story behind the novel</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About Susan:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in&nbsp;<u></u>Russia<u></u>, Susan returned home to a small town on&nbsp;<u></u>Minnesota<u></u>’s beautiful&nbsp;<u></u>Lake Superior<u></u>shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of<a href="http://www.mybooktherapy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://www.mybooktherapy.com/">www.MyBookTherapy.com</a>, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Susan makes her home in northern&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Minnesota<u></u><u></u>, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:<a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/">www.susanmaywarren.com</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">To buy the book</span></span></b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">:</span></span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1609362152/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&amp;camp=213381&amp;creative=390973&amp;linkCode=as4&amp;creativeASIN=1609362152&amp;adid=1W6V46X88E4D79FGRNE1">Amazon</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #3366ff; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Blog tour schedule:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13433361">It's here.</a></span></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6386658909548540482011-10-20T16:02:00.003-04:002011-10-20T16:04:39.353-04:00Spooky Savings! Monster Stories Pack (Just in Time for Halloween)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Spooky Savings! For a limited time, buy all four titles in our Monster Stories series and save." height="322" src="http://www.barefootbooks.com/files/7613/1894/4979/Ecampaigns_MonstersPromo_US_Oct_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br /><div class="product-name" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #bf0222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Monsters Independent Readers Pack</h2></div><div class="description" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="std" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For children first embarking on independent reading, the four titles in this&nbsp;<i style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">Monster Stories</a>&nbsp;</i>series will entice them with colorful folktales from four different cultures. The books are numbered to encourage collecting the series as more titles are released. All titles are edited by Gina Nuttall, an educational specialist formerly with Scholastic.</div></div><div class="details" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7f7f7f; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 16px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ages 6 to 11 years</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Written By:&nbsp;<span class="product-detail-contributor" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #f58229; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Fran Parnell</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Illustrated By:&nbsp;<span class="product-detail-contributor" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #f58229; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sophie Fatus</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66591506185641976312011-10-19T14:49:00.002-04:002011-10-19T16:50:57.239-04:00Getting Back in the GameI never realized how hard getting back in the game was going to be. From January to June I was lucky if I wrote one paying article a week. I was so swamped with 9 classes that I just could not keep up with everything. All of my websites and revenue sharing sites became extremely dusty. I have been slowly trying to do some Fall cleaning and get back in to some sort of a schedule.<br /><br />I am back in school, this time working on my Masters, so I will only be in 1 or 2 classes at a time. Never again will I try to cram 9 in to one. In all fairness, I did that so I could graduate.<br /><br />Last week I posted two articles on <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPages</a>. When the big Pando Google Shakeup hint, I was not hit like most were. I did notice more of a shot to the heart on the content sites compared to my revenue based sites.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I still enjoy writing for myself. So I plan to continue forward with HubPages and using other sites for backlinks. I don't plan to give up on this great blogging ride. I have been in the game since 2004. I can see myself pounding away at my keyboard for the rest of my life.<br /><br />So this is my pledge to get the Self Employed Writer back on track.<br /><br /><b>Daily Goals:</b><br />1 new Hub<br />Private Client Work<br />School related work<br /><br /><br /><b>Weekly Goals:</b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">1 new <a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/652747/chrystal_mahan.html">Yahoo Associated Content</a></span></b><br />1 new <a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">Barefoot Books&nbsp;</a>post<br />1 new post on Self Employed Writer<br />1 new post on <a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan</a><br />Assigned book reviews<br /><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/author/chrystalmahan/">iPhoneAppCafe</a> assigned reviews<br /><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a">WebAnswers</a><br />Demand Studios Titling (when available)<br /><br /><b>Monthly Goals:</b><br />1 new post on <a href="http://www.cainstails.com/">Cains Tails</a><br />1 new <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">Helium</a> (that will backlink to something between all my sites) I used to do better here than anyplace, but once I stopped writing, the revenue stopped. That's my biggest complaint about Helium. You lose writing stars, you lose your share of the pie. On the up side, they now have upfront work.<br />1 new EZA<br /><br />I know it might seem like a lot. It is going to be hard to get back in the swing of a schedule. But I look at revenue share writing as a savings account for my future.<br /><br />I may have to change this up a bit in December when I start training for Intuit Turbo Tax. I will be working the new tax season as a Turbo Tax agent. Pretty excited about that!<br /><br />Stay tuned to see how it goes!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73089524983211102252011-10-15T07:52:00.018-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.322-05:00Zombie Church by Tyler Edwards<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img alt="Zombie Church: Breathing Life Back into the Body of Christ" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VjFPMWiVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“Breathing Life Back into the Body of Christ”</i> the book byline caught my attention. Published in 2011, it (being Zombies) certainly is the topic of our time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Did you ever think you would find a book that had both “church” and “zombie” in the same title? I didn’t. Not exactly the most Christian topic, the walking dead.<span>&nbsp; </span>I picked this book to read and review based on the title alone.<span>&nbsp; </span>The back of the book has its own byline “There are zombies among us.” Really? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I read the description there was a line that caught my attention. <i>“Liars. Hypocrites. Men, women and children who attend church because it’s what they are supposed to do. Just going through the motions. These are the undead – people who are disconnected from the Spirit of God – who are spreading a virus of passivity, or worse. No one is completely immune.”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></i></div><a name='more'></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can’t say I have ever witnessed a Christian putting a religious spin on the Zombie topic. But it works. It makes perfect sense to me and I like that Tyler Edwards was able to take a popular book and movie topic and turn it in to something that can be used with a Christian twist. With the rising popularity of zombies, werewolves and vampires, it only seem fitting they eventually cross over. <span>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stephanie Feed, the executive director of Rapha House had this to say: “This is a powerful read, full of hope and challenge for the church to come to life, rise up out of its pews, and be the glorious bride of Christ we are called to be. <i>Zombie Church</i> is ‘dead on.’ “</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I share that because she is right. While many will not see the interesting side to putting a zombie spin on a Christian issue, I most certainly can and I hope that others will want to read it as well. <span>&nbsp;</span>With topics relating to the chapters warning signs, infected, transformation process, the symptoms, the undead heart, lost souls, rotten mind; zombie strength, the disease spreads, zombie community, awakening the undead, and searching for the cure, reads much like a novel about zombies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b>&nbsp;I received this book free as part of bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>About the Author:</b>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;">Tyler Edwards is the lead pastor at Cornerstone Christian Church in&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Joplin<u></u>,&nbsp;<u></u>Missouri<u></u><u></u>, where he works to help people learn how to live like Jesus, love like Jesus, and look like Jesus—so they carry out the mission of Jesus to the world. He graduated from&nbsp;<u></u>Ozark<u></u>&nbsp;<u></u>Christian<u></u>&nbsp;<u></u>College<u></u>&nbsp;with bachelor’s degrees in both Biblical Literature and&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Christian<u></u>&nbsp;<u></u>Ministry<u></u><u></u>. He has written articles for&nbsp;<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Lookout Magazine</span></i>, spoken at various campus ministry events in&nbsp;<u></u>Missouri<u></u>, and served overseas in&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Mbale<u></u>,&nbsp;<u></u>Uganda<u></u><u></u>.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tyler</span></span><u></u><u></u><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">&nbsp;</span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">loves cheesy horror films. He is particularly fond of movies like&nbsp;<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Dawn of the Dead</span></i>,&nbsp;<i><span style="font-style: italic;">The Signal</span></i>, and&nbsp;<i><span style="font-style: italic;">28 Days Later</span></i>, where zombies run wild and threaten to infect an entire town.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/PastorTylerEdwards%20" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Connect with Tyler on Facebook</a>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b>About the Book:</b></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody><tr><td style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A creative, entertaining approach to resurrecting the undead church.&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">There is something missing in the church today. Stuck in a rut of routines and rituals, the church is caught up in doing what it is “supposed to do” but is lacking the true essence of what it is supposed to provide: life. Real faith--and a real relationship with Jesus--is not about playing by the rules, attending services, and praying before meals. Real faith is more than religion.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Believing there is a way to breathe life back into the church, Tyler Edwards adopts a contemporary and entertaining metaphor--zombies--to highlight and challenge the problematic attitude of today’s believers.&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Written for the discouraged, disenfranchised, and anyone unsatisfied with their same-old church routine, Zombie Church challenges readers to turn away from hollow religious practices, which characterize “zombie Christianity,” and turn toward a radical relationship with Jesus.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">While other books have addressed legalism in the church, this is the only book that effectively capitalizes on a popular entertainment genre in order to diagnose and correct the problem. Realizing that even his own church is part of that problem, Edwards has written an accessible and often humorous book that will help believers change the Spirit-draining (or life-draining) habits that stop them from achieving a full, fulfilling life in Christ.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0825424593/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&amp;camp=213381&amp;creative=390973&amp;linkCode=as4&amp;creativeASIN=0825424593&amp;adid=1XBB9CNE5N30WACVQ3DX" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Order a copy here</a>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Others on the blog tour are<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13424384"> here.</a></span></span></div></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65095961280821000732011-10-13T07:45:00.001-04:002011-10-13T07:45:00.692-04:00Barefoot Books Autumn Sale Starts TODAY<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/"><img src="http://www.barefootbooks.com/files/3512/8596/6446/BFB_Logo_Horiz_Tag_RGB_Newsletter.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;Starting today, Thursday, 13th October and running&nbsp;until&nbsp;Monday, 17th October, you&nbsp;will&nbsp;receive a fantastic 20% off ALL your orders on everything on my&nbsp;<a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">website</a>&nbsp;when you use code&nbsp;<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>OCTSALE</strong></span>!</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The free shipping offer will still be valid!&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">Chrystal's Barefoot Books</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Here you will find some of the most beautiful books I have ever seen! The website will allow you to peak inside books before deciding as well as show you any learning activities you can do with your child that will &nbsp;go with the particular book you are interested in.<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/motherbridge-of-love-illustrated-by.html"> lil m and I have our faves</a> and I am sure you will find a few to add to your list.&nbsp;</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49914595989052361722011-10-12T16:05:00.000-04:002011-10-12T16:05:21.943-04:00Where I've Been and What I've Been Doing : Part 2<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/10/where-ive-been-what-ive-been-doing.html#more">I mentioned Friday about a terrible nightmare I found myselfin.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While that entire ordeal was going on, another one was brewing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And the sad part is it has taken up all of the hours in my day. My eBay and PayPal account are pretty much ruined. I use my PayPal account for my freelance clients. It seems to be the only way most of them pay.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I had planned on talking about this situation more, but because there are fraud charges, mail fraud, a pending lawsuit and a warrant out for this guys arrest, I can’t publically talk about it. Plus, honestly, I am just really embarrassed by it all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I worry all day. I worry all night. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just keep praying it will all be over soon, but not everyone has been paid back and I don’t have the money to pay them back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know what to do. It’s controlling my life. It’s ruined so much.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83316784211153974642011-10-07T14:16:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.325-05:00Upgrading Your Body Lukas Odvalil<img alt="Upgrade Your Body: Say Goodbye to Your Old Body and Get a New Lean Healthy Model" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Sc7u9oE4L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-31,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_13065036"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LBN02S">Say Goodbye to Your Old and Get a New, Lean, Healthy Model!</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This book could not have landed in my lap at a better time. With all the stress I have been going through this year, and despite my conscious effort to eat better and move more, the weight loss just is not happening. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>(I am required to disclose that this is a paid book review, however, I am paid for my honest opinion; positive or negative.)</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While reading the introduction there was a few sentences that SCREAMED at me!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">“……………………………………They are overweight and they realize this, yet they just cannot bring themselves do anything about it. Either they don’t have any desire to- they enjoy their food too much to make healthy changes, they don’t know where to begin, or in some cases, they may feel as though they are ‘too far gone’ for any effort to make a difference.” </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I admit, I am a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LBN02S">self-proclaimed food-a-holic</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love food. I enjoy cooking a good meal, especially when my family is involved. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The downside is, I am also a food addict. I suffer from overeating/binge eating disorder. This is a result of what happened to me in my childhood. (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">You can read here.</a>) I did not access to drugs or alcohol at such a young age, so I ate. I ate to feed my emotions. I ate to hide my issues. I ate to feel good. I just ate. Food was my best friend. As a child I was eating to hide what was happening to me. I was an overweight child, teen, lost the weight (as a teen on Nutrisystem), and gained it back, in my late 20s, lost it again. Now here I am in my late 30s and I need to lose it again. I kept the weight off last time with the help of Weight Watchers, running, and I developed purging on top of my ED. I could not make myself throw-up so I became addicted to laxatives. To this day I can’t keep certain stomach helpers in my house for fear of what I could resort to, my intestines are already damaged. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation_14.html">Nutrisystem earlier this year</a>. It could have gone much better, but I was so busy and stressed that I just did not take the proper time to take care of myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I am back in the gym and just trying to make it through one day at a time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have read my fair share of weight loss and health books. My Nook folder on my hard drive is full of them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I WANT to believe that it is never too late. I am 36 and I am on a goal to be in the body and shape at 40 than I have in my entire life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep reading. What is Lukas going to say that I have not read already?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Diets don’t work for the long haul. It’s a lifestyle change. We all know this. We know we have to exercise. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a bit factual (although sources were not cited), it’s a bit biographical, but it speaks the truth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s pretty basic. Cut and dry. Which I like.<span>&nbsp; </span>Too many books are so full of literal crap it makes my head spin. I mean how many times can you say “eat les, move more?” And then they get all scientifically. Sorry. We are not all scientist, can you speak in layman’s terms please? I did not feel that way with this book. It was all laid out there in front of me. Sure there are a few key words thrown at you, along with a definition. But, there is a reason, and a purpose. <span>&nbsp;</span>It’s not overkill. It’s all neatly packaged together in a package we can all appreciate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend the $2.99 investment. The author will show you how to easily change the food on the plate and includes a 5 day meal plan with products you can find at your local supermarket. No special diet food here. <span>&nbsp;</span>There are also tips on eating out, making grocery shopping simpler, and exercise tips.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20103379225342188302011-10-06T20:35:00.003-04:002011-10-06T20:41:46.468-04:00Where I've Been & What I've Been DoingSo I dropped off the blogging planet. I whined for months about how I wish I was done with school so that I could devote more time to my writing. That day came at went (June 22, 2001 I graduated!) and I spent the rest of the summer trying to build my freelance business.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Key words being “I tried.”<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided to expand my freelance business by offering more services. At the same time I had also decided to reopen a business that my mother and I had years ago. &nbsp;DC Outlet </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While searching for jobs on Freelancer.com I noticed some listing for eBay Power Sellers in need of virtual assistants to help them manage the other side of their business. I applied. Meanwhile, I was also applying to other listings asking for eBay Listers. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Many companies hire listers. It’s a good marketing concept. The more their items are listed on eBay, the more money they are going to make. It’s pretty smart. And it works well when you find that gem of a little company to work with.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since I wanted to reopen my previous business I thought this would be a great way for me to work with some people who would then be my drop shipper while selling products. I would pay their wholesale cost and I would keep the profit. They would pay all eBay and PayPal fees. It was a win-win situation. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The summer was looking up and I was doing really well. I was looking forward to growing my business and helping to get a future established for my &amp; my family, as well as my mother. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then “Jeff” came in to my life. Jeff had a camera business in the UK. I checked out the website and it appeared to be legit. He was initially looking for eBay sellers to handle the eBay side of things while he handled the website and actual store front. He had called me a few times, sent me all the information I needed and I decided to work with him. Since I would be handling all the emails and such, it was almost like a part time job and I was getting decent part time pay. Easy work. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I listed a camera lens. Nikon. Nothing cheap. It sold. I got the money, paid the eBay and PayPal fees out of Jeff’s share, took my weekly pay, and sent the rest to Jeff so he could package the item and send it out. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The buyers name was Benny. Benny from NY. Benny and Jeff had spoken on the phone. Everything was going great. Jeff gave me a tracking number and the trucking company it was being shipped through. We were good to go. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I continued to work on eBay through listings and other Power Sellers. I had put writing on hold, and would only do some DS Title work here and there to keep my logins.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One day Benny became frustrated. Jeff’s phone had been disconnected after their last conversation regarding the late shipment (damaged container, had to be sent back to Jeff and he had to resend a new one) and he was starting to worry. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My internal alarm went off, but I had tracking information. The website was being updated. I had no choice but to wait.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And wait I did.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And waited.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And waited.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And then, Benny filed an eBay/PayPal claim. This was not a small sum of money. Not something I could just whip out of my checkbook. No, this was over $4000. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">(For obvious reason I have to leave some details out because there is still an open international investigation)<br /><br /><b>I didn't want to talk about it because I was extremely&nbsp;embarrassed.&nbsp;</b><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeff was nowhere to be found.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I cried.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, I freaked out.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I screamed. I threw things.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I put holes in my walls.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t remember the last time I was so angry.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, I went to my bed, wrapped up in my blanket like a moth in a cocoon and hid from the world.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My depression was at an all time low.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the first time in my life, I was actually suicidal and I was scared of myself.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also knew that I had to take care of this. Benny should not suffer because of my own stupidity.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I took my anger and turned it into something useful.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I started to search for “Jeff.”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He left an internet trail and I followed it as far as I could.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found out the camera website was fake. The address on there to the store was registered to another business in London. &nbsp;The VAT # (think sales tax) was registered to another business, and their business registration number was registered to a used car dealership. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It gets better.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The shipping company – does not exist. I called Companies House in the UK. It is where all businesses must register. There was no such company. Upon further investigation, all of the information on that website also belonged to different businesses.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I dug some more.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I did a WHOIs to see who the domains were registered to.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Both owned by the same person. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This someone was not named “Jeff.”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I launched a full-fledged investigation. I contacted my local and state authorities. I contacted the FBI, FTC, Fraud.UK, and about 8 other organizations to report fraud. Freelancer.com removed all if his identities. I then called PayPal for help.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After weeks of endless reporting , searching, and phone calls I was finally able to get a break in the case.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The email address I sent the PayPal to was not registered to a “Jeff” but rather a lady. I will leave her name out because she is not at fault and scammed just as much as I was.&nbsp; I had sent her an email thinking it was “Jeff” or his partner while I was on the phone with the PayPal girl.&nbsp; I immediately got an email back.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The lady I sent the money to was also hired by “Jeff” on Freelancer.com to work with the investors in his camera company. She was told that investors would be sending her money and she was to field them to another PayPal account. A Merchant Account which has a rolling savings. She would then forward the money to Jeff using her PayPal debit card via. Western Union for a wire transfer. Directly deposited into his bank account. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She called PayPal, told them what was going on. They filed a dispute on her debit card, closed the Merchant account, and got all the money back. She was able to pay me back, so I was able to pay Benny back, cancel the auction and get a credit for the final value fee.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Best part?<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He left a trail. A giant hole in his scam. A bank account and a passport.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I handed it all over to the international fraud department and the bank where the account was registered.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Benny is happy.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He should be.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I on the other hand am not.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel violated. I feel stupid. But most of all I am absolutely disgusted.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before using drop shippers, do your homework. I highly suggest you stay within the US, but I know that is not always possible for the best deals. Validate the business no matter what country it is in. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know I have learned my lesson.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, while this one was going on – there was another.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll leave that tale for tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Webstore Link :&nbsp;<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f8f8f8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;"><a href="http://dcoutlet.webstore.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;">dcoutlet.Webstore.com</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f8f8f8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;">Ebay Link:&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/dcoutletstore">http://myworld.ebay.com/dcoutletstore</a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f8f8f8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f8f8f8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;">eBid Link : Coming Soon!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f8f8f8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 11px;">In the meantime check out all of the wonderful things eBid has to offer. I was surprised after reading the eBay forums how many Power Sellers actually sell on this website. Many have moved off eBay because of all the problems.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-5170521-10941795" target="_blank"></a><br /><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-5170521-10941795" target="_blank"><img alt="eBid. Online Auctions with no listing fees.  " border="0" height="60" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-5170521-10941795" width="120" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79949528229936115952011-10-06T18:13:00.000-04:002011-10-06T18:13:41.219-04:00Get Ready for Autumn Weekend Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/"><img src="http://www.barefootbooks.com/files/3512/8596/6446/BFB_Logo_Horiz_Tag_RGB_Newsletter.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;<span>Starting Thursday, 13th October and running&nbsp;</span>until<span>&nbsp;Monday, 17th October, you&nbsp;</span>will&nbsp;<span>receive a fantastic 20% off ALL your orders on everything on my <a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">website</a> when you use code&nbsp;<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>OCTSALE</strong></span>!</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span>The free shipping offer will still be valid!&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span><a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">Chrystal's Barefoot Books</a></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27137551542214882182011-09-28T12:30:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.328-05:00Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msGSSutgsQ8/ToM-d5tC_-I/AAAAAAAAAh4/JEXYjBYTAIs/s1600/_225_350_Book.472.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msGSSutgsQ8/ToM-d5tC_-I/AAAAAAAAAh4/JEXYjBYTAIs/s320/_225_350_Book.472.cover.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was looking through the books to review, I have to admit my heart stopped a minute when I read the description of this book. There in front of me was a story that I actually knew a little bit about.&nbsp; What caught my attention was the quote from Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor of LifeChurch.tv in Oklahoma.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some of you may not know this, but I spent most of my life in Oklahoma. The first half, until I graduated high school, in Tulsa, the rest of my time was spent in Stillwater before moving back to my birthplace of Michigan. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am very family with LifeChurch as I was part of the family, my ex husband and I were both involved in the church. He served by greeting and ushering, I served by being a part of LifeKids in the 2-3 year old room. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">During my time there I had heard stories about people and things they had tried to do to Craig. I am not sure why anyone would make such a big deal over him. But over the years, as LiveChurch grew into a worldwide service, I can certainly understand why he would be the subject of many discussions. Craig took the simple concept of one church, multiple locations to a whole new level. LifeChurch is based in Edmond, OK. It is the largest LifeChurch building in the state, next to Stillwater. This church then had many campus locations throughout the state and surrounding. Taking a live satellite feed of the Edmond campus and broadcasting it to each campus location. While each campus location had an associate pastor that would speak before we would watch Craig, it was Craig who led us all. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">LifeChurch grew with every passing day. When I first started going to church, we were in a middle school auditorium for quite some time before we outgrew it. Eventually they found some property and were able to build this massive space. It was an amazing thing to watch as I have never witnessed something like this before. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, it only seemed natural that I be interested in a book that was centered on a plot to kill Craig Groeschel. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Meet Michael Leehan. At the age of 33 Michael made a decision to serve the darkness that had consumed his life for so long. He thought it would make his life easier; instead, he began a downward spiral to ruining his life. &nbsp;Leehan performed ritualistic cuttings; blood scarifies, served some time in jail, lost custody of his children, and lost job after job. He also became estranged from his family and friends. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first half of the book is about Michael’s life. How his parents treated him, the drug addiction, the near death experience. How his met his children’s mother and the relationships that followed. In the middle of the book is where it takes the turn. The darkness tells Leehan he must kill Craig Groeschel when he sees his family becoming involved in the church. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether you are a believer or not, the story is a great one to read. LifeChurch is still thriving, and Craig Groeshel is still going strong. Michael Leehan was able to turn his life around, but you’ll have to read the story to find out what happened.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free as part of a writers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87958376565273196142011-09-20T19:48:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.331-05:00Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh<div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know how you nicely tell someone you’ve read it before. This was one of those same story, same characters (with different names) and pretty much the same plot. The only difference was, it was each one of those&nbsp; dollar store paperback novels that you quickly grab at the check-out counter for a quick summer read, all rolled in to one story.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The good part is, even though it was predictable and so much the same, I still liked it. It wasn’t as fast paced as I like my stories to be, but it was a nice “cozy up with a warm fuzzy blanket” sort of book. Restless in Carolina is the final book in Tamara Leigh's Southern Discomfort trilogy, and since I have not read the other books in the series, I can’t really say how they all tie in together. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is a widow at 33. Something she is still trying to come to terms with, years after her husband’s death. She is also the person responsible for selling her family’s estate. I prime piece of real estate for the right developer. &nbsp;However, the Pickwicks are not interested in a single -family home subdivision. No one can interest them in anything that will bring in tourist. They want to keep the land as natural and simple as possible.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">J.C. Dirk is a “green” property developer and sparks the interest of Bridget in more ways than one.&nbsp; What follows is a tale of secrets, stories, life, love and happy endings that you have read about in every other novel, but not put together nice and cozy as this one.<br /><br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from &nbsp;as part of a bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84645811644068714112011-09-17T07:10:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.334-05:00A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqMQ7aHO1wM/TnPObkA0TII/AAAAAAAAAho/3eu2SmtDjvo/s1600/ALCCsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqMQ7aHO1wM/TnPObkA0TII/AAAAAAAAAho/3eu2SmtDjvo/s1600/ALCCsm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The temperatures started to really drop here in Michigan. I was a little worried about trying to get in to a Christmas book so early, but with the chill in the air, I curled up with some hot tea and a soft blanket. It was a short, easy read, reading it in a day’s time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jamie has dreams. There has to be more to life than being a photographer at Sears Portrait Studio. An absent father enters her life, promising her an agent. This father is obviously trying to buy her love by getting her expensive clothes, cars and cameras. Perhaps he thinks this is to help with coping after the loss of her mother. &nbsp;C.J., her husband of four years, and his search &amp; rescue dog Tucker, find themselves in the middle of a snowstorm on a journey out of town.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jamie promised her doctor that on her way she would drop off a homemade wooden whistle to 6 year old Danny. Danny lives at the end of town in the Amish community. As Jamie gets out of the car, in an obvious hurry, the car slides back into the snow &amp; ice covered pond.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stranded in the Amish home, Jamie learns of the life between Sol &amp; Mattie Riehl, their son Danny, and teen cousin Zach. The Rielhs, dealing with their own emotional turmoil, quickly make friends with the couple. </div><div class="MsoNormal">While one husband and wife reflect on the other, it is clear that not everyone is perfect. Marriage is hard work and one should not be so quick to want to end it. Between the two familes each are forced to question their faith during a turn of events on the Riehl farm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One Christmas morning, the families are given the best gift of all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though the book is a little predictable, it was still warm and heartfelt. It is sure to be a Christmas treasure to share year after year.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection</b>: I received this book free &nbsp;as part of a bloggers review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-T-TITm-04/TnPOxzcaWwI/AAAAAAAAAhs/tNSQDwR2xUc/s1600/suzanne11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-T-TITm-04/TnPOxzcaWwI/AAAAAAAAAhs/tNSQDwR2xUc/s1600/suzanne11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the book:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic;">With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail,&nbsp;<u></u>Suzanne Woods Fisher<u></u>&nbsp;offers readers a beautiful Christmas story of love, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.<u></u><u></u></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About Suzanne:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to<u></u>Pennsylvania<u></u>, as well as to&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Ohio<u></u><u></u>, a couple of times each year for research.<br /><br />Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world.&nbsp; In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.<br /><br />When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Suzanne can be found on-line at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/">www.suzannewoodsfisher.com</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Link to buy the book:<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lancaster-County-Christmas-Suzanne-Fisher/dp/0800719956/ref=sprightly-20" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>Lancaster-County-Christmas-<wbr></wbr>Suzanne-Fisher/dp/0800719956/<wbr></wbr>ref=sprightly-20</a><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-weight: bold;"><u></u><u></u></span></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyXq_041ALU/TnPPd8gHJjI/AAAAAAAAAhw/CRkHWYej0qQ/s1600/ALCC_300x250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyXq_041ALU/TnPPd8gHJjI/AAAAAAAAAhw/CRkHWYej0qQ/s1600/ALCC_300x250.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">To celebrate the release of her first Christmas book,&nbsp;<u></u>Suzanne Woods Fisher<u></u>&nbsp;has teamed up with her publisher,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.revellbooks.com/ME2/Audiences/Default.asp" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Revell</a>, to bring you the "Christmas in September" iPad Giveaway!</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;The winner will be announced on 9/27 at the&nbsp;<i><span style="font-style: italic;">A Lancaster County Christmas&nbsp;</span></i><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215657098490794" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebook Party</a></span></b>! Details below. Tell your friends and join in the fun (9/7-9/27).<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Oh and be sure to follow&nbsp;<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13425768" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">the blog tour here</a>&nbsp;- many of the bloggers have copies of the book to giveaway!&nbsp;</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">(Enter graphic here – attached.)<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Suzanne and Revell will be presenting one merry winner with a Christmas Prize Pack (valued at over $600):</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">A Brand New iPad 2 with Wi-Fi<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">$25 gift certificate to iTunes<u></u><u></u></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">A copy of<i><span style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;A Lancaster County Christmas</span></i><u></u><u></u></span></span></li></span></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">To enter, click here&nbsp;<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13425768" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://litfusegroup.com/<wbr></wbr>blogtours/text/13425768</a>.&nbsp;</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;But, hurry the giveaway ends on 9/26.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">But, wait! There's more!</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;The winner will be announced at the&nbsp;<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215657098490794" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party</a></span></b>&nbsp;on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *<b><span style="font-weight: bold;">BIG*</span></b>&nbsp;- you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.<u></u><u></u></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><b>THE BLOG TOUR</b></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/7<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Crystal</span></span><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;at Eccentric Eclectic Woman &nbsp;<a href="http://finamoon.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://finamoon.blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Charlene at Quintessentially Quilly&nbsp;<a href="http://quilldancer.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://quilldancer.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe&nbsp;<a href="http://juliearduini.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://juliearduini.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mocha with Linda&nbsp;<a href="http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mochawithlinda.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Wendi's Book Corner&nbsp;<a href="http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://wendisbookcorner.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Pamela at MommieCEOs&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mommieceos.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mommieceos.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/8<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jennifer at Reflections in the Window&nbsp;<a href="http://reflectionsinthewindow.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://reflectionsinthewindow.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Holly at Savey Spender&nbsp;<a href="http://saveyspender.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://saveyspender.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Abi at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS&nbsp;<a href="http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://myheartbelongs2books.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Susie QTpies at Scraps of Life&nbsp;<a href="http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://cafescrapper-<wbr></wbr>scrapsoflife.blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Billie the Girl&nbsp;<a href="http://www.billiethegirl.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.billiethegirl.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/9<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer&nbsp;<a href="http://ramblingsofacoffeeaddictedwrter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>ramblingsofacoffeeaddictedwrte<wbr></wbr>r.blogspot.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mark at Thoughts of a Sojourner&nbsp;<a href="http://thoughtsofasojourner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thoughtsofasojourner.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Valentina &nbsp;at Carabosse's Library&nbsp;<a href="http://carabosseslibrary.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://carabosseslibrary.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Laurie Here Reading and Writing Reviews&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lauriehere.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.lauriehere.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/10<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Nise' at Under the Boardwalk&nbsp;<a href="http://nisefunpages.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://nisefunpages.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Maggie at Tethered Mommy&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tetheredmommy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.tetheredmommy.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Heidi at Starts At Eight&nbsp;<a href="http://www.startsateight.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.startsateight.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Janelle at Cole Clan Adventures&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usmajcole.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.usmajcole.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Karla at Ramblin' Roads&nbsp;<a href="http://ramblinroadstoeverywhere.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>ramblinroadstoeverywhere.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/12<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Anne at Mommy Has to Work&nbsp;<a href="http://mommyhastowork.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommyhastowork.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ruth at This That and the Other Thing&nbsp;<a href="http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://rannthisthat.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">April’s Lifestyle Show&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aprilslifestyleshow.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>aprilslifestyleshow.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mindy at A Room without Books is Empty&nbsp;<a href="http://detweilermom.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://detweilermom.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mary Ann at A Mom With A Blog&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amomwithablog.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.amomwithablog.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/13<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ashley at One of a kind review for Great books&nbsp;<a href="http://ashleyeddins.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ashleyeddins.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Molly at Reviews By Molly&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reviewsbymolly.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.reviewsbymolly.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Leah at Love Grows Best Homeschool&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lovegrowsbesthomeschool.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>lovegrowsbesthomeschool.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Alaina at Dinker &amp; Giggles&nbsp;<a href="http://dinkerandgiggles.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://dinkerandgiggles.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mollie at The Gandy's Home Base&nbsp;<a href="http://thegandyshomebase.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thegandyshomebase.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/14<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Danielle at The Happy Wife&nbsp;<a href="http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://juanshappywife.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Vic's Media Room&nbsp;<a href="http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://vicsmediaroom.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shari</span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;at The Knit Wit by Shair&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theknitwitbyshair.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.theknitwitbyshair.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Caroline at Happy Four&nbsp;<a href="http://happyfour.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://happyfour.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Busy Julie&nbsp;<a href="http://busyjulieblog.blogspot/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://busyjulieblog.blogspot</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Joy at Splashes Of Joy&nbsp;<a href="http://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://splashesofjoy.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/15<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Karla at Quiet Quilter&nbsp;<a href="http://www.karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.karla-hanns-karla.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Laurel at Snowflakes to Hotcakes, with Bits of Grace&nbsp;<a href="http://fromsnowflakestohotcakes.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>fromsnowflakestohotcakes.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Bab’s Book Bistro&nbsp;<a href="http://www.babsbookbistro.net/blog" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.babsbookbistro.net/<wbr></wbr>blog</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Laura at Lighthouse Academy&nbsp;<a href="http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lighthouse-academy.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Briana at I Can't Decide&nbsp;<a href="http://briana-icantdecide.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://briana-icantdecide.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/16<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Michelle at Our Little Corner of the World&nbsp;<a href="http://littlecornerofworld.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://littlecornerofworld.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Gretta at The Johns Family&nbsp;<a href="http://grettajohns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://grettajohns.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Christy at Home of OHM&nbsp;<a href="http://www.scrappy2010ramblings.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>scrappy2010ramblings.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Patricia at Dream A Little Dream&nbsp;<a href="http://liveanddreamalittledream.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>liveanddreamalittledream.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Melinda Joy: Living, Laughing, Loving&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reviewsbymelindajoy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>reviewsbymelindajoy.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/17<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shonda at The Knowlton Nest&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jsknowlton.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.jsknowlton.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Karen's Korner&nbsp;<a href="http://stillmagnolias.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://stillmagnolias.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mel at MamaBuzz&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mamabzz.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mamabzz.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Christine at Write to the Heart&nbsp;<a href="http://writing2theheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://writing2theheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Chrystal at Self Employed Writer&nbsp;<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.selfemployedwriter.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/19<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Musings By&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Lynn<u></u><u></u>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.musingsbylynn.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>musingsbylynn.blogspot.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jennifer at Life Happens / A Book Lovers Dream&nbsp;<a href="http://lifehappensmamastyle.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lifehappensmamastyle.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Loren at Heart of A Bookworm&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartofabookworm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.heartofabookworm.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Paige at Page by Paige&nbsp;<a href="http://thesweetandthesassy.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thesweetandthesassy.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews&nbsp;<a href="http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://knitsandreads.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/20<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jodie at Mom's Pace&nbsp;<a href="http://www.moms-pace.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.moms-pace.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Julee at Mommy's Memorandum&nbsp;<a href="http://mommysmemorandum.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommysmemorandum.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Pamela at Daysong Reflections&nbsp;<a href="http://daysongreflections.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://daysongreflections.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Libby's Library&nbsp;<a href="http://www.libslibrary.blogsopt.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.libslibrary.<wbr></wbr>blogsopt.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Andi at Radiant Light&nbsp;<a href="http://www.frommipov.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.frommipov.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Hattie at Everything Has A Purpose&nbsp;<a href="http://readwithtea.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://readwithtea.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Lizzie at A Dusty Frame&nbsp;<a href="http://www.adustyframe.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.adustyframe.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Marissa at The Review Stew&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thereviewstew.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.thereviewstew.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/21<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Faith at Labor Not In Vain&nbsp;<a href="http://labornotinvain.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://labornotinvain.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jettie's Ramblings&nbsp;<a href="http://jettiesramblings.blogpot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://jettiesramblings.<wbr></wbr>blogpot.com/</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Paula at The Phantom Paragrapher&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thephantomparagraher.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>thephantomparagraher.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Pamela at The Pondering Princess&nbsp;<a href="http://www.livelaughlovewiththeponderingprincess.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>livelaughlovewiththeponderingp<wbr></wbr>rincess.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Cara at The Law, Books and Life&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.caraputman.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://blog.caraputman.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tammy at Tammy Is Blessed&nbsp;<a href="http://tammyisblessed.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://tammyisblessed.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/22<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">My Friend Amy&nbsp;<a href="http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.myfriendamysblog.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts&nbsp;<a href="http://christianchicksthoughts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>christianchicksthoughts.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sheila&nbsp; at Showcase Sisters&nbsp;<a href="http://showcasesisters.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://showcasesisters.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Maureen at Simply Stacie&nbsp;<a href="http://simplystacie.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://simplystacie.net</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Donna at Books and such&nbsp;<a href="http://bookworm56.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bookworm56.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Staci at 7 on a Shoestring&nbsp;<a href="http://7onashoestring.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://7onashoestring.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/<u></u>23<u></u><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Melanie at So Many Books.. So Little Time&nbsp;<a href="http://melanieski.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://melanieski.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tiffany at A Cozy Reader's Corner&nbsp;<a href="http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://acozyreaderscorner.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ponderings by Andrea&nbsp;<a href="http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://andrealschultz.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Carrie at Farming On Faith&nbsp;<a href="http://farmingonfaith.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://farmingonfaith.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shoopette's Book Reviews&nbsp;<a href="http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://shoopettesbookreviews.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">JHS at Colloquium&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jhsiess.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.jhsiess.com</a>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/24<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kelli at The Zen of Motherhood&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.thezenofmotherhood.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Carol at Books Before Food&nbsp;<a href="http://bookbeforefood.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bookbeforefood.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kat at Reviews From The Heart&nbsp;<a href="http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://reviewsfromtheheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tracy</span></span><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">'s Treasure of Books&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tracystreasureofbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>tracystreasureofbooks.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Brynna at Joy Filled Living&nbsp;<a href="http://joyfilledmama.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://joyfilledmama.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Amber at Seasons of Humilityhttp://<a href="http://www.seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.<wbr></wbr>seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Megan at The joys of life&nbsp;<a href="http://www.raunandmegan.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.raunandmegan.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Lori at Frog's Lilypad&nbsp;<a href="http://lori1971.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lori1971.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tracy</span></span><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">'s Nook&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tracysnook.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.tracysnook.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/26<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Michelle at Life in Review&nbsp;<a href="http://lifeinreviewblog.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lifeinreviewblog.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Marjorie at The Writer's Tool&nbsp;<a href="http://marjorievawter.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://marjorievawter.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Linda at Christian Book Reviews&nbsp;<a href="http://www.onedesertrose.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.onedesertrose.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Joyce at Deco My Heart&nbsp;<a href="http://joyanne-decomyheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://joyanne-decomyheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ariel at The Librarian's Bookshelf&nbsp;<a href="http://thelibrariansbookshelf.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thelibrariansbookshelf.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ashley's Bookshelf&nbsp;<a href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ashleysbookshelf.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Anna at The Cross Is All&nbsp;<a href="http://annawood.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://annawood.wordpress.com/</a><wbr></wbr>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kristie at Family, Scrapbooks and Coffee&nbsp;<a href="http://needcoffeeplease.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://needcoffeeplease.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;</span></span></div></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26329049107290088632011-09-09T20:09:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.336-05:00The Quotable Rogue by Matt West<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:5.3.10SarahPalinByDavidShankbone.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sarah Palin at the Time 100 Gala, in Manhattan..." height="388" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/5.3.10SarahPalinByDavidShankbone.jpg/300px-5.3.10SarahPalinByDavidShankbone.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:5.3.10SarahPalinByDavidShankbone.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The Ideals of Sarah Palin : In Her Own Words</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not a political person. I tend to be in the middle of either side. There are things about one side I don’t like, but do whether it be democrat or republican. It makes things rather difficult in my head. But, we are not going to get into a political chit-chat about that.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think Sarah Palin, as a person, intrigued me. Here was this strong woman from Alaska. I mean, Alaska! How many people do you know up there who ice fishes? Not only that, but guts, cleans and cooks their fish right on the lake side? Not many. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She’s blunt, she’s true to herself and she’s real.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether you believe in her views or not, whether I do or not, does not change the way I see her as a strong individual woman.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first chapter is the author speaking his views on Palin. How he started writing about her on a political blog, and followed her through the campaign. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As soon as he is done, BAM! The abortion chapter rears its ugly head first. Maybe not the topic I would have started with. How about Alaska, or her background, or maybe even her love for Americans?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have problems with someone making my decisions for me. I will not force my thoughts or decisions on someone else. It’s my body, it’s my choice. Does that mean I am for abortion? No. But I am not against it in certain circumstances. I know so many people say “oh so many people out there need a baby” and all I want to say is, do you know how many children are in our foster care and adoption system that patiently wait for a home? Not many do because they don’t want to know.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I am saying though is that I do not want anyone to take my right to choose away from me. It is my life. &nbsp;Would I have one? I doubt it. But I can’t make the choice for someone else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So trying to read through these types of topics that are so “my way is the right way” makes me want to do nothing more than throw my Nook across the room.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">By the end of the chapter I realize I can’t sit here and read a book full of quotes.&nbsp; Nor do I care to pick apart my beliefs vs. hers or anyone else’s. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although I have to admit I was quite tickled on the chapter about living in Alaska. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=7ff8e1f4-48cb-4e45-84ae-1911ecfccde7" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55598760240654768642011-09-09T16:41:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.338-05:00Boscuttis Don Thompson by Stefano Boscutti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80789?ref=cmahan"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjuNGMXQIdI/Tmp5s3rDbcI/AAAAAAAAAhk/35jav5VEFYE/s1600/boscutti-don-simpson-novel-150.jpg" /></a></div>It's wild! It's crazy! It will take you for a ride.<br /><br />No.<br /><br />It really will. Just trust me.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Steve Buscemi was an author instead of an actor? I have.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wondered if his speaking voice would carry through to his writing voice and what that would “sound” like. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book would read something like:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stop.</div><div class="MsoNormal">She wore red.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wait.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Come back.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I like red.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Red is pretty.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It goes with her hair.</div><div class="MsoNormal">End.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just very cut and dry, short stop sentences. No real description because it’s obvious what’s going on.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was given a chance to read a book by <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80789?ref=cmahan">Stefano Boscutti called Boscutti’s Don Simpson (Novel)</a>. Up to this point I had never heard of Mr. Boscutti, but as with all books I will read anything once. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was a little worried when I first started this book.&nbsp; I felt like I was starting to read a screenplay with the first line “Fade up live version of JIMI HENDRIX’S psychedelic ‘Are You Experienced?’ under flashes of ‘Dangerous Minds’ movie poster with MICHELLE PFEIFFER……”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And what’s up with those caps?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every famous person mentioned in this novel is done in all caps. Now, I have read many novels in my 36 years of life but I can honestly say I have never read a novel where there were caps for people’s names.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Nor have I read a novel where it feels like you are reading an autobiography turned screenplay. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have now. And I was greedy in absorbing every word of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fade to black.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Simpson">Don Simpson</a>,1943-1996, was the film producer responsible for such hit movies as Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, Top Gun and The Rock. You may know his partners name, Jerry Bruckheimer, more than you might know Simpson.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not sure why that is. I have seen these movies over and over again, and Simpson was never a name that stood out for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is not a biography. It’s not even a memoir. It’s purely a work of fiction. I have one word for it:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Brilliant. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or in this case it would be BRILLIANT!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Descriptive, but short and to the point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not long.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not all drawn out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s right to the point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So where does Steve Buscemi &nbsp;fit in to all of this?&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He’s in my head.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I read this novel I found myself reading it as if the voice was Buscemi because I guess my brain was telling me that’s how Simpson would sound if he were telling his story out loud. Or, if this were happy hour story time, the voice reading to us would be Buscemi. It is what it is, I have no other explanation. Sometimes my brain has a mind of its own.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80789?ref=cmahan">Boscutti picks the novel</a> up the day that Don Simpson went into cardiac arrest for combined drug intoxication. Ouch. What follows is Simpson “speaking” at the beginning of every chapter and then the rest of the chapter is the “story” of the events in Simpson’s life. You get the sense that this is one of those stories that he’s “telling” or remembering in his head as his life fades away. He is alone and there is nothing anyone can do to save him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stories unfold about drug addiction, alcohol, sex addiction, S&amp;M sex fetish, plenty of foul words, prostitution, and a behind the scenes look of the movie business. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is it fact or fiction? It makes you wonder. Every time another star is mentioned I start thinking back to that time period and wondering, “Did this really happen”? Do I remember this? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, maybe it DID happen?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is it live? Or is it Memorex? Oh, poo. You know I just had to say it. Its so cliché, its perfect.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once you get through the 100 and some chapters, don’t worry, they are short and to the point, you reach the Authors Note. Because I have never read a story written like this I really wanted to find out more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is what Boscutti has to say “I’m fairly excitable, brisk-talking person. So, if that’s how I communicate with words coming out of my mouth, that’s how I am going to communicate with my words coming out of my fingers onto the keyboard. I tend to have short sentences, pretty abrupt. Some may call it jarring. I’ll chop out unnecessary words to speed up the text, to accelerate the story. ………chops intro and outro to speed up the story……favor words that can do the job in two syllables rather than three…..avoid literary-type words…..I don’t want to write typical stories that live in books, that live and die on the page. I want to liberate my stories. I want to electrify them. I want to give them life. “</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why suddenly do I feel like giving the finger to half the literary agents I know?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have written like this. Not a full- fledged novel, but rather some web posts and had people bash me for calling myself a writer, well, really I was just a blogger, and telling me I had so style.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, maybe in this day and age there really is no style.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While this was supposed to be a book review, I fear it has turned into more of an author review. But when a novel is good, the author is good and I feel Boscutti’s writing style with Buscemi voice deserves to be noted.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wonder if he needs an apprentice. I could use a short sentenced mentor.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well done, Maestro. Well done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80789?ref=cmahan">Now, readers, go!</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I mean RUN!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, I guess we don’t run in the virtual world but just click on over to the website of your choice where you get your books and get this book. While you are there, check out some of his others, I know I will.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think Elvis will be entering the building since Simpson just checked out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">©2011 Chrystal Mahan</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52829144978090334872011-09-06T16:56:00.002-04:002011-10-06T18:36:07.636-04:00Mat Kearney's : Young LoveI have been a fan of Mat Kearney ever since I heard the song "Undeniable." The thing about Kearney is that he really is not like all the other artists out there. He is a bit poppy, but rather catchy. He does not follow the beaten path when it comes to being a pop tart. That suits me just fine. Britney Spears ruined me forever when it comes to the pop tart music scene.<br /><br />I enjoy the fact that Kearney's lyrics are soulful and you can actually feel them. What I don't like with the new album, Young Love, is that the music sounds a little bit like the past albums. Different words, same music. I certainly hope hes not going to follow in the footsteps of bands like Godsmack and Nickleback who&nbsp;re-purpose&nbsp;guitar&nbsp;rifs for the sake of another hit.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Don't become a sell out.<br /><br />If you enjoy some catchy, easy on the ears tunes, than this is a perfect album for you.<br /><br />I received this CD for free as part of the One 2 One Network. I was not required to write a positive review, just an honest one.<br /><br /><br />For More Information:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Mat Kearney</strong></span>'s third album,&nbsp;<strong><em>Young Love</em></strong>, hit stores last week<span style="color: #ff6600;">debuting on the #1 spot on iTunes</span>&nbsp;Album and Rock charts and is currently sitting at #5!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Propelled by the&nbsp;<span style="color: #ff6600;">sunny handclap</span>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<span style="color: #ff6600;">catchy hook</span>&nbsp;of hit single "<span style="color: #ff6600;">Hey Mama</span>",&nbsp;<em>Young Love</em>&nbsp;is quickly making listeners fall for Mat all over again.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9qUMr6feOI&amp;feature=player_embedded" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Check out the video for "Hey Mama" here</span></a>.&nbsp; And check out his really cool&nbsp;</span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><a href="http://bit.ly/YLWidget" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">thinglink widget here.</span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />Mat Kearney is&nbsp;<span style="color: #ff6600;">an O2O favorite</span>&nbsp;and some of you may have been lucky enough to catch his super fun&nbsp;<span style="color: #ff6600;">performance at BlissDom'11</span>&nbsp;where he did a surprised duet with Michelle Branch.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you aren't familiar with Mat's music you've probably heard some of his previous hits on your favorite TV shows.&nbsp; Past songs have appeared on&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">30 Rock, Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, NCIS, and numerous other television shows.</span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mat's been winning over crowds on tours with everyone from John Mayer and Sheryl Crow to Keane and The Fray.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Young Love&nbsp;</em>Tracklisting</span></strong></span><br /><div class="track typeMP3" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 Hey Mama</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 Ships In The Night</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />3 Count On Me</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />4 Sooner Or Later</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />5 Chasing The Light</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />6 Learning To Love Again</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />7 Down</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />8 She Got The Honey</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />9 Young Dumb And In Love</span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />10 Rochester<br />11 Seventeen</span></span></div><div class="track typeMP3" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mat on Tour&nbsp;This Fall</span></span></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mat is hitting the road in September playing nearly 40 shows in US&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Canada.&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;Tickets on sale now.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="title" style="color: #2b393c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">9/14 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Jacksonville, FL</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Murray Hill &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/16 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Charleston, SC &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Music Farm &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/17 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Athens, GA</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; GA Theater &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/18 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Carrboro, NC&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cat's Cradle&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/20 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Charlottesville, VA&nbsp;</span>&nbsp; Jefferson Theater &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/23 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Louisville, KY&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Headliners &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/24 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Cincinnati, OH &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bogart's &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/25 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Cleveland, OH</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; House of Blues &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/27 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Interlochen, MI</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Corson Aud &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/29 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Urbana, IL &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Canopy Club &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />9/30 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;Milwaukee, WI&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Turner Hall &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/1 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Des Moines, IA</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; People's Court &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/2 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Omaha, NE</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sokol Auditorium &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/4 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Bloomington, IN</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bluebird &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/5 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp; St Louis, MO &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Pageant &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/7 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Oxford, MS&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Lyric&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/8 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pine Mountain, GA</span>&nbsp;&nbsp; Callaway Gardens&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">10/9 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Birmingham,&nbsp;AL</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Workplay Theatre&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />10/20 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Nashville, TN &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cannery &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/23 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp; Washington, DC &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:30 Club &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/24 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;Baltimore, MD &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ram's Head &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/25 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Lancaster, PA &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chameleon &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/27 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;Allentown, PA&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crocodile Rock &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10/28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; New York, NY &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Webster Hall &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />10/29 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp; Philadelphia, PA&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Theater of LIving Arts <br />10/30 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;Albany, NY &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Northern Lights &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 11/1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp; Northampton, MA&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pearl Street<br />11/2 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">New Haven, CT &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Toad's Place &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 11/4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Boston, MA &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; House of Blues &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />11/5 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Portland, ME &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; State Theatre <br />11/6 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Burlington, VT &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Higher Ground &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />11/8 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Montreal, QC&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Petite Campus<br />11/9 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;Toronto, ON &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Opera House &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />11/11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp; Buffalo, NY &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Town Ballroom &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />11/12 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp; Pittsburgh, PA</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rex Theater &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />11/13 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Detroit, MI &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; St. Andrews &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />11/15&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Columbus, OH&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Newport Music Hall<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11/17 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp; Chicago,&nbsp;IL &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp; House of Blues&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>11/19 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Madison, WI &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Majestic</span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">11/20 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">&nbsp; Minneapolis,&nbsp;MN &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">First Avenue</span></span></span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43871521336874715102011-08-29T08:40:00.002-04:002011-10-06T18:36:33.286-04:00Outsourcing Can Kiss My A$$<div class="MsoNormal">Outsourcing can kiss my ass.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It can.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not a prejudge or racist person by any means. And anyone who knows anything about my life and my ex husband can testify to that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to rant.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is going to take a bit so you might want to grab a cup of coffee and make sure you are nice and comfortable. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Outsourcing can kiss my ass.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I said it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">From January to June I took 9 college classes so I could graduate and not drag it out until Christmas. In that time Google had its big crackdown. &nbsp;I was actually happy about it. There is just too much crap out there and too many people stuffing it with crap just to make a few dollars. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It rattled many of the writing clients I had. At the time I was not concerned with it because school was keeping me busy and I did not have time to really think it over. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, here I am a graduate and I have to compete with people in other countries who will work for 50 cents an hour. I know the exchange rate pretty well and no matter what country you live in, that is hardly going to cover the cost your monthly internet connection.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am smart damn it. So smart that I was accepted into the graduate program, this will start in a few weeks. My time is worth much more than 50 cents, minimum wage, or hell even $15 an hour for that matter and that’s what I have my rates set at on jobs that need hourly payments. My project fees vary. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, I can’t seem to land one client in the categories I really want because “I costly.” I kid you not, that was actually a client’s reply to my bid. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most of the time I just brush it off and keep looking. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I ran across a man that lives here in the United States. He is looking for someone to work 5-8 hours a day to be his virtual assistant. He may require some Saturdays, too. They pay? Get this, $350.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No, that is not a typo and no, that is not per week. That is per MONTH.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That man should be ashamed of himself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted to bid on the job just to tell him that, but I feared losing my account along with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s just disgusting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t understand how anyone can make a living with clients saturating the boards with this rubbish.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86243398699050990292011-08-28T09:39:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.341-05:00The Cell by Chris Hambleton<object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/anuvlp6xYK8&amp;hl=en_US&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/anuvlp6xYK8&amp;hl=en_US&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What is wrong with the world today?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;I wonder if anyone sits down and really thinks about the state of the world. How many of those people really have the “well I won’t be alive to see it attitude”? Or, if you are like me, you wonder just what one person can really do to change so many things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hambleton has a way of telling a story. &nbsp;It may not be real today, but it could very well be real on the same day, within another year. &nbsp;What we have is a book, with a spiritual theme, and a Sci-Fi genre. Not many can pull of such a task. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I admit &nbsp;it took me a while to actually get in to this book. Once I stopped focusing on the present day and looked at it from a different point of view I was able to read between the lines a little more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“The Cell” is full of colorful characters; John, Najeev Mohammaed, William, the powerful Professor Burkhart who is also the main leading character, who helps John fight the Supreme Court against the Anit-Hate group, FAAHAD, which is completely corrupt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a world where Christianity is abolished. &nbsp;A world where Christianity has gone underground and groups rally to try to save it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every page brought new information. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At times I found it hard to follow along, but I was so engrossed I kept reading until there was an easy stopping point and would go back and scan over previous pages.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Engaging books can be overwhelming to some, but I found it quite enjoyable because I was reading something outside of my comfort box. I tend to shy away from books regarding religion and other countries. I fear too many rely on past events, such as 9/11 to feed their novels. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I did not feel that at all with this one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a book within a book. The author mixes fact with fiction, and it is up to you, the reader, to decide what to do with this information. You will see parallels with his Sci-Fi world and the world which you are living right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1609573528&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>What do you do with this information? Share it? Or pack the book away for safe keeping, as sort of a manual in case you should need it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What would happen if Christianity were to be declared a terrorist group in the world today?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That choice is yours, but you have to read the book first.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b>&nbsp;I received this book free from the author for a paid review. I was not required to write a positive review. &nbsp;I am required only to write my own opinions. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80816926631549571322011-08-27T12:50:00.012-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.343-05:00Free eBook: The Google Adsense Empire Handbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nkWroXKIsI/Tkarmj0LblI/AAAAAAAAAfs/GC73h9RPpdA/s1600/vae-ebookcover-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nkWroXKIsI/Tkarmj0LblI/AAAAAAAAAfs/GC73h9RPpdA/s1600/vae-ebookcover-small.jpg" /></a></div><br />This was one of the first ebooks I read when I ventured into blogging for money. I have had this blog since 2004. It was not until late 2010 I purchased a domain and changed the name &amp; format. In 2011 I started to set up adsense and a few other affiliates. I put the project on hold while I finished my education and worked on other things. I still work on monetizing this site here and there, but perhaps not as much as I should ;)<br /><br />You can download this adsense book here. <a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/94049682/Building-Your-Own-Adsense-Empire_A-2006-E.zip">Building Your Own Adsense Empire: The Google Adsense Handbook</a><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65507429000174352152011-08-26T15:08:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.346-05:00Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down by Jeremy Kingsley<div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g9P0bSNeL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy Kingsley, the founder of OneLife Ministries has been through his own share of hard times. These days, who hasn’t?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Having to deal with my own stressors, I thought I would give yet another “knock down get back up” themed book a chance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book is a quick read, only a mere 120 pages. I was able to get it read in a few hours. I happily absorbed everything Mr. Kingsley had to say. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I liked most about this book is he was honest. He let the reader know that we all go through rough times. Each person’s definition about what is rough to them is going change from person to person. But we all have a point in our life where things become hard, for many different reasons. We also all handle those things differently.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another good thing I liked about the book is how each chapter is full practical advice that anyone can follow. The book is more motivational and inspirational. You can have your moment where you throw yourself a pity party. It can’t last. Life does not stop and you must move forward. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What the book does give you is a little bit of guidance to show you what is going on around you. So you lost your job. Sorry and it is awful, but what are you going to do? You are going to treat looking for a new job as if that is now your job. File for unemployment and see if there are any state help benefits you can qualify for in your time of need. Start networking. What you may find is a career hiding right under your nose.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The point is to not dwell so much on what happened to make life tough. We all know it is tough and you know it too. But if you give up, you win nothing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69819532521328533042011-08-26T10:16:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.349-05:005 More Things I have Learned from the Amish<div class="MsoNormal">Guest blog from <st1:personname w:st="on">Suzanne Woods Fisher</st1:personname> for “Amish Values for Your Family” (Revell)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Five More Things I’ve Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Live humbly. </b>This is the basis of the Amish life. They don’t waste, they reuse and recycle, they live simply and without luxury, they provide for each other’s needs. Daily life is embroidered with gratitude for all God has given them. Two prayers bookend every meal—a meal begins with thanks to God for the nourishing food, and ends with gratitude for what was received.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “The blessing of sharing outweighs the blessing of having.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Choose simplicity over clutter. Economy over luxury. And give thanks!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A task takes as long as it takes.</b> It seems like such a paradox—the Amish are busy, yet unhurried. They have a deliberateness in their actions—one job isn’t more important than the other. And they don’t have televisions or computers or radios or telephones—which gives them more time to cook, fish at the lake, enjoy a good book, and spend with their children and grandchildren. They have time to slow down a bit—to smell the roses along their path. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Every day that dawns brings something to do that can never be done as well again.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Reduce the time where attention is focused on electronics (computer! Cell phone! Television!) and strive to be more emotionally present when with others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Success and Size are not related.</b> The Amish have rapidly adopted to the demands of the modern business world. Their self-owned businesses are remarkably successful, but not at the cost of everything else. They view money as a tool, not the goal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Love, peace, and happiness in the home is of infinitely more value than honor, fame and wealth.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Never let ambition destroy life’s better goals. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>They teach us not to seek vengeance but to forgive</b>. The Amish take the Lord’s Prayer seriously—if they are asking God to forgive them their sins, they must be willing to forgive others who have sinned against them. Being a forgiving person is an everyday intention. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “It is far better to forgive and forget than to resent and remember.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> No doubt you’re familiar with the Nickel Mines tragedy. I<span style="color: #111111;">f the Amish can forgive the killer of their children, can’t we forgive a friend for not inviting us to a party? Or a driver who cuts us off? Make forgiveness your default button. A habit. An everyday intention. <br /><br /></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>God has a plan</b>. To the Amish, everything passes through the hands of God. Everything. Joys and sorrows, both. God is sovereign over all—from weather to illness to births to who’s in the White House. They yield to God’s perfect will, trust Him for what they don’t understand, and thank Him for what they do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “God’s hand that holds the ocean’s depth can hold my small affairs. His hand, which guides the universe, can carry all my cares.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Trusting God isn’t passive—it takes a lot of work! But what peace and joy are available to us when we put our faith in the Almighty God. Everything, ultimately, works out for good. </div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:personname w:st="on"><i>Suzanne Woods Fisher</i></st1:personname><i> is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called&nbsp;<a href="http://toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom">Amish Wisdom</a>. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting&nbsp;is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award.&nbsp;Amish Peace: Simple and&nbsp;Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world.&nbsp; When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/suzannewoodsfisher" target="_blank"><b>Facebook,</b></a>&nbsp;<b><a href="http://twitter.com/suzannewfisher" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<b><a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">on her blog</a></b>!<o:p></o:p></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28118036439736949772011-08-25T09:20:00.003-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.351-05:00Amish Values for Your Family by Suzanne Woods Fischer<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1p6LYBtPEA/TlZfldriStI/AAAAAAAAAf8/9I7wrwU4hDY/s1600/Amish+Values+sm+website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q1p6LYBtPEA/TlZfldriStI/AAAAAAAAAf8/9I7wrwU4hDY/s1600/Amish+Values+sm+website.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For most of my adult life I have always been intrigued by the Amish way of life. I love their family unity, how the live, love, and learn from the land. I am amazed by their way of life, how they create, and how they cook. There are times when I wish my life could be less full of electronics and “things” and fuller of unity and appreciation. I crave a simple, minimal life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When it came time to read this book I was overcome with joy. I could not wait to dive in. I wondered how I would be able to incorporate something from the Amish way of life into my life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the very beginning of the book we are given some cold, hard facts:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span>children’s free time has declined by 12 hours a week</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span>time spent on structured sport activities has doubled</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span>family dinners are down 1/3</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span>family vacations are down 28%</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know how parents keep up.&nbsp; There is too much TV, too many video games, too much time on the internet, and pushing them through too many activities. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what has increased? The Amish. They are the strongest and most stable family systems in the US today. There is a close to ZERO percent of divorce, lower rate of heart disease, lower rate of cancer, and their children are not depressed, no suicidal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What does that tell you?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps there is something to the Amish that we can all adopt in our own way of life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite things I learned in this book was an excerpt regarding their view of the children; Children belong to God, not the parents. Parents raise their children with clear boundaries and healthy detachment. Hoped for, loved, but not adored. It is due to these values that children are always involved in the life of the family, jobs picked and suited to them and their age, but life does not revolve around them (Fischer, 16).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is a terrible problem in my household. Although I do not have any children of my own, my fiancé has a 6 year old daughter. Her mother/his ex wife had two children prior to their marriage, and when the daughter was just about 2, &nbsp;they separated, she had an affair and gave birth to a 4<sup>th</sup> child. The older two have no relationship with their fathers. With the divorce they lost the only father they had known, but they gained a new one eventually with the father of baby #4. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My fiancés mother/the daughter’s grammie seems to think these children are broken, even now after years of separation and divorce. Although she has gotten better about the other two since they are old enough to mouth off to her, she smothers the daughter of my fiancé and therefore she is not being taught the basic meaning to living, such as job, money, chores, responsibility. Instead she wants, cries, whines, and refuses to sit home and play.&nbsp; I feel my fiancé and his mother could benefit from this book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When the daughter is with me, I do my best to teach her to appreciate what she does have and take care of it. If she wants new, she does chores for me to earn her keep, and she donates some of her old to kids in need. My fiancé and I plan to take her to the soup kitchen so she can begin to grasp the real world from a point of view other than her grandmothers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pick chores and have her help me with cooking based on her age and what I know she can do. Funny thing, she loves it. She loves that she can do it! It teaches her so much better than running down the street to buy her something, which I refuse to do. It has been a long struggle for me these last 3 years trying to teach her a better way so she is not so spoiled. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Her father is amazed at her progress and even her mother has praised me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am glad someone is listening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I plan to keep this book as a reference and perhaps give it to his mother to read. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the other things I have just gotten in to that was also mentioned in the book is we make things instead of buying it. I make her father do crafts with us so we can bond and she can learn. Its proved to be an amazing amount of fun! It also reminds me of times with my own mother.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the things I am going to change right now is Christmas Day. One page 38 of the book we are given a story about how each child gets something the same, something they each need, and one small thing they want instead of overloading them with countless gifts the way so many do. My fiancé is a victim of that trap. He feels his daughter will love him less if he spends less and does not have a certain amount of presents. The same for his presents to his mother. I told him this year we are going to have to change that. We simply can’t afford to keep going the way he does. We plan to make a lot of gifts this year, with his daughter’s involvement. I think that is something special to the grandparents that no amount of money can buy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I vow a life with less “things” and more love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/this-weeks-contest-book-giveaway.html">Yesterday I spoke of a contest</a>, &nbsp;you will want to make sure you read about it.</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>I am also doing my own contest and giving a copy of the book away to my readers.</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>To participate you will get an entry for each of the following:</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>Commenting on this blog</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>"Liking" Me on Facebook</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>Tweeting my review</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>Entering the authors contest</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><br /></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>Please leave me a comment letting me know what you have completed. I will randomly pick the winner on Monday.</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b>&nbsp;I received this book free from the publisher as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. &nbsp;I am required only to write my own opinions. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;If you care to follow <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13421895">the blog tour</a>:</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/15<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tea Time with Annie Kate&nbsp;<a href="http://anniekateshomeschoolreviews.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>anniekateshomeschoolreviews.<wbr></wbr>com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Crystal</span></span><u></u><u></u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">at Eccentric Eclectic Woman &nbsp;<a href="http://finamoon.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://finamoon.blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Abi @ 4 the LOVE of BOOKS&nbsp;<a href="http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://myheartbelongs2books.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mocha with Linda&nbsp;<a href="http://mochawithlinda.bloodspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mochawithlinda.<wbr></wbr>bloodspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sarah at Growing For Christ&nbsp;<a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ohiosarah" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.homeschoolblogger.<wbr></wbr>com/ohiosarah</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/16<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Blossom at North Laurel Home &amp; School&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nlfamily.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.nlfamily.net</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Holly at 2 Kids and Tired Books&nbsp;<a href="http://2kidsandiredbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://2kidsandiredbooks.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tarena&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at Laughing Family&nbsp;<a href="http://laughingfamily.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://laughingfamily.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Becky at In The Pages&nbsp;<a href="http://inthepages.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://inthepages.blogspot.com</a><wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">April at Heartfelt Homeschooling&nbsp;<a href="http://bzoohomeschool.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bzoohomeschool.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/17<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jill at Book, Books Everywhere&nbsp;<a href="http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bookbookseverywhere.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Leila R All Meant To Shine&nbsp;<a href="http://allmeanttoshine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://allmeanttoshine.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Brenda&nbsp;&nbsp; at WV Stitcher&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.kittycrochettwo.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Glenda&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at Authors Book Corner&nbsp;<a href="http://www.authorsbookcorner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.AuthorsBookCorner.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sharon</span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">'s&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Garden<u></u>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<u></u>Book Reviews<u></u><u></u>&nbsp;<a href="http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>sharonsgardenofbookreviews.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/18<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jill at Blessed Beyond a Doubt...&nbsp;<a href="http://blessedwith5sons.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://blessedwith5sons.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Anne at Mommy Has to Work&nbsp;<a href="http://mommyhastowork.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommyhastowork.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kari at Alas 3 Lads&nbsp;<a href="http://www.alas3lads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.alas3lads.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">V.E. at&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Duncan<u></u>&nbsp;<u></u>Heights<u></u><u></u>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.duncanheights.com/blog" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.duncanheights.com/<wbr></wbr>blog</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Colleen at The Great Gorp Project&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gorp.typepad.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.gorp.typepad.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/19<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Diane at That's What I'm Here For&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dianeestrella.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.dianeestrella.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Leah at Love Grows Best Homeschool&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lovegrowsbesthomeschool.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>lovegrowsbesthomeschool.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Vic's Media Room&nbsp;<a href="http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://vicsmediaroom.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shari</span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;at The Knit Wit by Shair&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theknitwitbyshair.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.theknitwitbyshair.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Splashes Of Joy at&nbsp;<a href="http://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://splashesofjoy.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/20<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Karla at Quiet Quilter&nbsp;<a href="http://www.karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.karla-hanns-karla.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Tonya at Geek Girl Reviews&nbsp;<a href="http://www.geekgirlreviews.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.geekgirlreviews.com</a><wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Laurel at From Snowflakes To Hotcakes, With Bits of Grace&nbsp;<a href="http://fromsnowflakestohotcakes.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>fromsnowflakestohotcakes.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Heather T Servant, Wife, Mother&nbsp;<a href="http://servantwifemother.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://servantwifemother.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Bab’s Book Bistro&nbsp;<a href="http://www.babsbookbistro.net/blog" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.babsbookbistro.net/<wbr></wbr>blog</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/22<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jessica&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at Farm Fresh&nbsp;<a href="http://farmfreshiowa.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://farmfreshiowa.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Briana at I can't decide&nbsp;<a href="http://briana-icantdecide.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://briana-icantdecide.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Theresa at Frugal Experiments&nbsp;<a href="http://www.frugalexperiments.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.frugalexperiments.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Rhiana&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at A Frugal Life&nbsp;<a href="http://www.afrugallife.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.afrugallife.org</a>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Melinda Joy: Living, Laughing, Loving&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reviewsbymelindajoy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>reviewsbymelindajoy.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Elana at The Twinners Reviews &amp; Giveaways&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thetwinners.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.thetwinners.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/<u></u>23<u></u><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Ruth at Throughts from a princess&nbsp;<a href="http://ruthkaup.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ruthkaup.wordpress.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Brian at Live Generously&nbsp;<a href="http://livegenerously.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://livegenerously.<wbr></wbr>wordpress.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Emily at Grace Like Rain&nbsp;<a href="http://writingsofasmalltowngirl.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>writingsofasmalltowngirl.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sharon</span></span><u></u><u></u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">at Faith Hope &amp; Cherry Tea&nbsp;<a href="http://faithhopecherrytea.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://faithhopecherrytea.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Deb’s Here&nbsp;<a href="http://debshere.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://debshere.blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Shonda at The Knowlton Nest&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jsknowlton.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.jsknowlton.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/24<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM&nbsp;<a href="http://ramblesahm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ramblesahm.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Mel at MamaBuzz&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mamabzz.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mamabzz.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Christine at Write to the Heart&nbsp;<a href="http://writing2theheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://writing2theheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Maopa at Luscious Deals&nbsp;<a href="http://lusciousdeals.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lusciousdeals.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/25<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Chrystal at Self Employed Writer&nbsp;<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.selfemployedwriter.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Annette at A Well-Watered Garden http:<a href="http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">awell-wateredgarden.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Freda's Voice&nbsp;<a href="http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://fredasvoice.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Musings By&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Lynn<u></u><u></u>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.musingsbylynn.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.musingsbylynn.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Julie at My&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Kansas City<u></u><u></u>&nbsp;Mommy&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mykansascitymommy.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mykansascitymommy.<wbr></wbr>com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/26<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Robin at Write at Home Mom&nbsp;<a href="http://robinmerrill.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://robinmerrill.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Stephanie at Hungry&nbsp;<a href="http://stephaniemetzger.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://stephaniemetzger.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Julee at Mommy's Memorandum&nbsp;<a href="http://mommysmemorandum.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommysmemorandum.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Catie at Newby at Home&nbsp;<a href="http://www.newbyathome.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.newbyathome.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/27<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Hattie at Tea at Book Page&nbsp;<a href="http://readwithtea.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://readwithtea.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Michelle at Beyond The Silver and The Gold&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beyondsilverandgold.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>beyondsilverandgold.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Linda's Lunacy&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lindaslunacy.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.lindaslunacy.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Heather at Faith, Family and Fun&nbsp;<a href="http://faithfamilyandfun.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://faithfamilyandfun.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Emily at Blessed Homemaking&nbsp;<a href="http://www.blessedhomemaking.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.blessedhomemaking.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Maureen at Simply Stacie&nbsp;<a href="http://simplystacie.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://simplystacie.net</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/29<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Andrea&nbsp;&nbsp; at Ponderings by Andrea&nbsp;<a href="http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://andrealschultz.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Michele at MommyForward&nbsp;<a href="http://mommyforward.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://mommyforward.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Carrie at Farming On Faith&nbsp;<a href="http://farmingonfaith.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://farmingonfaith.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Sara at Shoopette's Book Reviews&nbsp;<a href="http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://shoopettesbookreviews.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Jennifer at For Such a Time as This&nbsp;<a href="http://jennifersikora.com/2011/06/dealing-with-kids-allergies/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://jennifersikora.com/<wbr></wbr>2011/06/dealing-with-kids-<wbr></wbr>allergies/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kat at Reviews From The Heart&nbsp;<a href="http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://reviewsfromtheheart.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/30<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Cindy's Love of Books&nbsp;<a href="http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://cindysloveofbooks.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Renee at Doorkeeper&nbsp;<a href="http://reneeannsmith.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://reneeannsmith.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Brynna&nbsp;&nbsp; at Joy Filled Living&nbsp;<a href="http://joyfilledmama.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://joyfilledmama.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Amanda at Talbert Report&nbsp;<a href="http://thetalbertreport.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://thetalbertreport.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">8/31<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Debbie&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at Christian Stay at Home Moms&nbsp;<a href="http://csahm.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://csahm.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Claire at Country Mouse In The City http:\\<a href="http://countrymouseclaire.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">countrymouseclaire.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a>\<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">The Literary Mama&nbsp;<a href="http://www.preslaysa.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.preslaysa.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Dawn at Guiding Light Homeschool&nbsp;<a href="http://guidinglighths.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://guidinglighths.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Leland&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at The Cross Is All&nbsp;<a href="http://annawood.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://annawood.wordpress.com/</a><wbr></wbr>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">9/1<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Kristie at Family Scrapbooks &amp; Coffee&nbsp;<a href="http://needcoffeeplease.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://needcoffeeplease.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Prerna at The Mom Writes&nbsp;<a href="http://www.themomwrites.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.themomwrites.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34241075834959859772011-08-23T15:13:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.354-05:005 Things I've Learned from the Amish<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0800719964&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>As part of this weeks blog tour for "Amish Values for Your Family: What We Can Learn from the Simple Life" today's post is a guest blog from the author of the book, Suzanne Woods Fischer.<br /><br />Be sure to check back tomorrow as there will be a post of my review of the book and the day after I will post another guest blog from Suzanne.<br /><br />Included with tomorrows review is also a contest where I will be giving away a copy of the book!<br /><br />You can read the post regarding the giveaway, posted earlier today, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/this-weeks-contest-book-giveaway.html">click!</a><br /><br />________________________________________________________________________<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="suzanne11.jpg" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&amp;ik=190b052cab&amp;view=att&amp;th=131bb18bcad336c7&amp;attid=0.2&amp;disp=thd&amp;zw" />Guest blog from <st1:personname w:st="on">Suzanne Woods Fisher</st1:personname> for “Amish Values for Your Family” (Revell)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Five Things I’ve Learned from the Amish that Have Nothing to Do with being Amish and Have Everything to Do with being a Christian:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Being Amish is not a lifestyle.</b> Life among the Amish has to do with faith. Faith can’t be squeezed to an hour or two on Sunday morning; it infuses their entire life like a teabag in hot water. What they do and how they do it is rooted in the spiritual question: What is pleasing to God? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Letting go of earthly possessions enables us to take hold of heavenly treasures.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> To pray about my day’s activities and offer them to God, first, for His purposes. And then trusting interruptions (seeing a friend in the grocery store, for example) or de-railings (those days when everything goes wrong!) to be God-managed.&nbsp;&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Cherish your family.</b> A family that works together, grows together. Amish families spend a lot of time together and try to keep their work close to home. Children are valued as gifts from God, wanted and enjoyed. They’re included in all of Amish life—from barn raisings to three-hour church services.<span style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span>An Amish bishop once said, "We don't prepare our children for the future, we prepare our children for eternity."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Tomorrow’s world will be shaped by what we teach our children today.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Involving children in chores and activities may not be the most convenient or efficient way to accomplish a task, but the benefits are long lasting. Look for ways to get everybody involved—cook together, sweep out the garage together, set the table together. And have fun while you’re doing it! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Draw a land in the sand. </b>The Amish want to be good stewards of God’s resources—time, money, material goods. They know that convenience comes with a cost. They don’t want to be dependent on outside sources (such as electricity or gas!). Convenience means loss of something valuable. For example, fast food means less nutrition. More stuff means more maintenance. They’re willing to say no. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Amish proverb: “Things that steal our time are usually the easiest to do.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Lesson: Technology has its limits. And technology isn’t all good. Evaluate purchases more thoughtfully. Think of where a purchase or an added expense will lead your family. More time together or less? More stress or less? Reframe your view of time and money and goods as God’s resources. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Watch Your Words. </b>The Amish continually stress the importance of filtering their speech. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Words break no bones, but they can break hearts” and “Mincing your words makes it easier if you have to eat them later.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Say less. Prayer more. <b>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Nothing replaces face-to-face visits.</b> Back in the day when telephones emerged on the scene, the Amish bishops made a deliberate decision to keep the telephone out of the house. They didn’t want to interrupt family life. But they drop everything for a face-to-face visit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Use friendship as a drawing account, but don’t forget to make a deposit.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Nurture relationships by investing face-to-face time in them. No technology can substitute for the real thing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Honor the Sabbath.</b> An Amish person would never think of working on a Sunday. But it’s more than that—they truly cherish their Sabbath. They spend time on Saturday to make Sunday a smooth and easy day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Amish proverb:</i> “Many things I have tried to grasp and have lost. That which I have placed in God’s hands I still have.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lesson:</i> Strive to make Sunday a different day than other days. A day of rest is important on so many levels—time to worship, time to reflect, time to re-energize. A re-charge your battery day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:personname w:st="on"><i>Suzanne Woods Fisher</i></st1:personname><i> is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called&nbsp;<a href="http://toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom">Amish Wisdom</a>. Her most recent book, Amish Values for Your Family released in August. The Waiting&nbsp;is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award.&nbsp;Amish Peace: Simple and&nbsp;Amish Proverbs were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011). Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world.&nbsp; When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth. Keep up on Suzanne's latest news on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/suzannewoodsfisher" target="_blank"><b>Facebook,</b></a>&nbsp;<b><a href="http://twitter.com/suzannewfisher" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<b><a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">on her blog</a></b>!<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3586646633668198042011-08-23T15:12:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.357-05:00This Months Contest - Kindle Giveaway!<div class="MsoNormal"><st1:personname w:st="on">Suzanne Woods Fisher</st1:personname> is thrilled to announce the release of <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Values-Your-Family-Simple/dp/0800719964?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=sprightly-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Amish Values for Your Family</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sprightly-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=0800719964" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b>, her latest non-fiction release.&nbsp;"It offers loving ways to bring your fractured home back to life-Amish style. Read it and apply generously! It’s a beautiful book-funny, charming, soulful, and beautiful." -Mary Ann Kirkby</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13421895">Read the reviews here.</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To celebrate the release of <i>Amish Values for Your Family</i>, Suzanne has teamed up her publisher Revell Books to giveaway a Kindle, and with <a href="http://amishphoto.com/">Bill Coleman</a> (the amazing photographer used on Suzanne’s book covers) to give away a signed Bill Coleman original.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/49/FileItem-107637-avfyf_300x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/49/FileItem-107637-avfyf_300x250.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One Grand Prize winner will receive an Amish Values Prize Package (valued at over $200) and includes:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">* A brand new KINDLE</div><div class="MsoNormal">* A Signed Bill Coleman original</div><div class="MsoNormal">* Amish Values for Your Family (for KINDLE)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><table align="center" border="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/145999" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/60/FileItem-74865-email_icon.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/145999" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/1a/FileItem-74866-Facebook_icon300x300.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/twitter/%3Cst1:personname%20w:st=" on"="">233/contests/145999" target="_blank"&gt;<img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/07/FileItem-74867-Twitter_button.png" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Click on one of the icons to enter.</b> Winner will be announced on 9/2 at <a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/">Suzanne’s blog</a>. Be sure to stop by the blogs on <b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13421895">Suzanne’s blog tour</a></b> – many have copies of <i>Amish Values for Your Family</i> to give away.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>But, wait there's more!</b> Suzanne is running a Bill Coleman <b><a href="http://suzannewoodsfisher.blogspot.com/search/label/Caption%20Contest">caption contest</a></b> during the month of August on her blog. Title one of Bill’s gorgeous photos for a chance to win a print from Bill’s <a href="http://amishphoto.com/">Amish Photo</a> site and/or a copy of <i>Amish Values for Your Family</i>.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12126141000103771832011-08-23T09:01:00.010-04:002011-08-23T09:01:00.629-04:00Work from Home Selling Beautiful Children's Books & Gifts with Barefoot BooksI love these books and I don't even have children of my own!<br /><br />I do however have a six year old daughter that belongs to my fiance. You may have read here about her, I to her as lil m and he is Big M.<br /><br />I can't take the credit for finding these books. I will give that honor to <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/best-direct-sales-companies-barefoot-books/">Angie over at The Work at Home Wife.</a><br /><br />Just to give you an idea, this is August Sales Lead for the US<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px;"></span><br /><ol style="color: #333333;"><li align="left" style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">B. Saunders Sims: $8,900.88</li> <li align="left" style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">T. Brown: $2,832.72</li> <li align="left" style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">H. Barton: $2,106.72</li> <li align="left" style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">L. Wenn: $1,879.38</li> <li align="left" style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">E. Panzer: $1,866.34&nbsp;</li> </ol><div style="text-align: left;">Hello!!?!?!?!?!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you see that amount in place #1????</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So what are you waiting for??</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.barefootbooks.com/files/4212/4569/3983/SHGenBanner468x60.gif" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19884289796389444132011-08-22T14:08:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.359-05:00First Day of School Jitters<img src="http://blog.barefootbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BackToSchool_W.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Two weeks ago I wrote up a little post about "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/rubys-school-walk.html">Ruby's School Walk</a>" which I think is a beautifully&nbsp;illustrated&nbsp;and charming book about a little girl facing her first day of school jitters.<br /><br />With many facing back to school today, and over the course of the next few weeks, it was rather appropriate for Barefoot Books to post a blog regarding this book today.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: grey; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #f58229; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://blog.barefootbooks.com/2011/08/back-to-school-tips/" id="post-title" rel="bookmark" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #f58229; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" title="Permanent Link to Packing Backpack, Lunchbox, and Confidence: Tips for Sending Children Off to School">Packing Backpack, Lunchbox, and Confidence: Tips for Sending Children Off to School</a></h2><div>Excerpt from the blog: (click link above to read more)</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">It happens every autumn. Millions of young children start school for the very first time. They carry backpacks, lunchboxes, pencils, sometimes a grin on their face, but more often, a look of trepidation about what school will really be like. They wonder: Will my teacher be nice? Will I have friends? What if I can’t find my way? Who will sit with me? What will I do? What if I don’t like it? What if I miss home? What if it’s too hard?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">To order a copy for your home: Barefoot Books - <a href="http://www.chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">Rubys School Walk</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: grey; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div>Excerpt from the blog:&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43898216092856556662011-08-20T12:59:00.000-04:002011-08-20T12:59:34.986-04:00Need Your Help (Yes, YOU!) & Why I've Been MIA<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/company/indie-gogo" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image representing IndieGoGo as depicted in Cr..." height="150" src="http://www.crunchbase.com/assets/images/resized/0001/1379/11379v4-max-450x450.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 350px;">Image via <a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/" target="_blank">CrunchBase</a></span></span>Some of you may remember my post a few weeks ago "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/calling-all-coupon-users.html">Calling All Coupon Users</a>" where I explained how my food benefits were taken away because the student program was depleted.<br /><br />Shortly after losing my benefits it seemed as those clients, one by one, were done with their projects and I have been scrambling the last few weeks to find more. I find it rather&nbsp;embarrassing&nbsp;because I was so happy things were finally starting to look good and once graduation came and went I was able to focus on my business more. Now, there is not much of a business to look after.<br /><br />It sucks. I feel like I am starting over from square one. Every day I bid on more jobs, pour through craigslist and go through all of the freelance emails I get hoping to land some new clients.<br /><br />I am feeling the hit to my bank account.<br /><br />My mother and I are trying to get a business started. A food salvage for our area. I am hoping you guys can help me out. I don't expect anyone to donate, but if everyone I knew just donated $1 we could be well on our way. If you do not have $1 to spare (trust me, I do understand) would be please be so kind to pass along our &nbsp;start-up page? Its on a site similar to Kickstarter,called <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.indiegogo.com/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="IndieGoGo">IndieGoGo</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/Tri-Cities-Food-Salvage">Tri-Cities Food Salvage</a><br /><br />I posted a few offers on WriteSwap as I discussed in a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/writing-opportunities-write-swap.html">previous post</a>. So far, no sales.<br /><br />In the meantime I am going to be getting back into the grove of posting on my <a href="http://cmahan.hubpages.com/">HubPages</a>, <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a">WebAnswers</a>, maybe <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">Helium</a>&nbsp;(which is now set up a lot like AC payment wise), beef up my <a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/652747/chrystal_mahan.html">Associated Content </a>and test the waters as my newest account at <a href="http://factoidz.com/earn-revenue-now/9C42060">Factoidz.</a> I was doing ok with rev share until I had to stop because of the 9 classes I was taking in the spring semester so I could graduate. I still have a little time before grad school starts in September. So, even though I really need upfront money, since I have some time I will try to get back into rev share/residuals. I need to come up with some sort of a writing schedule.<br /><br />In the middle of all of that I am still trying to build up my freelance company adding more services instead of just limiting myself to writing.<br /><br />Many changes going on in life right now.<br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=cae6238e-9421-41a0-8a27-69518964b635" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37730638037707503212011-08-20T12:41:00.009-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.362-05:00Free eBook: Adsense Revenue Exposed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWbQa169too/TkapV9aH3nI/AAAAAAAAAfo/RMcR5oxhcKQ/s1600/AdsenseExposed_Flat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWbQa169too/TkapV9aH3nI/AAAAAAAAAfo/RMcR5oxhcKQ/s1600/AdsenseExposed_Flat.jpg" /></a></div><br />Even to this day I still find Adsense a little confusing. This ebook, despite being a few years old, still provided me with quite a bit of information and tips about picking the best adsense set up for my sites.<br /><br />You can download<a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/94030718/adsense_revenue_exposed_ebook.zip"> your free copy here.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23287979159931682792011-08-17T08:11:00.000-04:002011-08-17T08:11:35.446-04:00Writing Opportunities: Write Swap<img alt="WriteSwap Review" src="http://realwaystoearnmoneyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/writeswap-review.jpg" /><br />&nbsp;I came across Write Swap around 3-4 weeks ago, but was reminded of it recently through Angie (<a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/">Work at Home Wife</a>) and thought I should go ahead and give it a shot.<br /><br />The site it set up similar to <a href="http://fiverr.com/users/cmahan">Fiverr,</a> where I recently set up an account and have done&nbsp;decently&nbsp;in a few weeks time.<br /><br />Setting up my account at <a href="http://www.writeswap.com/user/cmahan">Write Swap</a> was a breeze. Username, email, password and enter the captcha code. Good to go. I'll spend some time testing it out over the next &nbsp;few weeks to see how it goes. I think it will be a good place for my PLR material. I have debated about creating a PLR section here on this site or maybe my other (<a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">chrystalmahan.com</a>) but I just have not had time to set it up. This seems like a much simpler option.<br /><br />I'll keep you posted on the progress.<br /><br />Might be a great place for those of you looking to find some private clients and are tired of the job bidding sites!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40628628724411946812011-08-16T12:32:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.365-05:00I Spy the Sun in the Sky<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://store.barefootbooks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/540x425/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/I/S/ISpytheSunintheSky_LB_W_1.jpg" /><img height="161" src="http://store.barefootbooks.com/media/product_files/interior1_image_2380_1.jpg" width="320" /><img height="161" src="http://store.barefootbooks.com/media/product_files/interior3_image_2380_1.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The more time I spend looking at these <a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">Barefoot Books</a> and learning about the company, the more my brain says "Buy them ALL!"</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I have always been a fan of kids books because of the simple poetry and beautiful&nbsp;illustrations. So when Angie from <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/">The Work at Home Wife</a> wrote a post about the company, I knew I had to get involved.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The company is "green" and it is all about cultural unity between all. I love what the company represents.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Since I love books and I share my house with a six year old on the weekends it just seemed like a good choice for me. &nbsp;Each book has printable activities that you can get from the website and many of them come with a DVD or CD. While most books offer a learning lesson, <a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">Barefoot Books </a>takes things a step further than most companies.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">&nbsp;Not only that, with their fundraising section I was able to use the tools for <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/">Cains Tales</a> as well.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The price of the books are&nbsp;comparable&nbsp;to the new books at <a href="http://www.bn.com/">Barnes and Noble</a> and even <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Today I am turning the spotlight on:</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span></div><div class="product-name" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #bf0222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I Spy the Sun in the Sky</h2></div><div class="description" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="std" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Set sail for a distant island with a young boy in search of a friend in this I-spy adventure. The rhyme and repetition encourage easy learning, and the surprise at the end will delight young readers.</div></div><div class="details" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7f7f7f; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 16px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ages 1 to 4 years</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Written By:&nbsp;<span class="product-detail-contributor" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #f58229; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Stella Blackstone</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Illustrated By:&nbsp;<span class="product-detail-contributor" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #f58229; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Nicoletta Ceccoli</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="product-detail-contributor" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #f58229; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="product-detail-contributor" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #f58229; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="product-detail-contributor" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #f58229; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/rubys-school-walk.html" target="_blank">Ruby's School Walk</a> (selfemployedwriter.com)</li> </ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=4686a729-de85-4c7e-86f6-1b3c33aed906" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30928555141689411432011-08-15T18:58:00.003-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.368-05:00Superdaddyman (aka my friend The Crow)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jeremy Crow" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/274266_747831345_7693757_n.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wrISPC1JkM/Tkmk85u2poI/AAAAAAAAAf4/QoUNkVELbxQ/s1600/510dc863780a85da0b01d40a200359053eacc1ae-thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1wrISPC1JkM/Tkmk85u2poI/AAAAAAAAAf4/QoUNkVELbxQ/s1600/510dc863780a85da0b01d40a200359053eacc1ae-thumb.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The first time I ever did a book review for a person I knew, I had to admit, I was really nervous. Knowing this person, and her style of writing, I was sure I was going to like what she wrote. But what happens if I didn't? A risk I did not want to take, I made my choice to not review work of people that I knew, either online or off. Of course, that did not stop me from reading Nicole <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/second-chance-by-nicole-ireland.html">(Second Chance)</a> or Jame's <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/hulls-landing.html">(Hulls Landing) </a>book and I was happy to write up a review for them. The wonderful thing about the indie market, we all care about each other. We all want to see the other succeed. Great community to belong to.<br /><br />So, when I saw one of my favorite online personalities finally put out a book, I was beside myself.<br /><br />I met Jeremy in 2005 when Yahoo 360 launched its blogging platform. In our little corner of the blogging world was this very tight knit community. We watched each other struggle through life and we were there for each other when times got tough. We watched laughter, tears, weddings, divorces, births, deaths, and battles with cancer. We weren't just bloggers, people behind a computer screen, we were family.<br /><br />We shared our life. We wrote. We chatted in emails, through IM, and even played online games with each other. At Christmas time we traded cards. The thing that I loved the most about this was the friendships I made then are still with me today.<br /><br />Even though many of us are not as close as we once were, we know they are there if we need them. That holds true with Jeremy. When 360 crumbled we littered the domains of MySpace &amp; Blogger and when we outgrew that we headed to Cherry Tap, which now has another name. <br /><br />Jeremy holds a special place in my heart, for something I will forever be&nbsp;grateful. When I decided to come out of the darkness and share my tale of abuse, Jeremy was right there in the front line. He was the first to comment, and he made sure that not only our little community showed me love, but all of his fans did too. That day I had 100s of comments on one post, and it was like he was there holding my hand the whole way.<br /><br />That post was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">Cards on the Table</a>. The following day I wrote, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/words-can-never-express.html">Words Can Never Express,</a> as a giant thank &nbsp;you. (these were originally published on 360, so all of the comments are gone)<br /><br />I watched the Crow live his life as a single father. I've seen him happy, and I have seen him hate the world.<br /><br />I've even seen his perversions. Somewhere in the vault of writing is a co-authored erotic story he wrote with me.<br /><br />My thoughts on Jeremy are simple. He is a brilliant man and deserves every good thing life can give him. His words may shock some of you, others will laugh till it hurts. I've LOL'ed so much over the years at the expense of Superdaddyman so I know the book will not&nbsp;disappoint.<br /><br />I can never repay Jeremy for his kindness over the years and helping to guide me through becoming a better writer, and writing from the heart, but I can give him a shameless plug. Not only that, he published the ebook on my birthday. ;) Print copy is available through <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/superdaddyman-and-more-from-the-mind-of-jeremy-crow/16527569">Lulu </a>if you do not prefer ebook.<br /><br />So, my dear readers, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to one of the best bloggers I know, Jeremy Crow, who has just released his first book - <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/75833?ref=cmahan">Superdaddyman.</a><br /><br />His website: <a href="http://jeremycrow4life.com/">The Crows Nest</a><br /><br />Now grab your copy today and let me know how you like (or even dislike) it!<br /><br />From Smashwords:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ebook Short Description</strong></h2><span itemprop="description" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For years the artist known as Jeremy Crow has written colorful stories about Superdaddyman and the Evils's for Mental Notes &amp; Random Musings. Now you can get the whole dish on the mind of Jeremy Crow in the first full length book dedicated to the beginnings, the humor, the background and the insanity of everyone's favorite super villain turned super hero. You know you want to.</span><br /><br /><h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3092855514168941143" name="longdescr" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Extended Description</a></strong></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span id="longdescr_full" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Long ago there was a man and his blog. That blogger that many affectionately knew as Jeremy Crow wrote of fantastic tales of an ordinary everyday single father who dealt with life, their kids, and various other issues, until the pretty packages that he wrapped the mundane inside of took on a life of their own. Over time he developed the persona of the Superdaddyman, who traveled the streets of Megalopolis keeping the fair maidens safe from The Terrorist Organization Known as the Evils's. He continued his plight to take on the dreaded Pink Mafia, and even was known to wrestle an EX from time to time, while still demonstrating that he was a normal, albeit far too honest, flawed man most of the time.<br />Be careful what you read out there. Some things can be true and seem far too over the top. Other things can seem quite plausible and have hardly anything to do with reality. The choice has always been up to the reader as to whether the Superdaddyman is truly a hero or just an average human being doing things that could be construed as heroic while still carrying the load of being just another day. Most people just sit and nod their head in understanding as they relate to something no matter how pretty it was made to look, or entertaining it was to read.<br />Please take a moment to enjoy the humor, the reality and everything else that comes with being the Superdaddyman, Jeremy Crow, or even one of the Evils's, in the first full length book to encompass the before, during and after of all that is possible in Megalopolis. With a little imagination, and a lot of free time on your hands you can say or do anything, and the Superdaddyman and Jeremy Crow pretty much have, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse, but always with a frankness that most people don’t expect. Most people actually know to be true, or expect a lot of the time, but rarely anyone expects to see so “out there” for everyone to read.<br />This book will have sexual innuendo, and very foul language. Not always, and not very often, but if it fits the time line of the tales at the time it is in there. There is after all a human face to the entire set of tales.</span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span id="longdescr_full" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44949683668724097512011-08-13T14:08:00.000-04:002011-08-13T14:08:05.046-04:00My Life: Feels Like Everything is Falling Apart<br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>I miss my online journal.</b> I miss writing about all the things in life that I feel are important to me and I need to get off my chest. My online journal has always been different than my pen to paper journal. Both serve as a memoir.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I just want to get back to what started it all in the first place. I think people need to understand that being personal is what brought me here. Being personal is what helped me to find other survivors I would have never met if not for the blogging community.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Life as a freelancer is a struggle. <b>Life in general is a struggle.</b> Living in my mind from day to day is a struggle. It is here I write these struggles and maybe in the end find a solution and share it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>I want to help. </b>It does not matter if I am helping another freelancer, someone who writes, someone who blogs, someone who goes through the same relationship troubles I go through, someone who is a<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/my-survivor-story.html"> survivor too</a> or even those that suffer from the chronic pain and mental illnesses that I do. It does not matter. I just want to help.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have changed this website too many times. Testing this, trying that. During that time I lost sight of what it was really about because I wanted to make money. Everyone else was blogging for dollars, why not me? It came natural to them. For me it does not. If I make money, fine. If not, I am OK with that too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Graduation came and went</b>. Shortly after graduation clients started to drop too. And so begins the struggle of a freelancer.&nbsp;My HubPages fell to the wayside along with Helium and WebAnswers. My content writing was nil. I just did not want to do it anymore. Trying to force myself to write about crap topics for the sake of paying bills was sucking the creative life right out of me. I missed my online journal. I missed my poetry. I missed working on my stories. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">In the middle of all of this, I called off<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Irish%20%28Celtic%29%20Wedding"> my wedding</a>. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/what-you-dont-see.html">Again</a>. I’m not feeling like I am getting what I should <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/whats-up-with-chrys-november-volume-1.html">emotionally out of a relationship.</a> Starting Monday we are going to couples therapy. I went through this with my ex-husband. It has its pros and cons. The therapist is also going to help me get my medication changed and back on track.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Nightmares, flashbacks, and repressed memories coming full force.</b> It’s making me angry at the world. It’s making my depression take over. It’s making it hard to work. My back is worse and has moved up my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/09/just-update.html">spine causing my left shoulder injury to come back. </a>It can’t just end with that. I spoke of this shoulder injury some time ago. It bothers my left arm, there is nerve damage. Makes it hard to sit and type for any length of time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">As a result, I lost one of the best clients I had. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Now, here I am. Falling apart emotionally, mentally and physically. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>What do you do when you start to feel defeated?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81435267578076638312011-08-13T12:34:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.370-05:00Free eBooks: Blogger Adsense Guide: A Newbie's Guide to Blogging for Adsense Cash<img src="http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6668/8430x554.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />I think I am going to make this a regular weekly feature here at Self Employed Writer. You will be able to find all of the books I write about through the "books" tab at the top of the page. If you are just looking for the free eBooks, you will be able to find those over there to the right in the extra category section. I have quite a few master resale and private label rights to share. Since the internet is full of people trying to sell them, I'll make it easy on you and just give them away.<br /><br />All of the books are hosted on my personal <a href="http://www.wupload.com/referral/affiliate/17306">WUpload </a>Account, which is a free storage site. Free to download too.<br /><br />The book is a couple of years old, but I found some pretty useful information out of it. Maybe you will too.<br /><br />Today's free eBook is - <a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/94043044/BloggerAdsenseGuide_ebook.pdf">Blogger Adsense Guide: A Newbie's Guide to Blogging for Adsense Cash</a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>English | 2009 | 212 pages | PDF | 54 MB</b></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div>The Ultimate Guide to raking in massive Google Adsense cash with Blogger (Blogspot) blogs.Designed for newbies who need a shortcut. Even if you have no blogging experience and don't know what Google Adsense is, you can still make money!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You'll Discover:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">* <b>The Future Of Blogs &amp; Why You Need To Act Now</b> - You're going to discover where the future of blogs is headed, why you need to act now and how you are actually doing yourself a big favor even if you throw up a ugly blog!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />*<b> Setup Like A Breezy Afternoon</b> - I realize that you don't want to learn complicated software, site programming or any of that other confusing stuff so you don't have to! You can get setup in a breezy afternoon while relaxing!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />* <b>Adsense - What Is it*</b> - Here you will learn just what Adsense is and why it's absolutely essential in your plan to profit. You'll learn why it's so easy to&nbsp;make money&nbsp;with and how you can profit with it.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />* <b>How To Entice The Click </b>- You're going to learn how you can entice every person who ends up on your new blog to click links all over your blog earning you income. You'll learn secrets to inviting the click that work like wildfire!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />*<b> Easy Blog Writing</b> - Here you will learn how you can easily write blog content that your visitors love and generates repeat traffic which, in turn, results in repeat clicks and more income for you!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />*<b> Free Services To Use!</b> - You'll learn how you can get setup free. When I say free, I mean absolutely, 100% free!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />* <b>The Ultimate Upgrade</b> - In this advanced section you will learn how you can take your blog that you have built up to a profit and give it the major overhaul it needs to generate even more money&nbsp;faster!</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/94043044/BloggerAdsenseGuide_ebook.pdf">Download now!</a> </span><br /><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61681376023793777652011-08-09T07:59:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.373-05:00Elizabeth's Heart<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Elizabeth's Heart" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bwg41FjRL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-46,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">You had me at “mental health asylum.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Me.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not the characters in the book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always been extremely interested in reading material regarding insane asylums or mental health clinics. I can’t get enough of those paranormal shows that constantly look for ghosts in all of the asylums around the world. They are always my favorite because I love hearing the history behind all that happened in these places. <br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me assure you it is not because I am sadistic in thinking that those with mental health disorders should be treated the way they were, and perhaps still are in some corners of the world. I am sorry so many people had to suffer and I wish there would have been other ways for doctors back then to figure out what was wrong with people suffering from medical illnesses.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Those who did suffer should not go unnoticed. But, on the other hand, without their pain and suffering so many people would not be healed today. I know it does not make it right, but it is what it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Book reviews of books I become overly excited about tend to always be hard to write because I want to sit here, pounding on my keyboard, and tell you all the good stuff. If I do that, then what would be the point of you getting your own copy to devour? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth. Sweet, loving, beautiful Elizabeth. Thrust into a world where confusion is the norm. Not understanding why she is there it slowly begins to unravel that there are “two” of her. Two become three.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth suffers from multiple personality disorder. Part was due to a traumatic event with the family&nbsp; business and the other part is inherited trait (or learned behavior depending on your view of mental health) from her father. It is her mother that has put her in this awful place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Simon sees things. A gift or curse he can’t decide. Doctor does not understand.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">His method of treatment for his patients? Shock therapy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gardner has written this book in such a way, picking just right descriptive words, making you feel as if you are sitting in the common room with everyone. You can feel their pain, the confusion, the love and friendship that bonds between kindred spirits. You can hear the screams. You become a part of the story.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The story follows Simon who immediately fall for Elizabeth. You will read about their trials and tribulations of a “couple” in a hell where relationships are not permitted. All they want is to spend the rest of their life together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A future is planned. There are twists and turns to keep you engaged. The ending is not what you expected.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I sat up all night reading this book. Once it was over, I wanted more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe you’ll enjoy it too.&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><br /><b>FROM AMAZON:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><h3 class="productDescriptionSource" style="clear: left; color: #333333; font-size: 1.23em; margin-bottom: 0.375em; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em;">Product Description</h3><div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B00589WB1O&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>"Elizabeth’s Heart" is the second book in the "Jonathan’s Cross" series.<br /><br />Set in 1929, Simon Sinclair, institutionalized for having prophetic visions, narrates from inside the Massachusetts Asylum for Feeble Minds and Lunatics. There he meets Elizabeth, a young woman with a shadow personality and a dark, secretive past. Someone Simon knows he is destined to love.<br /><br />As their lives become entwined, they grow so attached to each other that they each begin to believe they are the other's ‘cure’. But from the perspective of outsiders, it appears that each of them are growing more unstable. The harder they try to hold on to each other and their love, the more they are pulled apart.<br /><br />Realizing freedom will be the only way for them to marry and lead a normal life, Simon plans their escape with help from an unlikely hospital source, hiding secrets of his own, and they must be careful not to alert Elizabeth’s other personality, for fear it will expose them.<br /><br />On a dark and frigid night in January, they run.<br /><br />But life on the run turns out to be more challenging and less romantic than either of them expected, testing their resolve and love to the limits. Simon continues to have prophetic visions, and Elizabeth’s hidden personality becomes angry about not being in control. Through repeated visions he neither understands nor likes, Simon realizes that the only way to have Elizabeth forever is to do the unthinkable. Give her up to someone else.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14179802539298996582011-08-08T14:19:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.376-05:00Ruby's School Walk<img src="http://store.barefootbooks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/540x425/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/R/u/RubysSchoolWalk_UKUSHB_W.jpg" /><br /><br />Do you have a little one going to school for the first time? How about one going back to school and has first day jitters? Join Ruby on her walk to school as she acts her mother questions along the way. Told in a way to let the child know there is nothing to be afraid of. Not about the walk, the things they encounter, or going to school.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br /><div class="product-name" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><h2 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #bf0222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ruby’s School Walk</h2></div><div class="description" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="std" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Join Ruby on her way to school and see the world her mom cannot see. In an old house, she spies bats with red eyes peering out and scary witches that flit about. And these aren’t the only dangers on her path: tigers, crocodiles and mighty beasts abound! "I must be brave, I must be strong," chants Ruby as she musters the nerve to scare them off; but will it work?</div></div><br /><br />To peek inside, <a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">view Rubys Walk.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31767789102975243662011-08-06T14:07:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.378-05:00Motherbridge of Love Illustrated By: Josée Masse<img src="http://store.barefootbooks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/540x425/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/M/o/MotherbridgeOfLove_HC_W.jpg" /><br /><br />I have always been a fan of&nbsp;children's&nbsp;books no matter what age I am. There is nothing better than hitting a bookstore, thrift store or garage sale and hitting the stacks of books with beautiful art before checking out the adult section.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />It is no surprise that I fell in love with <a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">Motherbridge of Love</a>. A touching story teaching a child why she has two mothers. "The first one gave you a need for love, the second one was there to give it." The story/poem shows the special bond between a birth parent, mother, and child.<br /><br /><b>From the Publisher:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i>Cherish the special bond between parent and child with this beautiful, anonymously written poem. Through the exchanges between a little girl and her adoptive parent, this poignant selection celebrates love and family.&nbsp;</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><i>Text royalties from this book are donated to Mother Bridge of Love, a charity that reaches out to Chinese children all over the world in order to develop a connection between China and the West, and between adoptive culture and birth culture. Xinran, the acclaimed Chinese author, broadcaster and journalist, is the founder of Mother Bridge of Love.</i></span><br /><br /><br />Barefoot Books: <a href="http://chrystal-mahan.barefootbooks.com/">Motherbridge of Love</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30487614616562620412011-08-05T09:46:00.001-04:002011-08-10T13:45:14.484-04:00Dear ReadersSo yesterday I wrote &nbsp;<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/08/dear-demand-studios.html">Dear Demand Studios</a>&nbsp;and it certainly did not go over well.<br /><br />Most of you know me. I stuck by DS and stood up for them when everyone else was bitching and whining about all of the changes over the years. I had a lot to say a time or two, but never said a whole lot.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />Most of you also know how busy I was this past spring trying to complete 9 classes so I could graduate in June. I did not have time to work on my business, much less find time for DS. What little work time I had I was using it to build my freelance portfolio. As much as I love writing, content writing is not what I want to do with the rest of my life.<br /><br />SHOCKER!?!?!?<br /><br />I never claimed to be a perfect writer. That's what editors get hired and paid to do. I'm creative and full of ideas. If need be, there is a whole world of ghostwriters out there.<br /><br /><i>The Self Employed Writer is a simple concept, but I think people misunderstand. The = me. Self-employed is because I refuse to ever work for corporate America again and writer means I DO write not that I AM a published author (in a book, I have done magazines). When I changed the name last year from this personal website to a more freelance structure, it seemed appropriate. But too many confuse me with being an author, which I am not. There is a difference between a writer and an author. There is a difference between a blogger and an author and to some degree there is a difference between a blogger and a writer. I have been toying with name changes while I rebuild my freelance business. We'll see what happens.&nbsp;</i><br /><br />Ok, I am getting off track here.<br /><br />A lot of people were complaining about DS the last week and I did not want to complain, but I wanted to free myself from the chains. So I did.<br /><br />Someone out there did not like it.<br /><br />Someone out there hid behind an anon comment, not once, but four times.<br /><br />Someone wanted attention. That is the only reason why I can think of for a person to want to call out someone they&nbsp;don't&nbsp;even know.<br /><br />It made me angry. I just could not understand why someone who say "oh yeah, me too" and then sit there and then rip apart my post.<br /><br />Why? Does it even matter???<br /><br />Did this person even stop to think about who reads my website? Or that quite possibly I use it for school, my family, my business and pretty much everything else that is not on my other websites. Did this person not stop to think that perhaps someone might get the wrong idea?<br /><br />Did this person not stop to think that people might actually figure out who they are?<br /><br />Oh Anon, hiding behind your computer screen. If your grammar is so perfect, why are you writing for DS?<br /><br />Once the damn breaks you can expect a flood. And that it did. I had to deleted, delete, and delete. Finally I had enough and just decided to change the comment settings.<br /><br />I sat there reading these comments and all I could think about was a potential client reading the comments. I can't have that. Even though this site is about me and my life, hiding nothing, I did not want the negativity.<br /><br />Was not worth it to me.<br /><br />Those who really know me understood the letter. Understood it was not real. Understood it was a bit of sarcasm.<br /><br />I don't know why I feel I have to sit here and explain myself. This is MY website after all and I should be able to do whatever I want.<br /><br />To those of you who run around posting on the "hot topic of the week" websites just to stir the pot, go play someplace else. No one is going to give you a cookie. No one even knows who you are. This is my website and I will write how and what I please. YOU will not dictate anything in my little corner of the internet. I did not get let go from DMS just because I made a grammatical error here or there. My ratings were well over 4 like so many. I made the choice NOT to write for them about 6 months ago. If you know anything about the DMS changes, they have also been letting go people who have not produced content in a while. Don't believe everything you read on the internet. My information comes straight from an DMS employee.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br />We are all human and even the editors make spelling mistakes. I've had to correct them. So when you come here, pointing out grammatical errors and spelling mistakes instead of just emailing me privately, only makes you look snarky, too.<br /><br />If you would have understood the letter you would have figured out that DSM is still a client. I still hold my titling roles.<br /><br />You should also take the time to think about the other person. You have no idea what the person is going through in life. The wrong words to the wrong person could end up with a not so happy ending. If you were someone who has read here for a while, or even knows me, then you know what I am talking about.<br /><br />Moving on.<br /><br />This case is closed.<br /><br />I have more important things to write about.<br /><br />The End.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75077662299423374992011-08-04T13:21:00.003-04:002011-08-10T13:45:29.595-04:00Dear Demand Studios<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Botticelli_Sant%27Agostino.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="St. Augustine writing, revising, and re-writin..." height="459" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/76/Botticelli_Sant%27Agostino.jpg/300px-Botticelli_Sant%27Agostino.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Botticelli_Sant%27Agostino.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedi</a></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Dear Demand Studios,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, let’s get one thing clear:<br /><br />&nbsp;I chose you.<br /><br />You did not choose me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the late spring of 2009 I applied for a writing position within your company. I was rejected just as so many others were before and after me.<br /><br />I did not give up. I wrote the “How-to” article you so desperately wanted and was hired within 2 hours. I was a quick writer, easily churning out 2 $15 articles per hour. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That was just the beginning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Shortly after I was hired on as a writer your company restructured their titling department doing away with some roles and adding others. One of those said roles was Title Selecting. I was one of the first rounds of hires. To this day I still hold my TS role, although I don’t know why since there is never any work.<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />We complained.<br /><br />&nbsp;So you gave us Dupe Checking to kill the time.<br /><br />&nbsp;Dupe is no better. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The well has run dry.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Demand Studios, oh I see you wanted to be taken seriously. Giving writers bonuses and free swag. Putting writers into enrichment programs, making them feel like they were on top of the world. Becoming a publicly traded company, buying out others. Treating freelancers as if they were employees by giving them rules and limitations, but not wanting to give any benefits.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then you started to chop that cherry tree with your shiny little ax.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I stopped writing. The editors in which you brought in, with their holier than thou attitude, are much too snarky for this type of work. It's content writing. Filling websites full of fluff to make money. I understand they want to be editing that great million dollar manuscript, but like so many, they have been reduced to cents on the word work. Times are hard, but life should not have to be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You made life too difficult for me. I won’t allow that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">More often than not I have had to prove &nbsp;your precious editors wrong. Maybe if you paid them a little better they would be a little happier to report to work. Shame on you. Shame on you for not bringing in editors who are qualified and pleasant to work with. &nbsp;Oh yes, and shame on you for brining in some editors who clearly don’t know what they are talking about half the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Demand Studios, I am sorry you felt you had to break up with me, but as you can see, I am the one who broke up with you months ago. Your underpaid cranky editor turned my $15 article into trash, replacing words that made no sense, adding information that simply was not true, or sending me a rewrite because they needed clarification on what 2+2 equals. My two articles an hour slowly turned in to one article in 2 days. You still rated me mid to high fours.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I moved on long ago. I shed no tears. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry I used you. I needed you then, don’t you see?&nbsp; I needed you to fill my portfolio with words, pay for my bills, and put PJs on my body (so I could work comfortably) while I put myself through college. I quit you long before I graduated. Now that I have graduated and will begin my MBA in the fall, it is safe to say that I am smarter than you. I don’t need you, but you need me. However, I don’t want you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve moved on to bigger and better things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I used you, don’t you see? I ever hated you. I once enjoyed writing about taxes and Quickbooks until you traded for "Money".&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />There is more to life than $15 articles trying to tell someone how to do something.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This thing we had simply can’t go on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You think you hurt my feelings by not choosing me for the Writer Development Program this time around? &nbsp;No. I am the one who is laughing at you for not doing it sooner. &nbsp;I never counted on you like so many I know did. They are the ones hurting, not me.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;There were always others. I always had a back-up plan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Breaking up is hard to do. It’s best for us both. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sincerely,<br />The Self Employed Writer<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24180937837166921702011-08-03T07:32:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.388-05:00Endeavor in Time by Chris Hambleton<img alt="Endeavor in Time" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BcMxhahEL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Product Description:</b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Five years after the Challenger disaster, NASA launched their newest space shuttle, Endeavor, in a dramatic return to space. But several moments after lift-off, Endeavor exploded over the ocean, taking the lives of all its crew members, and killing the United States' space program.<o:p></o:p></i><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><br /><a name='more'></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It's 2009, seventeen years after the Endeavor tragedy in 1992, and NASA has been made part of the Department of Defense. America's civilian space program has been permanently discontinued for over fifteen years.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Daniel Marks, the Chief Programmer at a research facility in New Mexico, is working on a cutting-edge electromagnetic device. While developing the controller software for the device, an accident occurs and he suddenly finds himself back in his old life in 1992.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">With his unique knowledge of the future, what should he do with his new life? Should he use his knowledge simply for personal gain, or should he risk his freedom and future to stop a national disaster before it happens?<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>My Thoughts:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the beginning I had a hard time getting in to this book because it starts out a little bit technical and I was not sure what direction it was going to go in. I am not a huge fan of overly sci-fi material. There was a point where I had to put it away for a little bit and come back to it. Sometimes if I try again I am able to really get in to the book. I tried another chapter. This was suddenly going nowhere, fast.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Third time is the charm? Maybe.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I gave it one more try. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are introduced to Daniel, an extremely well educated engineer and software developer who lands a project working in New Mexico regarding electromagnetism. Daniel is 37 years old and married to his career. Although content in his little world he often wonders if there is more to life than what he is living.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fortunate for him, life is about to change.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is here the plot thickens (for lack of a better cliché) and the story really starts to take shape. Working on the gravitational experiment one day, he suddenly wakes up back at his parents’ Ohio house, in his old bedroom. The problem is it is 1992 at the tender age of 19.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unsure of what to do with this new life he heads down to Cocoa Beach, FL with the hopes of saving the shuttle from disaster. Back in New Mexico one of the partners on the design team of the Endeavor had spoken to him about the design flaw that led to the terrible explosion.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If he is going to go back in time, retaining his knowledge, may as well use if for something useful, right?</div><div class="MsoNormal">While in Florida, Daniel seeks out the friendship of a friend he had met in his previous life. &nbsp;It is Bill, a Christian; he starts to remember what little faith he had buried inside of him, and starts to question science, time travel, his live and God. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What follows is a tale of life, love, marriage and children.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Daniel was given a chance to re-do his life. Instead of rushing around trying to change things and use his knowledge for something bad, he used it to change himself. He found his faith, made peace with the decisions of his past and fell in love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I felt it a little odd that a Christian based novel would have a sci-fi time travel tale within its pages, Hambleton made it work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22708?ref=cmahan"> this book</a>, not just to faith followers, but to anyone interested one with a time traveling twist. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>If you went back in time knowing all you knew, what would you do differently, if anything?</b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81191929284310183052011-08-02T12:48:00.002-04:002011-08-10T13:46:25.459-04:00Calling All Coupon Users<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kroger_logo.svg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Kroger logo" height="250" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b0/Kroger_logo.svg/300px-Kroger_logo.svg.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kroger_logo.svg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div id="post_message_4114780" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I have been poking around <a href="http://www.afullcup.com/">A Full Cup</a> for quite some time. I am a casual coupon user. I used to get $200 a month in food benefits for myself, my fiance and his daughter (weekends only).<br /><br />I am a full time student. I just graduated in June and will start my Masters this fall. I was the one getting the benefits based on student status. I received a letter today that this past April the rules were change for students. So instead of reducing my benefits they dropped me from the program.<br /><br />He used to have a card, but once he started working he stopped applying for benefits. He assumed he made too much money.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />We may qualify for benefits using him as head of household. 2 people on 1 income since he pays the household bills and I pay for the credit cards and extras. Works out the same for the most part, but DHS doesnt care about the extras. In the past I paid for half of everything, so DHS used that information for my case.<br /><br />Sorry for all the background information. Sometimes it helps when someone is trying to give advice.<br /><br />I should also mention, we are not married, so by law we are not required to claim each other.<br />Because I used to pay half of everything before we redid our arrangement to make things easier, it was treated like we were roommates.<br /><br />I know a lot of people who have more family members and eat on less. Even with the $200 from the state I still had out of pocket , another $100 average a month.<br /><br />He eats A LOT.&nbsp;<img alt="" border="0" class="inlineimg" src="http://img.afullcup.com/images/smilies/lol-053.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; vertical-align: middle;" title="LOL" />&nbsp;That is no joke. His daughter is the same. She is only 6, but has quite the appetite. I dont know where it goes, they are both healthy.<br /><br />I live in the country. I have a Meijer about 5 mins away, there is a Kroger, Dollar General and Rite Aide all right next to each other about 15min away. Everything else is about a 30 min drive.<br /><br />I have a food salvage place I have been going to, its about 45min drive and I go with my mom once a month. I am able to get some things much cheaper. But, the inventory changes every time I go.<br /><br />I know about crockpot cooking and freezer meals. Using beans to fill up your meals and cooking from scratch. I have a mom who was raised on a farm and knows how to cook enough to feed an army.<br /><br />Problem is - time. With school , career and what little time I get to spend with my family, I simply dont have time for a lot of prep work, especially if I am going to have to take time for couponing.<br /><br />Another problem with country living, no newspaper. I could order the Sunday paper to one of 3 of the larger cities around me, but they are $20 a month and I am not sure they would even be worth it.<br /><br /><b>So how on earth do I get started?<br /><br />What would you do?</b><br /><br />I have a binder with lots of baseball card pages that I have been using as my coupon book. So, I am off to some sort of a start. I just never got really serious with it.<br /><br />Now I need to be serious.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=e72bb140-351f-41f9-92b7-536d1193fd90" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14911612885488115672011-07-29T05:04:00.004-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.394-05:00We Are All Safe from the Past<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1933651849&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="Safe from the Past: A Story of Hope, Faith and Determination" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BC3V68exL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" />Everyone has a tale to tell, a story about the past that made them the person they are today. For some, like me, it is a horrible tale that you often wonder if it is really your life.&nbsp; I have spent much of my life feeling very alone. We often look to others for strength, support and sympathy. It is hard sometimes for someone who has never been through anything like you have to really understand the type of support you need. Although I hate that these are the types of things that bring people together, I have to admit I get a great sense of satisfaction from reading someone else’s tale of a horrible past and making something wonderful out of their life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Read about my past here: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">Cards on the Table</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/my-survivor-story.html">My Survivor Story</a><br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reading a story such as this will make you think about all of those horrible things you only see on television or read about in the newspaper. So many times people look the other way because they do not want to think about the terrible things that are happening in their own backyard. Those who have lived through such an ordeal are glad to be survivors, but not many write a book about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am. And she did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Patricia Miller Mauro’s Safe from the Past: A Story of Hope, Faith and Determination struck a chord inside of me. It gave me hope and I know it will give others hope as well, whether they are a survivor or not. Good people still do exist in this world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Mauro came from a poor, single parent family.&nbsp; She got on the right path by obtaining a job through the federal funded Summer Youth Employment Program. Most would have begged and pleaded with their parents to NOT have to work on their summers off. Instead of complaining, she was looking forward to getting food for her mother and her sister. After reading that I knew Mauro was a special woman. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She made the best of every situation. Doing her job through SYEP the best she could resulted in her getting a promotion from back room clerk to Secretarial Assistant. Through the course of her life, Mauro took every change she could to build on her resume, knowing someday that was going to help her get out of this poor situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Things went from bad to worse when her mother married Bill, the raging alcoholic who beat his wife and her children. Once Mauro was able to go to college, despite every obstacle that came her way, she never lost faith and she never quit trying. There were times throughout her college career she had no more than two pennies to her name. She prayed day and night. What would she do? She would “worry about it later” and keep moving forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In college her English professor set her up with word processing training. In those days, not many were educated in that department. To her advantage, by the summer of her junior year she had landed a job at Chase Bank in New York City.&nbsp; Senior year landed her at Merrill Lynch. &nbsp;After graduation a short stop at a temp job landed her at DTC (Depository Trust Company) right in the heart of NYC’s financial district for 13 years. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not too bad for a girl who grew up poor, with an addictive mother and alcoholic step father. Although there is much more to the story in terms of what happened with her sister, her mother, the step father and even her father, I can firmly say that Patricia Miller Mauro wants you to know that just because&nbsp; you feel helpless you still have the power to change your life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Her book is a continuation of that tribute (in regards to a published article about her mother’s recovery from addiction) and serves to spread the message that good news is on its way to those considering higher education but who are afraid to dream.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel everyone, no matter what they are going through in life can benefit from reading this book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b> I received this book free from Litfuse as part of their Blog Tour Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</i></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the Giveaway!&nbsp;<u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about&nbsp;<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Safe From the Past</span></i>&nbsp;or share about it on Facebook!<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (<a href="mailto:info@litfusegroup.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">info@litfusegroup.com</a>). Easy.&nbsp;<u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea:<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">TWEET THIS:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp; Safe From the Past by Patricia Mauro - inspiring tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships.&nbsp;<a href="http://ow.ly/5FQHA" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/5FQHA</a>&nbsp;#litfuse<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">FACEBOOK THIS</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">: Don’t miss Patricia Mauro’s Safe From the Past &nbsp;- inspiring, deeply personal tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships.&nbsp;<a href="http://ow.ly/5FQHA" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/5FQHA</a>. Told in an open, honest voice with the deepest sincerity, the author's life story serves as a rousing inspiration to those with the desire to create a better life than the one they are currently living.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About Safe From the Past:</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A kidnapping, the divorce of her parents, the loss of her father, temporary abandonment and extreme poverty are just some of the issues the author dealt with as a young child.&nbsp;</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br />Her mother finally tells her she must go to college so she can break out of this cycle of poverty and hopelessness. But how can she when she has no money and absolutely no confidence or self esteem?&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br />Read this true story to discover what hope, faith and determination can do to change a life.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br />A truly inspiring, deeply personal tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships, Safe from the Past makes clear the restorative power of an education.<br /><br />Told in an open, honest voice with the deepest sincerity, the author's life story serves as a rousing inspiration to those with the desire to create a better life than the one they are currently living.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"><br />No matter how helpless you feel, everyone has the power to shape their own life.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">About the Patricia Miller Mauro:<u></u><u></u></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=1491161288548811567" name="1315837daef475d4_LETTER.BLOCK16" style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">Patricia worked in&nbsp;</span></span></a><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">New York City</span></span><u></u><u></u><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">'s financial district for thirteen years in the field of securities operations. At that time, she went on to obtain an MBA from&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>New York<u></u>&nbsp;<u></u>University<u></u><u></u>. She and her husband moved to&nbsp;<u></u><u></u>Dallas<u></u>,&nbsp;<u></u>TX<u></u><u></u>&nbsp;in 2001 where they are raising their two children.<br />&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">During her time in NY, Patricia wrote an article entitled "A Tribute To My Mother" which was published in "The Recovery Journal" in 1999. Her book is a continuation of that tribute and serves to spread the message to those in similar situations that good news is on its way to children considering a higher education but who are afraid to dream. For more information please visit,<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nqr8necab&amp;et=1106293998304&amp;s=1031&amp;e=001x9_PGyZgpF0fKY0cSwInOIXMzUdmvcwIr_QWEd1neTzwOjOQv-bXvzXakwFKkGVwjP9_o6WVeoUcS_XlODx8aFzeZjvv0RkEXJ-ODO19gC0yJ7qrd8H5VX1_KJcyfOCZ" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nqr8necab&amp;et=1106293998304&amp;s=1031&amp;e=001x9_PGyZgpF0fKY0cSwInOIXMzUdmvcwIr_QWEd1neTzwOjOQv-bXvzXakwFKkGVwjP9_o6WVeoUcS_XlODx8aFzeZjvv0RkEXJ-ODO19gC0yJ7qrd8H5VX1_KJcyfOCZ"><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">www.patriciamaurobooks.com</span></b></a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: silver; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Blog Tour Schedule:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;(<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13380085" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://litfusegroup.com/<wbr></wbr>blogtours/text/13380085</a>)<u></u><u></u></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41754631496258906792011-07-27T11:24:00.022-04:002011-08-10T13:47:19.942-04:00Article Submission<a href="http://www.submiteaze.com/index.jsp?aff=2478"><img border="0" src="http://www.submiteaze.com/img/banners/rectangle_ad.gif" /></a><br />I know there are quite a few of you that do article submission to places like eZine Articles.<br /><br />I recently invested in some software for my Virtual Assistant business called Submit Eaze. WOW! At first I was a little intimidated by it because there is so much there to learn. For the most part it really is a plug-n-play type software but you can also customize it to do exactly what you want it to do.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I currently have some gigs listed on <a href="http://fiverr.com/users/cmahan/">Fiverr</a> and<a href="http://www.ihaveconnections.com/userallgigs.php?uid=337"> iHaveConnections</a>. The software also does directory submissions which is great for those of you who are looking for web traffic and get your website/business listed in yellow page type directories.<br /><br />If you don't want to dish out the money for the software, but this is something you are interested, leave me a comment, find me on one of those websites or send me an email. I would be more than happy to help you out.<br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/what-do-virtual-assistants-do-52-virtual-assistant-services-you-can-offer/" target="_blank">What Do Virtual Assistants Do? 52 Virtual Assistant Services You Can Offer</a> (theworkathomewife.com)</li> </ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=4c45538e-1358-4b5e-8bb2-a57da9e36a67" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20069671921861967602011-07-26T09:39:00.004-04:002011-08-10T13:47:36.530-04:00*cough cough* Pardon the DustI just wanted to give a quick update and say hello. I am sorry this website has been neglected but I assure you it has not been on purpose. I graduated college in the middle of June and since then I have been trying to get my virtual assistant business up and running again and will be using my other website <a href="http://chrystalmahan.com/">chrystalmahan.com</a> for that. I have been trying to figure out a way to bring everything together because I want to include my writing in my VA business as well. Grad school starts in a few weeks and I am finding it very difficult to keep up with two websites. I have so many ideas but not enough hours in the day. I picked up some marketing clients that have been taking up most of my working hours which is nice because content writing was starting to suck the life out of my creative writing and it pays better. Working on a new schedule to include all of my "jobs".<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I have also started a health savings website, which will be more than what it is now. With healthcare costs on the rise and the possibility of a reduction in benefits I knew there had to be a way to help myself. I went through 4 different programs before I landed on the one I did. Right now <a href="http://savingonhealth.com/">savingonhealth.com</a> is just my personal story and the company, soon it will include much &nbsp;more health savings.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56552221473135132522011-07-13T10:09:00.005-04:002011-08-10T13:47:58.065-04:00Working From Home and Affordable Healthcare (new update)(FYI This is an update from my original post you may have read last week when it was about the Xpress plan.)<br /><br />Just like so many I needed a health care plan that was affordable and useful. In 2007 I had a husband, a job at City Hall, and full coverage insurance. When I made the choice to leave him and my life 1000 miles behind, I lost the insurance (complete medical coverage), too. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Since 2007 I have tried to build a business for myself doing freelance work in the field of writing, data entry, and bookkeeping. When I started to research self-employment insurance it was well over $200 a month, $35 - $75 co-pay with at least a $5000 -$7500 deductible. That was for dental and health.<br /><br />How does that save me? While I can appreciate and understand the desire for health insurance, I certainly am not able to deal with those costs.<br /><br /><i>Let me explain that. Yes, I have a job. And yes, I do OK for myself. I also have my share of household expenses to pay for. While I was in school it was hard working long hours so I had to cut back. Right now I only have a small window before Graduate school starts in the fall. I need to keep my expenses to a minimal.</i><br /><br />Besides, how much time can one&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;wait? I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;know about you, but I do have some&nbsp;preexisting&nbsp;conditions. There are only a handful of companies that will allow certain conditions.<br /><br /><br />That began my search for discount and savings plans. I have a primary care physician that M has been seeing most of his life. He only charges $30 an office visit. But my&nbsp;prescriptions&nbsp;for mental health and pain management can get costly depending on what I need refilled.<br /><br />I have seen many come discounts come and go. While reading through member materials for another savings plan I came across <a href="http://www.procardinternational.com/ChrystalM1524">Procard International</a>. Through the web portal I was able to see that the network of doctors and pharmacy's were exactly the same as some of the other more&nbsp;expensive&nbsp;discount healthcare plans! More Doctors means more choices. That makes me feel safer if I should happen to need a Doctor out of town.<br /><br />I tried Ameriplan in 2007 when I lost my insurance. I signed up for the basic plan, I think it was $15 or so. I lived in a very small town and there were no doctors close, they all required 30 minutes or more of driving time. The selection and services were extremely limited. I ended up canceling. I did try to become a rep for the program, but I was new in the state and had no connections. Besides, how could I get others to buy the healthcare savings when I could not really give it "two-thumbs-up"?<br /><br />I also looked at Procard International, but at that time I had zero income since I just moved to MI and no way to pay the monthly fee.<br /><br />As some of you may have seen, I also tested out the Xpress plan on their two week trial. It cost $7.70. It took one week to get my ABO pack, which included nothing but sign up forms and the handbook. I spent half my time searching around trying to find things between 3 different websites and &nbsp;5 people. To say I am overwhelmed is an understatement.<br /><br /><strike>At time of writing this, I still do not have my health care savings package and my trial ends in 5 days. </strike>My plan was to just purchase the monthly package for my own discount, but when I saw I might be able to help others in the same boat as me, I decided on top of the $40 plan to pay $37 independent contractor fee. I realized I would need 7 people to sign up for an ABO or double that amount in just healthcare plans in order for me to break even.<br /><br />My package did arrive, the day I canceled.<br /><br />What part of discount and poor did anyone not understand? So, in a few days I will be charged $77. No thanks. In the long run, no &nbsp;matter how many times the accountant in me tried to make it work, it just wasn't. I am a writer, not a sales rep. I need a discount, not a business.<br /><br />I thought in 2 weeks I *might* be able to sell it to a few people to cover my costs, but the truth is, I am not a sales rep and I have never been good at direct sales. I have did Avon for 5 years and did enough to cover the things I wanted , I tried Shaklee; mostly so I could get the discount, and Advocare; which I loved, but again, had a hard time selling.<br /><br />I don't have time to run another business. I realize that a business start-up is costly. No matter what option you choose. I just don't have the investment money, or the time.<br /><br />Fast forward to Sunday July 10, 2011. I am pretty excited about the <a href="http://www.procardinternational.com/ChrystalM1524">Procard International</a> plan. I have witness quite a few savings through people who have purchased the plan, I actually know a few people who have it. They use the same Aetna Dental &amp; other provider networks as the other provider companies I looked at. I checked and it has all the same doctors and pharmacies available to me.<br /><br /><b>So why am I so excited about it?</b><br /><br /><br /><ul><li>There is<b> no</b> waiting period.&nbsp;</li> <li>Preexisting conditions <b>do not</b> matter.</li> <li>There are two very&nbsp;inexpensive&nbsp;plans to choose from.</li> <li>It costs nothing if you want to be an independent contractor.</li> <li>They actually have *employee*&nbsp;positions&nbsp;too.</li> <li>Scam free&nbsp;guarantee.&nbsp;</li> </ul><br /><br /><br /><br />I really had no intention of becoming a provider of <a href="http://www.procardinternational.com/ChrystalM1524">Procard</a>, but when I really started to think of it, I knew an entire network of individuals that could benefit from this program. This program is perfect for those who are self-employed with no insurance, employed with no insurance and anyone else who does not have health care. There is a premium package ($19.95/mo, which includes Aetna Dental) and a Deluxe ($28.95/mo).Pharmacy is a must. Vision is a must.<br /><br />You can also pay for an entire year at once instead of having the cost every month.<br /><br />As a rep I get a little bit of a bonus, I pay around $22 a month. If I can save more than $22 by spending $22 then I am breaking even. Anything more than that is a bonus. My medications alone are enough to make me run every time I have to refill them.<br /><br />They also have other programs <a href="http://localdiscounts.com/">localdiscounts.com</a> (there are a lot of goodies available there), <a href="http://pizzadelivery.com/">pizzadelivery.com</a>, and <a href="http://usjunkmail.com/">usjunkmail.com</a>&nbsp;.<br /><br />There are benefits too to those who have traditional insurance. Sometimes it will help cover the out of pocket costs, deductibles and co-pays. I have read testimonials on various websites&nbsp;and through users who were able to use this for added savings. Please check out the site for more information. If you have any questions feel free to ask!<br /><br />Like I said, I suck at sales and I am not really in this to make money, but if I can help someone else in who needs it than I am at least going to try.<br /><br />I know that any of the above options can be&nbsp;just what you are looking for if you have any of these circumstances like I do. It is all going to come down to how much do you want to spend, what benefits do you need, and if you are looking into a program you can make money from. They payouts between the two are very different.<br /><br />&nbsp;Xpress is MLM. Procard is not, it works on a bonus structure similar to a MLM, but does not have deep levels. Procard also has actual employment opportunities instead of&nbsp;independent&nbsp;contractor if that interests you. Procard pays less, but it also costs less.<br /><br />Procard gives you a free&nbsp;website&nbsp;and printable materials to help you grow your business. Best part, it is free to join. So, if I am going to pay a monthly fee, may as well sign up. Especially if I can help people around me who need it. In my community both online and off I see a real need for savings in the healthcare department. So, I get the same doctors, same discount, cheaper monthly fee AND I can be a rep for FREE?<br /><br />I can answer any questions you may have, and if I don't know, I will certainly take the time to find out for you. Just remember, this is a better option for me. It may not be for you, so please do your homework before making your choice.<br /><br />Remember this is not insurance. This is a discount and savings healthcare plan.<br /><br />If you personally do not feel you could benefit from this, but may know someone who could, please share my blog post link. Thank you.<br /><br />If you are interested in purchasing Procard International Healthcare Plan: <a href="http://www.savingonhealth.com/">www.savingonhealth.com</a><br />If you are interested in becoming an Independent Agent, follow the same link.<br />If you would like more information you can email me cmahan@live.com<br /><br />I am going to be working on savingonhealth.com, so it is a work in process. &nbsp;There will be links there to all the programs and information so readers can make their own choices. I am also going to put other types of health discounts. Right now it just forwards to my Procard website.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12247834931319961822011-07-12T07:48:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.851-04:00Got A Classic You Love? Retell It For This Contest<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.salemlitfest.com/writingcontest">SALEM LITERARY FESTIVAL WRITING CONTEST</a></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Offering a $200 prize for the winning work of short</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>fiction on a theme of A Classic Re-Told. Choose a</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>childhood fairy tale or story from classic literature</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>and rewrite it, or mash-up some old favorites with a</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>modern twist! The winning author will receive a $200</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>honorarium. In addition, the winning author will be</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>invited to read their piece at the Salem Literary</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Festival in September 2011, receive feedback from a</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>literary agent, and will be featured in the Salem Gazette,</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>published in the e-magazine Art Throb, and the winning</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>story will be posted on the Literary Festival website.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Finalists may also be posted on the Literary Festival</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>website.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79440844475859427812011-07-11T08:56:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.209-04:00FREE Download : Tools for Writers - Blog Tracker<img alt="Pay for Blog Tracker" src="http://www.tradebit.com/usr/sors/pub/9002/127020674_BlogTracker.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"Discover How You Can Easily Find Thousands Of Profitable Niche Blogs To Increase Your Search Engines Rankings... &amp; The Results Are Guaranteed!"&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br />What This Amazing Software Does:<br /><br />*Identifies Wordpress blogs with the 'nofollow' tag in the comments field in ANY niche you choose<br /><br />*Saves you time and effort from searching for blogs manually to leave comments on and building backlinks<br /><br />*Shows you the Page Rank of each of the individual blog posts itself and home page of the blogs<br /><br />*Displays the Alexa ranking of each blog (so you know what's the amount of traffic the blog receives)<br /><br />*Tells you if you have left a comment previously on the blog so you can track your link building efforts with much ease.<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">*Allows you to save your findings and results for more effective tracking/analysis in the future.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/51926870/BlogTracker.zip">Free Download!</a></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26983770616552462642011-07-11T07:46:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.853-04:00It's United Planet Day and There's a Writing Contest<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="http://www.unitedplanet.org/united-planet-day-contest">UNITED PLANET DAY CONTEST</a></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>NO ENTRY FEE</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The deadline is on the equinox: September 23, 2011.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>We are accepting all submissions through our online</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>community:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.upcommunity.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.upcommunity.org</a>. The winners of each</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>category will be granted the choice of either one United</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Planet Volunteer Abroad Quest for up to two weeks to</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>selected short-term locations around the world; or the</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>monetary compensation of $300. The winning pieces will</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>also be published on United Planet's website and in an</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>upcoming newsletter. The maximum length for a written</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>submission is 2500 words. Examples include any fiction,</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>creative non-fiction, or poetry piece inspired by volunteer</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>work, community service, travel experiences, or other</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>personal interactions that deal with the subject of</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>intercommunication and friendship.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46466791945395908222011-07-05T07:26:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.856-04:00Attention Smithsonian Lovers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0032KHQU2&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Smithsonian magazine accepts unsolicited proposals from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">established freelance writers for features and some</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">departments.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Please use the<a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/contact-us/article-submit/"> web submission form </a>to submit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">a written proposal of 250 to 300 words as a preliminary query.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Smithsonian Magazine is buying first North American serial</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">rights only. Our article length ranges from a 700-word humor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">column to a 4,000-word full-length feature. We consider</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">focused subjects that fall within the general range of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Smithsonian Institution interests, such as:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;cultural history,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">physical science,&nbsp;</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">art and natural history.</span></li></ul><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;We are always</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">looking for offbeat subjects and profiles.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We do not consider</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">fiction, poetry, political and news events, or previously</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">published articles.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72528746167146413312011-07-02T16:15:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.397-05:00The Summoning Book 1 in the Gatekeeper Series by Wilson Doherty<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B004YDU8HO&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></o:p>Do nightmares keep you up at night?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do humans look like demons?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Voices?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">People stop and stare? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Are you overly popular and you can’t seem to figure out why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps, you are just an outsider looking in, or maybe one who just wants to be part of a crowd.</div><div class="MsoNormal">If any of these things are happening to you, it is possible you have been summoned by the Guardian and you should take notice because demons want to take over the land.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Welcome to Chthonic City where a handful of teenagers have become restless, anxious, and a little freaked out over what they are seeing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Who to tell?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No one. They can’t tell. Who would believe them?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Each high school student faced with demonic sites and nightmares has life in which no one knows. The crazy girl sent to a psych ward, the jock, the loner, and the one not called at all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These students have a purpose. They may not realize just how important they are.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book goes on to tell the story of four teens, summoned by another world. The group meets the Guardian who teaches them that together, they can “dream down” and stop the demons coming through the gates of hell. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>In the process, a fifth follows and although is not called, desperately wants to join. Claire, Janna, Darren, Galen, and Maxim each see the demons in a different way. Each one of the teens holding on to different sense of “power” and called for a purpose. Each called forth to be Gatekeepers. All except for one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Each teen has its own story. Each teen is being neglected by family, most without friends to speak of. Parents too rich to take notice of the child’s thoughts and feelings. Parents who are work-a-holics. Each lonely in their own way. They needed each other more than they knew.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Even though the whole dream thing was played out with Nightmare on Elm Street it is refreshing to see a new twist on it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I recommend The Summoning for readers of young adult novels to adults. Some of it might be a bit harsh for the sensitive younger readers, so it may be better suited for those age 17 and above due to some events and profanity. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is a story of good vs. evil. It is a story of teens from opposite sides of the track bonding together to form a bond. A bond which would not be broken. So, while some will read the story and follow the teens down the gates of hell to fight the demons trying to cross over, others will see a deeper meaning of friendship and understanding. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Were they able to close the door and stop the demons? You will just have to <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/56163?ref=cmahan">read the novel </a>to find out!</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am anxious to see what turn of events happen in upcoming books. This is one series I will be keeping an eye on.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53501182737251109952011-07-02T10:16:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.858-04:00Last Call! Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Send a poem, 30 lines or less on any subject or send in a short story,5 pages or less, on any topic.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Entries can be single or double line spacing, even neatly hand printed&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">or typed.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Entry fees: $5 per poem, $10 per story.</span></div><br /><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Writing Contest First Prize: $500, 2nd: $250; 3rd: $100;</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Poetry Contest First Prize: $250, 2nd: $125; 3rd: $50.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000027588026&amp;pubid=21000000000320849" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_impression?lid=41000000027588026&amp;pubid=21000000000320849" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Postmark deadline: July 31, 2011<br /><br />Visit&nbsp; <a href="http://www.dreamquestone.com/">Dream Quest One</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;for details and to enter!</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13199403740084089402011-06-30T10:50:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.404-05:00Free eBook : How to Find a Killer Niche & Unlocking the Niche Code<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4-ZgkXFlPQ/TgyGwQ4zvpI/AAAAAAAAAdk/JoWvvG86OY0/s1600/NICHECODEINNER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4-ZgkXFlPQ/TgyGwQ4zvpI/AAAAAAAAAdk/JoWvvG86OY0/s320/NICHECODEINNER.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><u><br /></u><br /><u><br /></u><br /><u>Unlocking the Niche Code</u>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/39840341/UnlockingTheNicheCode.pdf">free download</a>). Unlocking the niche code teaches you how to research the money making capabilities of a certain niche. The ebook offers a simple, step-by-step approach for finding your best niche.<br /><br />Niche is something I still struggle with because I think I have too many of them. I have tried to&nbsp;separate&nbsp;them in to different websites, but then I feel too overwhelmed and can't keep up with everything!<br /><u><br /></u><br /><u>How to Find a Killer Niche</u>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/36308997/How_To_Find_A_Killer_Niche_v2.pdf">free download</a>).<br /><br />This is one of the first ebooks I read when I was trying to figure out my niche. Of course, it took me forever to realize my niche was right in front of me (writing, taxes, and just being me).<br /><br />But, for someone who is &nbsp;new to the online world of niche writing, this is a very good tool for beginners.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64843860383819675982011-06-30T09:11:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.860-04:00“My Real-Life Story Essay Contest”<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0cLR7lL3k85RE?utm_source=zemanta&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_content=0cLR7lL3k85RE&amp;utm_campaign=z1" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Actress Eva Men..." height="150" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0cLR7lL3k85RE/107x150.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="107" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 107px;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images" target="_blank">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com/" target="_blank">@daylife</a></span></span>From <a href="http://glamour.com/">Glamour.com</a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">Every woman has an inspiring true story somewhere inside her—and we want to hear yours. Is it about the time you overcame an obstacle, tested your courage or found your passion? Enter our eighth essay contest and you could win $5,000, have your story published in an upcoming issue of Glamour, and meet with a top literary agent. All entries must be received by August 15, 2011. See</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2011/03/glamour-essay-contest-2011-rules" style="color: #660022; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">rules</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">for details</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><br /><br />Read More&nbsp;<a href="http://www.glamour.com/magazine/sweeps/archive#ixzz1Qib9ueC8" style="color: #003399; text-decoration: none;">http://www.glamour.com/magazine/sweeps/archive#ixzz1Qib9ueC8</a></span><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=daaaedab-4cca-405a-a2f0-eb5aac3a83c1" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43472268925748398172011-06-29T15:27:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.839-04:00My Poetry in Motion<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bookcover_Wilcox.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Cover of the first edition of Poems of Passion..." height="434" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/Bookcover_Wilcox.jpg/300px-Bookcover_Wilcox.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bookcover_Wilcox.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br />I have a LOT of poetry. Sitting in boxes, packed away from prying eyes, sits books of mass quantities.<br />Not just any books, my books. My words. Journals.<br /><br />Inside these journals is the journey of my life. My thoughts. My struggles. My past, present, and future.<br />Each page whispering something, always reminding me of my truths.<br /><br />It is also within these pages I have jotted down lines upon lines of poetic prose.<br /><br />Not sure if any of it is any good. I have submitted a few pieces to be published and have always received excellent feedback. I do believe I have two that have been published in a anthology. It was so long ago and I never thought about keeping track of those things back then.<br /><br />I am living a life stuck in limbo right now. Trying to decide my next move. Seeing graduation finally within my reach. Plotting my career right now to the smallest detail. I have been going through this phase of feeling like I am not good enough, building these websites are/have been a wasteof time. HubPages, despite the revenue, is going to be a waste of time. &nbsp;Trying to get my erotic published, my self help memior, or anything else....waste of time.<br /><br />But....in the same breath...I won't know unless I try. Right?<br /><br />I have decided that I would like to take the next step and trying to get my poetry published. My books are not finished and I can send out my poetry while I work on those. I figure I have nothing to lose really. I have also thought about trying to get my collection of poetry published. At least the pieces I have here with me. So, I will be pulling my "Poetry in Motion" poems off my website(s) in order to put them into documents for submission.<br /><br />I have some things that will stay, some that will be transferred to HubPages and even a few that might go on Ezine to provide me with some links and more content there. I know it takes a long time to build websites. My SEW is 6 years old, been through 4 name changes and a couple of moves. This is the first year I have actually tried to make money off blogging. I am still learning.</div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.zemanta.com/" class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img _mce_src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9e319eef-eb51-4d9d-80e1-ee06b2a697bf" _mce_style="border: none; float: right;" alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9e319eef-eb51-4d9d-80e1-ee06b2a697bf" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64516221141216262972011-06-29T14:08:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.406-05:00No Place Like Holmes by Jason Lethcoe<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1400317215&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">As a young adult I remember rummaging through the hall closet which contained my mother’s treasured hard back novels. Every time I opened that closet the smell of book pages and bindings would hit me like a great flood coming in from the sea. To this day, it is a smell I treasure. I spent my younger years reading horror by Stephen King and mysteries by Agatha Christie. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Obviously I am no longer a young adult, now into my mid-thirties, but I can still cherish and appreciate a young adult novel. So, when I saw No Place like Holmes was up for review, I snatched it up. Who doesn’t love a good mystery or Sherlock Holmes related novel?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are introduced to Griffin, a young boy traveling from the United States to London to visit his uncle, Rupert Snodgrass. The only problem is, Uncle Rupert has no idea his nephew is about to knock on his door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When Griffin learns that his uncle and Sherlock Holmes share the same apartment building 221 Baker Street, he thinks to himself that it won’t be such a bad summer after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When Uncle Rupert finally calms down after the boy gets settled in, he lays down a few rules. Rules that leave the 12 year old boy out on the streets, daily, to fend for himself. Rupert feels Griffin is disturbing his work, which is slime thanks the Holmes, so the money his sister sent will be of use. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The relationship gets off to a rocky start but when Griffin proves himself useful by paying attention to detail and doing a little detective work of his own, the Uncle and Griffin are able to join together to find a missing person. When my mystery unfolds, this missing person has built an explosive device to be placed in Big Ben, leaving London in shambles.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What follows are the twists and turns of a classic mystery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Despite being meant for the younger generation, I think any mystery lover can appreciate this creative story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do they save London? You will have to read to find out. The ending is not what you think!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Disclosure of Material Connection:</b>&nbsp;I received this book free as part of a book review program. I was provided no monetary compensation, only the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33292433292974147942011-06-23T09:49:00.004-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.413-05:00Spoon-fed Addiction by Silvano Williams<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/45786?ref=cmahan"><img height="320" src="http://cache.smashwire.com/bookCovers/a5095a73ca71e57950476ec5d982fb01c820b071" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a&nbsp;huge fan of “dear diary” type stories. When I first decided to take on this book review, I had read a few paragraphs of the story and started to dread it. What else could someone possibly say about the life of a drug deal who has obviously cracked? I put the Nook aside and decided to save it for another day.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Having said it before, I will always give a book my best shot. No matter how much it does not entertain me I will at least try especially when the author contacted me for a review. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Once I finished up school for the summer, I decided to give it a go. I scanned back through the first chapter to refresh my memory.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I then sat up the whole night finishing the book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Meet Adiran, messed up druggie extraordinaire. Typical, and yes, rather cliché. But how else can you describe the main character from a drug addicted novella? You wanted to love Adiran, but you hated him for messing up his life. You wanted him to be loved, to have love, and get out of this train wreck of a life he was living. You wanted to know he was going to clean up his life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That doesn’t happen. There is no fairytale love story hidden within these pages. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Instead, the pages are littered with drug use, drug deals, sex, crimes, and death. After death, there is revenge which does nothing more than create more death and an ending that leaves your ripping out your hair, screaming “I WANT MORE!” It can possibly end just like that. What happened to……</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You will get sucked in. You will find yourself full of emotions and right when you think you have the story all figured out…………..it ends.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am thrilled with the emotional roller coaster ride Silvano Williams took me on. Now I sit here, pounding away at the keyboard wondering….will there be more? When can I find out what happens to Adiran? Do the police catch up with him? Does he overdose? Spend the rest of his life in prison? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or, maybe he falls in love while on the run and heads to Mexico….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hey, a girl can dream (or in this case make up the ending to a story not written)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you love a fast paced adventure, you will enjoy <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/45786?ref=cmahan">Spoon-fed Addiction by Silvano Williams</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26403081302916608602011-06-20T09:48:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:16:55.884-04:00A Postcard PoemDo you have a pile of postcards that you have collected over the years? Have you ever wondered what you are going to do with them?<br /><br />Found this idea in the July/August 2011 Writer's Digest Magazine. Might be fun and might just spark some creativity.<br /><br />Now, if only I can remember what box my postcards are in.<br /><br />This has also given me a reason to purchase new postcards when I go places! Once I have a set, I can craft them into a cute book like this photo I found on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/cmahan/">Pinterest:</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UBvRJswUvU/TfzZ1cDGflI/AAAAAAAAAcU/MREzToOZ2F8/s1600/41041321_iGF7lfWU_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UBvRJswUvU/TfzZ1cDGflI/AAAAAAAAAcU/MREzToOZ2F8/s320/41041321_iGF7lfWU_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The person who does these has a blog: <a href="http://iloveitallwithmonikawright.blogspot.com/2010/11/summer-in-life-complete-look.html">I Love It All,</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;so I want to make sure I give her full credit since her little mini books are popping up all over Pinterest.<br /><br />I have been inspired by these mini books to make one for M and I for all of our&nbsp;mementos&nbsp;we saved from our dates and road trips.<br /><br />This postcard poetry has me inspired as well. Beautiful postcards on one side, poetry on the other.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here is the poetic prompt:</span></b><br /><br />Write a postcard poem. In the short amount of space a postcard allows, write a poem that describes either a place you're visiting or one that you already have. You can address it to a person to make it more personal.<br /><br />Have fun!<br /><br />Once I have mine finished (it might take a while) I will be sure to post photos! If you make one, I would like to see yours as well.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64288300589566544502011-06-18T12:25:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.417-05:00You Have The Power To Rewrite Your RealityI have been trying to change my reality. Trying to juggle school, family, and writing has become extremely overwhelming these last few weeks. I came across this article (there is also a free ebook, download at end of post):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/23210250/Change_Your_Mind.pdf"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ing6-cjF24/TfzRKZDdpvI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/KQaM4AJtlZk/s1600/ChYMpaperbacksmsm.jpg" /></a></div><br />Thoughts have the power to affect each one and the life that one lives. One’s thoughts are very vital tools in creating and shaping the reality that one experiences. Thoughts are responsible for the creation of one’s emotional state, affecting the body, health and one's daily living in general, influencing one’s responses to relationships and to life and &nbsp;determine one’s choices.<br /><br />The power of your thought can enable reality, and all realities. This reality however at times often will have one accept otherwise. Believing that your fate lies in other people’s hands and to the things beyond one’s control, then one looses that basic power granted to him, which is the very power or capability to create.<br /><br />Loosing this power, one then makes it easier for other persons to change and manipulate one’s own world into that which others want it to be, instead of transforming it yourself into that of what you really want it to be. Bear in mind, you and only you have that right and that power to make your world.<br /><br />Creating or rewriting one's own reality will never imply as one being a success in the financial aspect of success. Being poor or rich is not the requirement of this state; however, maintaining a positive and healthy attitude is very much the prerequisite.<br /><br />Remember that every successes stems or results from one’s own capability to attract the positive character of one’s divine Father. One must recognize that every incident that one lives through is intentionally created for one’s enlightenment.<br /><br />Although one has been deceived in succession, one’s illusion constantly builds up like prison gates simply because one was unsuccessful to retrieve the life force of happiness. One must concentrate on certain things that guarantee a positive concept of success. &nbsp;The powerful reason for this is that inside a negative energy compartment, it sustains and encourages only negative energy.<br /><br />Energy streams where it is recognized. A negative energy should stream to its source in order to be alive. So much like gasoline set on fire. Fire is attracted to gasoline until such time that fire consumes everything and dies out. <br /><br />It will not live without something assisting in its formation. Take note that fire will wipe out everything provided that there is still energy feeding it. &nbsp;The moment that fires sustenance is gone, then fire should, by law of nature, distinguish itself.<br /><br />It is this exact law that exists in every person’s thoughts. The energy one produces will feed on the equivalent energy that is in existent in that certain thought. &nbsp;Negative thoughts feeds on negative energy, in the same manner that positive thoughts attract and feed on positive energy.<br /><br />The more negative thought that one has, the more that he creates negative energy all around him. This negative energy in time will build up enormously around one’s life for so many miles literally.<br /><br />That explains why some individuals have negative incidents attached to them. &nbsp;Certain facets go on haunting certain individuals for years to such point that these individuals feels that they are born unlucky or that they are cursed. When in fact, they have created this negative energy and have accumulated so much, feeding them off. <br /><br />You have the power to rewrite this reality, this negative energy that you have nourished. &nbsp;Defeat it with pleasant, positive and inspiring thoughts, all the time, every time. &nbsp;Continuously doing so will distinguish the negative fire within. <br /><br />Here are simple ways to rewrite your thoughts and your reality:<br /><br />1. &nbsp;There is a need and a must to change your beliefs and attitude concerning your present reality. &nbsp;Shift your attention and focus in the direction that you believe can bring you more success and peace. &nbsp;Turn negative thoughts into positive ones; whenever a negative thought enters your mind, block it off instantly with a positive thought. <br /><br />2. &nbsp; Create an image or think of the new and positive reality that you want to achieve and focus on it constantly; should there is a need for you to decide on a certain aspect in your life, refer to that image, to help you in your decision making. <br /><br />3. &nbsp;Heal all your negative thoughts. &nbsp;Look inside you and determine what needs to be done and what you want to do. &nbsp;Keep on focusing to that reality that you want to achieve and never be afraid to take the steps towards it. &nbsp;Remember, fear is negative.<br /><br />Wanting to succeed above every circumstance in your life, means using the power of your thoughts to make the reality that you want. &nbsp;Focus your attention to the thoughts and images that you want to project, that you want to achieve; this, combined with that passionate feeling deep inside you, your thoughts will be able to bring forth what you truly desire.<br /><br />Free eBook: <a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/23210250/Change_Your_Mind.pdf">Change Your Mind, Change Your Life</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19966729391213209972011-06-15T10:10:00.012-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.214-04:0010 Tips for Successful EntriesWhen writing posts regarding submissions and contests I came across this article in <a href="http://www.pw.org/">Poets and Writers </a>magazine regarding these 10 tips for successful entries. Thought I would pass it along.<br /><br />1. Choose your contests wisely. Pick those you would be proud to win.<br />2. Do your research.<br />3. Learn about the judge.<br />4. Make a reading list. Read the last 3 books that have won the prize you are entering.<br />5. Follow the guidelines.<br />6. Submit your best. Write as if it is the last piece you will ever write &amp; your life depended on it.<br />7. Polish your manuscript. For poetry organize your book in coherent order.<br />8. Don't pitch your work. Be confident!<br />9. Try again. Submit until someone takes it.<br />10. Don't give up!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10653643948644039822011-06-14T11:36:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.216-04:00ProBlogger's Guide to Blogging for Your Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Blog4Biz_3d book-400.jpg" src="http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Blog4Biz_3d-book-400.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><br />Darren Rowse and his team at <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger</a> have done it again.<br /><br />It was just a few short weeks ago they released the new "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/new-from-problogger-guide-to-your-first.html">Guide to Your First Week of Blogging</a>."<br /><br />Now there is a release just for those who want to promote their business through weblog.<br /><br /><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><em>A blog is part of your business plan… but where do you start?</em></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">This practical eBook is written for Business Owners wanting to<br />use blogs to help them achieve their blogging goals.<br /><br />It's over 140 pages jam packed full of content from successful<br />business owner, blogger and blog coach - Mark Hayward.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><b><br /></b></div><div align="center" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;"><a class="ec_ejc_thkbx" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&amp;i=952111&amp;cl=11220&amp;ejc=2" style="color: #4280b4; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Download it Now - Blog4Biz.jpeg" height="200" src="http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Download-it-Now-Blog4Biz.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" width="384" /></a></div><h3 style="color: #ce4f00; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><br /><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=952111&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220" target="ejejcsingle">Click here to view more details</a><br /></h3><ul style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ce4f00;"><b> </b></span></div></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42736920356153238772011-06-14T08:05:00.042-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.863-04:00Opportunities for Writers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Poetry</span><br />Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Annual Poetry Prizes<br />DUE: October 11, 2011<br />Website: <a href="http://www.dorothyprizes.org/">www.dorothyprizes.org</a><br />$1000 to $25,000 will be awarded for the finest lyric poems celebrating the human spirit. The contest is open to all writers, published or unpublished who are under the age of 40 by November 6, 2011. Check out the website for more information.<br /><br />2011 Rattle Poetry<br />DUE: August 1, 2011<br />Website: <a href="http://www.rattle.com/">www.rattle.com</a><br />1st prize is $5,000 with 15 $100 finalists. You can submit up to four poems. Entry fee is $18 and includes a 1 year subscription to Rattle magazine. For guidelines, please visit the website.<br /><br />PhatSalmon.com 1st Annual Poetry Contest<br />DUE: June 30, 2011<br />Website: <a href="http://phatsalmon.com/Contest">phatsalmon.com/Contest</a><br />$9,000 in prize money plus publication in the Phat Salmon Journal. For writers who swim against the stream. Entry fee is $20 for 4 poems. $5 each additional. Complete submission guidelines location at the website.<br /><br />Astounding Beauty Ruffian Press<br />2011 Poetry Chapbook Award<br />DUE: August 31, 2011<br />Website: <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/~astoundingbeauityruffianpress/">http://home.earthlink.net/~astoundingbeauityruffianpress/</a><br />Email: astoundingbeautyruffianpress@yahoo.com<br />$10,000 Prize and Publication<br />10-20 pages of original poetry. $20 entry fee.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Book</span><br />Barrow Street Press<br />Book Contest<br />Website: <a href="http://www.barrowstreet.org/">www.barrowstreet.org</a><br />DUE: June 30, 2011<br />Prize is $1000 and publication. Guidelines are located on the website.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63335441852610064452011-06-08T20:33:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.527-04:00#NSNation It’s Been a While<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, I fell off the face of the Earth and was MIA for a time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not really.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just extremely busy and honestly with all these school projects I have been working on (June 22!) to push through to graduation I have forgotten about so many things I was supposed to be doing. I had to put wedding stuff on hold because I just could not handle dealing with that and everything else going on in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The last time I posted a <a href="http://www.nurtrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> update was on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/nsnation-rounding-out-week-16_19.html">Week 16</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Georgia&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt;">Week 16 &nbsp;5/16/ 2011 &nbsp;224.8 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Georgia&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt;">Week 17 &nbsp;5/23/2011 &nbsp; skipped<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Georgia&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt;">Week 18 &nbsp;5/30/2011 skipped<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Georgia&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt;">Week 19 &nbsp;6/6/2011 &nbsp; 227 &nbsp;this is weigh in on my scale and not my nurse step-mom in-law Dr. scale so I am sure all my weights are off from one scale to the next.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am still on Nutrisystem and now that the weather is warmer, I am walking a lot more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>With the warmer weather come more salads. One of my favorites is the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=dinner&amp;plan=basic&amp;productId=3873&amp;categoryId=356">Nutrisystem Buffalo Chicken Wrap</a>, which I pour on my salad and save the tortilla (sometimes I eat it with the salad) to use with the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=dinner&amp;plan=basic&amp;productId=947&amp;categoryId=356">Nutrisystem Vegetable Fajita.</a>(which is also really good as the inside filling of an omelet, or on top of a salad)</div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">This will be my last week, Week 20. I still have some food from meals I ate out or ate with my family so I will actually be able to eat a few extra days of Nutrisystem. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I have been taking the time the last few weeks to read and study nutrition labels. I found this neat iPhone App called <a href="http://www.fooducate.com/">Fooducate</a>. You can scan the bar code of an item and it will give it a letter grade and some comparable items as well as those that are better. It also explains the nutrition label. This has been a big help for me in finding items at the grocery story that are higher in fiber and protein and lower in calories. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found Sun-Kist makes not just tuna packets, but salmon packets too. Even in flavors. I love salmon but I am the only person in my house that likes it so these little packets are perfect for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">My family is now on a budget because of the vet bills we have accumulate the last few months with Cain’s health problems. He has to have daily meds and I have to work on saving/raising money for his MRI and future care. I am still not sure how to do that. We started a YouTube channel and have a bit of footage we can use; neither of us really have had the time for it. I also set up a <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/">website for him</a>, both from his point of view and mine as well as a fundraising site where you can order magazines and stuff and I get a percentage of the order to <a href="http://www.efundraisingonline.com/helpingcain">Helping Cain</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My grocery budget is $200 a month. 5 days a week it’s just the two of us, on weekends it’s the 3 of us. That might seem like a decent amount for 3 people, but it’s not. Big M eats pretty good sized meals a few times a day when he is home. lil m, for a growing 6 yr old has her days when she just eats and eats. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t have the time or the resources to be like TLC’s Extreme Couponing. I am not interested in all of that stress. I don’t have many coupon resources out here, so what I do get comes from pintables online. So this is something I have been trying to work with. Weight loss friendly and budget friendly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I did have a wakeup call (or was it a weight loss call) when I was summoned for Jury Duty in September. Funny thing, they wanted me to come when I am going away on my staycation short term honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I advised them of this as well as my health problems and instead of focusing on my health problems they focused on the honeymoon. They then moved me up to July. So, after emails and telephone calls I finally had to go to my chiropractor and get a brand new letter stating my condition.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In that letter my chiropractor pointed out how my lower disks are thinning and it is painful to sit for long periods of time and it flairs up the sciatica. She said for me not to sit any longer than 45minutes and that I am to sit on a Pilates exercise ball. I wonder how the judge is going to like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t sit in a jury box. It will kill me. The pain will be so nasty that I won’t be able to concentrate and I will be fidgeting in my chair. Sure they will love that. And let’s not get into the mental health problems. I sent all that too just in case the chiropractor wasn’t enough. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve done my time on a jury board, and in a court room as a deputy court clerk. I don’t think I would be doing any good service to anyone being in the condition I am in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What struck me was that there was a line in the note about when seated the weight being put on my lower back…..yeah, the weight. The chiro has told me more than once I have to get the weight off to reduce the stress on my spine. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is a vicious cycle I am in right now. I have to exercise to lose weight, but the exercise hurts. My back hurts, my hip goes out of joint, and my sciatica flares. I have to go through pain to reduce the pain. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh joy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, at this stage and age in my life, I just can’t give up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28045984970356438912011-06-08T15:10:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.866-04:00Narrative - Online Publication - Spring Contest<img src="http://www.narrativemagazine.com/files/imagecache/258x258/pages/images/SpringStory258D.png" /><br /><br />About a month ago I was reading my <a href="http://www.pw.org/">Poets and Writers</a> magazine and saw a small mention of the Narrative website. I thought nothing of it. I am not the world's best about chasing down websites I have seen in a literary magazine. Shortly after that I discovered the <a href="http://www.apple.com/">iPhone</a> App. I was amazed by the content and signed up for the newsletter.<br /><br />I received an email from them today and I thought I would pass it along to you.<br /><br /><br /><div id="content-header" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><h1 class="title" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 2em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Spring 2011 Story Contest</h1></div><div id="content-area" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"><div id="sidebar-right-small-width" style="margin-right: 130px;"><div class="node node-type-page" id="node-129337"><div class="node-inner"><div class="content"><div style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 1em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="bold_caps" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.1em; margin-left: -1em; text-transform: uppercase;">OUR SPRING CONTEST&nbsp;</span>is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers. We’re looking for short stories, short shorts, essays, memoirs, photo essays, graphic stories, one-act plays, all forms of literary nonfiction, and excerpts from longer works of both fiction and nonfiction. Entries must be previously unpublished, must be no longer than 15,000 words, and must not have been previously chosen as a winner, finalist, or honorable mention in another contest.</span><br /></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;">Prior winners and finalists in&nbsp;<em>Narrative</em>&nbsp;contests have gone on to win other contests and to be published in prize collections, including the<strong>Pushcart Prize</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Best New Stories from the South</strong>, the<strong>Atlantic Prize,</strong>&nbsp;and others.</span></div><div style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;">As always, we are looking for works with a strong narrative drive, with characters we can respond to as human beings, and with effects of language, situation, and insight that are intense and total. We look for works that have the ambition of enlarging our view of ourselves and the world.</span></div><div style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;">We welcome and look forward to reading your pages.</span></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;"><br /></span></div><div class="noindent" style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span class="line_spacing" style="font-size: 1.05em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.narrativemagazine.com/node/129337">Click here to submit your content.</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45964439316220569562011-06-02T17:27:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.673-04:00Still in TransistionI am going to be doing a 30 day writing challenge on my author site, Chrystal Mahan. I do hope you will join me over there and follow along. It will be nice to see some&nbsp;familiar&nbsp;faces.<br /><br /><br /><h1 style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font: normal normal bold 22px/26px Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/06/02/trust30-self-reliance-ralph-waldo-emerson/">Self-Reliance Writing Challenge</a></h1><div><br /></div><div>I will also be working on finishing up the move of items off here, to there and revamping this site to include more freelance writing opportunities, materials, as well as getting set up in the freelance world and working from home. That content will stay here of course!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22450834070625093822011-05-30T12:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.841-04:00A Tribute to My Grandfather: World War II<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/05/30/a-tribute-to-my-grandfather-world-war-ii/255806_194406853938609_100001078866874_476098_8022457_o/" rel="attachment wp-att-3082"></a><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/05/30/a-tribute-to-my-grandfather-world-war-ii/255806_194406857271942_100001078866874_476099_4779368_o/" rel="attachment wp-att-3083"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3083" height="300" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/255806_194406857271942_100001078866874_476099_4779368_o-225x300.jpg" title="255806_194406857271942_100001078866874_476099_4779368_o" width="225" /></a><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3082" height="225" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/255806_194406853938609_100001078866874_476098_8022457_o-300x225.jpg" title="255806_194406853938609_100001078866874_476098_8022457_o" width="300" /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/05/30/a-tribute-to-my-grandfather-world-war-ii/255806_194406860605275_100001078866874_476100_4656580_o/" rel="attachment wp-att-3084"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3084" height="199" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/255806_194406860605275_100001078866874_476100_4656580_o-300x199.jpg" title="255806_194406860605275_100001078866874_476100_4656580_o" width="300" /></a><br /><br />My grandfather was very dear to me. Even though I lived in Oklahoma for majority of my life, I still made yearly trips back to Michigan to visit my family. My grandfather was not one to let me forget who I was and where I came from.<br /><br />Grandpa lost his battle to cancer in January of 2006.<br /><br />I wrote about that event on Yahoo! 360, where I once faithfully blogged. I since moved those posts to Blogger, and since I am moving majority of those personal posts here, I decided what better day than today to move my grandfathers.<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/fyi-my-grandfather.html">FYI - My Grandfather</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/update-on-my-grandfather.html">Update on My Grandfather</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/he-has-passed-away.html">He Has Passed Away</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/bruce-lloyd-mahan-srrip.html">Rest in Peace</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/i-back-my-story-of-michigan-and-back.html">Traveling to Michigan and Back</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/poetry-in-motion-grandpa.html">Poetry in Motion: Grandpa</a> (as you can see, the initials C.H. are posted, for those that do not know much of my back story, I was married once, my last name used to be Hall. Other older posts you will see an S, for my last name. Schramm was my adopted fathers last name. Mahan is my mothers last name and after my divorce that was the name I changed to. I had no desire to stay Hall, or to go back to the abusers last name. Hope that clears the confusion.)</li></ul><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My aunt was at Hoyt Park in Saginaw, Michigan today to watch the bricks being placed at the Veteran's Memorial Plaza and posted some pics this afternoon. I must say, it brought a tear to my eye as did bringing out these old posts.<br /><br />My grandfather was a good man and he deserves to be honored today just like so many other brave men and women.<br /><br />Thank you, to all of you, for all that you do.<br /><br />Freedom isn't really free and these people fight for us every day.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35815906059825269352011-05-28T15:00:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.419-05:00Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley<img alt="Breath of Angel: A Novel (The Angelaeon Circle)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sCx2g6w1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This may very well be the longest time frame ever for a book review, at least for me personally. Normally when I receive a book to review, I have it done within the week. This was not the case for this particular book. I received this book in February, and it is now May. I was fortunate enough to get an advanced reading copy, which means it is an uncorrected proof. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do wonder if others reading this book now have the corrected and printed version and if it varies from mine in any manner. Would be interesting to compare copies and see what changes have been made. But, that is not what I am supposed to be writing about. I am supposed to be giving you, the reader, my honest review of this book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me admit something, I am not the biggest fan of Fantasy Fiction. While I can appreciate a good novel that is centered on angels, shape-sifters and priestesses, I do have a hard time with odd made up names and places. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>While I realize there is an entire section in the bookstores devoted to this type of fiction, I am perfectly happy reading about creatures who roam the world in which I know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>It is my belief that this is the reason why I had tried on three separate occasions to get through this book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry, but I can’t seem to get through the first few chapters. While the book appears to hold a lot of potential for the right reader, it does not hold a lot of interest for me. Another thing worth mentioning, the book is for Young Adults, something the publishing company did not mention upon the arrival of the book, nor does it specify that on the back of the cover where you would normally find this information.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If this sort of novel interests you, I defiantly say, give it a go. Reading the back cover, it seems to have the same theme and story plot as so many other fantasy novels. But, that does not necessarily mean it is badly written.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in giving every book and every author a fair shot. I will try to read anything and for the most part, do. But, when I get a book where I can’t get through the first few chapters, no matter how many times I try to read it, there is no point in me even trying again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I believe in the three strikes and you are out rule.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0307730123&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Disclosure of Material Connection:&nbsp;I received this book free from Waterbooks Press<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84202331485946994082011-05-28T14:16:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.422-05:00Book Review Temperature Dead and Rising by Adam Santo<img alt="Temperature: Dead and Rising" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418m-dyGhuL._SL500_.jpg" /><br /><br />At first I was a little leery of reading a book that had so much going on. I am glad I actually took the time to sit down and absorb it.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This is not your typical Dawn of the Dead zombie movie, there is a bit of a twist. Comical in nature, the book takes on the feel of the DD counterpart, Shaun of the Dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is not dense and that over the top, so you can stop right there with that thinking. SD defiantly is a preference of taste.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A creepy sarcastic comedy. Is there such a genre? If not, there is now. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book opens in a morgue, with Sally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Although we know from the descriptions where she is, or where some of us might think she is, Sally doesn’t seem to really understand the full effect as to what has happened. She is cold, nude, and has no memory of event that led her into the box of steel. Bo has come to rescue her, and let it be known she is going through an Awakening for the undead. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While trying to grasp the concept that others are not extremely happy with her presence, Sally is forced to deal with being undead, and never being able to go home or be seen my friends and family. She was in a terrible car accident with her friends, who were all killed, just as Sally was.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The rival clan, The Church, want Sally. They want to dominate her to use her powers to control the world of the undead. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sally has been given a gift. The powers that be have chosen her to be the one given the magical gift to raise the dead (known as a Slaver). Once they rise, she has total control over them. This is a huge responsibility for someone brand new to the world of the undead.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It touches on some comedy within the horror of the undead storyline. Imagine finding out your dead, but not. You have to change your appearance, your life, the food you eat and the clothing you wear. Bo left her to take care of things on her own, along with a bag of money.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what is the one thing a woman will do first? Shop. Off to the drug store for basic necessitates.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">Deodorant? Yes. Toothpaste. Check. Tampons? Oh, crap. Why would she need those? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Who has time to think about these things when an army of undead are chasing after you?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You are just going to have to read this story to find out.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34440407710689094512011-05-27T07:13:00.021-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.425-05:00Today I am Starting: FeelGooderI know most of you are no stranger to Darren Rowse from <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger</a>.<br /><br />Author of :<br /><br /><ul><li><u><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042">31 Days to Build a Better Blog&nbsp;</a></u></li><li><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220">Probloggers Guide to Your First Week of Blogging</a></u>&nbsp;</li></ul><div>Is now the author of</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.feelgooder.com/feelbetter/">FeelGooder</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><div><h1 class="entry-title" style="color: #006d9f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 28px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">FeelGooder’s 7 Ways to FeelBetter</h1><div class="entry-content"><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">The spring cleaning’s got your house in order. But what about you?</div><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Don’t you deserve a little attention, too?</div><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><img alt="7 ways feelbetter.png" height="440" src="http://www.feelgooder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/7-ways-feelbetter.png" style="float: right; max-width: 100%;" width="300" /><em>7 Ways to Feelbetter</em>&nbsp;is the pick-me-up you need—and just in time for summer!</div><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></div><h2 style="color: #006d9f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 24px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Join the 7-day Challenge</h2><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">This ebook presents a seven-day challenge designed to give you a fresh perspective on seven crucial aspects of your wellbeing:</div><ol style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Exercise</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Save</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Connect</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Eat</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Act</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Play</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Think</li></ol><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Over 36 information-packed pages,&nbsp;<em>7 Ways to FeelBetter</em>&nbsp;guides you through a process of reflection, consolidation, and planning in each area.</div><div style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&amp;i=943753&amp;cl=170571&amp;ejc=2"><img alt="FeelGooder_AffiliateAd_250x250px_v3.jpeg" src="http://www.feelgooder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/FeelGooder_AffiliateAd_250x250px_v3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Join &nbsp;me!?!?!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #21465a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67050701698019464262011-05-26T11:14:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.868-04:00I Have a Dream. Do You?I do not make it a habit of using content off of other websites, but I felt this one was worth sharing.<br />I have been a subscriber of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Womans-Day-1-year-auto-renewal/dp/B002V0CJL0?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Woman's Day</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002V0CJL0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> magazine for many years. While reading the April issue I came across an article titled "It's Never Too Late." The article was about women over 40 who went on to follow their dreams. Although I am only going to be 36 this year, 40 is not that far off for me.<br /><br />The first part of the article was about Diana Crosby, 51, with a life dream of being a published author.<br /><br />I wanted to share it because we are never too young or too old.<br /><br />Here is that article (from the <a href="http://www.womansday.com/">wd.com</a> site):<br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>From Fantasies to Reality&nbsp;</b></div><div class="object-right" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px; margin-top: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="content-view-embed" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="class-image" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="attribute-image" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><img alt="" height="258" src="http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/01-from-fantasies-to-reality/1169856-1-eng-US/01-from-fantasies-to-reality.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; vertical-align: bottom;" title="" width="200" /></div></div></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The first creative writing class Diana Cosby, 51, took three decades ago wasn’t exactly a confidence booster. “I struggled during the entire course,” admits Diana, who’d registered for the college class when she was a 21-year-old naval meteorological technician stationed in Hawaii. “However, by the very last assignment, things started to click.” She thought the short story she’d sweated over for days was the best thing she’d ever written. But when her instructor returned her assignment, a snarky note was red-inked at the top:&nbsp;<i>Whoever wrote this paper gets an A-, but you get a D+</i>. The insinuation: Diana’s writing before that had been so bad, she must have cheated. “I was devastated. Then and there I gave up the idea of writing.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Or she meant to, anyway. Even as she got married in 1988, started a family, bought a home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and worked her way up the naval ranks, Diana kept telling coworkers that she wanted to be a writer. Feeding that desire was a steady diet of romance novels— books Diana enjoyed less for their love scenes than for how the romantic fantasies “inspire hope. There’s always a happy ending,” she says.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In 1996, when the Navy offered her early retirement at age 36, she jumped at the chance to stay home with her three young children, ages 5, 4 and 3, and work on plan B: writing a novel. The family would do fine on her then-husband’s military officer salary. “It felt like I’d come home,” she says.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Her days started at 4 a.m. While the rest of her family slept, she’d quietly creep into the living room to tap out a few pages on her computer. A year later, she had a completed manuscript of a historical romance set in Viking times. “It was horrible!” she laughs. “That’s the thing about being a writer—you always believe your stories are amazing. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t continue.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">At the time, though, confident she had a winner, Diana sent the manuscript off to one publisher after another. When rejection number 100 arrived, she quit counting. “I thought of it as a test to see if I wanted what I said I wanted,” Diana says. And she did, badly. The only thing left to do was work harder. “If my writing wasn’t selling to those publishers, I needed to do more research, take more classes. For me a ‘no’ means to look for other avenues,” she says.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">As her predawn writing sessions continued, Diana transformed herself into an eager student of the craft. To steep her historical romances in realism, she researched the time period. She signed up for online classes taught by her favorite romance writers and followed their suggestions.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Diana’s writing slowly improved, and she finished a second novel, then a third and a fourth. Each amassed its own collection of rejections, in a cycle that went on unbroken for years. Finally, in 2005, more than nine years after she had started writing, Diana got The Call. A publishing house in New York City wanted to buy her eighth novel,&nbsp;<i>His Captive</i>, the first in a series set in medieval Scotland. “I cried,” she says.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The novel came out in 2007, when Diana was 47. Since then, two more have been published, and another is due out in October. “The first time I saw my novel in a bookstore, I stared at it in shock,” she says. “When I noticed someone nearby, I blurted out, ‘I wrote that.’ I’d always dreamed of saying those words.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Lessons Learned</b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Tap into envy.&nbsp;</b>“I stewed over other first-time authors’ novel sales. Then I realized that jealousy was a shortcut to figuring out what I wanted in life. If you envy someone, ask yourself,&nbsp;<i>What am I jealous of?&nbsp;</i>Your answer is your goal.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Set achievable goals.&nbsp;</b>“My military training taught me to dream big, but also to break down goals into a series of bite-size steps. Since churning out an entire novel sounded terrifying, I focused on one smaller, more feasible goal: Write a few pages a day. It’s not as overwhelming.”</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Find mentors.&nbsp;</b>“Many writers helped me along the way, like Shirley Rogerson. She’d just published her first romance novel when I met her, and we became fast friends. I asked her to critique the book I was writing, and I did the same for her. You can use local groups and your own social network to connect with people who do what you dream of doing. Pick their brain, but make sure to offer something in return.”</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6147090531339484242011-05-25T19:59:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.428-05:00The Skin Map by Stephen R Lawhead<img src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.420.cover.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />When I first read the story line for this book I was extremely excited. I am a huge fan of Dan Brown novels and movies such as National Treasure. There is something about a good puzzle that really tunes me in to a good story.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">That is what I expected when I read the synopsis of this particular novel. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While, there was a little bit of that mixed in, majority of the novel was centered on time travel.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Kit Livingstone is certainly not having the time of his life. Living a life of ho-hum and bored with his existence and girlfriend Wilhelmina he is not sure what to do. Upon paying a visit to Mina, Kit runs in to his great-grandfather, Cosimo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Cosimo is a bit out there. He is certainly not your ordinary great-grandfather speaking of time travel and alternate worlds.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cosimo tries to prove to Kit he is telling the truth, taking him across the line, through the portal, and back in time. While Kit eats a meal fit for a king, Cosimo is making a plan to gather the tattoo map. Kit, deciding he does not want to stay, returns to Mina. Problem is, Mina does not believe where he has been.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Determined to show her, the two become separated. Kit, back with Cosmio, Mina in Prague.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While I enjoyed the story, I felt there could have been more character development. Kit, always in the background of the action. The story would shift back and forth. Kit and his great-grandfather searching for the skin map and Mina, while Mina begins to build her life helping a baker make a living in Prague.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I found myself wanting to read more of her story. How she became the coffee queen in this growing town. How she did not miss her old life back in London. It seems Mina had no desire to return home, back to the future. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found this book to just be an Ok read. Nothing really special that makes me want to jump out of my seat and scream in excitement. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80174755828607324312011-05-25T10:20:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.221-04:00Website Customization: What Can It Do?Part 1. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/how-to-have-websites-built-for-you.html">How to Have Websites Built for You the Cheap Way</a><br /><br />Part 2. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/good-design-practices.html">Good Web Design Practices</a><br /><br />Part 3. Website&nbsp;Customization<br /><br />What can it do?<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">The world is a trendy place and some people get very uptight when they do not look entirely presentable. The perfect web design is crucial. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Every individual would definitely want their website to look good, if not, to the best they can. Here are a few things we could look out for when wanting to create a professional looking webpage.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Color Schemes and Themes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">When designing, always choose matching colors. An example of a matching color would be to have a dark background, with visible words and designs. With the dark theme, try not to mix too many bright colors into the design. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">What we should NEVER do, is to mix two very different colors, such as purple and yellow. It would depend on the purpose of the website, but for a general niche site, purple and yellow are just to striking and would hurt the eyes. Keeping the website neutral and simple is best for a professional look.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Themes </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">must always suit the company, organization or individual. If the website was made to cater for a food company, it would be wise to stick to that particular category, rather than to revert to a different theme, such as machinery. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Fonts </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">should be used in regard to the formality of the website. A simple sans-serif font would suffice in most cases. Exceptional cases such as design and art groups might want to use fanciful designs and fonts. Websites that have too fancy of fonts risk losing readers because not everyone has eyes that can handle fancy fonts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Finally, we must always try to think of our visitors, see the way they see. The resolutions and file sizes of the pictures must not be too large in terms of size. This is to allow maximum compatibility and cater our visitor’s needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">So, planning is something we should always do, before beginning a website design.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; tab-stops: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58944413568462463842011-05-23T11:49:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:00:40.659-04:00About Me, the Self Employed Writer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN8zAQYUft8/TW_vP9PnncI/AAAAAAAAAUI/0H8TryIAazc/s1600/LookingUPChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN8zAQYUft8/TW_vP9PnncI/AAAAAAAAAUI/0H8TryIAazc/s320/LookingUPChick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">I have been writing all my life. My journals go back to when I was nine years old. I know I had another one prior but I tore it apart, afraid someone would find out my secret. In 2005 I started my blogging career. It is then that my journals started to suffer; only writing occasionally, saving the rest for my blog. I shared my life, my stories, and my poetry. In that time I never thought about writing for a living or getting published. I would have loved it, but I never tried to follow that dream because it was just that, a dream. I never felt I was good enough to tell a story. My life is a story. The things I have been through. Many do not come out the same after going through life the way I have. That is a self-help book that someday I might finish.<br /><br /><br />For now, I just tell my story as life unfolds. Sharing bits of me. I made a lot of friends in 2005 through Yahoo 360, then MySpace, Blogger and various other social networking and blog sites. I have seen people come and go, and people with far better writing skills than I. I learned that a true friend does not have to live in the same zip code.<br /><br /><br />As the years went by, I started to blog a little less. It became more of a means of communication with friends and less about telling my story. In 2007 I moved 1000 miles across the states. I went from temp job to temp job. I finally hit rock bottom in my accounting career and realized this just wasn’t working for me anymore. I took a few texting jobs to pay the bills and scoured the internet for ideas on something I could do to make some money.<br /><br /><br />I remembered once a class I took at Oklahoma State, telling us we should always do what we love. If we don’t love what we do we will face burn out and end up searching for something else. I enjoyed accounting and I was good at it, but it was not something I loved. I loved taxes but it was not something that was lucrative year round. What did I love? Reading. Writing. Creating.<br /><br /><br />I found a forum of writers and learned of internet content. Granted, there is a love hate relationship with writers and content mills. I don’t have any complaints. It is a place to start and a place I still supply work for. I was able to pay my bills, take care of my family when they needed me and use the mills to build a portfolio. I moved on to higher paying content and private clients. After about a year I landed my first magazine and finally felt brave enough to start on a novel.<br /><br /><br />That is where this site comes from. Opened in 2000, I started &nbsp;writing in 2005 as an Irish girl trying to find her way in the world and turning in to what you see now. But, even with the person I am now, I still face challenges in life. There are many goals and dreams I want to someday achieve. &nbsp;I know with my words I will make it.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46863000489118060962011-05-21T15:24:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.431-05:00Grandma's Attic Book 1 and 2 by Arleta Richardson<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0781403790&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>As a little girl who lived 1000 miles away from a grandmother she adored, I can related to Arleta and the feeling she would get when she discovers secrets in her grandmothers attic. I would come back to Michigan (another thing in common with Arleta) to visit my family 1-2 times a year. Every year my grandmother and I would find something that needed “cleaning” out. Her house was not one that was built with an attic that had a staircase. Instead, she had a panel in the ceiling that came out, requiring a ladder to climb in to. Treasures were not really stored in the attic.</div><div><br /></div><div>I looked forward to our yearly cleaning ceremony. During this time we would look at what was hidden in the drawer. Treasures she had put away for safekeeping, others she put there to hide and forgotten them. Grandmother always had such beautiful things, at least in my eye. Each one held a story, and every year another story was told.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cherished these pieces of my grandmother and I held on to every word that I could. When my grandmother passed away, my mother held on to a few key pieces for me. Her clauddagh ring she purchased while visiting Ireland. All of her travel maps and postcards from Ireland and her first engagement ring. She also gave me her mother’s (my great-grandmother) wedding ring. Since her passing I have traced my fingers around the line drawn on the map. Someday, I will walk that same path. The wedding rings are put away for safety. The clauddagh I wear daily.</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0781403804&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Reading Grandma’s Attic brought back so many memories. My mother likes to tell stories of grandma, especially her keen sewing abilities. My grandmother loved to sew and she made all of the girl’s clothes when they were little. If someone out grew something, it was passed to next in line. Once it made its way around, it was cut up and used for something else.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have always been grateful for the items my grandmother made me, and even more grateful of the purchases my mother did to fill my own closet. I learned at a very young age to be thankful for what I have, not to worry about what I don’t, and to reuse things if I could. These are things that have stuck to me like glue as an adult and make me appreciate what little things I do have.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Grandma’s Attic would be a joy to read for all ages, not just young adults. It should be read to those who are unable to read, and put on the bookshelf to read for years to come. While the stories are cute and fun (who doesn’t love buttons or beautiful shoes?) each one holds a lesson to be learned.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the movie The Christmas Story where the boy is stick to the pole by his tongue? Well, Arleta’s grandmother did that too. Her tongue was stuck to the water pump handle. What a silly thing to do!</div><div><br /></div><div>It is interesting to see, how even over 100 years ago, history sure has a way of repeating itself. Things our grandmother, and mothers did, are surely life lessons to be learned, but we repeated it, just as our kids will do. Perhaps someday, I tell the tales of my own grandmother and mother.</div><div><br /></div><div>For now, I will continue to read up on Arleta. It is hard to believe these books were published in 1974 and 1979 and in their third editions. I have no idea how I did not stumble upon them earlier! A wonderful delight that I will proudly display on my bookshelf and share the stories to young and old.</div><div><br /></div><div>Arleta Richardson is a fun, simple, wholesome writer. It was a breath of fresh air to read the collection of stories.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><em><strong>Disclosure of Material Connection:</strong></em>&nbsp;I received this book free from The B&amp;B Media Group as part of their&nbsp;BookReview Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68567465581755655512011-05-21T10:50:00.006-04:002011-08-10T12:16:23.381-04:00You Don’t Have to Be a Mom to Work from Home<img src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=960761310645&amp;id=3e8cf37caf869688c9a495f78877b6ea" /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It’s everywhere. Those 4 little letters, W-A-H-M.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I see them in just about every blog I visit related to working from home, even those who write. Sometimes I feel bad for being members of the forums I happily chit-chat on like the virtual water cooler because I am not a mom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the years I have looked (and lurked) high and low trying to find a place just for those who are NOT moms and work from home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Nope. Nadda. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have yet to find one and I wonder why that is. I can’t be the old child free person who works from home. It really makes no sense to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is a whole market of people that no one is tapping in to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Granted, I can see the lure for marketers to target mothers. They have kids, the kids are young, and they don’t want to go back to work. Maybe they want to home school but still need a little bit of income. Moms become easy targets, also easy prey to scammers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is graduation season. Entering into the workforce is going to be a batch of brand new workers. Many freelancers. Many will be working from home and child free.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to figure this out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What can I do? Where can I build it?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do we really need it? I think we do. I think freelancers who are child free need a place they can go to speak with other child free freelancers. I know sometimes I feel like an outside on my various work from home forums.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not that I need another website to manage….but…..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Ideas? Thoughts? Feedback?</b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to write more about this. I have to. It’s stuck in my mind now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84593300624626838302011-05-20T22:45:00.004-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.434-05:00Hull's Landing by James Melzer<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B004WOWYZO&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">First, I have to give a shout out to my e-friend Nicole (her&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://nicoleireland.com/" href="http://nicoleireland.com/">website,</a>&nbsp;and book&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WG5L66/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399349&amp;creativeASIN=B004WG5L66" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WG5L66/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399349&amp;creativeASIN=B004WG5L66">Second Chance</a>) for giving me the heads up on this author. If not for her, I would not have dove into a wonderful world of macabre and horror. (maybe a bit sadistic, oohhh yeah)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Having read my first Stephen King novel when I was about 8 or 9, I am no stranger to the world of the unexplainable (for lack of a better word). I have no problems going into a world where things happen, but no one knows why, and no one cares to explain why. It just does. It just is. And that is the world of Stephen King. King takes you to a land that rarely makes sense and a world where you really have to not think about the normal everyday life in which you live.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If you did, you would be lost and nothing you read is going to wrap around your brain. Not that you really want it to. You really need to have a clear mind. The man, as an author, is brilliant. If I had have the word smarts and idea smarts that he had, I might not be holed up in this little red office of mine, instead, backpacking across the great land of Ireland. Telling my stories from the little Bed &amp;Breakfast up in the hills of green and gold. Or something like that.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Reading the works of King and Dean Koontz, as well as all the true crime I could get my hands on, pretty much leaves my mind wide open. Nothing is gross enough or scary enough for me. Nothing really bothers me or freaks me out. I like to think I am prepared. If the Zombie Apocalypse does happen like the CDC is planning, I won’t be blinded.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Being ready is not going to help me now. James Melzer sucks you in and gives you the obvious, WTF moment before switching channels on you. White shoes? What? White dress? Wait. She really has something to do with it after all?</div><br /><br />Disclosure of Material Connection: I did NOT obtain this book as part of any writing/reader/blogging review program. I&nbsp;purchased&nbsp;the book on my own. I was not required to write a positive review, or even a review at all. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Next is Melzer’s book, Snowmen…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B003AZY6FM&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><i><br /></i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31426015817901716132011-05-20T14:37:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.530-04:00It's Time for a Fat Rant<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.ibfoods.com/assets/items/large/irish%20oatmeal.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.ibfoods.com/assets/items/large/irish%20oatmeal.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br />I sent my resignation in today for the Nutrisystem Blogger program. I was given an extension, which will end this month. I was offered another extension, which I graciously accepted. &nbsp;Now, I have decided I no longer want to do it. My heart has not been in it for quite some time.<br /><br />I have been going to Weight Watchers meetings for the last few weeks to take advantage of my Lifetime status. On the up side, I get to spend time with D, which I love. She is such an awesome person to hang out with.<br />Once I started going to meetings and having a weigh in, I started to lose weight. Go figure. So, here I am counting points and eating NS food. I am also trying to figure out dinners for me and my family. Trying to make separate meals is/was starting to be a pain for me. &nbsp;I don’t have a lot of spare time as it is.<br /><br />Another thing, I have noticed I am a lot more sensitive to sodium. My body is retaining water like whoa! I can actually feel the bloat. Something I have never really noticed before. Then, there is the processed food smell. Many of the NS microwaveable meals have a weird smell to them. I can’t get over the smell to get it in mouth.<br />Sorry. I tried. Just can’t. So, I started to only order the things I like and I knew did not have that problem. Well, that only left me a handful of choices. Now I am bored.<br /><br />I just felt with the planning of a wedding, wondering if there is ever going to be a wedding, all the craziness going on in life, my buying a house, getting this semester done so I can graduate, and so on is really running me down. I had to let some things go. Some commitments. So I decided to decline my last two months on NS and allow someone else on the waiting list to begin.<br /><br />In my quest to find things that compare to NS food, I have decided to keep an eye on nutritional labels and serving sizes.<br /><br />This morning I was really in the mood for some oatmeal. I had one packet of NS oatmeal left, Apple Cinnamon, which I was not in the mood for. So, I got out my McCanns Irish Oatmeal and checked the label.<br /><br /><b>Nutrisystem:</b> Calories 130, Fat 1.5g, Sodium 170 gr, Carbs 26g, Fiber 3g, and Protein 4g<br /><b>McCanns:</b> Calories 150, Fat 2g, Sodium 0gr, Carbs 26g, Fiber 4g, and Protein 4g<br /><br />So, even though McCanns has 20 more calories and a half gram more of fat, the carbs &amp; protein are the same, but it has 1 more gram of fiber and ZERO sodium. Makes it healthier to me.<br /><br />Now, D, sees a dietician every couple of weeks, who checks her food while she is on Weight Watchers. She has one because of her Diabetes. She has mentioned the average person should consumer 1200mg or LESS of sodium a day. According the NS website, they average about 1800mg a day on their meals.&nbsp; Makes me wonder if that is the reason why the scale does not move much for me.<br /><br />Guess we will find out after this month.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Please follow along with me on my journey as I make the transition from Nutrisystem back to goal.&nbsp;</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12503003813605865262011-05-20T11:58:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.844-04:00My New Secret Addiction: Pinterest<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a _mce_href="http://hubpages.com/hub/pinterest" href="http://hubpages.com/hub/pinterest">My New Secret Addiction: Pinterest</a>. This is what I have been doing with my time instead of writing fabulous blog posts.<br /><br />Actually, I have been merging websites and that is just about finished. I am down to the final steps and so far, pretty happy with the results.<br /><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24787324147683436402011-05-20T10:24:00.001-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.035-05:00Tax Queen Appearence & All About Receipts<img height="300" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/90/235704918_38a95c8b8d_z.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><br />Just wanted to give a heads up that The Tax Queen made an&nbsp;appearance&nbsp;this week on Direct Sales Help. The article is <a href="http://directsaleshelp.com/2011/05/all-about-receipts/">All About Receipts</a>. Something anyone working from home can benefit from reading.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7500960524443947302011-05-19T11:59:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.533-04:00#NSNation Rounding Out Week 16<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It has been a long journey. Here I am 16 weeks later and all I can see when looking at my weight chart it has been a roller coaster.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though I finally got my electric treadmill working again, and walked the last 4 days in a row, I was still up 1.4 this week. It can get pretty frustrating, especially after being on the treadmill for 80 minutes one day!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I do try to see the positive in the situation. I may be up, but I am getting healthier and stronger every day. I am getting back into the swing of walking. With my hip and back problems I may be sidelined from running for a while. It seems to make the pain worse. It is uncomfortable enough just trying to walk.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Creativity seems to be the key with me. I ordered a whole bunch of&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>&nbsp;Pizza. I love pizza so I have been challenging myself to come up with new ideas. There will be days when I eat it straight out of the box.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I ran across some low-fat turkey pepperoni and put a few slices on there. It was rather yummy.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" alt="Italian Herb Flatbread Pizza" border="0" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I tried sliced mushrooms and a couple of black olive slices. mmmmm and I did not even miss the ham even though I have made it with a piece of ham before (deli sliced, cut up).</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There was a pizza I made last month where I did have some diced turkey and I put a few on the pizza. With the&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem</a>&nbsp;pizza sauce and cheese, the flavor was to die for. I actually liked the diced turkey better than the pepperoni.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The vegi pizza I use mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. Sprinkle with reduced fat parmesan cheese. Yes, please!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I know there are plenty of ideas on the Nutrisystem forums. Sadly I don’t have much time to spend over there. All of my online time is school and working. By the time I am done for the day my eyes are going cross and I can’t read anymore no matter how hard I try.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Greek yogurt. Have you tried it? I have tried&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.athenos.com/" href="http://www.athenos.com/">Athenos</a>&nbsp;once, it was on sale. Sadly I did not grab the low fat kind and ended up with a few more calories than I wanted to add to my diet. Also, I purchased the honey flavor. Which, ended up having honey on the bottom, not just some fake flavor tossed. I liked how thick it was. It really filled me up. But again, I was not happy with the calories, or the price.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220LFGranCer.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220LFGranCer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220LFGranCer.jpg" alt="Lowfat Granola Cereal" border="0" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/297x220/297x220LFGranCer.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday morning I went grocery shopping at our local&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.kroger.com/" href="http://www.kroger.com/">Kroger</a>. I loaded up on some light yogurt. I really enjoy the dessert flavors and it is even better with 1tbsp of&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=breakfast&amp;plan=basic&amp;productId=861&amp;categoryId=354" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/jsps_hmr/catalog/menu/custom_menu/food_item_detail.jsp?meal=breakfast&amp;plan=basic&amp;productId=861&amp;categoryId=354">Nutrisystem Low Fat Granola Cerea</a>l sprinkled on top. While picking out my flavor I happened to notice that the Korger brand Greek yogurt on sale for 89 cents. A bit more than the 10/$4 counterpart, but I wanted to try it anyway. They had 2 flavors in the 0% fat; plain and vanilla.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I had the plain with the granola cereal. The plain was a bit bitter, so I added a packed of Splenda. I was so full by the time I got half way through it, I had to put a piece of tin foil over the top and stick it back in the fridge for a while. I did snack on the other half later in the day.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There are some things I just can’t do store brand on. I thought for sure the Greek yogurt would be one of them. I had heard bad reviews on the&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.yoplait.com/" href="http://www.yoplait.com/">Yoplait</a>&nbsp;Greek yogurt.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">So, if you want the best bang for your calories and your bucks, I think Greek yogurt is a good way to go. If you have a Kroger by you, their brand is pretty good. I do plan to pick up a couple more on my next shopping trip.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Also, I know there are many out there who are on a budget, I buy an extra dozen eggs and boil them every week. A boiled egg gets me dairy and protein and controls the hunger. It is one of my favorite staples in my diet. Once it a while I will chop one up to put in a salad. Around here a dozen eggs cost about $1-$1.19. So that’s about 8-10 cents each. I don’t know any healthy snack for that price!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Other than those few things, I pretty much eat the goodies right out of the box. I have eaten the biscotti dessert for breakfast with my coffee. I like to dunk it. Makes me feel like I am at the coffee house. I just had my last one, so I have to make a mental note to order a few more next shipment.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I just had a box delivered Tuesday. It always feels like Christmas when the UPS man comes.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We have been looking at new houses. You see, we live in the country, but our house faces a highway. All day long I listen to motorcycles, car traffic, farm machines and semi trucks. It is not peaceful out here by any means. It is also not safe to go outside and go for a walk. I hate walking down the highway to get to a side street.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">If M did not live here, I would not be here. Why he ever picked this house (I am sure his ex-wife played a part) I do not know. It’s in the middle of a corn field, so the house is dusty all the time. It seems like it is never clean.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I do have a bid on a house. In the country. Out in the small town I l was born in. It’s nice and quiet. We do have neighbors, but there is a pretty good chunk of land between us. &nbsp;It is within walking distance to the library, the old school (now apartments) is across the street, along with a giant playground.&nbsp; It will be good for lil m to make some friends to play with. There is no one out here by us. We have one neighbor and they are an elderly couple.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I hope we get it. There are barns, and an office on the property. The previous owner had his own trucking company. It will be nice to have my own office, and then I will feel like I am “going” to work.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Cross your fingers!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This morning I am starting with a light yogurt, NS granola cereal, a banana and some coffee. &nbsp;Trying to get my day planned out, then its treadmill time.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">So, yeah, I gain. It happens. I just keep trying and keep moving forward.</div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30517723364037691432011-05-18T12:00:00.011-04:002011-08-10T11:47:19.514-04:00My Erotica and Other Writing<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a _mce_href="http://www.sextoyfun.com/fantasyplanet" href="http://www.sextoyfun.com/fantasyplanet"><img _mce_src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Fantasy%20Planet%20Erotic%20Confessions%20Blog/goodgollyaff1sm.jpg" alt="" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Fantasy%20Planet%20Erotic%20Confessions%20Blog/goodgollyaff1sm.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><a _mce_href="http://www.sextoyfun.com/fantasyplanet" href="http://www.sextoyfun.com/fantasyplanet"></a>I debated for a long time whether I should move my Erotica over here. But, after hanging out at&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/60487?ref=cmahan" href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/60487?ref=cmahan" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>&nbsp;and seeing the amount of Erotica available for ebook readers.....well, it was an easy decision.<br /><br />Then, there was the idea of using a pen name. M had suggested in. I thought about it and wondered why. I had been writing Erotica for years and always used my name. I never really saw a problem with it. However, I did think Erin Rose made a great name for an Irish Erotica writer.<br /><br />Of course, the thoughts started to come regarding my church family. I worried&nbsp;briefly&nbsp;that if any of them did read (which I doubt) then what would they think of me? Would they demand I go straight to Hell and tell me I was a porn addict? Or even worse, I was contributing to the addiction of porn. There could be so many ways some church (of any church, not just mine) members could take this situation.<br /><br />In the end, Erotica to me is no different than a painting from the&nbsp;Renaissance&nbsp;period. Romantic. Sensual. Half-naked. One is with pictures and the other is with words. I think both can be done in a tasteful manner.<br /><br />This is me. This has always been me. I don't feel I should have to change just because I go to church.<br /><br />I have worked really hard to get where I am at today. I am finally happy with my career and comfortable with my words. Although I am still a little self conscious, I am much better than I used to be. I refuse to let anyone take my dreams of writing away.<br /><br />There are hundreds of stories for me to sort through. My writing was a bit choppy in those days. I would like to take some time to rewrite some of them. The "My Life as a Text Chat Op" was quite commical and when I had it on MySpace, it got rave reviews. Since I moved everything to Blogger, I never took time to gain readership. I tore it down. I tried to rebuilt, and school took over. I *want* to write my text chat op into a short story and release it with more stories and laughs in eBook form on Smashwords.<br /><br />The rest will come in time.<br /><br />I have just a few more websites projects to finish up on. Then comes the fun part of affiliates, adsense, and money making! LOL This move will reduce my website time, increase my HubPages productivity as well as other freelance adventures and give me time to work on the creative side.<br /><br /><br />I do have to admit...I am rather fond of Erin Rose!<br /><br /><b>UPDATE</b>: May 23, 2011 - after much thought, I am keeping all of the adult material on the adult blog. Not because I am ashamed or care about it being attached to my name, but, because it is adult in nature and I feel because of that reason alone it should have its own website.<br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37413484201325569872011-05-18T09:37:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:16:55.886-04:00Writing Prompt: The Circus<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="302" src="http://blogs.nyu.edu/blogs/lp1013/katep/Women-circus-performers.jpg" width="400" /></div><br /><br />Begin your story with the following sentence:<br /><br />"It was on a bright, starry night that the traveling circus rolled into town."Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50918939108740891672011-05-17T07:44:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:16:55.888-04:00Write an Outsider Poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwXtvExw9zM/TcCT3K72guI/AAAAAAAAAak/YRvAI2cZrpg/s1600/matryoshka_takingflight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwXtvExw9zM/TcCT3K72guI/AAAAAAAAAak/YRvAI2cZrpg/s320/matryoshka_takingflight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Write an outsider poem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Place yourself in the shoes of an outsider, or write a poem as someone who's on the inside sizing up the outsider.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47341249830560360832011-05-16T08:00:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:16:55.891-04:00The Five Rules of Social Media Etiquette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" /></a></div>This came down the PR wire the other day, but since Blogger was having it's downtime, I could not share it. I think so many people could learn from these simple 5 things.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/with-internet-friends-comes-internet.html">I am no stranger to online drama.</a><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />~Chrystal~<br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 13px;"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top"><table border="0" style="width: 620px;"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top" width="350"><table border="0" height="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="bottom">ay 12, 2011 02:00 ET</td></tr></tbody></table></td><td align="center" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top" width="80"><br /></td><td align="right" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top" width="40"><table border="0" height="100%"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="bottom" width="20"></td></tr><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="bottom"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="right" colspan="4" height="100%" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" width="100%"><form action="http://media.prnewswire.com/servlet/WordpressURLStorageServlet" name="wordpressform"></form></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;"><img alt=" " border="0" height="8" src="http://media.prnewswire.com/en/images/spacer.gif" width="1" /></td></tr><tr><td align="left" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; min-height: 1px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 612px;"><tbody><tr><td style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; min-height: 1px;"><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b><span class="headline" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?resourceid=4610709&amp;access=EH">The Five Rules of Social Media Etiquette</a></span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b><span class="headline" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b><span class="headline" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">LONDON, May 12, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Leading family law firm Bross Bennett is warning just how damaging digital communications can be if used incorrectly, with detrimental effects going further than recipients and online communities, and right into courts of law.&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Only this week a US court has slashed maintenance payments to an ex-wife because of her blog posts. Far too frequently users of social media don't think before they post and don't consider that once they post information, it is out there for just about anyone to see and use.&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Says Sharon Bennett of Bross Bennett; "It's important that everyone thinks about the possible consequences before they type. They don't think about the impact of what they have done, and we have seen first hand just how damaging the written word can be in a court of law, especially in the case of divorcing couples who send aggressive tweets, texts or emails in the heat of the moment. People need to remember that not only can these pour fuel on an already flaming relationship, they can later be used against them as written evidence. Both outcomes are hugely damaging."&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">If used correctly, modern technology can be very helpful. For divorcing couples in particular, texting and emailing can be a great way to help you avoid confrontational verbal conversations. Modern technology allows us the luxury of time to think and create a constructive response that can diffuse a situation and preserve your dignity, something that can be very hard face to face."&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b>The five steps to good social media etiquette&nbsp;</b></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">1. Before you post or send anything that may be inflammatory or controversial, wait for 24 hours, after which you'll be able to consider what you're writing more objectively. Try and think how your communication will be viewed if read out of context, perhaps by your child or a Judge.&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">2. Don't respond to or initiate inflammatory language, and resist replying immediately to anything you do receive of this nature. If you feel you have to respond, adopt the 24 hour delay rule. Get your thoughts and feelings down on paper, but give yourself a day or two to reflect on your response.&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">3. Consider getting the input of your solicitor before you send anything other than the most simple of communications. They can give you invaluable and constructive advice and remove any sting that you may not even have been aware was there.&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">4. Do not ever vent your frustrations on Facebook or Twitter, where things can 'mushroom' and get out of hand. Anything of this nature can end up being viewed very unfavourably by a judge in a court of law and your children or family might be very hurt by it.&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">5. Treat correspondence as business-like and straight to the point, rather than emotional - there are better ways and places to express this.&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">http://www.brossbennett.co.uk/&nbsp;</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span class="label">Source:&nbsp;</span>www.brossbennett.co.uk</div><div style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;" xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Sarah Morgan - sm@redleafpr.com; T +44(0)20-7566-6761</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2937162155290843682011-05-14T12:07:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.441-04:00Why Women Gain Weight<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><h3 style="font-size: 1.17em;">A little humor to start your day.</h3><em>With time, women gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room,&nbsp;it distributes out to the rest of our bodies.</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy.</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think,</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>"Good greif! Look how smart I am!"</em><br /><em><br /></em><br /><em>Must be where the term "Smart Ass" came from.</em></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89787795899637558142011-05-14T12:05:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:01:39.615-04:00My Survivor Story<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://findingonesway.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/handcuffs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://findingonesway.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/handcuffs1.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://findingonesway.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/handcuffs1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div>First I just want to say, please excuse the mess around here. I have been moving websites back and forth trying to test different hosts, themes, and content choices. &nbsp;My page isn't really up to par (at least to me) but I do hope you will come back, and come back often. &nbsp;~C~<br /><br /><br />Over the years I have shared my words on various blogging platforms (Yahoo! 360, MySpace, FaceBook and Blogger) and in those words I have made the comment a few times regarding my past childhood trauma. I have never shared any&nbsp;gruesome&nbsp;details. &nbsp;My words were generally "I was abused by my father" or replaced the word abuse with molested.<br /><br />It has been exactly thirteen days since I shared my first story with readers. I do not have a lot of memories from my childhood, but that one always stayed in my mind.<br /><br /><a _mce_href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/05/trigger-warning-so-afraidreal-life.html#axzz1MLiJ9f2s" href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/05/trigger-warning-so-afraidreal-life.html#axzz1MLiJ9f2s">Bongo is Me: Real Life Series: So Afraid by Chrystal Mahan</a><br /><br />During this time it had become clear to me that I needed to speak out. I needed to stop being so darn afraid of the critiques who might not like my words. I have always been told I needed to use my voice to my advantage. I want to make a difference for those who are trying to survive. I want to be the voice for those who can't find a way to speak out.<br /><br />With that, I wrote another post for the website Finding One's Way. It is here that I share my actual story,&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://findingonesway.com/2011/05/no-longer-cuffed/" href="http://findingonesway.com/2011/05/no-longer-cuffed/">My Survivor Story.</a>&nbsp;Something I have never put together all in one spot before.<br /><br />I would like to thank Bonnie and Jessica. Together we have&nbsp;separate&nbsp;lives, each sharing our own struggles, but together we are strong. Together we are going to make a difference.<br /><br />You can me my confidence and voice when I needed it the most. Thank you for the shove.....<br /><br />....in the right direction.<br /><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61992974986165597412011-05-14T09:00:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.870-04:00Opportunities for Writers<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Contest</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bulwer-lytton.com/">bulwer-lytton.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Visit the website to be rewarded for being the worst! Seriously. Craft the most terrible opening line to a novel you can ever possibly imagine and you could win. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>12<sup>th</sup> Annual Writer’s Digest Short Story Competitio</b>n</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://writersdigest.com/short">writersdigest.com/short</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Enter your powerful, poignant, hilarious, or heart-rending short story in the 12<sup>th</sup> Annual Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition. The deadline is November 15, 2011 and the entry fee is $20. Entries must be 1500 words or less. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>7<sup>th</sup> Annual Writers Digest Popular Fiction Awards</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://writersdigest.com/popularfictionawards">writersdigest.com/popularfictionawards</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Calling all fans of romance, mystery and more:&nbsp;</u>Enter the competition that celebrates short stories in today’s most popular genres! Entries accepted in romance, mystery/crime fiction, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense and Horror.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Grand Prize:</u> A trip to the WD Conference in NYC, $2500 cash and $100 worth of WD books. The winner will also be featured in the May/June 2012 issue of Writers Digest.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stories must be 4000 words or less and submitted by October 1, 2011</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Margaret Reid Poetry</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://winningwriters.com/Margaret">winningwriters.com/Margaret</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a contest in its 8<sup>th</sup> year seeking entries for traditional verse. $3000 for the top prize, $5500 in total prizes. $7 entry fee for every 25 lines submitted. June 30<sup>th</sup> deadline.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Freelance</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Freelance Copy Writer for Harlequin</b> (mediabistro)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?joid=116495">http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?joid=116495</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Freelance Health, Medical and Fitness Writers</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Health website devoted to food, fitness, and well-being currently seeking freelance writers to join our editorial team. We believe in health through prevention and wellness, and we are building a team of qualified health journalists to produce quality, consistent content.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/wri/2366494048.html">http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/wri/2366494048.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Editor and Proofreader Needed</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">For a new novel entitled: The Protocols of Ascension: Where Love &amp; Romance Collides with the Illuminati. Email <a href="mailto:jsw4@mac.com">jsw4@mac.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88129316046282819472011-05-13T20:48:00.000-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.037-05:00The Tax Queen has moved!The Tax Queen has moved to the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/">Self Employed Writer's </a>website. I do hope you will stop by for a visit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33433707070140960512011-05-13T16:52:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.223-04:007 of the Best Websites for Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEdiaJo9WVE/TcwrgCZjYoI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/bF9Nrk4H2o4/s1600/tips_for_web_writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEdiaJo9WVE/TcwrgCZjYoI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/bF9Nrk4H2o4/s1600/tips_for_web_writing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/101BestSites/">101 Best Websites for Writers</a> was originally published by Writer’s Digest. &nbsp;I have personally taken the time to go through all 101 of them (ok, maybe not ALL of them. I mean, who has time for that?) and pick a handful of the ones I felt would be most beneficial to those who are work from home freelance writers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;(Note: I did read them all, I just did not visit all the sites)</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Agent Query</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://agentquery.com/">agentquery.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Agent Query is a free one stop shop to find your agent.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Freelance Writing Organization International</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://fwointl.com/">fwointl.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Search 1000s of offers and resources for writings. The website has great information on how to qualify for writing grants. Register and download the nifty toolbar with great writing resources.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Market List</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://marketlist.com/">marketlist.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">100s of listings just for fiction writers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/">jakonrath.blogspot.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thriller writer J.A. Konrath shares all and he has a lot to share!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Writer Beware</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://accrispin.blogspot.com/">accrispin.blogspot.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Raises awareness of scammers and other questionable activities.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Author Tech Tips</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://authortechtips.com/">authortechtips.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This site has become my new obsession! Gives much needed advice and some step-by-step tutorials to build your website.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>United States Copyright Office</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://copyright.gov/">copyright.gov</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Everything you wanted to know about copyrights.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81306608987294622862011-05-13T14:40:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.444-04:00Spiced Cake Donuts<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">I wish I had a photo for this. Every week my Weight Watcher leader gives us a recipe she has tried. This is from last week since I did not go this week, and did not post, I guess I shall do it now!<br /><br />Spiced Cake Donuts<br /><br />Makes 12 - 4 Points Plus per donut<br /><br /><h2 style="font-size: 1.5em;">Ingredients</h2>2c all purpose flour<br />3/4c white sugar<br />2tsp baking powder<br />1/4tsp ground nutmeg<br />1/4tsp ground cinnamon<br />1tsp salt<br />3/4 cup milk (I assume she used FF)<br />2 eggs beaten<br />2tsp vanilla extract<br />1tbsp shortening<br /><h2 style="font-size: 1.5em;">Directions</h2>Preheat oven 325 degrees.<br />Lightly grease the donut pan. In a large bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt.<br />Stir in milk, eggs, vanilla and shortening. Beat together until well blended.<br />Fill each donut cup approx. 3/4 full.<br />Bake 8-10 minutes, or until dough springs back when touched.<br />Allow to cool before removing from pan.<br />TIP: When they are cooling you can mix a small amount of sugar and cinnamon in a paper bag and lightly coat them.<br /><br /><br />My leader said she had made these over the weekend and had them out when her grandchildren came over. They were so excited because grandma never has donuts! She also mentioned it might be a fun idea to make this batter and use mini cupcake pans.<br /><br />Some of the member mentioned switching out some ingredients and they were going to test it out. Remember, if you do this, you will need to&nbsp;recalculate&nbsp;the points. &nbsp;There was the mention of changing the white sugar to baking Splenda, the eggs to egg beaters and someone thought something could replace the shortening like applesauce.<br /><br /><address><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">How many of you know the applesauce trick? How about the diet cola and cake mix trick?</span></address></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51942752678502428642011-05-13T12:08:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.441-05:00The Fitting Room by Kelly Minter<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1434799859&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Until “The Fitting Room” I have never heard of Kelly Minter so I was unsure about how much I was going to like or appreciate this book. I have a very fine line with myself and faith based books. It is hard to explain, but even though I DO get the point of providing scriptures in Christian books, I think some authors give us scripture overload.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">When I feel overloaded, I am instantly turned off from the book and it makes it hard for me to keep reading. This, sadly, was one of those books. I forced myself to be a trooper and read on. I wanted a spiritual make-over and gosh darn it; I was going to get one!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Kelly Minter has a voice and style that I find cute and quirkily. Although I know there are some that do not appreciate a dry humor, but I do. I have to admit, I let out a little *snort* here and there while reading.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The book is fun and puts a completely different twist on accepting the virtues of Christ. When a person goes shopping, they will try on many outfits going in and out of the fitting room. Sometimes things work, often they don’t. Just like your life with Him, sometimes you just can’t get it to work for you. Instead of trying so many “things” on, allow the One who created you to do the clothing. He is the One who knows you best.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">With a book centered on Colossians 3 you will come to terms with yourself. You are not too fat, you are not too thin, and you are not this or that. You are you and you were created that way for a reason.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Minter has a couple of chapters about Forgiveness. I read them not only once, but twice. Forgiving is something I struggle with on a daily basis. I was abused for the first 12 years of my life. Recently this abuser became ill and it was hard to know whether he was going to live or die. I had forgiven my father once, in my mid 20’s, only to watch him slowly kill himself with drug addiction and lies. Once he had told lies about me, I cut him out of my life. Now, he sits in a prison cell.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I have thought about writing a letter, reaching out one last time. Telling him he should be asking for his own forgiveness. But every time I do, something holds me back. Is this really a door I want to open? It is hard enough dealing with all of the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/my-survivor-story.html">mental illnesses and everything else that comes with twelve years of sexual abuse.</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">So, while I read the chapters for the second time, I really had to think. I am not angry. I do not let this anger or hatred control me. As a matter of fact, I do not really even think about it.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">On the other side, I know I have to forgive and work through therapy if I am every going to have total peace in my life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Thank you, Ms. Minter for reminding me that I love myself enough to have such peace. The best part about it is I know I am not alone. I will be clothed and protected on my journey.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><i><b>Disclosure of Material Connection: </b></i>I received this book free from B&amp;B Publishers as part of their Book Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9878108369136571402011-05-12T15:25:00.009-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.873-04:00Markets for Food and Wine Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRy5lWuSM2gkLQULK2YJwf52iDkzAXd47uZsA4lcbqyDARqElzF&amp;t=1" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Clean Eating</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://cleaneating.com/">cleaneating.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Email: <a href="mailto:editorial@cleaneatingmag.com">editorial@cleaneatingmag.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Looking for:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Recipes and stories straight from Mother Nature.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">How to submit: Send query (include SASE &amp; $5 for postage) to</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Robert Kennedy Publishing</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">400 Matheson Blvd.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">West, Mississauga, ON L5R 3M1, Canada</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Southern Living</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant">southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Email: <a href="mailto:sl_online@timeinc.com">sl_online@timeinc.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Looking for:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Short articles focusing on Southern recipes. “Above all it must be Southern. We need comments on life in this region- written from the standpoint of a person who is intimately familiar with this part of the world.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">How to submit: Send query to</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Southern Progress Corp.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">2100 Lakeshore Drive</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Birmingham, AL 35209</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Wine Enthusiast Magazine </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://winemag.com/">winemag.com</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Email: <a href="mailto:tmoriarty@wineenthusiast.net">tmoriarty@wineenthusiast.net</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Looking for: Essays, personal experience, humor, new products all covering the life of a wine lover. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">How to submit: Query via email</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7814594661200258892011-05-12T14:45:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.446-04:00Are You Tracking? (Journaling)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">Be aware. Stay accountable. Make smart decisions.<br />Spoken by the great Weight Watcher.<br />Sounds easy enough, doesn't it?<br /><br />So, why can't I get myself to track everything? When I was on Weight Watchers the first time (and actually made Lifetime) I would track every little thing I ate. I had my handy paper journal that you could buy at the meetings.<br /><br />(random A.D.D. moment - those are at my mother's. I should go get them and follow those meal plans)<br /><br />Now, I am at the PC, where I can easily journal. I have programs on my iPhone, again, always making the journal&nbsp;accessible. But, the last few weeks I have not been tracking as I should. Most of the time I just forget. I am in such a rush these days it seems like I just can't slow down for anything and I am seriously starting to go out of my mind.<br /><br />Tracking can help you lose weight. Once upon a time I was proof of that.<br /><br /><br />Fact: You become aware of what you've eaten and how much you've exercised.<br />Myth: You can't guess or assume you know.<br />Fact: &nbsp;It helps explain what happens on the scale.<br />Fact: &nbsp;That knowledge helps you decide what to do next time.<br />Fact: you have a history of your success, in case you need to look back.<br /><br />Writing down what I eat as well as my exercise does help me recognize my body signals. I have an iPhone app where I can rate my hunger, satisfaction, fullness, and my mood. It helps me to make better decisions about what to eat and when I need to set time aside to eat.<br /><br />For those of you who aren't tracking (whether on Weight Watchers or another program) start. For those who already are, keep doing it.<br /><br />To keep you motivated here are some reminders so you can avoid some common tracking pitfalls:<br /><br />The Pitfall: Underestimating values of restaurant menu items<br />The Fix: Research the values before you go<br />The Pitfall: Letting BLT (bites, licks, and tastes) go untracked<br />The Fix: If you bit it write it<br />The Pitfall: Overestimating activity values<br />The Fix: When in doubt, round down<br /><br />Keep on tracking!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3174593572423817992011-05-11T14:49:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.449-04:00Calculations<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://www.collegetocareers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/cd-rates-calculator.bmp" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://www.collegetocareers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/cd-rates-calculator.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.collegetocareers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/cd-rates-calculator.bmp" alt="" border="0" height="300" src="http://www.collegetocareers.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/cd-rates-calculator.bmp" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="400" /></a></div><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Formula IS (in the US anyway)</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(Protein/10.94)+(carbs/9.17)+(fat/3.89)-(Fiber/12.49)</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">EXAMPLE: Fiber one chewy bar - oat and chocolate variety</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(protein 2/10.94) +</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(carbs 29/9.17) +</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(fat 4/3.89) -</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(Fiber 9/12.49)</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">so....protein .18</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Carb 3.16</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Fat 1.03</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">fiber .72</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">.18+3.16+1.03-.72 = 3.65 points</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The iphone app comes up with 4 points....so, round up.</span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />All numeral are in GRAMS.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17443440269937976122011-05-11T14:47:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.535-04:00Just Not Feeling It<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">I didn’t write last week.<br />I promised I would write every week.<br />I broke a promise.<br />Simple.<br />No excuse.<br />I just didn’t.<br />Too many other things going on.<br />Like trying to move this website over to my main site.<br />Too many websites.<br />Too much homework.<br />Too many books to read and write reviews on.<br />I need to make more money.<br />Never enough money.<br /><em><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Last week, my weight stayed the same.</span></em><br />In our meeting we talked about eating out.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Dining Out:</strong><br />(what are some things that make it so hard on us?)<br /><ul><li>the portion sizes</li><li>warm, fresh, bread basket</li><li>alcoholic beverages</li><li>fried foods</li><li>we get there and we are starving, in a hurry, don’t pay attention to menu and order whatever</li><li>ingredients, not sure what’s in it</li><li>preparation, not sure how they cook it</li></ul><br /><br />What we can do:<br /><ul><li>ask for a box with your meal and immediately pack up (over) half</li><li>tell them not to bring the bread, and if they do, ask to remove it</li><li>salad dressing on the side</li><li>ask how they prepare, tell them NO butter when cooking</li><li>make sure it’s dry grilled!</li><li>check nutrition information before going &amp; plan ahead</li><li>share one dessert with the whole table</li><li>drink water (with lemon!)</li><li>start with a salad or broth based soup</li><li>grilled, broiled, and poached is your friend</li><li>fritto, crispy, or breaded is not</li><li>opt for vegi’s as your side item</li></ul><br /><br /><br /><em><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">This week’s weigh in was here at home.</span></em><br />My scale stayed the same (I weigh myself on my scale before I head to my meeting)<br /><br />I did not go to my meetings because my (soon to be) step-mother-in-law was at a doctor’s appointment. I could have gone by myself, but I was in the middle of some giant projects for class and I just did not want to stop and lose my train of thought. Oh well. It’s just a meeting and people miss. Life happens.<br /><br />I will be making some changes. I am not going to quit Weight Watchers. I was offered two more months of Nutrisystem when I sent my last order form. So that gives me a total of 3 more months of food. Right now I am spending $48 on Weight Watchers meetings and the weekly materials which comes with the online etools. Yesterday I made the choice to cancel. That is a lot of money for me right now and with Cain being sick , he needs that money more than I. Plus, I am might be buying a house, so that needs the money as well. I still plan to go with D to the meetings. I am sure that will be fine. I will just use my scale to weight myself, go to the meetings with her so she still has my support. I don’t see the meeting person’s having a problem with it.<br /><br />When I was trying to do the plan on my own, I had downloaded some iPod Touch apps that I have transferred to my iPhone. I also found some new ones. These allow me to do the program through my phone. Between that, the internet and the computer I can do the program without paying the $48.<br /><br />The only thing that is holding me back right now is my crazy busy schedule, which will only last 6 more weeks (I graduate)!! I have been downloading some audiobooks (never been able to pay attention to them while working) with the hopes of motivating myself to go outside for a walk. Hopefully I can get back into my treadmill or video routine since things will slow down a little bit these last few weeks of school.<br /><br />I plan to write about my iPhone apps (most are in the Android market too), I just don’t have time to do that and I want to keep those posts separate. So, hang tight!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45012214870609662952011-05-11T14:23:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.446-05:00How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aX-jLYoWoeI/Tc13l6dnsMI/AAAAAAAAAbU/WimyaWC6l_A/s1600/_225_350_Book.417.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aX-jLYoWoeI/Tc13l6dnsMI/AAAAAAAAAbU/WimyaWC6l_A/s320/_225_350_Book.417.cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Just like so many others out there it has always been a dream of mine to become a published author. I wanted to take English as my major in college but everyone told me there was no money in that, the only job I would get is teaching (no thank you) and that the real money was being published and that was incredibly hard to do. So, I became an accountant instead.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When the economy went into a downward slump, my career went right along with it. Instead of keeping me and my knowledge database, they brought in someone without a college degree willing to work for minimum wage. I wonder how well that worked out for them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know how well it worked for me. I am now a published writer. I do freelance work. Internet content, my own websites, revenue sharing, affiliate marketing, residual income, magazines and smaller publications. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Although I am writing some novels and a self-help book, I can never see myself getting the guts to try to submit a proposal in order to get a book published. I know that is the traditional way of going about doing things, but that is not the only way. I might query. I might self-publish a book; I might just publish it all across the eBook platforms.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was interested in this book because I am naturally interested in all books that have writing as the topic. With this book, I am not sure what makes this one so much different than any other self-help to publish book. This is the first one I have read about writing a book proposal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a pretty easy read. I can’t sit and read all night like I used to. Long hours at the computer prevent me from doing that. It took me two nights to read this, a few hours each night.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book is centered on keeping things short and to the point. Not only should this theme be used in your proposal but it was used in the writing of<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Write-Book-Proposal-Michael-Larsen/dp/158297702X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank"> Larsen’s book</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=158297702X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>That’s my kind of informational, how-to, book!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a writer who manages her own websites, I found the chapter on titles to benefit me right now. Often I am plagued with writer’s block when it comes to thinking of catchy titles for my posts. I plan to start using those tips immediately and the 19 questions Larsen tells us to ask ourselves. Hopefully I won’t be blocked as often.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The best part is that Larsen adds his own voice and style to the book, making for a fun read instead of textbook material. I have had a few writing books like that land on my desk, and a chapter later they are sitting on the bookshelf or passed along to someone else that might benefit from it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I recommend this to anyone who is interested in writing and being published. It’s a simple read and is sure to give you a better idea of writing your book proposal. If you are not ready for a proposal (I’m not) I would suggest any writer at any state of their career take some time to check this one out. A lot of information can be applied to other forms of writing as well, not just the proposal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</b>&nbsp;I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65744365925131570402011-05-11T12:13:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.225-04:00New from Problogger "Guide to Your First Week of Blogging"<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/just-released-new-from-problogger-guide.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/just-released-new-from-problogger-guide.html">Just Released! New from Problogger \</a>"Guide to Your First Week of Blogging."&nbsp;I love ProBlogger. Without it, I would not have found some of the freelance clients that I have had, do have, and likely will have.</div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0470616342&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I have been through Darren's&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://31daysblogchallenge.com/" href="http://31daysblogchallenge.com/">31 Days to Build a Better Blog</a>&nbsp;book more times that I can count. Never quite getting through. A few months ago I did a challenge with some great ladies - Lisbeth Tanz from&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.yourwordsyourvoice.com/" href="http://www.yourwordsyourvoice.com/">Your Words, Your Voice</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://michelleshaeffer.com/" href="http://michelleshaeffer.com/">Michelle Shaeffer</a>&nbsp;from the<a _mce_href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/" href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/">Ultimate Blog Challenge</a>. &nbsp;I made it 90% through the challenge. Strength in numbers! I plan to do it again in June and the goal is to get through 100% with this website<a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/">.</a></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">The next 31DBBB Challenge starts June 1 and the next UBC starts July 1. These are both a great way to get your website in tip top shape and connect with other bloggers.</div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">If you are just starting a blog/website, or you already have and not quite sure where to start, I highly recommend spending $9.95 on the new "<a _mce_href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220">Guide to Your First Week of Blogging</a>", sign up for the challenges, and then grab a copy of&nbsp;<a _mce_href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=258839&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=258839&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220">31 Days to Build a Better Blog</a>&nbsp;&amp;<a _mce_href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=792140&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220" href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=792140&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220">Copywriting Scorecard for Bloggers.</a></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29957319902035518512011-05-11T07:48:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.228-04:00Just Released! New from Problogger "Guide to Your First Week of Blogging"<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Last week I mentioned that&nbsp;<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/31-days-to-build-better-blog-new.html">Darren had announced</a>&nbsp;he would be increasing the price of his "31 Days to Build a Better" blog book. (did you get yours in time?) With the price increase came the launch of a new book, "<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220">Guide to Your First Week of Blogging".</a>&nbsp;The book is currently&nbsp;<b>$9.99, but on May 17 it will go to its regular price of $19.95</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">From Darren Rowse:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Got an idea for a new blog?</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Whether you're a first-time blogger or an old hand, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of starting a new blog.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img align="right" alt="probloggers first week of blogging.jpg" height="375" src="http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/probloggers-first-week-of-blogging.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" width="300" /><i><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220">ProBlogger's Guide to Your First Week of Blogging&nbsp;</a>is my answer to that problem.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>This 54-page ebook leads you, day by day, through your first week on a new blog project.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>And for the next week, you can download your copy for just US$9.99--that's 50% off the standard price.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Buy now and you'll also be put in the draw to win a WordPress theme package from Studio Press worth over $850 - the perfect way to kick start your new blog.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Over seven chapters--one for each day--you'll learn how to:</i></div></div><ul style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>set solid foundations</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>publish and build presence</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>concentrate on content</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>understand the blog as a product</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>put yourself out there</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>define and demonstrate quality</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>strategies for success.</i></li></ul><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>It's all the advice I wish I'd had when I started blogging!</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><i>Individual tasks will give you practical experience in:</i></span></div><ul style="display: block; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>brainstorming</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>niche research</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>content planning</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>social networking</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>post creation</i></li><li style="display: list-item; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>audience engagement</i></li></ul><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220">ProBlogger's Guide to Your First Week of Blogging</a>&nbsp;shows new bloggers the ropes--and helps develop solid blogging habits that will last a lifetime.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Experienced bloggers can use it to hone their approach, release new blogs more smoothly, and gain time to focus on the advanced aspects of blog launch and establishment.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Of course, Your First Week of Blogging is fully guaranteed. If you're not satisfied after 30 days with the ebook, just let me know and I'll send you a refund.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220"><i>Download Your First Week of Blogging for half price now.</i></a></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>I look forward to the launch of your next blog!</i></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Darren Rowse</i></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67940573456352224822011-05-10T15:53:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.875-04:00Call for Submissions : Chicken Soup for the Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7fGtMCXb34/TcmXsEmPz0I/AAAAAAAAAa8/LmFOdr525bo/s1600/chicken_soup_for_the_soul-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7fGtMCXb34/TcmXsEmPz0I/AAAAAAAAAa8/LmFOdr525bo/s320/chicken_soup_for_the_soul-show.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Chicken Soup for the Soul series is looking for stories. Pay is not stated on the <a href="http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books">website</a>, but all of the topics deadlines, and instructions are.<br /><br /><b>Topics:</b><br /><br /><ul><li>Brides and Weddings</li><li>Christmas Stories</li><li>Family Caregiver</li><li>Find Your Happiness</li><li>Food and Love</li><li>Home Sweet Home</li><li>Married Life/Marriage</li><li>Think Positive for Kids</li></ul><div>They also have information listed on their<u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChickenSoupfortheSoul?sk=app_10442206389"> Facebook Page</a></u>.</div><div><br /></div><div>According to the <a href="http://write-jobs.blogspot.com/2011/05/paying-market-brides-and-weddings.html">Write-Jobs website</a>, the pay for the Brides and Weddings story is $200. Might be something worth looking at!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71578295654053650832011-05-10T12:26:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.413-04:00Website Rebuild: Got a Plan<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">So, what I have decided to do is leave&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.cainstales.com" href="http://www.cainstales.com/" target="_blank">Cains Tales&nbsp;</a>alone for now. Since it is new, and basically for fundraising purposes, I decided to keep it&nbsp;separate. This will allow me to market it and add affiliates that are more appropriate than those I use on&nbsp;here.<br /><br /><br />Self Employed Writer will stay put. She will merge with The Tax Queen making it an all in one place for those who work from home, are self employed, and freelancers. Obviously, it will cater to freelance writers. Since most of the topics on Tax Queen were about Schedule C: Profit and Loss from a Business, Home Offices and Business Expenses and/or Deductions, it only seemed natural that the two be put together.<br /><br />Ireland Forever, I debated about for a long time. It was something I was very proud of, &nbsp;but I also did it on a whim without really thinking it through. Most of the items there are recipes, tidbits, quotes, blessings, and poetry that is also available on other websites. With Google's big Panda-demic, I really do not want a website that is going to have a lot of duplicate content. I was also using it as a place to share my Celtic Wedding I was planning for September. I found it extremely frustrating to plan a traditional Irish wedding on a budget. There just isn't much information available. So, I took notes, kept a running list of prices and purchases, and decided when I was done I was going to put together a budget wedding book. Yes, I do know there are a lot of those out there in the book world, however, not many exist for Irish or other Celts theme.<br /><br />Because of this, I felt that it would be better to bring that site here to promote it.<br /><br />In January I made the choice to start working more on affiliate, adsense, revenue sharing, and residual income from my websites and a couple of others like&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan">HubPages</a>,&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632" href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632">WebAnswers,</a>&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chrystal_Mahan" href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chrystal_Mahan">Ezine Articles</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">Helium</a>. I was overloaded with that, as well as taking 9 classes so I could finish my last semester of college, graduate and move on to another degree after summer. I found it too hard to keep up with so many posts and sites. So, rather than have many slim sites, I find it better to have less sites with full content.<br /><br />There is another website I started, a Fat Rant that I have not been able to launch because I was part of the Nutrisystem blogging program. I decided to use my Lifetime membership at Weight Watchers and start going to meetings again. That is what this is all about.<br /><br /><br />These Words, My Life was the start of a project that was going to be about my sexual abuse survivorship, sharing my story (again) and reaching out to others. I decided that it would be best to bring it here too, since it is a lot of my thoughts and poetry.<br /><br />My erotica, which I have adopted a pen name for, will stay where it is. My friends and family know. I used to share it freely back in the early staging of my blogging. However, for the most part we know that church frowns on porn. I don't consider my writing to be anything related to porn, but I would rather not have people at church whispering and pointing for the sake of Big M and lil m.<br /><br />That is as far as I have gotten. There will be a lot of moving and I am sure a lot of trial and error.<br /><br />It will be worth it in the end.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86973997577223917392011-05-10T12:24:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:48.981-04:00Daily Morning Routine<img height="301" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/3904406276_55026fa903_z.jpg" width="320" /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">We all have a&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a _mce_href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Daily-Morning-Routine" href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Daily-Morning-Routine">Daily Morning Routine</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">, right?</span><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">I shared mine, which I have to admit is rather boring. *yawn*<br /><br />The life and exciting times of a freelance writer who works from home.<br /><br /><b><i>Do you have a morning routine?</i></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28048089477618141352011-05-09T13:12:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.538-04:00#NSNation Sometimes It Just Stays the Same<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I played a four day catch up. I have been really sick feeling for a while now and it all came down full force over the weekend. Monday I hardly made a dent in anything.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There is a lot going on in my little world, personally.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">A marriage I am questioning. I don’t know if it is cold feet or something more.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">School is draining me, and I am counting down my last 6 weeks while trying to plan my next step in my education. I will graduate in June, and I still can’t seem to make up my mind on what degree to seek next and where I should go.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Because I have been sick, my eating has not been up to par. Not for lack of trying, mostly for lack of keeping food inside of me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We had some great weather and I missed a lot of it.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Homework has piled up.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Work has piled up. I gathered up some ghostwriters to help me and I have not even been able to get things together to get them started. I need help for my help!<br />I am trying to rebuild all of my websites AND merge some of them together. I need to have this complete by June and I wonder if I will make it in time to start the next&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/31-days-to-build-better-blog-new.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/31-days-to-build-better-blog-new.html">31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">My list of things to do now spans 3 pages and I fear I am not going to catch up this week.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Sucks really.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">But I keep trying. I refuse to quit. Not after all I have been through in life.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">So, I met the scale. The scale had no change. Thank you Week # 15.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I will take it.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Onward.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I will be sending my last month’s order in to Merideth the moment I post this blog. I'll be starting on Week #16 and I feel very blessed and fortunate to have been on the ride as long as I was. I learned quite a lot and&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>&nbsp;has given me much to think about, especially on a more spiritual level as I work on some inside junk and come to terms with some food related issues.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This morning I spent some time downloading audiobooks. Because I work such long hours on work and schoolwork, my eyes give out for nighttime reading. I thought it would be good to listen to before bed, but then I got an even better idea! Walking! Now that the weather is nice, I can treat myself to a book, while I walk. I am also getting Big M to rip apart my old electrical treadmill to see if he can fix it. The manual one just bugs me for some reason.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>today or call&nbsp;<a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6718416777060703502011-05-09T09:08:00.008-04:002011-08-10T12:16:55.893-04:00Writing Prompt: Write a Poem with a Hole in it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/12/18730026_419b2eec9f_z.jpg" width="398" /></div></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Write a poem with a hole in it.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The hole in your poem could be an actual hole, an ode to your holey socks, or the hole could be something as nuanced as a hole (or multiple holes) in logic. Try writing a poem and removing all the verbs or adjectives.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85102948544706430062011-05-08T06:54:00.004-04:002011-08-10T11:38:39.137-04:00Fundraising Site All Set Up<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Cash donations will taken through Paypal, you can use that link over there&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;</span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">For those who feel more secure making a purchase and having a part of the funds donated, can do so by going to the fundraising page: <a href="http://www.efundraisingonline.com/HelpingCain">Helping Cain</a></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.efundraisingonline.com/HelpingCain"><img border="0" src="http://www.efundraisingonline.com/Resources/images/banners/en-us/banner_468x60.jpg" /></a></span></span></h3>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30837854287335891842011-05-07T13:38:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:00:40.662-04:00Ruin it For Everyone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyzC2UIDNnk/TZzePTFuV1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/kkD2vy40odQ/s1600/hostable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyzC2UIDNnk/TZzePTFuV1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/kkD2vy40odQ/s320/hostable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will never understand why people have to ruin things for everyone! There are plenty of legitimate, free web hosting providers out there. When a company like Hostable (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/ahostableme.html">here is where</a> I talk about my awesome find) comes along and wants to expand their main&nbsp;company&nbsp; <a href="http://www.brinkster.com/">Brinkster,</a> and offer such a great deal of course it is going to bring out the scammers and spammers.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Awesome.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you world for f-ing it up for the rest of us.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I kept wondering why when I tried to spend some time working on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/continuing-behind-scenes.html">my website today </a>that my photos were not showing, but rather had broken links. Trying to update posts, make categories, test other themes, and looking at other plug-ins had become a nightmare because the page would just go blank like it landed in ghostville, never to return.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, I went to the Hostable website to see if the had posted some updates about an event I had missed.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was there I was greeted with a new homepage photo/logo and news of the recent changes.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white;">From the site:&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Free is Better Than 99¢</span></i></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white;">Our goal is to provide such an exceptional Web hosting experience that you honestly can't believe you're getting it for free! Over the last couple of months, our original 99¢ for 3 years of free hosting became a magnet for people who commit fraud and otherwise abuse their accounts. To maintain our high quality of service standard, we are implementing a new fraud prevention process. During the implementation, we cannot activate new free accounts. We expect to have this completed by early to mid-May. In the interim, you can&nbsp;<a class="home-blue" href="http://www.hostable.com/Plans-Pricing.aspx" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">pre-register for a FREE account</a>&nbsp;(limited to the first 5,000 accounts). If you cannot wait, we do offer&nbsp;<a class="home-blue" href="http://www.hostable.com/Plans-Pricing.aspx" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Premium Web Hosting plans</a>&nbsp;starting at $4.49 per month.</i></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Before you paid 99 cents for a service fee, and got three years for free. No ads, unlimited, and they had a cancellation policy. After the 3 years, the rates would be $6.99 a month, billed 3 months at a time. Not a big deal for me. I had no plans to cancel and would stay if the service was good.</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While most things have changed, it looks like their is no longer a cancellation policy, and the billing policy will change.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wonder if this means they will be cleaning out the system of the spam accounts and if that is what is causing the delays in my account.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are just some things I don't have a lot of patience with and it bothers me that people have to try to scam things.</span></div><div style="color: #606060; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23503396473457677112011-05-06T07:30:00.014-04:002011-10-31T14:04:37.558-04:00Thinking About Bringing the Tax Queen Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wc7ef5DjJ3s/Tb9o-WUJc0I/AAAAAAAAAac/PcrRe-Mtx04/s1600/TaxQueen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wc7ef5DjJ3s/Tb9o-WUJc0I/AAAAAAAAAac/PcrRe-Mtx04/s320/TaxQueen1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Hello, my name is Chrystal Mahan and I am a website addict.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have come to the conclusion that I have way too many websites to keep up with. I want to build websites that are full of information that will keep people coming back. I love talking about accounting and finance topics, but my problem is I don't have enough to fill an entire website.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">At first I thought it was just because I was under a time crunch this semester, and even though that is part of the problem, the other part is trying to decide HOW to put all of my websites together to make them better.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Alone, they are not doing so well. But the ones that can be combined would do even better. So began my quest of trying to figure all of that out before I made the move back to self hosting. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have been testing various themes and self hosting companies and although I am not quite there, I know I am going to have to do it soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have a lot of things to move off of Self Employed Writer. This blog dates back to 2000 and it has served its purpose. I want to keep it more of a writing, work from home, freelance, self employed website. I think because 90% of the tax related discussions I have are all related to these categories, I think having a tax section here would be fine. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I think The Tax Queen and Self Employed Write would do better as one. Stronger content and both fall under the self employed category of 1099. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I feel in order for me to get and give the full benefit of the tax website I would have to include a lot of financial items as well that go along with various tax forms. Other than that, there really is not a good amount of affiliates to use on a tax site.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Whether I keep the domain or not, or how I combine the two, I am not sure of just yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Also, another project in the works is to start removing my personal writing and poetry off of Self Employed Writer and switch it over to These Words My Life. It is much better suited for that site. This gives me the theme of&nbsp; “ In Darkness (TWML) and in Light (SEW)” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I do own the domain of my name. I see a lot of authors using their names as the domain that hosts their websites. I have often thought about using mine for that purpose. Right now it hosts a page that links where you can find me. This is another one of those things I am not sure what to do with.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">In my self hosting testing blog I have toyed with the idea of using that for my weight loss website that I have not been able to launch to the public yet because of my contract with Nutrisystem. I had thought about using my name domain for that, and then merging other things together.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I came across a website that had one domain, and then all the other websites were filtered in providing tabs across the top of the main website. I like that idea. This makes it much easier for me to post across multiple sites. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Right now, it is a lot to keep up with. Once I graduate, I want to be able to focus more on writing and less time trying to sort and figure things out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I know most people don’t like to put all their eggs in one basket, but I have enough eggs scattered that merging a few websites is not going to hurt me. I think if anything it would make my income better.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is what I own<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">chrystalmahan.com – was a blogger site set up to be a basic page on where to find me. I removed the domain from the blogger page and started using it for my self hosted site. I started with chrystalmahan.info, which is about to expire. I don't want to keep it. The self hosting was doing really good for month, now this last week its been glitchy. Could just be me not remembering how to set things up. So I am going to have to work on it a little more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">selfemployedwriter.com is Self Employed Writer and I want to keep. Out of all the domains I own, I would need to keep this since it is already indexed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">thetaxqueen.com – I think it would be best for me to merge her with my other. One giant self employed writer site.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">thesewordsmylife.com is the other side of me. This is where I share my survivor story, my poetry (since its all darkness) and my personal posts that will come off self employed writer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">my weight loss blog – it has no domain as I am not sure what to call it. I had thought since my nutrisystem was already on self employed writer that I could merge it there, but I would really like for it to be separate. It would do better with keyword and seo if placed elsewhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">eringobraugh.com – my Irish site, which has been neglected. This one I am not sure what to do with. Merge it , leave it or delete it. I just wonder if it will be worth the time, but I do want to write a book about my Celtic Wedding, especially from the frugal point of view. So, I may need this site for that purpose, but it could be combined with self employed writer, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">cainstails.com (and cainstales.com) is my new site, launched for the purpose of helping my pooch. Time has not been on my side, so this project sort of sits and waits until I have a free moment. I feel sort of lost when trying to find my voice for this one. For now, I just do what I can, but I think it could be linked with chrystalmahan.com too.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I also have ebooksnook.biz. At one time I had an ebooks site and purchased the domain with the intention of turning that site into an ebook store. I think I am going to let this one go. The ebooks that I plan on selling can easily be linked on chrystalmahan.com</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">Then there is thesew.com, purchased on a whim as a shortened version of selfemployedwriter.com. I don't know what I was thinking with this one. I have used it for testing out websites. But, I see no point in keeping it since I don't really need it for writing, and the only other thing I could see it working for is sewing.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">There is the erotic website and domain, both in use, both collecting dust right now. I have decided to start using a pen name. I have always written very short stories, and now I have a real short story in the works. So, these will both be kept. I would like to move this website off blogger and to self hosted wordpress. When I get time.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I guess the accountant in me sees all these domains I pay for and the need to bring in money from each blog. I need to get better with affiliates. Again, I think being able to focus on less blogs will help with that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I am sort of stuck on what to do and it gets pretty overwhelming.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30863219226956731532011-05-05T07:42:00.015-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.877-04:005 Markets Seeking Ghostwriters<img src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=881137356992&amp;id=b80a04297a674477570a3a789c30b4da" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There are many reasons to hire a ghostwriter, as a writer there have been times when I thought about hiring one to help me with a couple of book ideas. I have contracted with ghostwriters to help me with some private clients that had a lot of work for me to share with fellow writers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a writer I can’t say I have ever thought of ghostwriting as a career. With private clients and some content companies, I am a ghostwriter; others allow me to be known.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But what about those who choose to be a ghostwriter for books? Wouldn’t they want the glory that came from writing that piece of work?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not necessarily.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are a few reasons why someone chooses to be a ghostwriter and not an author. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Steady stream of revenue.</li><li>Do not have to spend time promoting.</li><li>Once done writing, the project is done and can move on to the next.</li><li>Easier than authoring a book, less research to be done.</li><li>Ghostwriters work with a “team” (the author).</li><li>Don’t have to worry about the platform or publishers.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Want to try ghostwriting? Here are 5 markets looking for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.ideaplatforms.com/">Idea Platforms Inc</a>. (IPI)&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="http://www.jenkinsgroupinc.com/">Jenkins Group Inc.&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="http://leagueent.com/">League Entertainment Inc.&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="http://mignoncommunications.com/">Mignon Communications&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="http://printmattersinc.com/">Print Matters Inc.&nbsp;</a></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4956433424223154582011-05-04T07:22:00.024-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.880-04:00Writing Goodies / Writing OpportunitiesI still have not figured out what to call these posts. "Goodies" just doesn't seem appropriate, or keyword friendly. They aren't really jobs, so maybe I should be calling this writer's opportunities???<br /><br /><b><i>What do you think these post should be called?</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrqKjRJrVGM/TairZrKEJ7I/AAAAAAAAAYs/FiBCLbTiJF0/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrqKjRJrVGM/TairZrKEJ7I/AAAAAAAAAYs/FiBCLbTiJF0/s320/books.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Agents</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Kelly Gottuso Mortimer</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://mortimerliterary.com/">Mortimer Literary Agency</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Signs only publishers not yet published by a traditional house, or those who haven’t been published within the last 3 years. Mortimer looks for manuscripts that are great as is, or really close. For full guidelines visit <a href="http://mortimerliterary.com/submissions.htm">mortimerliterary.com/submissions.htm</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Accepting Submissions</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://yesmagazine.org/about/writers-guidelines">Yes! Magazine</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">YES! Magazine documents how people are creating a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. We welcome submissions that relate directly to this focus. Payment varies, but is typically 25 cents per word. Accepts original material only. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_618851256">Holiday House Inc.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://holidayhouse.com/manuscript.php">&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking for submissions in the real life and historical fiction genre. Exclusive submissions preferred.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Writing Conferences</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://travelblogexchange.com/">TBEX ’11</a> June 11-12, 2011<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hosted by Travel Blog Exchange, this conference is for bloggers who want to learn the nitty-gritty of storytelling and journalism, as well as for old-school journalists who would like to get in to travel blogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Topics include branding, self-promotion, travel-writing ethics and more. $80 for writers and bloggers. Vancouver Convention Center, BC.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.madelineschool.com/">Madeline Island School of the Arts</a> 2011 Writing Workshops<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Different sessions, dates, times, and prices. June through September. LaPointe, WI</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73958741858981622552011-05-03T15:09:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.451-05:00The Domino Project from Seth Godin<img alt="" src="http://img.bzzagent.com/image/domino-project.jpg?Type=activity&amp;Activity=1559247206&amp;Campaign=2020288446&amp;Uid=61673&amp;token=c43b3f3363d326223375db5f764ed61b" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOTE: the Kindle edition of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Do-Work-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936719010?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Do the Work</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1936719010" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> is currently free on Amazon.com till May 20th thanks to the Domino Project and GE.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;">Seth Godin is the founder of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.thedominoproject.com/" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 200ms; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-in; color: #fa981d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">The Domino Project</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;">and has written twelve books that have been translated into more than thirty languages. Every one has been a bestseller. He writes about the post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and most of all, changing everything.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 24px;">Seth Godin's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Poke-Box-Seth-Godin/dp/1936719002?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Poke the Box</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1936719002" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />&nbsp;is going to make you stop everything in your life, and really think. The book expects change, and it will get it.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The message is not new. Stop and do something, sounds more like a Nike spin-off than a motivational tool to get your butt moving. Don’t just stop and do something, anything. Stop and do something that is going to make a difference.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #111111;">Seth did. He wrote a book about it and from there became The Domino Project. From that project came </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Do-Work-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936719010?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Do the Work</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1936719010" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Steven Pressfield. It’s not about the ideas, but the work that comes from the ideas. The ideas are simple. Doing the work is what gets you going on that “something”. Once you start, you have to finish. The points and steps in this book will help anyone complete their idea. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seth gets you thinking about doing, Steven gets that doing rolling and completed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Poke-the-Box-ebook/dp/B004J4XG0O?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">The Domino Project</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B004J4XG0O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>. See what difference you can make in the world.&nbsp;</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68773847134212924872011-05-03T13:08:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.456-05:0031 Days to Build a Better Blog - New Challenge Soon & Book Price IncreaseI've been a fan of Darren Rowse over at <a href="http://problogger.net/">ProBlogger </a>for years. There was a time when no one in the blogging world had a clue who he was, what the website was about, or the challenge he established. I purchased my copy of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog some time ago (tried to get through it 3 times on my own!), but it wasn't until this year that I went through a challenge with some fellow bloggers.<br /><br />On June 1, this challenge will start again and plan to be a part of it. You can join in all the fun as well, and see just how far you can go with your website. You will be amazed at the changes that will start to develop.<br /><br /><a href="http://31daysblogchallenge.com/">31 Days Blog Challenge</a><br /><br />I have seen a few fellow bloggers mention that their will be a price increase for Darren's book, 31 Days to Build a Better Blog and I had made a mental note to pass that information along to my readers.<br /><br />This morning I received an email from Darren himself!<br /><br />Ok, I am sure it was an auto-generated email sent to everyone on his list that has been a part of the program, but still, it was nice to see it in my email box.<br /><br />The book is currently $19.95 (and well worth every penny!) but the price is set to increase on May 10th to $29.99 so if this is a purchase you have been thinking about, now is the time to check it out. You don't have to do it alone, be sure to join the challenge and get a jump start on your blogging career.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042" target="ejejcsingle">Click here to visit ProBlogger.</a><br /><br />The book has helped tens of thousands of bloggers, it has helped me, it can help you too!<br /><br />Also, there &nbsp;is a rumor that Darren is about to launch a new bloggers book. I am REALLY excited to hear this.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37762456040538414122011-05-03T12:32:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.543-04:00WAH Adventures and Buttermilk Sky Design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I<img alt="Just Charming Necklace" height="400" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--120000--95880_product_1645166610_3_thumb_large.jpg" width="329" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I don't know how many of you know Miranda over at <a href="http://www.wahadventures.com/">WAH Adventures</a>, but you should really drop by and say hello. Miranda takes the time to review the work at home jobs, not just writing. After you are finished checking out all of the opportunities that can help you work from home, check out her other website <a href="http://buttermilkskydesigns.blogspot.com/">Buttermilk Sky Handcrafted Jewelry</a>. You will find come beautiful pieces.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I don't usually enter contests that other bloggers are running, unless they are a new blog that I don't visit on a regular basis. Miranda ran a little contest. Stop by, take a look, pick a piece and post a comment. When I saw this little green gem, I knew I should take the chance and enter.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">If you have ever visited my other website, <a href="http://www.eringobraugh.com/">Ireland Forever</a>, it is easy to see why.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I was thrilled when she contacted me to let me know that I had won!</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I never win anything!!!</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I will post a photo of myself in this work of art as soon as it arrives.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42980014057007640382011-05-03T07:55:00.008-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.460-05:00Second Chance by Nicole Ireland<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B004WG5L66&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">When I started reading Second Chance, my first thought was “here we go, another cancer book, another life after death novel” Ho-hum I have read it all before. How is this book going to be any different?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">It’s not. There are hundreds of books on the market regarding cancer patients, both who have survived, and those who lost their battle. Of those cancer patients that have survived, there are some who faced a near-death experience, but not all of them “saw” the other side.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Then, there are us readers. Those who believe that it is possible for someone to cross over, meet their maker, and then return. Others have nothing of the sort running around inside their brain.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Stories like “Second Chance” are really going to ask you whether or not you believe in situations such as these.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Before I go any further, I do not want there to be any confusion. We have all seen incidents in the past where fellow writers are seen chit-chatting on social media sites and their personal website and a few days later up pops a book review and someone has to make a comment regarding fellow writers doing such thing.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Yes, I know Nicole, the author. No, I do not know her personally. Meaning, I don’t hang out with her outside of the internet world. Although, I would. She seems really sweet and we seem to have a lot in common. Would I consider her a friend? Yes. A co-worker sums it up well too and fellow writer. Nicole is not asking me for a review. I made the choice to do it after I purchased my copy. I support my fellow writers and when she announced its launch, I knew I had to read the final product having followed along on the journey to submission. I saw others were passing along reviews and I thought it would be helpful to her if I did one as well.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I am not being paid. I am not being forced to be nice or to act like I like something. These thoughts and words are my own.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Now that these things are out of the way, I have to admit I am torn over this story.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">While I loved the story itself, the characters, and the plot, I felt the story lacked a little something more.&nbsp;<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I know firsthand how hard it can be to say everything you want to say without overloading an ebook short story, but I wish there was more.&nbsp;<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Maybe not so much more length in plot but more depth or volume to the characters and story itself.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I almost felt as if the author was playing it safe, and I know she is a much better writer than she is letting us see.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">This has nothing to do with the story itself, or even grammar.&nbsp;<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I don’t want to scare anyone away from purchasing this book.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">We meet Annabelle, losing her battle with cancer. There are her parents, the loving husband, and their children. I would have loved a bit more detail to the back stories provided and more in-depth detail to the current events. There were times I could sense what Annabelle was feeling, and the pain everyone else was going through, but little else. When I read a story, no matter how short or long, I want it descriptive so I can transfer myself into the world of the words I am reading. I want to touch, smell, and even taste whatever is going in within the pages of the book.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">(I hope that makes sense.)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Having said all of that, I do give Nicole 5 stars because the story is captivating and beautiful. It will pull at your heart (be sure to grab a tissue when you sit down to read), and I can see some people turning their life around after reading it. Life is too short. Don’t wait until you are handed your death sentence before you start making changes. Make your changes now.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I believe everyone deserves a Second Chance. Having watched so many people around me lose their battle with cancer, I can only wish one of them would have been given a second chance.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I am also thinking it would be nice to read about Annabelle and what she does with her second chance in life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I really recommend this book to anyone, not just those who are connected to cancer somehow, but to everyone because there are lessons to be learned from stories like this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">You can get your copy of Nicole Ireland’s Second Chance at Smashwords or&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Second-Chance-ebook/dp/B004WG5L66?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Second-Chance-ebook/dp/B004WG5L66?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Amazon</a><img _mce_src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B004WG5L66" _mce_style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B004WG5L66" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial !important; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I think you will fall in love with quirky bookstore clerk Annabelle just like I did. Visit Nicole on her website:<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span><a _mce_href="http://nicoleireland.com/" href="http://nicoleireland.com/">The Evolution of Nikki – Making a Difference One Word at a Time</a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53398484791974093732011-05-03T07:00:00.018-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.230-04:00Writer’s Gifts for the Mother in Your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eB_j-vpBlvo/Tb7mA9cy9TI/AAAAAAAAAaY/0tM6TU-beu8/s1600/mothers_day_3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eB_j-vpBlvo/Tb7mA9cy9TI/AAAAAAAAAaY/0tM6TU-beu8/s320/mothers_day_3b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://etsy.com/shop/mod4arts">Geek Chic</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Make her mouse happy with fabulous fabric colored patterns. They come in floral and damask patters and only $10.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://carolinapad.com/">Stylish Spiral</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">For $5 get your mom a “of this moment” motif from the Simply Chic notepad which has plastic pockets for coupons or recipes.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cargocosmetics.com/">Worth Writing Home About </a>$34</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This grab-and-go Safari Kit “postcard” pouch is bag-pefect with Cargo mascara, lip gloss, eye pencil, shadow and blush/bronzer all inside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fXu6P6DEL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">T<a href="http://www.boxwave.com/">he Manila iPad Leather Envelope&nbsp;</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Manila interoffice envelopes look vintage because they usually are. Many writers no longer work in an office so on the rare occasion they do come across one it is usually covered with a 1000 names and date back decades. BoxWave brings back a bit of nostalgic style and durable, padded functionality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For total cuteness: the mailer flap lock really works!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The Great Gatsby&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A Great Gatsby poster? Great. *yawn* A Great Gatsby poster created using the entire text of the novel as art? <a href="http://www.postertext.com/">This I have to see!</a> Does it make you weak at the knees? With a slew of books adapted for your walls, meet my new favorite interior decorator: Postertext. Find your moms (or even your own) favorite book and it will be a gift sure to strike conversation for years to come.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8473441884762845612011-05-02T13:47:00.010-04:002011-08-10T12:01:39.618-04:00So Afraid<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIyNDiCvtoE/Tb67ChtpF6I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/GjWM9Hemb1I/s1600/drowning____by_mikemacbean.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIyNDiCvtoE/Tb67ChtpF6I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/GjWM9Hemb1I/s1600/drowning____by_mikemacbean.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Yesterday was my day to be showcased on Bonnie’s blog:&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/05/trigger-warning-so-afraidreal-life.html#axzz1L3W7FPeV" href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/05/trigger-warning-so-afraidreal-life.html#axzz1L3W7FPeV" target="_blank">Bongo is Me</a></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Usually when I guest post on someone’s blog it is about writing or something business and tax related. This was my first post sharing another side of me. I have shared my darkness before. This Self Employed Writer site started off as my personal blog many, many years ago. I am actually in the process of moving my personal posts here to my more personal blog and leaving that one as my professional career site.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I have to say, she did a great job and the use of the photographs was perfect.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I even shared the post with Big M. This is the first time I have shared this part of my life with him. He does know what happened as far as I was sexually abused by this person, but he knows no details. He also knows I suffer from mental health problems; he has to live with it every day. I am hoping to share more of my life with him, now that the door has been opened. I hope it will help him to understand more why I am the way that I am.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I picked the swimming pool story because I have this fear about being boxed in. I start to panic when people get in my space (too close to me) and I don’t like it when I am backed up against the wall or in a corner. I am not sure why. Not sure I want to learn why. I often think there is a repressed memory living inside of the locked door in my brain. Maybe it should stay there.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">After he read the post on Bongo is Me, I started to think that maybe my overall fear of that boxed in feeling could be related to the underwater feeling.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">As a couple we have a lot to go through together, he has much to learn. I went through this with my ex-husband and although it was hard, it was a good thing for us both. Sadly, in the end, it was my own insecurities that felt it best to let him go. I felt he deserved better. Even worse, I am starting to feel that way again.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I met Bonnie at a time when I knew I wanted to really showcase this side of me in my writing. I was just not sure how to get the career side and the personal side separate. I knew I wanted to finally take the steps to get my voice out there and used what happened to me for something good.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Over the years I have told my tale and have had a few reach out to me. It is an amazing feeling to know you have touched someone, even just a little.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">What brings many of us together is painful, and damaging. But I can’t think of a better group of strong and beautiful people to share this journey.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">In darkness &amp; in light,</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Chrystal</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82611492743703620292011-05-02T13:46:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.545-04:00#NSNation Down to Week 14<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wEyNLHISo/Tb7bZk0HZII/AAAAAAAAAaU/NS1USIwfiCU/s1600/462592922_b932001e80.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wEyNLHISo/Tb7bZk0HZII/AAAAAAAAAaU/NS1USIwfiCU/s1600/462592922_b932001e80.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wEyNLHISo/Tb7bZk0HZII/AAAAAAAAAaU/NS1USIwfiCU/s320/462592922_b932001e80.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2wEyNLHISo/Tb7bZk0HZII/AAAAAAAAAaU/NS1USIwfiCU/s320/462592922_b932001e80.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="297" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Even though last week I was up, this week I am down. It’s not much, 0.6, but I will take it! A loss is a loss as far as I am concerned.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">While the&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>&nbsp;forums provide a lot of great idea on how to prepare the food and what to pair it with, I am finding that&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/" href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/">Hungry Gir</a>l also has a lot of helpful ideas. Although she is a&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/" href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/">Weight Watchers&nbsp;</a>follower, the recipes all fit within the Nutrisystem guidelines and many of the products Nutrisystem offers can be used.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">For example, Lisa (the hungry girl) has a lot of great recipes for breakfast in a mug. Instead of using eggbeaters, Nutrisystem users can use their scrambled egg mix. She has pancake recipes, use the NS pancake mix. The website also has a lot of pita pizza creations; NS users can use their pizza kit. I find the website to be really helpful on giving me new ideas to spruce up some already great food.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The weather is still chilly and rainy so I have not been able to get outside to walk. I wish I lived closer to the city so I could join the mall walker program. But, taking a 30 minute drive does not make it fun for me; it only makes it seem like exercising.&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.cainstails.com/" href="http://www.cainstails.com/">With Cain, my dog, in desperate need to lose some weight,</a>&nbsp;I really need to get walking here. I just wish the weather would cooperate.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The good news, Big M has been switched to 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;shift instead of being there every 3<sup>rd</sup>&nbsp;day. Now he is here to walk with me in the mornings so we can take both dogs and all spend some time together.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I need to see sunshine.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">My “First 10lb” Nutrisystem bear arrived last week for reaching that milestone the week before. He sits on the desk next to me to cheer me on, and reminds me to think before I eat.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>today or call&nbsp;<a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88079107004374851572011-05-02T06:56:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.882-04:00Goodies for Writer's (contests, submissions, classes, freelance)<img height="320" src="http://livelearnloveleave.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/writing1.jpeg" width="400" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Calls for Submission</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/">Writer’s Digest Magazine</a></u> - Submit your own essay reflecting any facet of the writing life.&nbsp; 600 words or less. Email it to <a href="mailto:wdsubmissions@fwmedia.com">wdsubmissions@fwmedia.com</a> with the “5- Minute Memoir” in the subject line. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/"><u>Sourcebooks</u> </a>- Seeking romance novels, series and trilogies in the paranormal, time travel, romantic suspense, historical, contemporary and erotic genres for Sourcebooks, Casablanca. There is also an interest in innovative women’s fiction, as well as international and historical fiction. For submission guidelines visit <a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/our-authors/submissions-guidelines.html">Sourcebooks</a>.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Kitsune Books </u>– perfect for writers whose stories are slightly off the beaten path. Quirky stories with a sense of humor, an ability to transport readers into a story or poem and wordsmithery that music to the ears are appreciated. Submissions are usually open year-round. Literary fiction, poetry collections, nonfiction and memoirs are accepted.&nbsp; Check out<a href="http://www.kitsunebooks.com/submissions.html"> the website</a> for guidelines.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Publishing</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.outskirtspress.com/">Outskirts Press </a>&nbsp;– Writing, publishing, and marketing is available from the full-service support of Outskirts Press. They offer writing services to help you start, finish or edit a book. Publishing packages to help publish and distribute. Marketing packages to help you promote. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Creative Writing Classes</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Gotham Writers’ Workshop</u> – <a href="http://writingclasses.com/">writingclasses.com</a> 1-877-writers</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Contests</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Writers of the Future</u> – L. Ron Hubbard searches for science fiction writers. No entry fee. Winners published in an annual SF &amp; fantasy anthology. Win up to $5000. Winners will participate in a 1 week workshop with professionals in the industry. Awards will be given at a black-tie Hollywood event. Email <a href="mailto:contests@authorservicesinc.com">contests@authorservicesinc.com</a> or visit <a href="http://writersofthefuture.com/">writersofthefuture.com</a> for more information.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Angela Hoy/ Writer’s Weekly 24hr Short Story Contest - 24-HOUR SHORT STORY CONTEST ENTRY FEE - $5 Entry fee and contest guidelines ebook. <a href="http://writersweekly.com/books/678.htm">http://writersweekly.com/books/678.htm</a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Atlanta Review</u> - $1000 grand prize and 20 entrants will be published in the Atlanta Review. Enter online! <a href="http://www.atlantareview.com/">www.atlantareview.com</a> $5 first poem, $3 each additional.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Glimmer Train</u> awards over $45,000 a year for stories, nearly a third to emerging writers. <a href="http://glimmertrain.org/">glimmertrain.org</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><u><a href="http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/ad028/">CHILDREN'S WRITER CONTEST FOR POETRY OR VERSE STORY</a></u><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">NO ENTRY FEE FOR SUBSCRIBERS - $15 FOR NONSUBSCRIBERS.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The contest is for a single poem, collection of poems, or verse story for children of any age, to 300 words. Entries may be serious or humorous, and take any poetic form. Winners will be selected based on quality of verse--including rhythm,&nbsp; meter, word choice, wordplay, imagery, and the use of other poetic devices (rhyme, alliteration, assonance, or others). Above all, the winning entries will have appeal for young readers. Entries must be received by October 31, 2011. Entry fee includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the March 2012 issue. Prizes: $500 for first place plus publication in Children's Writer, $250 for second place, and $100 for third, fourth, and fifth places.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><a href="http://www.accents-publishing.com/contest.html">ACCENTS PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL POETRY BOOK CONTEST</a></u><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">$20 ENTRY FEE<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Two winners will be selected - one by an independent judge, Lisa Williams, and one by the Senior Editor and founder of Accents Publishing, Katerina Stoykova-Klemer. Each winner will have his/her submission published and will receive a $500 cash prize. Additionally, the winners will be invited for a featured reading at a book premiere celebration event. All contest entries will be considered for regular publication with Accents Publishing, as well. DeadlineJuly 31, 2011. The contest is open to any poet writing in English. Submit 60 to 120 pages of poetry.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://adirondackreview.homestead.com/fultonprize.html">THE FULTON PRIZE FOR SHORT FICTION</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">ENTRY FEE $10</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The winner will receive $400 and publication in The Adirondack Review. Entrants whose stories receive honorable mention will also have their stories published in The Adirondack Review. In addition, they will be awarded an honorarium of $30.Entrants may submit up to three original, unpublished stories. Stories must not have been previously published in either print or on-line publications, and there is a 10,000-word limit. Deadline July 31, 2011.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Freelance Market</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.beadandbutton.com/en/Magazine/Submission%20Guidelines/2001/07/BeadandButton%20Submission%20Guidelines.aspx">BEAD AND BUTTON</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Bead&amp;Button, your complete beading resource, is a bimonthly magazine devoted to techniques, projects, and designs of beaded jewelry and accessories. Our readership includes bead and button makers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts who find satisfaction in making beautiful pieces. Our beading designers are skilled artisans (not necessarily skilled writers) who are willing to share what they know. Pays $300-$400 for articles up to 1,200 words. Pays up to $300 for projects. The magazine is 80% freelance but only receives about ten queries per month.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-magazines/bird-talk-2004-03-10-12850.aspx">BIRD TALK</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;We publish informative articles on the care of birds; photo essays on historical and current events dealing with birds; how-to articles; and human-interest stories. Sidebars to accompany articles are a plus. We do not publish fiction, or stories in which a bird speaks as if it were human. We rarely run stories concerning native wild birds. We use a species article in each issue, but these are assigned to experts in the species or to experienced writers who are familiar with our species profile requirements. The ideal manuscript is an 800- to 2,000-word article accompanied by high-quality color slides, digital images or professional illustrations. Our usual rate of payment is $100 to $200 for short features (1,000 words or less) and $300 to $400 for longer features (1,500 to 2,500 words), including accompanying high-quality photographs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/about-body-and-soul-magazine">WHOLE LIVING</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;We offer natural solutions for stress, sleep, allergies, and more. Living a green, stylish life is easy with our sustainable ideas. Healthy, delicious recipes are a click away (including desserts). Customized fitness (for body and mind) can be achieved with yoga, Pilates, strength training and cardio routines. Beauty -- from healthy skin care to at-home spa techniques complete the radiant new you. Pays $1 to $1.25/word. Pays on acceptance. Articles 1,500 to 3,000 words. Departmentsup to 1,500 words. Buys all rights. Query first.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52950775160823474622011-05-01T07:46:00.012-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.232-04:00Amusing Muses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/-The-Three-Muses--fantasy-582074_800_1131.jpg" width="282" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hang around any author long enough and you will hear the question “where do you get your inspiration?” or “where does your inspiration come from?” Most writers will say they jot down things that come to mind and turn that into a story or poem. Others might say things like nature, reading poetry, the dog, or even conversations with one’s self.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>We never hear things like this:</b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>T.S. Elliot</b> preferred writing when he had a head cold.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Edgar Allen Po</b>e wrote with his cat on his shoulder.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Charles Baudelaire </b>kept a bat in a case on his writing desk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Henrik Isben</b> kept a pet scorpion on his desk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Freidrick von Schiller</b> used to keep rotten apples under the lid of his desk, open in, inhale, and then compose.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tea was said to be stimulation for <b>Dr. Samuel Johnson</b> and <b>W.H. Auden.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Sidonie-Gibrielle Colette</b> first picked fleas from her cat, and then wrote. She had over a dozen cats.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Willa Cather</b> read the bible.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Samuel Taylor Coleridge</b> indulged in two grains of opium before working.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Alexandra Dumas</b>, the elder, wrote his nonfiction on rose colored paper, his fiction on blue, and his poetry on yellow.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Rudyard Kipling</b> used the blackest ink available.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Voltaire </b>used his lovers naked back as a writing desk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>And, what is yours?</i></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35636138115111588892011-04-30T07:33:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:16:55.895-04:00Writing Prompt: Write a Receipt Poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="114" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.21081717.jpg" width="200" />&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Write a receipt poem.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">The word receipt has several meaning, including the act of receiving, a record of transaction, and more. Your poem can play around with these ideas and concepts, or it can just be a found poem (that is, one documenting a very interesting receipt.)</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">From <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/">Writers Digest Magazine</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56373649907248270862011-04-29T13:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:01:39.621-04:00Letting It Out<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">Just a little something short and sweet.<br /><br />I'm letting my words out.<br /><br />Not that I have kept them in.<br /><br />I have talked about writing an autobiographical/ self- help story for quite some time. I actually started it in 2001. So much has changed since then it will need a complete rewrite.<br /><br />Never the person to hide who I am or what happened to me, I have never really put everything out there in one post, nor have a shared any sort of memory.<br /><br />This week I put myself out there. In return I crossed a few paths.<br /><br />Bonnie, from Bongo is Me and I have spoken a few times. She was one of the first people in all of my years of blogging that I could really feel like someone out there "got it." I have crossed paths with many who have gone through the same trials in life as I. But many of them fade away after that initial connection, or within a month their blog never to be updated again.<br /><br />Today, I submitted a guest post for&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/" href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/">Bongo is Me</a>. For the first time ever, I share a survivors memory.<br /><br />Also, Jessica from&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://findingonesway.com/" href="http://findingonesway.com/">Finding One's Way</a>&nbsp;contacted me regarding a survivors story. Something I have never really done before.<br /><br />Both have been submitted.<br /><br />Now, I just wait.<br /><br />Once they are complete and posted on their ends, I will link up here.<br /><br />Thank you for giving me the strength to push myself and put it out there. For too long I have hidden behind my mask.<br /><br />There really is strength in numbers.<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83592435393544790272011-04-29T13:54:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.548-04:00A Day in the Life...Meal Plan<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/images/PyramidWebSmall.jpg" alt="Healthy Eating Pyramid" src="http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/images/PyramidWebSmall.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />This is what a day should look like:<br /><strong>Breakfast:</strong><br /><ul><li>1 dairy serving</li><li>1 protein serving</li><li>1 fruit serving</li><li>1 carb serving</li></ul><strong>Lunch:</strong><br /><ul><li>1 fat serving</li><li>2 protein servings</li><li>2 vegi servings</li><li>2 tbsp fat free dressing (optional)</li><li>1 carb</li></ul><strong>Dinner:</strong><br /><ul><li>2 fat servings</li><li>3 protein servings</li><li>1 vei&nbsp;<em>or</em>&nbsp;fruit serving</li><li>1 carb serving</li><li>2 vegi servings</li><li>2 tbsp fat free dressing (optional)</li></ul><strong>Dessert:</strong><br /><ul><li>1 dairy</li><li>1 carb</li></ul><strong>Resources:</strong><br /><a _mce_href="http://www.mypyramid.gov/" href="http://www.mypyramid.gov/">MyPyramid.Gov</a><br /><a _mce_href="http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&amp;tax_level=2&amp;tax_subject=256&amp;topic_id=1348&amp;placement_default=0" href="http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&amp;tax_level=2&amp;tax_subject=256&amp;topic_id=1348&amp;placement_default=0">Food Guide</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86867999122726574532011-04-29T07:31:00.008-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.235-04:00Are You Committed?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://billmullins.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/writer2.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">When you have a love for words it can be a difficult choice to decide whether you want to turn an idea into a short story or a novel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The biggest thing to consider when you begin to tap away at the keyboard is the commitment you are about to make.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A novel could take a year or more. The commitment includes a huge chunk of time, energy, emotional strength, and mental strength. If you have a day job, the time spent working on a novel could take you away from your family or extracurricular activities. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">If you feel you are ready to make that commitment, there are a couple of things you should ask yourself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Do you lie awake thinking about your story?</li><li>Do characters come to you at the oddest moments?</li><li>Do you blank out in the middle of a conversation because it has given you an idea?</li><li>Are notebooks and pens scattered all over your house, in your purse, laptop bag and car?</li><li>Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make it your best?</li><li>Are you willing to accept the worst?</li><li>Are you afraid of wasting your time on something that could never get published?</li><li>Do you run from fear?</li><li>Will you regret not chasing that dream?</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Whether you chose a short story or a novel, it should bring you joy. This is your journey and you should enjoy your travels.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15747393246327443572011-04-28T19:21:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.465-05:00Story Engineering by Larry Brooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nTIq7r7cnis/Tbn101FpzgI/AAAAAAAAAZw/8TrRMSYKowo/s1600/_225_350_Book.416.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nTIq7r7cnis/Tbn101FpzgI/AAAAAAAAAZw/8TrRMSYKowo/s320/_225_350_Book.416.cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Engineering-Larry-Brooks/dp/1582979987?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Mastering the 6 Core Competencies of Successful Writing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1582979987" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Larry Brooks</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Endorsed by <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/">Writers Digest</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This book could not have come at a better time for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have not always wanted to write for a living, but I have always loved writing. I started writing my first journal around the age of nine, poetry too. I think it was a way for me to escape some of the things that were going on around me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It wasn’t until a few years ago I actually started to make money from my words. Now my collection of books went from stacks of other people novels, to stacks of books on how to get my own published. I know how to write, I don’t need a book to tell me that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Putting it all together is another thing. In college I took many English and creative writing type classes. Putting together a short story is one thing, pulling out 50,000 words or more is something completely different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I always felt overwhelmed. Never really thought I could sit down and accomplish something so grand. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Brooks doesn’t give you fluff. He doesn’t tell you it is going to be easy. If you ever pick up a writer’s book trying to sell you on the idea that writing 50,000 plus words is easy, put it down and walk away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What Brooks does give you are tips to master what he calls the 6 core competencies of successful writing and he is going to tell you just how it is. What I like about Brooks is ability to be blunt, straight to the point and brutally honest. The world does not need another book telling us how to write. We learned that in school. Writers need the knowhow of putting together a successful book of storytelling and what to do with it when it’s complete.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter how many times you think it’s complete, it never is. The form must be mastered; the function and the criteria for successful storytelling must be in place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Using Stephen King's (my favorite author) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-10th-Anniversary-Memoir-Craft/dp/1439156816?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">On Writing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1439156816" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> as his sounding board, he makes a valid point. King has published 100s of stories. He is an expert on preparing his OWN stories. For new writers, Kings methods just aren’t going to work. Sorry to disappoint you. I read Kings book, twice. I am not a published novelist. I have no clue how I put together my words or how my thoughts form. King has experience with his own ways. Until I reach the point of finding what works for me, I can’t follow another authors methods. I can take hints, tips, and ideas from other authors for help, but I am unique in my style and way. I have to find myself, just as any author has to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As much as I admire Stephen King, and found the writing book to be a nice reference, I could not follow the advice given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What I can follow is the advice Brooks gives on how to put my story together. The rest is up to me because there just isn’t a magic formula. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend this book to any author in any stage of the writing game. If you just can’t seem to get an agent to pick you up, or a publisher to look twice, there could be a reason why.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73004358497511481722011-04-28T15:54:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.846-04:00Time to Weigh In<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smpOnjf40hI/TbtJmh8lQcI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Gzu4_jQkcc4/s1600/2008-02-10_web20_weight_loss_final.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smpOnjf40hI/TbtJmh8lQcI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Gzu4_jQkcc4/s1600/2008-02-10_web20_weight_loss_final.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smpOnjf40hI/TbtJmh8lQcI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Gzu4_jQkcc4/s320/2008-02-10_web20_weight_loss_final.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="153" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smpOnjf40hI/TbtJmh8lQcI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Gzu4_jQkcc4/s320/2008-02-10_web20_weight_loss_final.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Time to Weigh In</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">No.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t want to.&nbsp;You can’t make me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Ugh.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Tuesday was not a good day, today is not looking so hot either.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I didn’t want to go to my meeting.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">All I wanted to do was stay home and go to bed.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">D didn’t call.&nbsp;Maybe she decided not to go either.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I didn’t meet anyone for dinner last night.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">And then,&nbsp;I cave.&nbsp;I call her, she is one her way.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Guess I am going to my meeting after all.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe I will just skip weigh-ins.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">As long as I show up and get my materials I am getting my monies worth.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t need the scale to tell me I overate.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Not only did I overeat, I was in the negative!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">*covers eyes*</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I got on the scale.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was DOWN 0.6</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Not a pound.&nbsp;Not half of one. Just a tad over.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">How?&nbsp;Why?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am not complaining but it is going to catch up with me at some point.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I really need a plan of action.&nbsp;Exercise is a MUST.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">All the stress. My bad habits from childhood are coming back.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Big M is going to be going on 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;shift soon. I plan to take advantage of that so Cain and I can both get on track to better health. His seizures and hips depend on me to walk him. I just can’t walk him and Casey at the same time.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">At the meeting we talked about our Easter. You know, I was actually proud of Easter. I was really picky about what I put on my plate. It is just that homemade break and mac &amp; cheese of my moms are my weakness. I was so proud of my mother for making the mac &amp; cheese with light cheese. She was actually thinking about me and D. I had no intentions of eating pie, but that cherry pie looked so good. I only partake in the pie on holidays.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When I started to add my points for the day, I disappointed myself. If I would have just left the dessert table alone.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I get so angry at myself. All this eating I do.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Then we started talking about this week’s topic:&nbsp;<strong>Avoiding the Blahs.</strong></div><br /><ul><li>Use different spices.</li><li>Try new fruits and vegetables.</li><li>Swap junk food money for nicer produce.</li><li>Use a grill.</li><li>Treat yourself to a good restaurant with healthy food.</li><li>Always eat chicken? Try grilled fish.</li><li>Always opt for apples? Try pears, kiwi or even apricots.</li><li>Got a thing for pasta? Try barley, quinoa, or couscous.</li><li>Tired of snacking on carrots? Try cucumbers, fennel, snow peas or raw string beans.</li><li>Water getting boring? Try seltzer with fruit slices.</li><li>Mix up your sandwiches. Try whole-grain tortilla wraps, corn tortillas, or crispbreads.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><em><br /></em></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><em><br /></em></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><em><br /></em></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><em>This week’s challenge: Try 5 new foods this week that you have never tried before.</em></strong></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89222961128720086082011-04-28T07:22:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.237-04:00Novel or Short Story?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzaEoT-Pans/TaiocDXXZyI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OgjZWwRcJVc/s1600/StairsOfSandBinding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzaEoT-Pans/TaiocDXXZyI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OgjZWwRcJVc/s320/StairsOfSandBinding.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You’ve been tapping away at the keyboard all day. You feel like you have your novel complete, then you look down to see the work count spit out a few thousand words. So how do you know your words would do better as a short story or if it can carry enough weight for a novel?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Count your characters.</b> Seems silly, but you need to do it. &nbsp;Write it down and keep it handy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Check your plots and subplots.</b> Short stories tend to only have one plot and a handful of characters. If you want to make your words novel material add some characters. Characters add more action which can add another plot and a half. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What about the time frame?</b> We know a short story runs 1000 – 5000 words, and a novel, well it’s even longer. But what about your time frame? How many days, hours, months, weeks, or even years are you trying to focus on?&nbsp; Hours, Days, and even a week are suitable for a short story. If your words are packing in weeks, months or a year, a novel is what you need.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Got theme?</b>&nbsp; You should. Short story should be short, simple and based around a single theme. A novel could have more than one, but they need to connect.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make a commitment.</b> Most novelists will tell you, want to write a novel? Give it a year of your time. It is a huge commitment with a lot of time, energy, and mental and emotional strength. &nbsp;If that sounds like a bit too much to you, follow the short story route.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5187058862220470692011-04-27T08:23:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.240-04:00Tools Every Writer Needs<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This list will be kept updated on the "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/bloggers-tools.html">Write Tools</a>" page of this website. Be sure to bookmark and check back often!</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>eBooks:</b></span><br /><u>How to Find a Killer Niche</u> (<a href="http://hotfile.com/dl/118818922/f34e994/PLR_MRR_How_to_Find_a_Killer_Niche_V2_Iu4.zip.html">free download</a>). This is one of the first ebooks I read when I was trying to figure out my niche. Of course, it took me forever to realize my niche was right in front of me. But, for someone who is trying to learn, this is a great resource.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Software:</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dJnaEBPJ9Y/TdwjWWfH9kI/AAAAAAAAAcI/GP1KAHD0aCQ/s1600/123ecover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dJnaEBPJ9Y/TdwjWWfH9kI/AAAAAAAAAcI/GP1KAHD0aCQ/s1600/123ecover.jpg" /></a></div><u>123 Shortcut Key</u> (<a href="http://hotfile.com/dl/118831273/a931a29/123ShortcutKey.zip.html">free download</a>). Just type a word and this program will automatically replace it with a phrase or paragraph. Perfect for writers.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bloggers Tools:</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042"><b>31 Days to Build a Better Blog by Darren Rowse</b></a>&nbsp;</u>&nbsp;Darren is the owner/writer at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger</a>&nbsp;one of the best and largest websites dedicated to blogging. 31DBBB is a must have tool for any blogger looking to build the best blog possible. The book is broken down into daily chapters. You do one task a day. The end result is pretty&nbsp;amazing&nbsp;if you stick with it.<br /><br /><b><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220">Probloggers Guide to Your First Week of Blogging by Darren Rowse</a></u>.</b> Here is another awesome ebook put together by Darren. This book is perfect for beginners as he goes day-by-day step-by-step to show you how to get your blog/website off the ground and running. Topics include finding your niche, social media and website building.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899114&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=48658"><b>Blog Post Promotion.</b></a>&nbsp;We all know that content is king. These days it is merely a minimal requirement to writing. Learn how to produce quality content day after day while boosting your reader base.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Writers Tools:</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=890584&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=17887">Financial Fitness for Freelancers: How to Survive and Thrive on an Irregular Income.</a>&nbsp;</b>The title says it all.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=887021&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=119114"><b>StoryADay.org: Time to Write Workshop</b></a>. Every month story a day has a writers challenge to produce 1 story, every day. The Time to Write Workship includes step-by-step instructions on how to write a story, every day. It will get you motivated to write today, not just "some day". Lessons, workbooks, and timesheets are all included.<br /><br /><img alt="iphone app" src="http://apstylebook.com/images/iphone_app_2010.gif" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.apstylebook.com/">AP Stylebook for iPhone</a>&nbsp;(also available for the Blackberry and hardcover book form). We all know the Associated Press Stylebook is indispensable. Now we can carry it with us with this handy iPhone app. The fully updated features include search capabilities and live links. Now I never have to worry about another spiral bound AP book again.<br /><br /><a href="htpp://www.writersdigest.com">Writer's Digest</a>&nbsp;website has become my daily go-to website. I found the magazine to be extremely&nbsp;valuable&nbsp;in my quest to become a better writer and find markets suitable for my style of writing. The website has a store packed full of helpful books and materials.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.writersmarket.com/">Writer's Market</a>&nbsp;website has become my 2nd daily go-to website. The website has a subscription, or you can purchase the book, where you will have thousands of agents and&nbsp;genres&nbsp;just waiting for your submission. Writer's Market is the sister site to Writer's Digest.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Reader's Tools:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img alt="Book Jotter Bookmark - Bookmark" src="http://www.levimage.com/IMAGE/PRODUCTS/PAPER/MISC_PAPER/AB0430_1410.jpg" /></span><br /><a href="http://www.levenger.com/">Book Jotter Bookmark</a>. This product is so simple I am wondering why some of us book lover's didn't thing of it first! This nifty gadget is a beautiful leather bookmark complete with built-in replacement note cards. No need to jot notes in the margins of your books!<br /><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Personal Tools:</span></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">I know a lot of people might laugh at me for this one. I have found that while writing I just can't listen to music with words. I find it too distracting and it takes me even longer to write. I find that classical music works well, but I prefer white noise. White noise doesn't mean listening to sounds like a fan running, or a light buzz all day long. Many noise machines offer sounds such as running water, the ocean waves, rain, bird chirping, frogs, etc. While some of these are ok, I am one who also likes to multi-task. I found <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042">Sprudio</a>. Sprudio actually kills two birds with one stone. You get the ocean waves and subliminal messages. They have time management, organization,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=186378&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=8454">achievement</a>, and <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042">career </a>related topics. &nbsp;</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51933369888876194422011-04-26T13:05:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:43:37.423-04:00Trying to Work from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3CZw4E7KMc/Tbb6qajcqnI/AAAAAAAAAZs/S12EWkilDQ4/s1600/officepod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3CZw4E7KMc/Tbb6qajcqnI/AAAAAAAAAZs/S12EWkilDQ4/s320/officepod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You have decided you want to work from home. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Want my advice?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Act professional.</li><li>Speak professional.</li><li>Send your resume.</li><li>Treat the company as a professional entity.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It will go a long way with work at home companies.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have seen it too often.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Complaining. Whining.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>And for what?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the work at home industry you see people needing to make money for so many different reasons. There are those who consider themselves freelancers who act in a much more professional manner than those just claiming to work from home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Lately I hear:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Why&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;they hire me?</li><li>How many times do I have to email them before they respond?</li><li>All of their changes are stupid!</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am sorry my friend, but this is not going to get you hired.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am sure they have a reason as to why they did not hire you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Check your resume. Does it suit their needs?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is the company even hiring?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When you apply for a job at a B&amp;M company, do you constantly call, go in, or email the hiring manager? Not likely. So why would you think sending five emails in 2 weeks is going to get you the job with a work&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">at home company any quicker?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If anything it well be marked as unprofessional and you just cost yourself a job.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t like company policy?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Find a new company to work for.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the business world things are constantly changing. Business models have to evolve with the times. If they slow down, they might lose their momentum, which can cost millions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With the case of <a href="http://www.demandstudios.com/">Demand Studios</a> I hear more people complain about this company than any other writing company out there. Personally, I feel they are one of the better ones. They give back to the community, they offer benefits to their contractors, and they have workshops, meetups, contents and bonuses. They pay better than any content site out there. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yet there are writer’s who want to compare it to <a href="http://www.textbroker.com/">Textbroker</a>. Really? While I can see the ease of Textbroker, the quality of the work and the company does not even come close.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This right here is what separates those who like to write from those who are doing it because they feel they have to. And those are the people who are ruining it for the rest of us.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Writers at DS tend to complain a lot about the Editors. Again, I can see where some are coming from. It would be no different than complaining about a co-worker elsewhere. But the fact that so many of the same people are so consistent about their complaints it makes me wonder why they are even writing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps they should be looking for a job in a different field.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe you need private clients instead of content firms.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then there are the tilters at DS. Every time there is an easy work at home job, everyone jumps on the bandwagon whether it interests them or not. People are looking for a quick buck and many abuse the system. Because of this DS has started changing the guidelines and implementing quizzes to make sure their title people know what they are doing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I say BRAVO!</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">It irks me when I try to find something to write at DS and the titles are garbage. Most of them should not have been accepted. Too many were being accepted that should not have and DS felt the need to clean up their house. I don’t blame them. I also don’t care about the quizzes. They were easy, I passed them and so should everyone else. If you are really paying attention to your job, there should not be an issue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what are you so angry about? Again I say, maybe this just isn’t the job for you and that you should look elsewhere. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to be a writer, than write. Act professional about it and treat it like a career.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you don’t want to be a writer, then please, step aside so those that do, can. Otherwise you are just going to ruin it for everyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79885584277975570022011-04-25T13:57:00.004-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.550-04:00#NSNation : We Lose. We Gain.<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This was a rough week for me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is no secret that I am an emotional eater and dealing with the&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.cainstales.com/" href="http://www.cainstales.com/">Cain situation</a>, which put me behind with school and work, left me in an eating frenzy.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was Easter.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was very proud of myself. I had a piece of ham and literally cut it to half the size of my palm. I had one scoop of mashed potatoes, one corn, one stuffing and no gravy. I had a nice big salad with fat free dressing. My weakness is my mom’s homemade bread. I ended up with two pieces and treated myself to real butter. &nbsp;I also have a weakness for my mom’s homemade mac and cheese. I was really excited when she made it special for me with 2% cheese. I still ate about a cup. Then, I opted for cherry pie, deviled eggs, and a Cadbury egg later in the day.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am pretty sure I was over my calorie goal and&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>meal plan choices.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was so proud of my plate of food and giant salad. Personally, I feel I am getting much better at making food choices when it comes to eating out and family meals. My weakness was the pie, candy, deviled eggs, and bread and butter. I could have had a smaller piece of pie, shared the candy with someone, left the eggs alone and had one piece of bread with spray butter.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Shoulda, coulda, woulda.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted it. I ate it.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I hate feeling deprived; it makes me eat more during the day trying to get over the craving. So, I have learned if I want something, I need to allow myself to have some.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Sadly, with the stress, late hours, lack of sleep, and emotional eating I did prior&nbsp;to Easter and the Easter goodies, the scale went up 1.4 this week.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">*sigh*</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Once I finish this post and today’s homework, before I start on my days work, I am going to exercise and then make a schedule for the rest of the week.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">If only it would stop raining! I miss walking outside.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We win. We lose. We learn. We continue.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; 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padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>today or call&nbsp;<a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54753840350455325362011-04-25T09:17:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.884-04:00Writing Goodies for Monday (contests, submissions, jobs)<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Contents for Writers</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.clarklibraryfriends.com/">SCARE THE DICKENS OUT OF US GHOST STORY WRITING CONTES</a>T</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$5 or $20 ENTRY FEE</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The Scare the Dickens Out of Us ghost story writing contest</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">for 2011 is entering its third year. First place prize of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$1,000, second place prize of $500 and third place prize of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$250 will be awarded this year for the best original, previously</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">unpublished ghost stories 5000 words or less that are submitted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">For younger writers, The Junior Scare the Dickens Out of Us</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">ghost story contest, which follows the same rules, offers $250</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">for first place for writers aged 12-18. This contest is a</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">fundraiser for the Friends of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library in</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Lockhart, Texas. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">The main contest requires a $20 entry fee and</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">the Junior contest a $5 entry fee. The contest is privately</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span">funded. All entry fee money goes directly to the Friends where</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">it is donated to the library for library projects. Entries are</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">accepted beginning July 1. The contest postmark deadline is</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">October 1, 2011. No publication is involved. Writers retain</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">full rights to their stories. The contest is open to published</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">and unpublished writers, and to local, national and international</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">writers as well. The only rules are that you write an original,</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">unpublished ghost story and that it be 5,000 words or less in</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">length.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.masonsroad.com/features/creative-writing-contest/">MASONS ROAD CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$15 ENTRY FEE</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$1,000 Prize and Publication. Finalist Judge: Sarah Manguso.</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Deadline: May 1, 2011. Theme: Arc - the rise and fall of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">dramatic tension within a piece. Not sure your work fits?</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Let our editors and judge decide! All genres accepted.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Please submit only one document in a genre for each issue, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">limit prose to 8,000 words (double-spaced), and poetry 5 poems.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://besttravelstory.com/">BEST TRAVEL STORY CONTEST</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">NO ENTRY FEE</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Deadline May 30, 2011. One entry per participant. Winner</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">receives $100 and publication. Second place receives</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$50 and publication. All others may receive publication</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">at the judges' sole discretion. This contest promotes cross-cultural understanding, international forum and life-long</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">traveling. The way people travel now-a-days is subject to</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">several options: the travel for work, travel for study</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">(semester abroad, exchange student, travel for an academic</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">event), and travel for entertainment (travel to see a</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">concert, save up and travel a lot). There is also rigorous</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">anthropological work, Peace Corp, and other projects that</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">make traveling an integral part of doing business with them.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">This contest is meant to promote travel as a lifestyle: open</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">people's minds to the possibility of a life-long travel,</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">where there is little difference between leisure and work,</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">where the work environment is distributed (multinational,</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">virtual) and where party, the entertainment that people</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">seek, is disjoint to having to be at any particular</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">location.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://shop.editorial-consultancy.co.uk/shortstorycompetition/">THE FINE LINE SHORT STORY COMPETITION</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">ENTRY FEE £5 ($8/€6)</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The Fine Line's inaugural short story competition is now</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">open for entries.&nbsp; Whatever your taste, style or inspiration,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">submit your tale and you could win £200 ($320/€230) and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">publication in The Fine Line Short Story Collection.&nbsp; A</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">percentage of all entry fees goes to charity so you'll be</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">doing something good while getting your work out there. The</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">competition is open to anyone. Deadline May 31, 2011.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.crabcreekreview.org/contest.htm">CRAB CREEK REVIEW</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">$10 ENTRY FEE</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Deadline May 31, 2011. Submit up to five poems, unpublished.</span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The winning poet will receive $200 and publication in Crab</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Creek Review. All entries will be considered for publication.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Writing Programs</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discover your unique writing life. Limited to 25 participants. Each gets a $500 scholarship. Summer session starts June 10th. Learn more at www.literaryliving.com<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Magazine Accepting Submissions</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.legionmagazine.com/en/index.php/contributions/writers-photographers-guideline/">LEGION MAGAZINE</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Legion Magazine is published six times a year by Canvet</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Publications Ltd. for a national readership composed of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">members of The Royal Canadian Legion and their families, as</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">well as serving members of the Canadian Forces, the Royal</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Canadian Mounted Police and the general public. Average</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">article length is between 1,500 and 2,200 words, although</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">stories as short as 600 and as long as 3,000 words are</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">accepted on occasion. The magazine does not accept fiction, poetry, travel writing or simultaneous transmissions.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Manuscript fees for first North American serial rights range</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">from $150 to $1,200, payable after final edit. For the right</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">to post a selected article on the magazine's Web site, the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">magazine pays the author 10 per cent of the manuscript fee.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.guidemagazine.org/aboutguide/writersguidelines.asp">GUIDE</a><br />Guide is a Christian story magazine for young people<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>ages 10-14. The 32-page, four-color publication is<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>published weekly by the Review and Herald Publishing<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>Association. Our mission is to show readers, through<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>stories that illustrate Bible truth, how to walk with<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>God now and forever. Each issue includes three to four<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>true stories. Guide does not publish fiction, poetry, or<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>articles (devotionals, how-to, profiles, etc.). However,<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>we sometimes accept quizzes and other unique nonstory<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>formats. Each piece should include a clear spiritual<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>element. Standard feature-length stories are 1,000-1,200<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>words, but we also accept shorter pieces of 450 words<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>and up. Payment is 7-10 cents/word upon acceptance for<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>first serial rights.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.buzzymag.com/submissions/">BUZZY MAG</a><br />Buzzy Mag is looking for original science fiction, fantasy<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>and horror short stories up to 10,000 words. Thriller,<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>suspense and paranormal tales that cross into traditional<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>speculative fiction are welcome. In addition, we are<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>interested in pieces that may be able to be developed into<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>full length novels for publication by Buzzy Multimedia at a<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>future date. Buzzy accepts submissions from both authors and<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>literary agents. Payment is 5 cents USD per word.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Others Accepting Submissions</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fiction365.com/">FICTION 365</a><br />Send short fiction, under 4k words, in the body of your<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>email (attachments will not be opened). Include a three-sentence synopsis of your story with each submission, and<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>brief biographical statement. We pay a small amount for<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>each story accepted, and reserve only the right to use<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><br />and anthologize. E-mail:<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #3333cc;"><a href="mailto:submissions@fiction365.com" style="color: black;" target="_blank">submissions@fiction365.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thedabblingmum.com/">THE DABBLING MUM </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"><br /></span> <a href="http://thedabblingmum.com/write4us/submissions.htm" style="color: black;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">http://thedabblingmum.com/<wbr></wbr>write4us/submissions.htm</span></a><br />Seeking article reprints for the following areas:<br /><br />Social Networking: Single topic articles that educate and<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>inform small, or homebased, business owners.<br /><br />Customer Service: How to handle difficult customers, how<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>to positively deal with unsatisfied customers,etc. &nbsp;Articles<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>should be geared towards homebased business owners.<br /><br />Host an event: This is geared specifically towards writers<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>with books. How can writers earn money discussing the<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>subject of their books, and still sell their books?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out our site to make sure you understand what we're<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>looking for and that you don't submit a topic that's already<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>been covered. Pays $5 per reprint. Reprints 500-word articles<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>that have also appeared online, but sparingly. Buys non-exclusive electronic (online) reprint rights with<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>indefinite archival rights.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ramsfieldpress.com/call-for-short-stories.html">RAMSFIELD PRESS COOKING AND FOOD ANTHOLOGY</a><br />The story must have a cooking / food theme. The maximum<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>length is 5,000 words. It must be your original writing<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>and you must certify that it is. If your story is chosen<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>for inclusion in the anthology, you will receive a flat<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>payment of $25 and three copies of the book. You will<span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>retain future rights after publication. Deadline April 30,2011.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Paying Literary Journals</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please check the website for instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ploughshares - <a href="http://www.pshares.org/">http://www.pshares.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black Warrior Review - <a href="http://bwr.ua.edu/">http://bwr.ua.edu/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Virginia Quarterly - <a href="http://www.vqronline.org/">http://www.vqronline.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Missouri Review - <a href="http://www.missourireview.org/">http://www.missourireview.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Iron Horse Review - <a href="http://ironhorsereview.com/">http://ironhorsereview.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nashville Review - <a href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/english/nashvillereview/">http://www.vanderbilt.edu/english/nashvillereview/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hayden's Ferry - <a href="http://www.asu.edu/pipercwcenter/publications/haydensferryreview/">http://www.asu.edu/pipercwcenter/publications/haydensferryreview/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ninth Letter - <a href="http://www.ninthletter.com/">http://www.ninthletter.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gulf Coast - <a href="http://www.gulfcoastmag.org/">http://www.gulfcoastmag.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indiana Review - <a href="http://indianareview.org/">http://indianareview.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A River and Sound - <a href="http://www.riverandsoundreview.org/">http://www.riverandsoundreview.org/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AGNI - <a href="http://www.bu.edu/agni/">http://www.bu.edu/agni/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Jobs</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=98339432&amp;aid=27015391-16411&amp;WT.mc_n=125">WRITER-EDITOR</a></span></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Location Ft McNair, DC</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"><br /></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Deadline May 6, 2011. Edits articles, occasional papers,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">monographs, reports, studies, and books in the fields of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">national security strategy, defense policy and national</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">military strategy for the fundamentals of scholarly research</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">and writing, including clear purpose, realizable scope,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">suitable research methodology, thorough documentation of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">sources, scholarly objectivity, originality, coherent</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">organization, persuasive argument, and logical conclusions</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">or recommendations. Analyzes graduate/postgraduate-level</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">manuscripts in terms of their objectives, intended readers,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">writing style, subject matter, and research methodology.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.higheredjobs.com/search/details.cfm?JobCode=175515437&amp;Title=Writer%2FEditor%203%20%2311789">WRITER-EDITOR</a>&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Location Berkeley, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"><br /></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Researches, writes and/or edits high-level communications,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">publications, and web material, often with complex or</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">sensitive subjects, focusing on the internal campus audience,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">but also for broad external audiences via the web, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">publications for parents and other key campus constituencies.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Requires in-depth understanding of each audience and the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">communication strategies that will best serve the institution</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">with each audience. Work often requires political acumen and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">sensitivity and is synthesized from several campus sources,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">including high-level campus leaders.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://monterey.craigslist.org/wri/2322937837.html">GUIDEBOOK WRITER</a>&nbsp;Location Monterey/Carmel, CA<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Avalon Travel is seeking a professional writer to write a<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>guidebook on Monterey and Carmel and the surrounding area.<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>This is a contract position, not a full-time office job.<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>The writer should live in or near Monterey or Carmel or must<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>have very close ties to the area and go often. The writer must<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>be very knowledgeable about the area's attractions, should be<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>able to provide strategic planning advice for travelers, and<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>should have previous experience writing about the area. AT<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>writers are compensated with an advance and royalty.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>writer selected to be the guidebook author will be responsible<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for updating the book every two to three years. Interested<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>applicants should send a resume, a cover letter, and up to<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>five relevant clips to<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:avalon.acquisitions@perseusbooks.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">avalon.acquisitions@<wbr></wbr>perseusbooks.com</span></a>.<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>In the cover letter, explain why you are the best person for<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>this project. Please include "Moon Monterey &amp; Carmel" in the<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> subject line of your message. The Avalon Travel acquisitions<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>site includes more information about our expectations and the<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>work involved.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Writing Residencies</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.ragdale.org/">RAGDALE FOUNDATION</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">There is a residency fee of $25/day. This fee covers food and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">a private room or studio. Fellowships are offered as both</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">need-based and merit-based award packages. These generally</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">cover a portion of the residency cost (e.g. 2 of 4 weeks</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">covered, 1 of 2 weeks covered). Financial Aid and named</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">fellowships are awarded after applicant is accepted. Deadline May 15 and September 15, 2011. Location Lake Forest,</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">IL.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.tskw.org/">THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">There is no fee for visiting artists or cultural managers.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">TSWK provides accommodation, orientation, and some meals.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Travel and other incidentals are the responsibility of the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">residents. Residencies that are associated with a creative</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">project intended for the Key West community are often given</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">production support. This is decided on a case-by-case basis,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">to be arranged in advance according to TSKW's programmatic</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">requirements. Deadline May 2, 2011.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Writing Retreats</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Named as one of the top-ten creative retreats in the world,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Writing Away Retreats is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>connect with and receive feedback from the very best in the<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>industry. Every writer gets a 10K word detailed MS consult<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>with each staff member (3 editors: Kevin Doughten: Penguin,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Anica Rissi: Simon and Schuster, Katie Gilligan: Thomas Dunne,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>1 agent: Scott Hoffman, Folio Lit. and 1 NYT bestselling author:<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>David Corbett) during their 5 day/4 night experience in the<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Rocky Mountains. This unprecedented access allows for an<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>experience that can truly forward your writing career in the<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />right direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">For further information go to the website:<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br /><a href="http://www.writingawayretreats.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #993300;">www.writingawayretreats.com</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Publishers/Agents Now Accepting Queries</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mortimerliterary.com/about.htm">MORTIMER LITERARY AGENCY</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span>&nbsp;Currently accepting queries for:<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FICTION:<br />Action/Adventure- Secular and Inspirational<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />Commercial Fiction- Secular and Inspirational<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />Paranormal- Secular<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />Romance- Secular and Inspirational, Single Title and Category [See exception below.]<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />Thrillers/Suspense- Secular and Inspirational [Suspense from page one, please!]<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br />Young Adult- Secular, All Sub-Genres.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NONFICTION:<br />INSISTS you have a proper proposal, even if you've already<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>written the book. You'll need a killer platform, and/or a<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>gigantic hook. [And if you have no idea what that means,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>you aren't ready to submit.] Agent Kelly's open to many<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>categories, as she has numerous interests, from cooking<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>to history to sports.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/McMillanAgency/"><span style="color: black;"></span>SALLY HILL McMILLAN &amp; ASSOC, INC.</a></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">A Southern-based independent literary agency, representing adult</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">literary and commercial fiction and narrative non-fiction.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Member AAR. Query letter first with SASE. Email queries will</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">be read, but not necessarily answered. Do not send science</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">fiction, military, horror, fantasy/adventure, children's or</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">cookbooks. E-mail:</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="mailto:mcmagency@aol.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">mcmagency@aol.com</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;">. Location Charlotte, NC.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kristagoering.com/index.html">THE KRISTA GOERING LITERARY AGENCY</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc;"></span>&nbsp;We are interested in nonfiction of all kinds, including:<o:p></o:p></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;<span class="apple-style-span">Mind/body/spirit titles of all kinds</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Innovative health/wellness/nutrition/diet books</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How-to books of all kinds<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">S<span class="apple-style-span">elf-help titles from top-platformed authors<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Anything that brings an innovative or fresh perspective or</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;format to long-standing parenting topics</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Books related to college admissions or college survival<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Books about movies or TV<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Narrative nonfiction titles by platformed authors<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interesting, nichey cookbooks<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">We are also actively looking for novels, including mysteries,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>thrillers, paranormals, and romances. If your manuscript is<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>exciting, electrifying, and exceptional we want to know more. <i>What not to pitch:</i> Poetry, short stories, novellas, plays,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>screenplays, essays.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16175462181177857322011-04-23T17:20:00.000-04:002011-05-23T02:17:53.223-04:00How to Have Websites Built For You the Cheap Way<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">In the past, if you want to have a professional design, you had to have designer’s custom build your site. If that is what you want, then you must be prepared to dish out at least a few hundred dollars. You don’t have to do it this way, especially if you know where to find the best deals and the best designs for the lowest price. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>For some, the bottom line will be zero! Who doesn’t love FREE?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Here are a few tips:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">First, you must understand that it is a rip off (in my honest opinion) to get companies to design a website for you. Have you ever seen those advertisements in newspaper classifieds that offer a 5-page website for $500? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">These companies are established companies with physical locations; therefore they have to increase the amount they charge to pay for some of their overhead. (office rent, designer's wages, advertising costs) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">It would be wise to find freelance designers who work from home. These people are often working from home so they do not have a high operation cost like that of a company. They will be able to design images with quality similar to those of designers from big companies, so it really is a "no-brainer" choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Choose freelancers with care. The best way to do this would be to go to elance.com, guru.com, odesk.com or ask around your favorite work from home forum.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>With places like odesk or guru, you can post the abstract of your project and get thousands of freelancers to bid on your project. You are sure to get the best deal. This will allow you to choose the designers based on their experience, past transactions and ratings. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Another route you can take is to design your website yourself. Think about it, if you only need 5 simple pages to present some simple information, why waste hundreds of dollars for it? Just spend a little time to sit down and do it yourself. You'll be able to design your own sites even if you do not know a single line of HTML code with the help of WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) programs such as Microsoft Frontpage, Macromedia Dreamweaver and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">If using software isn’t an option, Blogger, WordPress, Yola, Webs, and Weebly all have free website services that are extremely easy to put together. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21478912305069616952011-04-22T13:58:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.471-05:00The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.377.cover.jpg" alt="" src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.377.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What initially drew me to this novel was the beautiful cover. My mother always said the same old line we have always heard, “Never judge a book by it’s cover.” Although I am not really one to turn a book away just because it has an ugly cover or one that simply doesn’t catch my attention, I am one who will pick one up just for the beauty of the cover. For me, I try to make it mandatory that I read the back, inside cover, or dust jacket to see if the topic is something that will hold my attention.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When I found out the date this book was taken place in, I skipped right over it and went on to some other books that were waiting in the sidelines for me to read and review. Perhaps I was trying to fool myself into thinking I was merely saving the best for last.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I struggled to get through the book. The topic and the plot were very well actionable and thought out, the historical factor was holding me back from really getting the full feel of the book.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Olivia Stewart, a New York City socialite resists an arranged marriage, only to find her own sister, Eleanor ready to marry Harrison Bennett. Just days before the two were to marry; their mother gets word that Eleanor is dead. The death comes as a shock, even more so when the pair find out she died from a drowning.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Olivia has the feeling something isn’t right, and she should feel that way. Eleanor was afraid of water and would not even go near it. There is no way she would have drowned since she would not put herself in dangers way to begin with. Olivia heads to Mercy Falls to find some answers.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Olivia is pushed off the ship before even arriving; she begins to think someone doesn’t want her to know the truth.&nbsp;<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The irony is the man that ends up saving her is none other than Mr. Harrison Bennett. How? And why? Olivia has not made it known who she is since she is using the family formal English name of Devonworth.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Wanting to know the truth, I kept reading.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Murder and mystery will suck me in every time. I actually found it easy to get through the historical aspect of the novel.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Even though this is the third book in the Mercy Falls series it can easily be read without the back-story of the previous novels.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Suspense. Twists. Turns.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Well worth the read.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Disclosure of Material Connection:&nbsp;I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42543945649297070102011-04-21T22:04:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.451-04:00It Finally Caught Up With Me<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xn7ZM2drakc/TbCPAE7J4gI/AAAAAAAAAZg/IleLP2qOByE/s1600/WEIGHT-WATCHERS-INTERNATIONAL-INC.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xn7ZM2drakc/TbCPAE7J4gI/AAAAAAAAAZg/IleLP2qOByE/s1600/WEIGHT-WATCHERS-INTERNATIONAL-INC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xn7ZM2drakc/TbCPAE7J4gI/AAAAAAAAAZg/IleLP2qOByE/s320/WEIGHT-WATCHERS-INTERNATIONAL-INC.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xn7ZM2drakc/TbCPAE7J4gI/AAAAAAAAAZg/IleLP2qOByE/s320/WEIGHT-WATCHERS-INTERNATIONAL-INC.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I went to my Weight Watchers meeting last night.&nbsp; After all the&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/04/20/what-you-don%E2%80%99t-see/" href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/04/20/what-you-don%E2%80%99t-see/" target="_blank">drama I went through with Easter weekend</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.cainstales.com/2011/04/update-on-cain.html" href="http://www.cainstales.com/2011/04/update-on-cain.html" target="_blank">my dog Cain</a>&nbsp;the last thing I wanted to do was go to the meeting and face the scale.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I said that last week too and sadly I did not write a post about last week’s meeting.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I had a bad week. There were many days I was over my daily points and I had eaten all of the weekly allowance. One day there was over 70mins of pedaling, but it was obviously not enough.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Last week I had a loss of 1.2 which put me to a total of 6 pounds gone. I got my first 5 lb star. Of course, since I am Lifetime trying to get back to goal I had to make a joke about how this was actually my 2<sup>nd&nbsp;</sup>first 5 lbs.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Last night’s weigh it met me with a 1.4 gain, leaving me right back at 4.6 total.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was disappointed and embarrassed, but I also expected in the last two weeks so I knew it was going to catch up with me sooner or later.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to have to stop cooking these lavish meals for Big M during the week and trying to eat with him but stay in points. The week really isn’t too much of a problem. It is the weekend when lil m is here with us.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/nsnation-finally-my-first-10-pounds.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/nsnation-down-to-week-14_23.html" target="_blank">Nutrisystem offered me 2 more months on the program.&nbsp;</a>I of course said yes. I am not going to pass down the opportunity for two more months of free diet food. I give some of it to Big M to take to work for his lunch, there is plenty left for me to choose from. On the nights he works late I eat Nutrisystem for dinner. On the nights he does not, I try to make something we can both eat. I try on the weekends as well.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I KNOW I need to exercise more and I am going to have to figure out a time schedule to do it. Now, my poor dog Cain’s life depends on exercise too.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, I was ready to be done with Nutrisystem.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I would love to have one giant website with every site I have merged to it. I am just trying to figure out how to do that. Keeping up with so many sites is starting to be a lot of work.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, let’s get on to my meeting.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We talked about tracking. I am pretty good about tracking, I always have been. The saying “if you bite it, write it” was beat into my head the first time I went through the Weight Watchers program. This time is no different, only I put it in my iPhone application through the online eTools that WW offers. No paper journals this time around. They offer them; I just prefer to use my phone. Makes it easier since I already have it with me and there is no need for me to buy books.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stay On Track with Tracking</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why do we lose track?</em></div><br /><ul><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>Lazy</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>We forget</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>We think we got it/know it all</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>Ignorance is bliss (we don’t want to know)</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>Time</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>Knowledge</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>Perfectionist Syndrome (ruin one day, the whole week is ruined)</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>Boredom</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>Tired</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>Overwhelmed</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There comes a time when we reach our breaking point. This is where our old ways end up meeting our new ways. You might feel like you are walking a line. Don’t deprive yourself!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Never say:</strong></div><ul><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>I cheated</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>I ate too much</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>It ruined my day</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Instead say:</strong></div><ul><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>I made some inappropriate food choice today</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>FYI</strong>&nbsp;– President and Board of the WW Group, Inc. Florine Mark (Michigan and Canadian Franchise) took 4 tries on the program before keeping off 50lbs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Question:</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We get a weekly recipe from our leader. Do you?</em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am thinking about sharing mine. Would you?</em></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60448436636064476402011-04-21T15:22:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:52:20.506-04:00Celtic Tying of the Hands (Hand-Fasting)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tiBCFmI1V94/TbBm8WUN-gI/AAAAAAAAAZY/6IdFKXe0eQk/s1600/irish-wedding-tie-hands-rope.jpg" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tiBCFmI1V94/TbBm8WUN-gI/AAAAAAAAAZY/6IdFKXe0eQk/s1600/irish-wedding-tie-hands-rope.jpg"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tiBCFmI1V94/TbBm8WUN-gI/AAAAAAAAAZY/6IdFKXe0eQk/s320/irish-wedding-tie-hands-rope.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tiBCFmI1V94/TbBm8WUN-gI/AAAAAAAAAZY/6IdFKXe0eQk/s320/irish-wedding-tie-hands-rope.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a><br />This is a type of Celtic wedding ceremony. The couple stands together with wedding guests forming a circle around them. No clergy was needed, the couple simply pledged themselves and their hands gently bound together with a cord or strip of cloth or tartan. The expression "tying the knot" may have come from their hand-fasting ceremony. Hand fasting was&nbsp;originally&nbsp;a trial&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;contract that last for a year and a day, if it didn't work out the couple went their&nbsp;separate&nbsp;ways. Nowadays hand fasting can be incorporated into a&nbsp;Christian&nbsp;or civil ceremony as part of a&nbsp;connection&nbsp;to our Celtic Culture.<br /><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59652440384188035322011-04-21T14:04:00.007-04:002011-08-10T18:56:33.218-04:00An Update on Yesterday<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.drs-online.nl/images/escher.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.drs-online.nl/images/escher.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><br />I wanted to give a little bit of an update regarding yesterdays post.<br /><br />First, for those that are new to my world, I am "The Self Employed Writer" or some know me as "The Tax Queen" or even the&nbsp;Irish girl. &nbsp;Eventually I would like to move everything on to one giant self hosted site, but for now this will do and it will make the move in the future easier.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br />These Words, My Life is an addition to the Self Employed Writer family. It has been on the sidelines for a while now, but I felt the need to take my personal words into another direction. Getting the perfect business model takes time, and it will never be perfect but I think after a few blog challenges I have finally figured out the purpose of S.E.W. and how to make it work to my advantage. Again, a work in progress, and it is going to take time.<br /><br />So, yesterdays post was one giant clusterfuck of dramatic mumbo jumbo. &nbsp;There is A LOT going on in my life, as you have witnessed a small portion of it.<br /><br />For lack of a better term, after I posted this yesterday, the day ahead was not what I thought it would be. Shit hit the fan.<br /><br />I&nbsp;did talk to my mom about moving back home. It is not something I want to do. To be 35 years old and living with my mom, again. &nbsp;I even talked to D about it. D is M's step-mother, whom I am really close to.<br /><br />I even talked to M. There was even a point where I reached out to another M, which happens to be my ex BF and now is one of my best friends. He is pretty much the only friend I have here in MI.<br /><br />I was so&nbsp;distraught&nbsp;about everything going on. I know it is not M's fault that his mom is a retard and that his ex wife A is a terrible person. I do take it out on him. I know that. But, at the same time I blame him because it is his own fault they act the way they do, because he lets them.<br /><br />I guess he finally reached his breaking point too as he told the both of them off yesterday. He also told them they were not allowed to speak to each other because HE is lil m's father and A should be talking to him, not his mother and he told his mom to&nbsp;basically&nbsp;f- off. Not in those words, but he did tell her that since his&nbsp;separation she has made his life hell. C'mon already, it's been 4 years.<br /><br />He has been telling her a lot of stuff lately. Like she wanted to bring lil m's older sister, which happens to be Big M's ex step daughter, to come this weekend (umm hello, it’s Easter!) and he finally broke and said she is not our f-ing family mother! Leaver her home and stop doing this to her, lil m and ME!<br /><br /><em>(((You see, Big M was married to A when she had an affair with his friend. They were&nbsp;separated; he was staying with his mom while they tried to figure things out. She got pregnant and at one point tried to say it was Big Ms. She has 4 children, they all have different fathers. She had 2 when she met Big M. She is now married to the baby daddy.)))</em><br /><br />I could not believe he finally said "she’s not my daughter, those are not my kids, that is not my family" and how it’s not right that his family always has to hang out with A's family on holidays. She is his ex. &nbsp;Maybe, just maybe, he got through to his mother. His mom told D the other night that she understood now why we had yet to invite her to our Easter dinner. Well, duh. It was not that she&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;invited, it’s just we know she goes to her family.<br /><br />Why should&nbsp;M's&nbsp;other&nbsp;family&nbsp;and&nbsp;my family be left alone just so we can deal with her family? That’s the thing I am sick of the most with her. Always thinking her family is better than D and M's father and my own mother and our family.<br /><br />I also know I am extremely stressed because I just don’t have time to take care of myself, but yet I am constantly making sure dinner is ready when M gets home, the house is picked up as best as I can, I take care of lil m on the weekends and the animals all day every day. M goes to work, everything is taken care of for him and the nights he doesn’t work late he eats and runs out to band practice. It makes me feel like poop. We have no bonding time, no time to talk about anything and he has no time to help me out around here.<br /><br />I HOPE it will get better after graduation because when I start school back up in the fall, I won’t be taking 9 classes. I am going to take 1 at a time even if it takes me the rest of my life. Actually, I am not sure how many I will take, but I know I won’t be overloaded. I will be able to work more so money won’t be a stress and I can work normal hours.<br /><br />Housework doesn’t bother me. I just feel like I can’t do it all by myself right now and I should not have to. I am just frustrated and overwhelmed.<br /><br />At this point I just don’t know what to do. I want to believe it will get better. I just don’t know.<br /><br />So, it's not all M as you can see. His mother and his ex always bring drama into our life. Every weekend is something new because his mom will plan everything and just not tell us.<br /><br />I am proud of him for finally standing up to her. He has been doing a lot better with standing up to the both of them. I guess he told A yesterday that she was no longer allowed to make plans with his mother and that everything had to go through him and if he did any of this again he would see her in court.<br /><br />She is a terrible woman. One of those that will look for revenge. They are afraid of her, but I am not. What can she really do? She can no longer keep lil m from her father. She will get thrown in jail if she tries. &nbsp;The whole situation with them is ridiculous and the fact that his mother just won't let him grow up is nonsense.<br /><br />So, that, on top of my own&nbsp;stresses&nbsp;in life is enough to make anyone want to run away.<br /><br />These Words, My Life is just that. Words about my life. A place for me to say whatever I need to say.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83738775691409182032011-04-21T14:00:00.006-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.454-04:00Seasoned Pork Tenderloin<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://aka.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/foodandrecipes/2008/07/RoastPorkTenderloin_n_lg.jpg" alt="" src="http://aka.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/foodandrecipes/2008/07/RoastPorkTenderloin_n_lg.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>20 Minutes to Prep<br />Marinate for 2 Hours<br />12 Minutes to Cook<br />Serves 8<br />4 Points Plus Per Servings<br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />1/2c. reduced calorie pancake syrup<br />1tsp. dry mustard<br />1tsp. ground cloves<br />1tsp. ground ginger<br />1 tsp. salt<br />1/2tsp ground cinnamon<br />1/2tsp. freshly ground black pepper<br />2 1/2 lbs lean pork tenderloin (use two 1 1/4lbs pieces)<br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br />In a large ziploc bag, combine syrup, dry mustard, cloves, ginger, salt, cinnamon, and pepper.<br /><br />Trim pork of all visible fat and cut each tenderloin in half widthwise.<br /><br />Put tenderloins in the bag, squeeze out the air and seal the bag. Shake to coat tenderloins.<br /><br />Place bag on a plate and&nbsp;refrigerate&nbsp;overnight, or for at least 2 hours. Flip bag occasionally.<br /><br />Preheat&nbsp;broiler.<br /><br />Place tenderloin in roaster pan and pour marinade over them.<br /><br />Broil 5 inches from heat until pork reaches an internal temperature of 160 F. This will be about 6 minutes on each side.<br /><br />Let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing.<br /><br />Yields about 4 oz. of meat per serving.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16401129923573093372011-04-21T13:17:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:16:55.900-04:00Need Help Today? How About a Writing Prompt? Playing With Fire<div style="text-align: center;">We've all been there.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The need to write something.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anything.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But what?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe you've hit your brick wall.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have an idea.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://library.creativecow.net/articles/chao_joe/fire/fire_finish.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A writing prompt.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Playing With Fire.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Craft a scene using these four random elements:</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">a house on fire</li><li style="text-align: left;">a stepmother</li><li style="text-align: left;">a diary</li><li style="text-align: left;">true love</li></ul><br /><img src="http://www.emsfloodrestoration.com/images/universal-fire-6-1.jpg" />Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80312339887833498542011-04-20T15:06:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.848-04:00How I Became a Freelance WriterI was up early this morning, but instead of enjoying coffee and hanging out around the round table of discussion with <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/how-i-became-a-virtual-assistant/comment-page-1/#comment-19706">Angie</a> and <a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/">Tori</a>, my brain was off in la-la land trying to figure out what I am going to do about my poor baby, <a href="http://www.cainstales.com/2011/04/update-on-cain.html">Cain</a>.<br /><br />I have to laugh at myself for how crazy I must sound to people who are non-pet owners or pet owners who view their pet as only that and not as a four-legged child. I don't know how to deal with his future right now, so it is weighing heavy on my mind.<br /><br />When I returned from the vet, I was getting started on my day and noticed the round table discussion. In order for you to understand the purpose behind Element Content, you also need to understand where some of us, or perhaps how some of us got our start in the work at home industry.<br /><br />First, here is a little bit of my back story to get you started on my journey.<br /><br />9/21/08 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/09/this-is-why-i-write.html">This is Why I Write</a><br />12/07/10 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/why-i-write.html">This is Why I Write, Again</a>(part2)<br />1/21/11 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/writing-for-reason.html">Writing for a Reason</a><br />1/22/11 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/writing-for-reason-part-2.html">Writing for a Reason Part 2</a><br />1/3/11 - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/about-self-employed-writer.html">About Self Employed Writer</a><br /><br />Now that you have a little bit of the writing back story, let me tell you a little bit about my personal back story.<br /><br />I have been in love with words for as long as I can remember. My mother actually went to college for Creative Writing so books were always in abundance at my house. I can remember being 8 or 9 and sitting in the hallway, on the floor, in front of the hall closet spending hours upon hours looking through my mothers book collection. I was an active reader, and I was a smart. gifted child. I only wish I would have applied myself better.<br /><br />While most children my age were outside playing tag or kickball, I was inside with a hardcover Readers Digest reading novels about things I could only dream of. I knew meaning to words that most kids my age couldn't even spell much less even pronounce.<br /><br />I started a journal when I was about 7 or 8. That first journal has since been destroyed. The year I did that, I was too worried about people finding out about my past. I started another one when I was in the 6th grade and I have been writing in one ever since. Of course these days, even though I do have a journal, most of my writing is done online and saved to a flash drive instead of a paper book. &nbsp;I still have every journal even written.<br /><br />Poetry was more my creative writing forte. I have had a few pieces published in the past and plan to spend more time with my words in the future, after graduation.<br /><br />I always wanted to be a writer. All through life my English, Speech, Writing and Creative Arts teachers would always tell me I had a gift. By the time I reached high school the only creative class I stuck with was art. I started to get more into business classes, more specifically, accounting. I wanted to write, but only one in a million get published. That is what I was always told, so I followed the path of accounting.<br /><br />I did that until 2008. In 2007 I had gone through a divorce and a 1000 mile move. Even though jobs were limited where I moved, I was still able to work through a temp agency landing accounting clients. After a year or more of being shuffled around and working for pennies and jerks, I decided enough was enough.<br /><br />In 2004 I had worked phone jobs through West and LiveOps for some extra cash and when I was in between clients. I was a tax accountant then, and business would slow down after the season. In 2008 I went back to those two companies, only this time, I hated every minute of it.<br /><br />Somehow I landed on a website called <a href="http://textilicious.com/textopia/index.php">Textilicious</a>, which is where I first met Tori. From there I landed at wahm.com. Back then, there were content mills, but they were not as well known as they are now. While most of the girls at Textilicious did tarot, adult phone lines or webcam, I did adult text. That is what led me to start my "<a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/2008/08/my-life-as-text-chat-operator-how-it.html">Life as a Text Chat Op</a>" series.<br /><br />I started blogging around 2004, and got into erotica around 2005. Adult texting was no big deal to me. It was sort of fun and provided me with a lot of laughs. They pay was lousy and management was even worse.<br /><br />My path continued. I worked at Cha-Cha, Weebly, KGB, and some other text type jobs. It helped, but the money just was not there.<br /><br />I couldn't tell you how I landed at Demand Studios in 2009, but I did. And, I was rejected my first time. I found out about Textbroker, and <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">Helium </a>and&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;signed up with them. Once I had a few pieces of published work, I tried DS again and this time was accepted. I now write and title for DS. My list of content companies is pretty&nbsp;extensive. You can find most of it on my "<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/where-to-find-me.html">Look For Me</a>" page.<br /><br />Basically I used content sites to help me feel confident enough as a writer to walk down other paths. I will graduate college this June with a BA in Accounting and Business. I then plan to follow my dream of obtaining a BA in English/Creative Writing before I go forward with my MBA program. This degree I will take my time with and certainly won't load up on 9 classes a semester like I am right now.<br /><br />These days I tend to write more for myself, here on my own websites and for places where I can share revenue. I enjoy that much more than writing for content sites. When I am done with school this June, I plan to finish up a novel I am working on as well as pursue my poetry.<br /><br />I still write for content sites and do titling for Demand Studios; I still have bills to pay. But these days my writing is less about them and more about me.<br /><br />Working from home just sort of fell into my lap. However, it is a blessing. With the back problems and mental health problems I no longer have to worry about those things getting in the way of my job. I can work around it. I don't have to worry about rude bosses and I never have to answer a phone. The best part? I don't need fancy dress clothes to go to work. I also don't have to take a 30 minute commute. That's a blessing in the winter!<br /><br />Of course working from home does have it's challenges. Mostly from those around me. But we all have to live, learn and adapt.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19019016009044567072011-04-20T14:23:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.851-04:00What You Don’t See<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div>In the past I have talked about this mask I have to wear. In the beginning I wore it more as a necessity, now it has become more of a shield.</div><br /><div>I hide. I hide behind the mask because it keeps me safe. If you know my past, you can easily understand why.</div><br /><div>I live a life of mental and physical pain, fear and anxiety. I use my mask as a shield to protect me from even more pain and so others cannot see.</div><br /><div>Today, right now, right at this very moment I have to take the mask off.</div><br /><div><a _mce_href="http://www.cainstales.com/2011/04/things-change-in-instant.html" href="http://www.cainstales.com/2011/04/things-change-in-instant.html">On one page I am talking about my poor dog Cain and his seizures</a>&nbsp;, on another page I am talking about the wedding I am planning. &nbsp;Well all know I am usually deep within the bindings of a textbook, or trying to earn a few bucks, but what many don’t know are the struggles my relationship goes through.</div><br /><div>It is ok.</div><br /><div>I understand that every relationship has their problems, but ours has been nonstop since day one. We canceled the wedding last year because of these issues.</div><br /><div>I just can’t keep it bottled in anymore.</div><br /><div>M is selfish. He wants what he wants and if he doesn’t get his way he throws a fit. He acts like a child. His mother babies him and not only that, runs his life for him. She acts like she is the mother of his daughter and always trying to plan our life for us. If he does not get his way with her, he will throw a fit, say mean things and wait, knowing she will cave and give him what he wants.</div><br /><div>I already have one mother, I am fine with that. I am also a 35 year old adult and do not need anyone to tell me how I should be living my life.</div><br /><div>If he pulls that crap with me I generally ignore it. Then he gives me a guilt trip.</div><br /><div>He is a weekend father. However, between his ex-wife and his mother, his time with his daughter is limited.</div><br /><div>Somehow, all of this is my fault.</div><br /><div>His ex wife does not follow the rules of the court ordered child custody agreement and he lets her get away with it.</div><br /><div>But I am the one dealing with him when he is mad, or when he is upset and crying.</div><br /><div>I worked my ass off supporting him and his daughter while he was unemployed. I made up the difference of his unemployment and then some. I put up with a lot of shit to try to make this family a peaceful and loving unit.</div><br /><div>I work. I am in school. I cook, clean the house, do the laundry, and make sure everyone has clothing on their back, shoes on their feet and food in their stomach. I am always trying to plan things so daddy and daughter have fun things to do to help them spend time with each other. And, I stay out of the way. The last thing I want is for anyone to tell me I am coming between them. They don’t get much time together, so I make a personal choice to leave them be sometimes.</div><br /><div>But yet, I always feel like the bad person when things don’t end up the way they should.</div><br /><div>I am constantly being yelled at for my mental illness issues. Again, somehow it is my fault. When I do try to work things out and do things for him, it always falls apart. And, you guessed, somehow it is my fault even though it is usually because of his mother or his ex wife. I am supposed to be the one to make plans and I am supposed to be the one to make changes.</div><div>So, why in the hell does it always have to be me? Why do I have to be the one doing it all?</div><br /><div>I am constantly stepped on and pushed around. My feelings get hurt more than once a week.</div><br /><div>He never is home, therefore can’t seem to pick up after himself or help me clean the house.</div><br /><div>I am overworked, underpaid, underappreciated and tired of it all.</div><br /><div>I deserve to be treated better. I am soon to be his wife; I should be respected as such.</div><br /><div>Instead I am treated more as a matter of convenience than anything. He will spend time with me when it suits him. I am not his priority.</div><br /><div>He’ll leave his daughter with his mom on the weekend so he can go play with his friends. Without me. I don’t have many friends, but the few times I have tried to go out without him it became a total nightmare. Now, I don’t even try.</div><br /><div>He can’t take care of the dogs without me. He can’t even take care of them on the weekends when I am here.</div><br /><div>Honestly, the world stops when his daughter is here.</div><br /><div>It should not.</div><br /><div>There are other people in his life besides her.</div><br /><div>We should act like a family.</div><br /><div>But, we don’t.</div><br /><div>Everything is about him and his daughter. His mom and her family come next. His father and step-mother are sometimes placed in the equation. My family? I never spend time with them. I am lucky to see my own mother once and month and she lives 20 minutes away.</div><br /><div>Every weekend is a headache. There is always drama. I am told to plan, so I do, only to have those plans shattered. He doesn't stand up to them, and he doesn't stand up for me.</div><br /><div>When I say I have homework, the reply is "Its not my fault" *shock* Yeah. It sucks.</div><br /><div>I am tired of feeling used. I am tired of feeling mistreated. I am tired of having to make appointments to spend time with him. I am tired of being alone. I am tired of having to deal with all the household stuff by myself. I am tired of taking care of him and his daughter and not having time to take care of myself because no one else is taking care of me. I am tired of not feeling loved. I am tired of always feeling 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;best or that my thoughts and feelings do not matter.</div><br /><div>The truth is I deserve to be treated like a queen. I deserve to be put in first place. I am going to be his wife. The one that takes care of him for the rest of his life. &nbsp;In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer.</div><br /><div>But yet, I always come last.</div><br /><div>I am not strong enough to stay in this situation anymore.</div><br /><div>Leaving is not that simple. But I think at this point it must be done. I can’t wait for the world to change anymore.</div><br /><div>It sucks when you love someone so much, but they aren’t willing to give you the same love in return.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24577985394975371512011-04-20T14:22:00.003-04:002011-08-10T11:38:39.139-04:00Update on Cain<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCeOazvanGs/Ta8Kt0uZfLI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hnSqwJDZ5YY/s1600/4475580_f520.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCeOazvanGs/Ta8Kt0uZfLI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hnSqwJDZ5YY/s1600/4475580_f520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCeOazvanGs/Ta8Kt0uZfLI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hnSqwJDZ5YY/s320/4475580_f520.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCeOazvanGs/Ta8Kt0uZfLI/AAAAAAAAAZU/hnSqwJDZ5YY/s320/4475580_f520.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="240" /></a></div>A project that I had on the back burner is now going to be put to use, only now it has a different purpose.<br /><br />Please follow along on Cains journey with his own website Cains Tales.<br /><br />Here is the update from the vet :&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.cainstales.com/2011/04/update-on-cain.html" href="http://www.cainstales.com/2011/04/update-on-cain.html">Cains Update</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33816299111639993362011-04-20T08:00:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.886-04:00Are You Interested in Writing Contests, Grants, Submissions, and Publishing?I have recently come into a wealth of information for writers of all topics, styles and genres. This information includes grants for writers, publishing houses,&nbsp;agents, calls to submissions, education, conferences, contests, scholarship programs and more.<br /><br />I am thinking about brining those resources here to my website. I see a lot of websites listing work from home writing jobs. Technically these are working from home, but they are not for internet content.<br /><br />Would any of you be interested in this type of information? I would be happy to do write it up over here if there is an interest.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43020583128351009492011-04-19T15:20:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:52:20.509-04:00A (frugal) Irish Wedding<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-occo0jhPDLo/TazOsmGuIiI/AAAAAAAAAY0/HOf-gZxiIws/s1600/photo.JPG" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-occo0jhPDLo/TazOsmGuIiI/AAAAAAAAAY0/HOf-gZxiIws/s1600/photo.JPG"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-occo0jhPDLo/TazOsmGuIiI/AAAAAAAAAY0/HOf-gZxiIws/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-occo0jhPDLo/TazOsmGuIiI/AAAAAAAAAY0/HOf-gZxiIws/s320/photo.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="239" /></a><br /><br />I have some photos of my bargain wedding shopping that I wanted to share, but I am going to have to sort through the photos and put a post together. I *cross fingers* should have that done tomorrow.<br /><br />We have been trying to figure out what to do about a dress. I am starting to be very picky about what I want. I feel I am entitled. The thing is I bought a dress and cape last year. Irish green velvet and silver satin. I love it. For some reason I felt I did not want to wear it since we were no longer getting married at the castle. Instead we have decided to marry at our church. I guess I felt my dress was not fancy enough for a church wedding. Even though I can use it for Rennesiance Festivles, I still want to use it for the intended purpose.<br /><br />Now I am on a mission to find some nice cord for the hand tying as well as some nice fancy border ribbon (I have no idea what you really call it) or some cording to put on my dress to fancy it up a bit. Maybe even a nice silver tie belt would be nice too. I guess I just don't see the point on spending money for another dress.<br /><br />This is my dress:<br /><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfGODux_wnI/TazVIe3uiTI/AAAAAAAAAY4/cpe5CoIuNLI/s1600/24170_406803315914_569555914_5508601_1048365_a.jpg" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfGODux_wnI/TazVIe3uiTI/AAAAAAAAAY4/cpe5CoIuNLI/s1600/24170_406803315914_569555914_5508601_1048365_a.jpg"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfGODux_wnI/TazVIe3uiTI/AAAAAAAAAY4/cpe5CoIuNLI/s1600/24170_406803315914_569555914_5508601_1048365_a.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfGODux_wnI/TazVIe3uiTI/AAAAAAAAAY4/cpe5CoIuNLI/s1600/24170_406803315914_569555914_5508601_1048365_a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />As you can see, it is simple.<br /><br />I would like to find some fancy border ribbon like on this dress:<br /><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-7wPLj8Poc/TazVJaM8mvI/AAAAAAAAAY8/w1frqZda6xU/s1600/194514_10150166071505915_569555914_8733155_1336135_o.jpg" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-7wPLj8Poc/TazVJaM8mvI/AAAAAAAAAY8/w1frqZda6xU/s1600/194514_10150166071505915_569555914_8733155_1336135_o.jpg"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-7wPLj8Poc/TazVJaM8mvI/AAAAAAAAAY8/w1frqZda6xU/s320/194514_10150166071505915_569555914_8733155_1336135_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-7wPLj8Poc/TazVJaM8mvI/AAAAAAAAAY8/w1frqZda6xU/s320/194514_10150166071505915_569555914_8733155_1336135_o.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="215" /></a><br />I am on a mission to prove that a budget Irish wedding can be done.<br /><br />Last year we purchased paper and envelopes for the invitations, that was $40. We still have the envelopes and one pack of the paper. We did print some last year, right before we changed our date. I can use the envelopes, but I am not sure yet what I am going to do with the paper. We purchased paper that looked like old scroll paper. I have many friends that live far away that will not be able to come, I may still use that for their invitations.<br /><br />I looked on&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.vistaprint.com/" href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">Vistaprint</a>&nbsp;and found a really nice Celtic design wedding invitation, I just have not ordered them yet.<br /><br /><strong>So far I am up to:</strong><br /><ul><li>My dress and cape $100</li><li>Shoes $40</li><li>Bride and Groom glasses $5</li><li>2 Irish flags $10</li><li>2 Scotland flags $10</li><li>Dress pattern (for another I liked) $5</li><li>lil m's dress , shoes and basket &nbsp;$20</li><li>Deposit on the church $100, balance for church and reception $500</li><li>Reception food Free as it is being catered by my mom</li><li>Wedding cake is Free as my aunt is making it</li><li>Irish garter $1.99</li></ul>I decided to make my own photo album, guest book, and card box. I have photos of the things I have found so far. I am getting some Celtic charms to put on the glasses and the cake server and knife set I found as well as the guest book and album. I will share those tomorrow. I think I am doing quite well with my budget. Only a few more things I need to pick up.<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50297031351488974652011-04-17T09:48:00.008-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.242-04:00Search Engine Friendly Pages<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">There is no point in building a website unless there are visitors coming in. A major source of traffic for most sites on the Internet is search engines like Google, Yahoo!, MSN, Altavista and so on. Hence, by designing a search engine friendly site, you will be able to rank easily in search engines and obtain more visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Major search engines use programs called crawlers or robots to index websites to list on their search result pages. They follow links to a page, read the content of the page and record it in their own database, pulling up the listing as people search for it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">If you want to make your site indexed easily, you should avoid using frames on your website. Frames will only confuse search engine robots and they might even abandon your site because of that. Moreover, frames make it difficult for users to bookmark a specific page on your site without using long, complicated scripts. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Do not present important information in Flash movies or in images. Search engine robots can only read text on your source code so if you present important words in Flash movies and images rather than textual form, your search engine ranking will be affected dramatically. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Use meta tags accordingly on each and every page of your site so that search engine robots know at first glance what that particular page is about and whether or not to index it. By using meta tags, you are making the search engine robot's job easier so they will crawl and index your site more frequently. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Stop using wrong HTML tags like to style your page. Use CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) instead because they are more effective and efficient. By using CSS, you can eliminate redundant HTML tags and make your pages much lighter and faster to load.<span style="color: magenta;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60929497044524468692011-04-16T08:29:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.244-04:00Good Web Design Practices<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Your website is where your business resides -- it's like headquarters to an offline company. It is important to practice good design principles to make sure your site reaches out to the maximum number of visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Make sure you have clear directions on the navigation of your website. The navigation menu should be uncluttered and concise so that visitors know how to navigate around your website without confusion. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Reduce the number of images on your website. They make your site load very slowly and more often than not they are very unnecessary. If you think any image is essential on your site, make sure you optimize them using image editing programs so that they have a minimum file size. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Keep your text paragraphs at a reasonable length. If a paragraph is too long, you should split it into separate paragraphs so that the text blocks will not be too big. This is important because a block of text that is too large will deter visitors from reading your content. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Make sure your website complies with web standards and make sure it is cross-browser compatible. If your website looks great in Internet Explorer but breaks horribly in Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera, you will lose out on a lot of prospective visitors. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Avoid using scripting languages on your site unless it is absolutely necessary. Use scripting languages to handle or manipulate data, not to create visual effects on your website. Heavy scripts will slow down the loading time of your site and even crash some browsers (ack!). Also, scripts are not supported across all browsers, so some visitors might miss important information because of that.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90301091010934994472011-04-15T08:19:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.247-04:00Generating Revenue with Good Planning<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/company/google" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image representing Google as depicted in Crunc..." height="99" src="http://www.crunchbase.com/assets/images/resized/0002/9578/29578v7-max-450x450.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="250" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 250px;">Image via <a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/">CrunchBase</a></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">For anything to work well, care must be taken to make firm, workable plans to execute it and the same goes for website designs. With a well thought out website design, you will be able to create a site that generates multiple streams of revenue for you. In fact, many websites turn into online wasteland because they are not well planned and do not get a single visitor.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">The crucial point of planning your site is optimizing it for revenue if you want to gain income. Divide your site into major blocks, ordered by themes, and start building new pages and subsections in those blocks. For example, you might have a "job" section, an "grammar rules" section and an "prompt" section for a writing site. You can then write and publish relevant articles in the respective sections to attract a stream of traffic that comes looking for this particular information. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">When you have a broader, better-defined scope of themes for your website, you can sell space on your pages to people interested in advertising on your page. You can also earn from programs like Google's Adsense&nbsp; if people surf to those themed pages and click on the ads. For this very reason, the advertisement blocks on your pages need to be relevant to the content, so a themed page fits that criteria perfectly. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.webpronews.com/google-panda-update-victim-xomba-loses-adsense-ads-too-2011-04">Google Panda Update Victim Xomba Loses AdSense Ads Too</a> (webpronews.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.labnol.org/internet/adsense-earnings/19096/">How Changes to Ad Units Impact AdSense Earnings</a> (labnol.org)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://lbjwebdesign.com/Blog/?p=1118">Your Basic Adsense Information</a> (lbjwebdesign.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=0c9c44f3-fe2c-49c8-acb7-c6492748410c" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65447579086764612832011-04-14T08:18:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.249-04:005 Ways to Keep Visitors Coming Back<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">A lot of successful websites depend on returning visitors to account for a major part of their traffic. Returning visitors are easier to maintain, the more trust they have in that site, the better your chances of repeat visits. The credibility issue just melts away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Test out the following methods to keep your visitors coming back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">1) Start a forum, chatroom or shoutbox<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">When you start a forum, chatroom or shoutbox, you are providing your visitors a place to voice their opinions and interact with their peers -- all of them are visitors of your site. As conversations build up, a sense of community will also follow and your visitors will come back to your site almost every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">If your site does not have the availability of these functions, another option would be to link with a forum you visit regularly. Sometimes forum owners would be happy in a “partnership” because it would mean more web traffic for both.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">2) Start a blog, not just a website of information<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Keep an online (journal) blog on your site and keep it updated with latest news about yourself. Human beings are curious creatures and they will keep reading if you post fresh news daily. Credibility is built since you are proving to them that there is also a real life person behind the website. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">3) Gain interaction with polls and surveys<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Polls and surveys are other forms of interaction that you should definitely consider adding to your site. They provide a quick way for visitors to voice their opinions and to get involved in your website. Be sure to publish polls or surveys that are strongly relevant to the target market of your website to keep them interested to find out about the results. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">4) Try puzzles, quizzes, games and contests<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Just imagine how many office workers procrastinate at work every day, and you will be able to gauge how many people will keep visiting your site if you provide a very interesting or addicting way of entertainment. You can also hold competitions to award the high score winner to keep people trying continuously to earn the prize. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">5) Update frequently with fresh content<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">This one is pretty much a given. But, you would not believe how many do not update regularly.&nbsp; Be sure to update your site frequently with fresh content so that every time your visitors come back, they will have something to read on your site.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12873404795501810452011-04-13T12:03:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.251-04:005 Important Rules in Website Design<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">When it comes to your website, extra attention should be paid to every detail, no matter how big or small. You will want to make sure it performs optimally to serve its purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Here are seven important rules of thumb to make sure your website performs well. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">1) Do not use splash pages<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Splash pages are the first pages you see when you arrive at a website. They normally have a very beautiful image with words like "welcome" or "click here to enter". In fact, they are just that -- pretty vases with no real purpose. Fancier pages will have a flash video or java intro. Do not let your visitors have a reason to click on the "back" button!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">2) Do not use excessive banner advertisements<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">Even the least net savvy people have trained themselves to ignore banner advertisements so you will be wasting valuable website real estate. Almost every browser has an add-in that will block ads when surfing the internet.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Instead, provide more valuable content and weave relevant affiliate links into your content, make you visitors feel welcomed so they will stay (and return). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">3) Have a simple and clear navigation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">You have to provide a simple and very straightforward navigation so that even a young child will know how to use it. Stay away from complicated Flash based menus or multi-tiered dropdown menus. If your visitors spend too much time trying to navigate, they will leave your site (and not return). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">4) Have a clear indication of where the user is<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">When visitors are deeply engrossed in browsing your site, you will want to make sure they know which part of the site they are in at that moment. That way, they will be able to browse relevant information or navigate to any section of the site easily. Don't confuse your visitors because confusion means "abandon ship"! Label each page with a title, and make sure a link back to the home page is within eyesight. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">5) Avoid using audio on your site<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%;">If your visitor is going to stay a long time at your site, reading your content, you will want to make sure they're not annoyed by some audio looping on and on within your website. If you must add audio, make sure users are allowed some control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10317496367502677322011-04-12T17:48:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:00:40.667-04:00I'm Still Hosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ljf9DAVq-4s/TZzgGq9BKbI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/AIybghw8ZF4/s1600/SEWChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ljf9DAVq-4s/TZzgGq9BKbI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/AIybghw8ZF4/s320/SEWChick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you landed on this post, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/ahostableme.html">but missed yesterdays</a>, Hostable, you may want to go back to it before going forward with this post. You are also welcome to visit my testing site, to see how my brain has been functioning behind the scenes here at S.E.W.<br /><br />Note: I am NOT affiliated with Hostable. I am just really excited to have found them!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can see, Self Employed Writer is the main focus. The tabs you see are the other blogs that I currently have running, with the exception of one. When you click those tabs, the posts from the other blogs Ireland Forever, Fat Girl Rants (that I still have not launched), These Words My Life, and The Tax Queen. I plan to forward all of my domains to the one website. That way, if someone types in thetaxqueen.com they will go to the Self Employed Writer site, but it will be the Tax Queen portion of it. The actual url 7599.a.hostable.me/thetaxqueen will appear for those that type in, thetaxqueen.com </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopefully, this process will go smoothly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This will help me be much more productive with adsense and affiliates. I feel this move will give me the time to focus on it as I should. &nbsp;Too many posts and too many blogs make me feel like my posts are not as constructive as they should be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Self Employed Writer is a person (me) and that person writes about these things. I have made categories for all my sites. There are even spots for my book reviews, poetry, and product reviews. I think this will help to keep it tidy too. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is an ebook category. I am not sure how to go about doing this one yet. My previous blog was eBooksNook, I still have the domain for that (dot biz) and I could still use it for forwarding purposes. But I am not sure HOW to sell ebooks on a WordPress site. So, this will take some time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It just made sense for me to do it this way. It may not work best for you if your blogs are not linked together somehow. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So for now, I am just testing the waters. So far, so good.<br /><br />Because I am in the middle of a blog challenge, I am not planning to move right away. I was thinking I would like to have it done by June so that I can use it for the next 31 Days to Better Your Blog challenge.<br /><br /><br />EDIT: (6:37PM Eastern) I have some other ideas rolling around in my head. I might have to play with it a little more before I decide to do what I mentioned here. All I know is I want a clean blog, loaded with all of my goodies. A one stop shop. :)</div><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.ashout.com/hostable-com-free-premium-web-hosting-account-at-0-99-3-years/">Premium Web Hosting Account at $0.99-3 Years, Unlimited Plan and Many More Features</a> (ashout.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=bbb400ad-5e12-4aa2-8e75-5b0165e6de0a" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79845535828963427202011-04-12T14:26:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.456-04:00Reuben Roll-Ups<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps8116_TH2214C64_.jpg" alt="Reuben Roll-Ups Recipe" src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps8116_TH2214C64_.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Recipe from Irish Food &amp; Fun Taste of Home Holiday Magazine.</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I love a good Reuben sandwich. These little snack size bites are hearty and packed with great flavor.</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><strong>Ingredients</strong><br />1 tube (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza crust<br />1 cup sauerkraut, well drained<br />1 tablespoon Thousand Island salad dressing<br />4 slices corned beef, halved<br />4 slices Swiss cheese, halved<br /><br /><div><strong>Directions</strong><br />Roll dough into a 12-in. x 9-in. rectangle. Cut into eight 3-in. x 4-1/2-in. rectangles. Combine sauerkraut and salad dressing. Place a slice of beef on each rectangle. Top with about 2 tablespoons of the sauerkraut mixture and a slice of cheese. Roll up.</div><div>Place with seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 12-14 minutes or until golden. Yield: 8 roll-ups.&nbsp;</div><div><br /><br /><strong>Nutrition Facts:</strong>&nbsp;1 serving (1 each) equals 234 calories, 8 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 36 mg cholesterol, 959 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 14 g protein.<br /><br /></div><div><strong>Weight Watchers Points Plus:</strong>&nbsp;6</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24954936415583347962011-04-12T08:15:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.889-04:00Do you hate spam? Are you tired of dealing with content mills?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><strong>Author:</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">T.S. Redmond-Mize</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"></span></span><br /><h2 style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: 'Hoefler Text', Cambria, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/do-you-hate-spam-are-you-tired-of-dealing-with-content-mills/" rel="bookmark" style="color: black; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 4px; text-decoration: none;" title="Permalink to Do you hate spam? Are you tired of dealing with content mills?">Do you hate spam? Are you tired of dealing with content&nbsp;mills?</a></h2><div class="date" style="color: #aaaaaa; font-family: 'Hoefler Text', Cambria, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -1.7em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">April 8th, 2011&nbsp;<a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/do-you-hate-spam-are-you-tired-of-dealing-with-content-mills/#comments" style="color: #666666; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" title="Comment on Do you hate spam? Are you tired of dealing with content mills?">§&nbsp;<span class="commentcount" style="color: #aaaaaa;">14 Comments</span></a></div><div class="entry" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.9em; margin-bottom: 4em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden;"><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">I believe that we have the solution for both of those problems.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">If you’ve been freelancing for any amount of time, you know that finding quality clients can be hard.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">If you’ve been working in marketing or a business, you know that sometimes, finding quality freelancers can be hard.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Content mills don’t pay writers and editors what they are worth. They often treat them like just another wheel in a vast machine. Many web-writers are doing so to support their families, to support themselves while writing novels of their own- and writers, you know what?&nbsp;<strong>You deserve better.</strong>&nbsp;You deserve to write for clients that recognize your real value, you deserve to be compensated fairly for that- and most of all, you deserve that it be understood that your time is valuable. Whether that’s time to write your own novel or time to spend with loved ones- you deserve to write for someone who pays you in a way that you have time left for those important things.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Our market research has indicated that those clients are definitely out there. They, just like you, are tired of the Craigslist, bidding site, content mill game of Maybe Quality, Maybe Not.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Searchers and the search engines themselves are tired of the mass quantities of content that is usually produced via the mills. If you’re here because you’re tired of spam- odds are very good someone got paid a pittance to create that annoyance.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">In the wake of Google’s last update- many companies were forced to let writers go, close their writing programs or make vast changes to the way they do things. Most of us in content marketing know this. However, what many do not realize is- it&nbsp;<em>is not finished</em>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">For those who have been in the content creation business and actually valued the content and its writers- this update and any subsequent updates should not be an intimidating thing. I absolutely adored what Malcolm Slade over at<a href="http://www.epiphanysolutions.co.uk/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">&nbsp;Epiphany Solutions</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.epiphanysolutions.co.uk/blog/panda-farming-for-beginners-demystifying-the-google-panda-farmer-update/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">had to say about the subject</a>. He breaks it down nicely.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">However, if you’re writing cookie cutter content for over-saturated niches- you may want to diversify. Don’t imagine that you’re somehow different, if you’re producing high quantities of content in a niche that pulls up five search pages of the same old same old- you need to do this in order to adapt.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">To get to the point- if you’re anything like many of the freelance writers I know, you’ve been waiting for a content company that actually values you. To us, that seems logical- after all, the writers are the most vital part of the cash flow. All too often, though, we see task masters who simply will not pay for that valuable product.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Annoyed with spam searchers- don’t blame the writers. They are poorly paid often to the point of burnout, and their work is often either churned out, spun, scraped, and splattered all over the web.&nbsp; They are people, just like you, trying to support themselves.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">For businesses, the value return is obvious. Let’s have a for instance here- JC Penney’s, Forbes, and Overstock. Now, you imagine that they could hire search firms that were with it, that understood the trends and knew better. And-<strong>&nbsp;you’d be wrong</strong>. I could not wrangle the losses there, but whatever they paid- they most definitely did not get their money’s worth. That return on investment simply poofed into the ether with one sound Google slap. Now consider all of the search firms and businesses that hired them that got nailed in the Panda update. 1&nbsp;<em>billion</em>dollars in revenue shift in just a month. One billion.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Our philosophy is that it is well past time that search marketers and businesses broke free from the dependency on search. Business as usual is no longer and will not last. Our benefit to marketers who have embraced this seemingly new line of thought is clear- the value content you need, from writers who are valued. No burn outs, no drama, no excuses, no weeding through countless writer packages- just quality content.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">For our investors, we offer a business model that simply put, is going to offer longevity. Sure, those still clinging to the old ways may still draw a profit, but for how long? As long as I’ve been working with search marketers, they’ve always crowed about how search is “always changing”, “ever evolving”- but&nbsp;<em>they didn’t</em>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Isn’t it time for something better?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Stay tuned- I’ll be explaining just how to make that happen later today. In the meantime, please Like our&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ElementContent" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook page-&nbsp;</a>for more news and also, how you can help in our continued commitment in supporting DonorsChoose teachers.</div></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;"></span></span><br /><h2 style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: 'Hoefler Text', Cambria, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/how-to-vote-for-element-content-in-the-masschallenge-and-why/" rel="bookmark" style="color: black; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 4px; text-decoration: none;" title="Permalink to How To Vote For Element Content in the MassChallenge- and why.">How To Vote For Element Content in the MassChallenge- and&nbsp;why.</a></h2><div class="date" style="color: #aaaaaa; font-family: 'Hoefler Text', Cambria, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -1.7em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">April 8th, 2011&nbsp;<a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/how-to-vote-for-element-content-in-the-masschallenge-and-why/#comments" style="color: #666666; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" title="Comment on How To Vote For Element Content in the MassChallenge- and why.">§&nbsp;<span class="commentcount" style="color: #aaaaaa;">12 Comments</span></a></div><div class="entry" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.9em; margin-bottom: 4em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden;"><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Actually, the why can be found at this post:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/do-you-hate-spam-are-you-tired-of-dealing-with-content-mills/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/04/08/do-you-hate-spam-are-you-tired-of-dealing-with-content-mills/</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Voting is easy. This is a project which I have really put my heart and soul into, and any support you can give means a great deal to both myself and my entire team.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><code style="font-size: 1.2em;">In order to check out Element Content's elevator pitch, and to vote five stars for us in the MassChallenge, here are the steps you will take:</code></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">First, head on over to:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://www.masschallenge.org/user/register" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.masschallenge.org/user/register</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Once you are there, you will fill in your details- including a valid email. It will also ask you what your involvement will be- as a voter, your involvement will be “supporter”.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><code style="font-size: 1.2em;"><a href="https://masschallenge.org/user/register" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"></a></code></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><code style="font-size: 1.2em;">Plug in the CAPTCHA, and click on "create account". Once that's done, you'll see this page with this lovely donkey.</code></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/signed-up.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-522" height="168" src="http://rebuildingtori.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/signed-up.jpg?w=300&amp;h=168" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 1.5em;" title="signed up" width="300" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em; text-align: center;">Great! Now check your Facebook for a second while you wait for the coming email. You should get an email with your account details.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Oooh you’re almost there. Now, click that link to log in, and use your information to do so.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">You can now either go to the main entrants’ list here:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://www.masschallenge.org/2011/entrants" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.masschallenge.org/2011/entrants</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">If you have an older computer or if you’re on dial up, this takes a minute to load and may slow your browser down, I’m told.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Or you can go right to our page, here:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://www.masschallenge.org/content/element-content" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.masschallenge.org/content/element-content</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Once there, you’ll see, in the upper right corner, five little stars. For you, they’ll be empty- we all think you’d be mighty awesome if you’d click on the 5th star. (5th star on the right and straight on through til morning, right? Yeah, thought so.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;"><a href="http://rebuildingtori.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/votepage.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-525" height="225" src="http://rebuildingtori.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/votepage.jpg?w=300&amp;h=225" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 1.5em;" title="Votepage" width="300" /></a>And there you have it, you have voted for us and we really love you for it. Thank you so much!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">But what happens next for us?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">Well, once through this round, if we make it- I (Tori) get to either give a pitch via Skype or in person to a panel of judges. Then, assuming that goes well, we move forward in the competition. What’s so great about this?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">First and foremost- the program offers a wealth of knowledge. From mentors, to networking and then some, I feel that my team can gain a strong edge in being able to build a better content company. If we are selected as one of the 15-20 winners, we also receive a prize grant of&nbsp; $50-100k, completely no strings attached. More than that, however, the networking does lead to longer mentor relationships, greater networking, as well as other sources of funding.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">I believe very strongly that we have the unique opportunity to be the high impact company that so many of my fellow work-at-home friends have been waiting for. I do hope that you’ll vote and share with others.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.7em;">I thank you so much for your support in this. Words cannot express just how much it means.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58117143914812004592011-04-11T22:03:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.853-04:00I'm A Little Late<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div class="MsoNormal">I should have written last Wednesday April 6<sup>th</sup>, when I weighed in. I was rather excited that I had a loss. Which was 1.2., making my Weight Watchers total 4.8.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yeap, 4.8. A whopping 0.2 away from my first 5 pounds.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was bummed, but at the same time I was quite shocked I even had a loss. I have not been exercising and I am rather mad about it.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ie2mr73cz4/TaMQCKWjQbI/AAAAAAAAAYU/CZmyX8uiA9s/s1600/800px-us_walk_traffic_signal.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ie2mr73cz4/TaMQCKWjQbI/AAAAAAAAAYU/CZmyX8uiA9s/s1600/800px-us_walk_traffic_signal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ie2mr73cz4/TaMQCKWjQbI/AAAAAAAAAYU/CZmyX8uiA9s/s320/800px-us_walk_traffic_signal.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ie2mr73cz4/TaMQCKWjQbI/AAAAAAAAAYU/CZmyX8uiA9s/s320/800px-us_walk_traffic_signal.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There are not enough hours in my day.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When I did this the first time I used to think about people that said they did not have time to exercise, I always wondered how that was possible. Why not on your lunch hour? After work? Get up earlier in the morning? Go for a walk with your kids. You name it, I thought it.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Now, here it is my turn. Although I am not home taking care of kids, I do work from home. Work really is not the problem, I can easily find time to pop in a DVD or take a stroll on the treadmill. Right now school is my problem. It takes up so much time trying to keep up with it and get homework done that by the time I am done I have to start on work. I work until my eyes can’t take it anymore. Then, it’s off to bed. I can’t get up any earlier; it is bad enough I only get 4-5 hours of sleep a night. If I take time off during the day to exercise, there will be something that will not get done, or take me even longer to finish.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am having a hard time wrapping my head around this problem.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I know I need to MAKE time, I am just not seeing HOW.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">So, since Wednesday, I have tried very hard to stay within my Points, but even with planning and careful considerations with eating out and sticking to the Points goals, I still have some off days. I feel extremely bloated this week. I have a feeling this Wednesday will be the week I see a gain. It was bound to happen. I have not eaten all of my weekly extra points and I did get quite a bit of walking done yesterday, but will it be enough?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I need a plan of attack because this is really starting to piss me off.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The funny thing is, that is what we talked about in our meeting. There is a walk challenge starting to get you ready for a 5K in May. I know I can walk 3 miles without a problem. Last time I checked they did not have a group in my area.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is quite ironic that our meeting discussed setting activity goals.&nbsp; I guess I really need to figure this out!</div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79424059755027306992011-04-11T14:30:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.555-04:00#NSNation As We Wind Down 11 Weeks.... (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">As we finish up week 11, I am down another 1.2 pounds. That brings my net for Nutrisystem to a total of 8.8 pounds lost.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am actually quite proud of myself. Yes, I do wish my numbers were higher, but I did not put this weight on overnight, it is not going to come off in one night either. I just keep plugging along, moving forward.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">As the days go on, there are some things that are getting a little easier. I think I have breakfast down to a science now. Lunch comes rather easy. I still have a hard time with dinner when it comes to finding things that I can eat along with my family on the days we have dinner together. I have been trying some new recipes, and so far they have all been a hit.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have also been making it a point to try new things when we go out to eat, but sticking to plan. It really has been a good experience. There were a few things that I would not order again, but for the most part asking for things to be prepared a certain way, or immediately bringing a take home box with my meal has not made me feel weird.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I feel much more in control.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday we finally got a taste of spring. I spent hours walking around town, in and out of shops next to the river walk. It was a nice family day and just a lot of fun to get out and walk outside. I am tired of the snow and being stuck indoors.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">With the better weather means I can get outside and walk again. I know walking is going to rev up the weight loss process. My challenge is going to be finding some time in between all this homework to get it done.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Where there is a will, there is a way. Right?<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>today or call&nbsp;<a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19118594773784962172011-04-11T14:28:00.004-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.476-05:00The Final Summit by Andy Andrews<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.305.cover.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.305.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />The final summit is a story about a man, on a quest to help save humanity.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Are we in a time and place where humanity needs saving?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is to my understanding this book is the sequel to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Young-Travelers-Gift-Decisions-Determine/dp/140030427X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">The Traveler’s Gift</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=140030427X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It was also to my understanding that if one did not read the first book, this book would still make sense. And that it does. But it makes me wonder if the characters and theory behind the book could have a deeper meaning than what is provided here.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Have you ever seen the movie <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-Andy-Whitfield/dp/B00111YM5G?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Gabriel </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00111YM5G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />from 2007? This is a story of an archangel who is fighting to bring light back to purgatory. What about the movie Legion from 2010? In this movie God has lost faith in humankind and sends a legion of angels to bring on the Apocalypse. It is up to a bunch of strangers to save the world. Archangels Michael and Gabriel make an appearance.&nbsp;<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I shall assume most have heard of Dante’s Inferno. Toss in A Christmas Carol. Throw all of these together. That is how I felt with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Final-Summit-Quest-Principle-Humanity/dp/078523120X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">The Final Summit.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=078523120X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Within a first few pages of this novel I felt as if I had been through this before.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I can’t say I was confused because I understood just fine what was going on. It was not that I thought the story in itself was bad, because it was not. It just seemed so similar to so many other things. I just wanted it to be different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have read a lot of books in my life. While I do understand that having so many authors and books in the world things will seem similar at one point or another, but they should not be parallel.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The story gives us the character of David Ponder. Ponder is a successful man who worked his way through life giving, and asking nothing in return. When we meet David, he is alone, having lost his wife and in the middle of a life crisis. Ponder mysteriously appears in heaven on a mission to save mankind. The rest of the novel is his journey.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">During his journey we meet some famous historical people of the past. Winston Churchill and Joan of Arc just to name a few. Ponder learns from them, mostly their mistakes. There is but one question to be asked, and the answers just must surprise you.</div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from &nbsp;as part of their BookSneeze Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67673773128633244672011-04-11T09:46:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.557-04:00A.Hostable.Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyzC2UIDNnk/TZzePTFuV1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/kkD2vy40odQ/s1600/hostable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyzC2UIDNnk/TZzePTFuV1I/AAAAAAAAAYI/kkD2vy40odQ/s320/hostable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/continuing-behind-scenes.html">I mentioned a couple of free hosting sites yesterday</a>, most of which left me looking for more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was starting to wonder if there was something out there that was going to work for me without costing me an arm and a leg. It was getting to the point I started looking at very basic accounts that were $3 or so a month.</div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">That search led me to <a href="http://www.unlimitedtree.com/">Unlimited Tree</a>. I spent a couple of days reading through their forums and I was actually pretty impressed. The admins would help within a matter of minutes; the owner was around a few times a day. They had just relaunched the site a few weeks prior to me finding them. For a free service I was pretty impressed. It was all unlimited. I felt I had scored!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I eagerly signed up for a free account. &nbsp;Imagine the horror I felt when the moment I hit the submit button my account was automatically flagged as fraud with a nice pink banner and terminated. What? Why? I have never used the service before so it did not make much sense. I went back to the forums to ask why. The admin asked if I could please wait for the owner, he could take care of it.&nbsp; That was March 29<sup>th</sup>. It still has not been resolved. Today I posted again. We will see. I would suggest you read the forums, it might just be a place you are looking for.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I continued posting on my blog through Blogger, working on some blog challenges and sorting through some ideas I had for content. I needed a break.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While searching through a coupon website I saw the headline:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.3pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span>$0.99 for 3 years website hosting</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.3pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">What? Are they crazy? Where is THAT coupon? I spent the rest of the night reading through 17 pages of forum comments. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I scoured the internet for more information.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My quest for knowledge did not fail me this time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.hostable.com/">Hostable</a> is owned by <a href="http://www.brinkster.com/">Brinkster,</a> a hosting company that has been in business for 12 years.&nbsp; I found some mixed reviews, but nothing terrible. I sometimes wonder if most of these people that complain about all of these hosting companies are actually having user errors and not server errors. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Next came the reading of the TOS. Seems pretty standard of GoDaddy, so I imagine it must be the norm for paid companies. Hostable is rather new. They are offering free hosting for 3 years and charging a 99 cent set- up fee. They fully admit this is also to check your identity. &nbsp;When your 3 years is up, you will be billed 3 months at a time for $20.97 (6.99 a month). If you cancel your account before the 3 year period, you are breaking your contract and they reserve the right to charge you the $250 it would have cost you for use of their service. &nbsp;Hostable is giving away this free service with the hopes that you will like them enough to keep your account. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are no ads. It is 100% free and unlimited. It offers 1-click install for WordPress and cPanel. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m loving it. It’s been almost 3 weeks now and I have not had a single problem. One thing I have noticed it that the hosting servers are fast. When I tested all the other hosts with WordPress, it would take a few seconds to load the themes or plugins. Even GoDaddy. Not here. It zips. That is something I quite enjoy</div><div class="MsoNormal">.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The domain they gave me for my site is:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://7599.a.hostable.me/">http://7599.a.hostable.me/</a> for anyone that wants to check it out. It is a testing site for now, so excuse the construction mess. Once I get it built the way I want it (themes, plugins, overall look), then I will begin the process of moving my blogs over, along with my domain. &nbsp;It will be a while as I am really taking my time with it to make sure I do it right this time. &nbsp;(these thoughts are my own, I am not affiliated with these sites).</div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=40b5971f-a4fa-40aa-aaf9-174bb4f3c5f9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hiot280_rJY/TZzfXaeAj0I/AAAAAAAAAYM/OImblGFb4_w/s1600/Free-Hosting-with-No-Ads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hiot280_rJY/TZzfXaeAj0I/AAAAAAAAAYM/OImblGFb4_w/s320/Free-Hosting-with-No-Ads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52842817913366894182011-04-10T14:33:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.459-04:00Chocolate Dipped Macaroons<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/images/classic_coconut_macaroons_chocolate_dipped_recipe_photo.jpg" alt="" height="213" src="http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/images/classic_coconut_macaroons_chocolate_dipped_recipe_photo.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /><br />2 Points Plus per serving<br />10 minutes prep time<br />20 minutes cook time<br />Serves 32<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br />3 large egg whites<br />2/3c sugar<br />1 1/2tsp vanilla extract<br />2 1/2 cups packaged unsweetened, shredded coconut<br />3oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small bits<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br />Preheat oven to 350 F.<br />Line one or two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.<br />In a large bowl, whisk egg whites with sugar. Add vanilla and coconut; stir to combine.<br />Scoop up a level tbsp. of batter and form into a ball with your hands; repeat with remaining batter.<br />Place each ball about 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.<br />Bake until tops start to turn light tan, about 15-18 minutes.<br />Remove cookies and place on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes.<br />Place chocolate in a double boiler or heavy pot and melt over low heat.<br />Stir&nbsp;occasionally&nbsp;and do not allow to burn.<br />Keep chocolate warm and pliable as you dip tops of cookies into chocolate.<br />Place dipped cookies on a metal tray evenly spread apart so they don't touch.<br />Freeze until chocolate sets, about 20-30 minutes.<br /><br />1 cookie is 1 serving.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80025508359247298442011-04-09T12:24:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:00:40.670-04:00Continuing Behind the Scenes<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff261/vintage_body_spa/BEHINDTHECURTAINlogo.jpg" width="228" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Behind the scenes of &nbsp;Self Employed Writer I have been working on building a new website. This time, it is from scratch. I feel like I am building my own business from the ground up. I am taking my time, doing some testing, and seeing what works for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found a couple of free resources for self-hosting. My first thought was I would get what I paid for.&nbsp; When I searched, I found hundreds if not thousands. I tried to pick the ones that were getting the best reviews. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first one I tried was Byethost. I heard of <a href="http://byethost.com/">Byethost</a> through the <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/">WPLH forum</a>. A WordPress user had great experience with it and had used it for their clients’ websites. I actually signed up for the account last year, but never really did anything with it. Apparently the site had gone through some changes with people spamming the free accounts so they had shut down the hosting packages and revamped with paid packages. The free no longer had 1-click and they made it extremely hard to get WordPress. The FTP seemed to always be down.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I went to GoDaddy. Each of my domains has a free hosting package, but the space and bandwidth has a limit on it. Most of the informational sites I had read regarding website hosting stating that most people don’t even use what they are given with free accounts. Many claimed unlimited account, although easy, were pointless. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I downloaded and FTP program and tested GoDaddy. It was pretty easy since that is where my hosting was when I had moved this site the first time. However, nothing had changed. The website seemed to always be down, countless errors and it was extremely slow. Now I know why I stopped hosting there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To my surprise Byethost was actually allowing FTP. I finally got WordPress up over there and tested it for a while. I did not notice a large amount of downtime and it was rarely slow. It was pretty easy to forward to an old domain, using one that was about to expire. The site has been up for about a month now, but the domain is gone. I found Byethost to be pretty easy to navigate around once you got used to their system.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://instanetfree.0lx.net/">Instant Free</a> is another one I tested and it is exactly like Byethost, only with less space. Because of this I ended up deleting my WordPress blog off of there. It was fairly easy to set up, and perhaps would be useful for someone not needing bells and whistles.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, there was <a href="http://www.000webhost.com/">000WebHost</a>. There was nothing I liked about this place. The servers were down a lot, not much help was available, and it was difficult to navigate the site even though it looked like it was set up nicely. I deleted that account.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess for the most part, you get what you pay for.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Free= limitation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These are my own opinions, I am not affiliated with these companies.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=6a867b88-3d8d-4f47-8e6c-791bea0d26a9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26963270808011237082011-04-08T08:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:00:40.672-04:00The Plan of Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXDaMb2qc5k/TZzbm2iTzRI/AAAAAAAAAYE/O5UVbVhWnPY/s1600/reading-with-kids-girl-writes-learn-to-read.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXDaMb2qc5k/TZzbm2iTzRI/AAAAAAAAAYE/O5UVbVhWnPY/s320/reading-with-kids-girl-writes-learn-to-read.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/whats-going-on-behind-scenes.html">Yesterday I started talking about what’s going on behind the scenes here at Self Employed Writer.</a> Yes, it’s true I am still up to my eyeballs in textbooks and homework, but I have been getting a little better about organization. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every day for most of this year I have been testing various hosting companies. But not just any hosting companies, free ones. I spent time reading, comparing and signing up for them. I quickly found that most of them were not even worth signing up for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I refused to quit. I was bound and determined to find a hosting package that would work for me so that I could build the website I really wanted. What I felt I deserved to have. I wanted a website that would streamline the process (for me anyway) of blogging. I saw it as a way to drive all traffic to one area. In my eyes, this meant more hits, clicks, and comments. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is getting to hard to figure out where I want to place the things I write. Some of it is pretty obvious.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anything Irish related, Ireland Forever. The drawback on this one is, there are so many Irish websites with all of the same toasts, blessings, recipes and poems that Google will likely stick us with the duplicate content label. Which is fine, but it will not do anything for my page rank or traffic. But, if I link it with another website, a visitor might stick around and look at the other pages. Make sense?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once I get an idea in my head, I will go with it until I find the answers I am looking for.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I spent the last few weeks testing WordPress themes and customizing them to suite my needs. It has been a slow process and I am still working on it.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=d67cda8b-b1d1-4e80-a5f1-c4690d601494" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30861288604984712662011-04-07T05:22:00.014-04:002011-08-10T18:55:05.783-04:00What's Going On Behind the Scenes?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img height="293" src="http://www.cgu.edu/Images/writing%20center/openbook.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love writing. That is really all there is to life. I love the social and networking side of it too. On a path to make my websites better, I took a stroll into the world of self-hosting. Although I had weighed my options, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/free-blogger-and-wordpress-vs-self.html">Free Blogger &amp; WordPress vs. Self Hosting</a>, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/more-about-webs.html">Webs</a>, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/weebly-review.html">Weebly</a>, and Blogger I decided to move my five year old Blogger site to self hosted WordPress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The result was not pretty. I really had no idea what was going on, so it took quite a bit of time to figure it out. It was a learning process that now I am grateful for. I decided to try it for a month, using the same domain I had used for Blogger. I was not impressed. I switched back before my bill became due.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The accountant in me yelled “You can’t spend money if you aren’t making money!” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t regret it. Setting it all back up on Blogger was pretty easy since I did not take the old one down. Since then I have started a handful of other sites. All of which I was excited about. That excitement has passed. Now, it feels like a chore. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, but I wonder if it would do better if I had presented it in a different way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I came up with a plan and began to put it in to action.</div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=0100561c-d83e-4aa7-90b3-c3f1e56a9e23" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86743048381400851302011-04-06T22:01:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.855-04:00Irish Dance<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><img _mce_src="http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/uploads/articles/8393-choice_dance-irish_070809.jpg" alt="" height="312" src="http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/uploads/articles/8393-choice_dance-irish_070809.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="400" /></div></div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">Irish dance is unique and captivating because of the songs, the costumes, the wigs and the shoes. Today Irish dance schools are located all around the world, due&nbsp;</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">partly to the popularity of the acclaimed Riverdance shows.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I wish this was something I learned how to do.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69991168894107977552011-04-06T07:44:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.253-04:00Negative Impact of Poor Time Management<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://users.wfu.edu/faulcd7/g711.gif" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Poor time management at work is likely to have an impact of your public perception, as well as the public perception of your company as a whole.</b>&nbsp; This is due in part to organization.&nbsp; If you do not know how to properly manage your time, you are probably unorganized.&nbsp; Your office desk is a mess and you spend too much time looking for misplaced documents or other important files.&nbsp; When working from home, this can decrease your productivity.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Poor time management can also have an impact on your ability to receive a promotion or a pay raise at work.</b>&nbsp; Even if you have what you would call a decent job now, there is a good chance that you do aspire to climb up the career ladder or to make more money.&nbsp; Your chances of doing so are quite slim if you are known as the worker who likes to waste company time.&nbsp; Learning how to make good use of your time at work can prevent that from happening, possibly resulting in your receiving a promotion or a pay raise. If you are self-employed, this could affect your ability to gain new clients, or get higher paying projects.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Having a poor sense of time and use of time at work can also put your job at risk.</b>&nbsp; You need to think about it from the standpoint of a business owner.&nbsp; Why would you continue to pay an employee that performs poorly and who has a poor since of time management when there are many other workers out there who would love to have the same opportunity?&nbsp; Don’t let your inability to properly manage your time cost you your job.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Time management is important if you want to have a happy, healthy, successful, and profitable career.&nbsp; I urge you to take action right away before it is to late.&nbsp; Whether you temporarily lessen your job responsibilities, create daily task lists for yourself, learn to prioritize better, or seek time management training from a professional, you are encouraged to do so.&nbsp; Remember, that your work life can be at risk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15151284435200195072011-04-05T07:36:00.006-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.256-04:005 More Reasons to Have Good Time Management<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.jdsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/time-management-workflow.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Goal setting, to do lists, limiting tasking, prioritizing, and outsourcing are all effective ways to manage your time, but they are also just a few of your options.&nbsp; As for why you should learn and practice proper time management, there are a number of reasons why.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 – It Is Easy To Do<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">You have a number of different options when looking to make better use of your time.&nbsp; These options are all easy and cost effective ways.&nbsp; In fact, creating goals and task lists for yourself is free of charge.&nbsp; Since it is easy for you to learn and practice proper time management techniques, why wait?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 – It Is Important To Your Personal Life<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">A poor sense of time management has a number of serious consequences, one of those being your personal life.&nbsp; If you regularly pay your bills late, don’t make contact with friends, or arrive home later than normal, you may be hurting your personal relationships and often in more ways than you could have ever imagined.&nbsp; Friends, spouses, and romantic partners will likely not want to put up with this behavior for long.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3 – It Is Important For Your Job<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Poor time management will not only negatively affect your personal life, but your work life as well.&nbsp; If you do not know how to properly manage your time, you may get easily distracted.&nbsp; This may result in you wasting company time.&nbsp; If you are caught doing so repeatedly, you may find yourself terminated from your current position.&nbsp; This can also have a negative impact on your personal life, as it may leave your finances in serious trouble.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4 – It Is Something That You Can Only Benefit From<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Taking the time to learn and practice successful time management techniques can only benefit you, your work, and your personal relationships.&nbsp; Since no money technically needs to be spent on time management tools or training, you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5 – The Options That You Have<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Focus on the options that you have when looking to learn proper time management.&nbsp; Creating a set of goals and a task list is easy and free to do.&nbsp; Alarm clocks and timers can also be used to help you make better use of your time. &nbsp;You likely already own a traditional alarm, but your cell phone, computer, and television may also come equipped with alarm clocks as well.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35042250731110419482011-04-04T22:00:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.560-04:00Folks We Have a Winner (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img _mce_src="http://www.my-favorite-weight-loss-tips.com/images/scale3.jpg" alt="" height="267" src="http://www.my-favorite-weight-loss-tips.com/images/scale3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">I do not know what I did or how I did it, but I am DOWN 2.6 pounds. That is a good way to end week 10 of the&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>&nbsp;plan. That brings my total up to 7.6 for 10 weeks. I have certainly had my ups and downs in the beginning. I think I am finally starting to make a habit out of making better choices.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">*happy dance*</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">You guys have NO idea how excited I was for this.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have become extremely picky about what I eat and cook for my family. When we go out to eat, I have been looking at menus before I go so I can plan my meal in accordance with my plan, ahead of time.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We had one nice day after the snow had melted and I was able to go for a 30minute walk. It has snowed off and on since then.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I for one am certainly ready for it to stop snowing. I can’t wait for spring to get here. I am going to plant a garden and since Big M is working full time now I will be the one tending to it during the week. That will give me some nice exercise. Plus, I will be able to start walking with the dogs again. Sadly, they are on a diet too. LOL</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Another trick that I think worked well for me was not having so much variety. I tend to eat the same things during the week and when I was on my first month of Nutrisystem I picked 1-2 of everything I could to test it. The next month I added more to what I liked and then tested out a few things I had not done before. I realized having too much variety is not a good thing for me, so this month I picked a few things and stuck with those.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>today or call&nbsp;<a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4576729418006603562011-04-04T07:27:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.258-04:00Time Management Tools<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="278" src="http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00OBdQVpihZtrF/Promotion-Gift-Kitchen-Timer.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">When it comes to improving time management, many individuals are surprised with all of the options that they have.&nbsp; One of those options is using time management tools to your advantage.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal">.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An alarm clock is a simple,</b> yet effective time management tool that you can and should use.&nbsp; What is nice about alarm clocks is that most of us already have them in our homes.&nbsp; Be sure to set your alarm clock to get up in the morning.&nbsp; Consider resetting it five minutes before you must start work, set it for when you want to start preparing dinner, and so forth.&nbsp; Although we often associate alarm clocks with getting up in the morning, they can actually be used for so much more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A kitchen timer can work well for this, too!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A task list,</b> also commonly referred to as a “to do” list, is another time management tool that you can use to your advantage. Task lists are free and easy to do.&nbsp; All you need is a piece of a paper and pencil.&nbsp; Outlining everything that you must do for the day is a great way to make sure that you stay focused and on task, which is an important component of managing your time.&nbsp; If you must, keep separate lists for home and work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Daily, weekly, and monthly planners</b> are great time management tools.&nbsp; The type of planner that you will use will all depend on your own personal preferences.&nbsp; Many individuals prefer daily planners, as they often leave more space to write in.&nbsp; If you do use a daily, weekly, or monthly planner, be sure to keep it with you at all times.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Calendar alert programs</b> are other time management tools that come highly rated and recommended.&nbsp; Calendar alert programs are so much more than just a traditional wall calendar.&nbsp; These time management alert tools can be found on computers and cell phones.&nbsp; What you will need to do is enter in an important date and time.&nbsp; When that date and time arrives you should receive a pop-up message on your screen.&nbsp; Text message and emails may also be sent.&nbsp; These types of programs are often used to remember birthdays, but they can be used on a wide range of other events, projects, and activities.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Finally, another tool that you will want to consider using is that of a time management training seminar.</b>&nbsp; In addition to attending a physical class, you may be able to purchase a seminar in video format.&nbsp; Although some individuals do not consider receiving training a tool, it can be an important tool.&nbsp; Professionals are out there who can share time management tips with you, as well as help you improve your organizational skills.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11783421538582184682011-04-04T07:24:00.003-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.039-05:00My Spouse Signed My Name<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="income tax return, tax documents, organization" src="http://www.thedigeratilife.com/images/income-tax-return.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Today's Question:</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What happens if my spouse signed my name on the tax return? &nbsp;Am I liable for the taxes due?</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">My Answer:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No one wants to say the IRS is going to hold anyone responsible for forgery, but the truth is, the IRS does not know your spouse signed the tax papers. <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/taxes/filing-taxes/what-happens-if-my-spouse-signed-my-tax-return-for-me-58d5c5">Check out my web answer </a>for more information regarding spousal signatures.&nbsp;</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91827412842682676272011-04-03T12:01:00.002-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.040-05:00Minimum Amount to File<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="319" src="http://www.barrywins.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/fedearl-income-tax.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Today's Question:&nbsp;</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is the minimum you can earn before you need to file taxes?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">My Answer:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The minimum amount one can earn before they have to file taxes will vary depending on age, filing status, whether they are student or a dependent on someone else's return. <br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/taxes/filing-taxes/what-is-the-minimum-you-can-earn-before-you-need-to-file-taxes-93f10b">Need more information?&nbsp;</a></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2759579378186232612011-04-03T07:24:00.006-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.260-04:00Improve Your Time Management in 8 Simple Steps<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.srikumar.com/personality-development/Timemanagement.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hope you are finding the time management articles useful. Today we are going to focus on 8 steps that are simple and not time consuming. Some are repeats from<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/5-steps-to-better-time-management.html"> previous posts </a>but they are worth stating again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 – Know That You Have a Problem<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing that you have a time management problem is the first step in changing your behavior.&nbsp; Although it is typical to be late for work or a social event on occasion, it is something that should not be happening on a daily or a weekly basis.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 – Decide To Change<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing that you have a time management problem is important, but wanting to change is even more important.&nbsp; You need to set goals for yourself, as these goals can help to provide you with a source of motivation.&nbsp; Sample goals include showing up to work on time for a whole month, being on time for all dinner dates, and so forth. It helps to write it down!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3 – Stick to Your Goals<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Creating a number of time management goals for you to meet is advised, but it is important that you don’t give up right away or when you are faced with complications.&nbsp; Setting goals simply just isn’t enough; you need to stick with them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4 – Create Daily Task Lists<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Creating a “to do” &nbsp;list for yourself is an easy way to properly manage your time.&nbsp; Outline what you need to do throughout the day.&nbsp; Be sure to list your tasks in order of importance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5 – Rely On Time Management Tools<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Properly managing your time is important, but it can be hard for many individuals to get use to, especially right away.&nbsp; If you are one of those individuals, you will want to consider using time management tools to your advantage</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6 – Learn How to Say No<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are times where you may not be able to refuse a project at work or a task at home, but try to not take on more than you can accomplish.&nbsp; If you must, look into using outside help Never be afraid to ask for help!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7 – Get Organized<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Organization is key to properly manage your time. In the workplace it is too easy to waste time by searching for lost or misplaced documents.&nbsp; The same can be said for the home; if you are unorganized, you can spend hours searching for your glasses or car keys.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8 – Consider Hiring Professional Help<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are overwhelmed at home, you may want to call on a professional housecleaner.&nbsp; In addition to taking this approach, there are other professionals that you can target.&nbsp; There are individuals and companies who specialize in teaching others how to effectively manage their time and stay organized.&nbsp; A professional organizer might be just what you need to help you get started on better time management.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9641327518885693202011-04-02T07:16:00.006-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.262-04:00Personal Time Management Tips<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.srikumar.com/personality-development/Timemanagement.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/personal-time-management-its-importance.html">With yesterday’s Importance of Personal Time Management</a> comes today’s Personal Time Management Tips.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We know that time management can have a negative impact on your personal life. If this worries you, don’t let it. There is good news.&nbsp; There are ways that you can prevent your poor use of time from becoming too much of a problem.&nbsp; The biggest way to prevent this from happening involves learning how to make better use of your time.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">To help you get started, a number of personal time management tips are outlined below.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An easy way to learn how to make better use of your time involves creating and relying on to do lists</b>.&nbsp; If you have everyday tasks that have become a part of your routine, like getting your kids ready for school, you do not necessarily have to include these items on your list.&nbsp; Other non-daily tasks should be added.&nbsp; These tasks may include running an errand before starting work, attending a child’s sporting event, helping your child with an important school project, going on a date, and so forth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Personally I keep important due dates, appointments and reminders in a daily planner. As for my “to-do” list I use a simple piece of paper making a list of everything I need to get done that day. I cross things off as I do them and add things when something new comes up. At the end of my work day I get a new sheet and write down what I did not finish today at the top of the list. The next day goes just as the previous.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not a paper waster! I use the backside of copy paper that I have printed on the other side and no longer need. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Learning how to prioritize is extremely important when learning to properly manage your time.</b>&nbsp; It is important to remember that the day and its time are limited.&nbsp; If you have a family and a fulltime job, you may find it difficult or downright impossible to get everything done.&nbsp; If that is the case, be sure to prioritize.&nbsp; You can leave the lesser important tasks, such as dusting your house as opposed to doing laundry for later or the following day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The use of time management tools is another easy way that you can go about making better use of your time</b>.&nbsp; There are a number of tools that you can use to your advantage.&nbsp; A to do list was sited as an example above.&nbsp; Other tools that you may be able to benefit from the use of include alarm clock, Focus Booster’s and daily or weekly planners.&nbsp; Since most time management tools are affordable, already in your home, or free to create, you should use them to your advantage.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The top reason many end up wasting time is because they are easily distracted.</b>&nbsp; If you feel this is the main source of your time management problems, you will want to determine what your biggest distractions are.&nbsp; For example, do you spend too much time socializing? &nbsp;Social networking sites can be a “must have” marketing tool for your freelance business, but it can also suck us in and make us lose track of time. Set limits on your internet free time.<br /><br /><b>Other posts of interest:</b><br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/5-steps-to-better-time-management.html">5 Steps to Better Time Management</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/how-to-make-sure-you-actually-work-when.html">How to Make Sure You Actually Work When You Work from Home</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/misconceptions-of-organization.html">Misconceptions of Organization</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/organizing-your-time-when-you-work-from.html">Organizing Your Time When You Work from Home</a></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16839208846580046592011-04-02T07:11:00.002-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.042-05:00State Taxes: What if I Live in One State but Work in Another?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-illinois/GreetingsFromIllinois.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question:</span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 11px;"></span></div><h2 class="quesBody" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;">My husband works in Illinois and we live in Indiana. Paid Illinois taxes on his unemployment so we claimed that. Do we have to claim it in Indiana too? If so, the booklet says the following: $2400 of unemployment is not included on Federal return and must be added back. The add back for married couples filing jointly "may" be as much as $4800. Which amount do I use?</h2><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My Answer:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">You need to file a Non Resident state form for Illinois. Your state refund is determined by many factors. You will then file a resident state form for Indiana. There is usually a place on most tax forms that ask you if you received wages in another state. Of course it is here that you would say yes. Again, if you get a refund from Indiana, there would be many other factors involved. You are always required to pay state taxes unless you live in one of the 7 states that have no state income tax. Indiana and Illinois are not included in that seven.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">For more information on the state income tax: <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/taxes/1099-forms/do-you-have-to-pay-taxes-in-the-state-you-live-in-as-well-as-the-state-you-work-in-b1d8b8">click.</a></span><br /><br />Here is<a href="http://www.webanswers.com/legal/i-live-in-illinois-and-work-for-a-company-out-of-new-york-my-payroll-is-direct-deposit-does-my-have-426363"> another one</a> regarding a person who lives in Illinois, but works in New York. This situation is a little different in that the person has direct deposit and does not get a paycheck stub.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15554441467028841412011-04-01T07:04:00.002-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.044-05:00Somethings Missing on my Tax Form<img src="http://www.govst.edu/uploadedImages/OIS/ois_file_taxes_230x170.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question:</span></span><br /><b>Health Care Deductions</b><br />I have the 1099-A form to file taxes. What I found that the out<br />of pocket and the co-insurance I payed for the medical is not<br />totally on the form. I was at 100% , which the company<br />payed in full so that had to be over $1,500. and the <br />statement says $662.64 and as I said I met all I owed and <br />more. Why isn't that here? Where would I get this <br />information, I'm going to the tax preparer tomorrow. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">My Answer:</span><br />A 1099-A form is for the Acquisition or Abandonment of Secure Property. This form has nothing to do with medical. If you received a form 1099-G, that is for unemployment so no medical will be reported their either. If you received a 1099-MISC, this form is for independent contractors. If you are self-employed and consider yourself an independent contractor, meaning you get a 1099 and not a W-2, then what you pay in insurance as a self-employed persons is a legitimate tax expense and you would get that directly from the insurance company. They should supply you with a statement of account. <br /><br /><br />Check out my <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/taxes/1099-forms/health-care-deductions-68f8e5">web answer for more information regarding the health care deductions.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18122548806758642372011-04-01T07:02:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.265-04:00Personal Time Management & It's Importance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.srikumar.com/personality-development/Timemanagement.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last Friday we discussed a few simple steps (<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/5-steps-to-better-time-management.html">5 to be exact</a>) to get you started implementing a better time management plan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How did you do?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. I would like to know if any of you got started on the process of trying to make better use of your time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So let’s get started on today’s topic which is a continuation of &nbsp;Personal Time Management.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Are you an individual who knows how to make good use of your time?&nbsp; </b>If not, you may want to learn some ways to make improvements.&nbsp; Time management can have a negative impact on your personal life, not just your work life.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you do not know how to manage your time, there is a good chance that you will be stressed out. &nbsp;Trust me on this one, I’ve been there and I am slowly trying to better manage my own time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When you are stressed, you may also feel a wide range of other emotions, including anger, frustration, and fear. &nbsp;However, if you know how to properly manage time you are more likely to live a happy, healthy, productive, and stress free life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Who doesn’t want that?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although we often associate poor time management with missed deadlines and showing up late to appointments, it is important to remember that the same can be said with your social life.&nbsp; Do you have friends?&nbsp; How much do you stay in contact with them?&nbsp; How often do you get together for coffee or lunch?&nbsp; If you do, do you show up for your meetings with friends late or do you forget to make regular contact with them?&nbsp; If you do, you may end up putting your friendships at risk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">That is an example of bad time management having a negative impact on your personal life.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In addition to having a negative impact on your friendships, poor time management may also have an impact on your relationship.&nbsp; To have a healthy and happy relationship, time management is important. You need to know how much time you should devote to your spouse, as opposed to spending it working, watching television, or hanging out with friends.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are a parent, having poor time management may also impact the relationship that you have with your children.&nbsp; When you are a parent, you have responsibilities to your children.&nbsp; The most common of these responsibilities is to feed and clothe your children.&nbsp; Depending on their ages, you may also be reasonable for getting them ready and sent off to school or daycare.&nbsp; If you do not have proper sense of time or if you do just choose not to use your time wisely, you can end up hurting your children, by making them late to school or other important events.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Poor use of your time also sets bad examples for your children.&nbsp; Whether your children are teenagers, toddlers, or elementary school aged, they will likely make note of your behaviors.&nbsp; If you want your children to get good grades at school and later get good jobs, it is important that you teach them all about time management and its importance.&nbsp; Children do what they see. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Poor sense of time management can also hurt your credit.&nbsp; Those who have poor time management often have poor credit.&nbsp; Generally, those who are unable to properly manage their time often pay their bills late.&nbsp; With credit cards, this can result in expensive late payment fees added to the minimum payments that just cannot be paid.&nbsp; By knowing when all of your bills are due, you are likely to have better credit, but time management is important.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can see, there are a number of ways that poor time management can negatively impact your personal life.&nbsp; For that reason, take steps to make sure it doesn’t impact yours.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What is the one thing you are going to do today for better time management in the future?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65858769226477482362011-03-31T21:54:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.858-04:00Weight Loss Success<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://ccsmallbusiness.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/goal1.jpg" alt="" height="250" src="http://ccsmallbusiness.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/goal1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Wednesday night I made a quick post after my meeting about how I finally dropped a decent amount of weight for a week.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was late coming in to the meeting, which is an express meeting so you can miss a lot in the first 5 minutes.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We talked about&nbsp;<strong>Top 10 Rules of Weight Loss Success</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><br /></strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">1. Plan your meals.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I try to plan ahead, but I don’t always know what I want to eat.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">2. Eat your power foods.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I love fruits and vegi’s so this is never really a problem with me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">3. Exercise.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I am finding it hard to find time for this in my life right now. It is a battle. I fail.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">4. Weekly point allowance.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>So far I have pretty much eaten all of them.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">5. Find a friend.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I go with my soon to be mother-in-law and thank goodness because my fiancé is NO help at all.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">6. Measure &amp; weight food.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Most of the time I don’t. I am pretty good at portion control when I am cooking. Things I don’t&nbsp;<span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>know I will measure.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">7. Track what you eat.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Since I am using eTools on my iPhone this is not really a problem.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">8. Weigh in weekly.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>That is what the meetings are for. I need that to help me be accountable.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">9. Have a goal.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I am using June 2011 as my first goal. That is the day I finally get to see U2 in concert. My second&nbsp;<span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>goal is September 10, 2011, my wedding day.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">10. Envision your success.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span><a _mce_href="http://4everww.blogspot.com/2011/03/end-with-bang.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/end-with-bang.html">Remember my 3rd post?</a>&nbsp;Those photos say it all.</div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68236096357194352972011-03-31T21:52:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.860-04:00What the H$LL????<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.girlscoutscamarillo.org/Forms_Fliers/Cookies2008/Thin_Mint_box_photo_op_480x600.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.girlscoutscamarillo.org/Forms_Fliers/Cookies2008/Thin_Mint_box_photo_op_480x600.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>I just have to get this off my chest.<br /><br />I guess it is that time of year again. You know, all the little girls in their uniforms trying to sell as many boxes as they can in order to win prizes? Oh, I know. I have been there, done that.<br /><br />For those of us who are trying to watch our girlish figures, Girl Scout cookies can be a nightmare.<br /><br />So, imagine my look of disgust when my soon to be mother-in-law sends home with her son, not one, but FOUR boxes of Thin Mints!<br /><br />Doesn't she know those are my favorite? I mean, she DOES know I am doing Weight Watchers.<br /><br />As she hands them over she states "Well, M, you can take them to work that way they are out of the house and she doesn't have to look at them."<br /><br />Fine.<br /><br />Thank you. Crisis averted.<br /><br />The only problem is, he left one box behind. They are in my freezer. Oh how I love them right out of the freezer. He has four sitting on his desk right next to me.<br /><br />Ack! They are looking at me again.<br /><br />Off to the kitchen I go to grab a Nutrisystem Thin Mint Crip bar. I got over to the Weight Watchers eTools and plug the numbers in. One bar is 4 Points Plus. Ok, I can handle that. I decided to look up Thin Mints for sh!ts and giggles. 4 cookies is 4 Points Plus. REALLY?!?!?!?!?<br /><br />So, I debated, and as much as I want those real Thin Mints I will walk away happy knowing I am not stuffed with all that sugar.<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42854042953540880142011-03-31T21:52:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.862-04:00Drum Roll Please….<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div class="MsoNormal">Tonight was my 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;weigh in since starting. I lost 2.6 pounds bringing my Weight Watchers total to 3.6! That’s not too bad for 2 weeks on program. I honestly did not think I was going to lose anything. I only worked out one day, even though it was for an hour.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am so stressed and run down. I sleep about 4 hours a night. I do homework, study, do daily points, and work all day. By the time I stop for the night it is anywhere between 9pm and 11pm. Depending on what time I stop depends on what time I end up falling asleep. Doesn’t matter since I know I am not going to get more than a few hours anyway.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I need a break.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately this is how life is going to be until mid-June when I graduate with my BA in General Studies, Majors in Accounting and Business.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">During my meeting I calculated my 5% and 10% goal:</strong></div><br /><ul><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>Start weight 228.6</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>5% 217.17</li><li><span _mce_style="font-family: Symbol;" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span _mce_style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';" style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;</span></span>10% 205.74</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I might get there.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69152139254491661682011-03-31T05:15:00.011-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.562-04:00I'm famous...or infamous?!?<img src="http://www.mclibrary.duke.edu/training/mobiledevices/apple/iphone.jpg" /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Writing for<a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/author/chrystalmahan/"> iPhone App Café</a> has been a great deal of fun for me.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The other day I sent in a review to my editor for the <a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/zodiachus-the-zodiac-at-your-fingertips/">Zodiachus</a> app. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although I liked the app, my biggest complaint was the video advertising that pops up and does not allow you much of an option to disregard it. I prefer app owners ask me if I want to view an ad, or use the banner ads when trying to break into the free app market. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In a matter of days my editor sent me an email with the subject: <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">You're famous...or infamous?!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Added to that was a forward from the application developers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">They were very respectful of my review, which I thought was very professional of them. They explained that they understood how annoying that ad could be but it was how they made their money. I get it. They also discussed how they had some solutions and would I be willing to provide feedback for them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Well of course I would.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">I let my editor and application developers know.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Personally, I think it is pretty cool that I might actually have a say-so in the development of a better app.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">I have to say, these last couple of weeks have been very interesting in my blogging world.</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64346105836423876572011-03-30T21:50:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.461-04:00Black Bean SalsaBlack Bean Salsa<br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.drexlermusic.com/photos/images/20070721_3511w.jpg" alt="" height="240" src="http://www.drexlermusic.com/photos/images/20070721_3511w.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></div>Recipe makes 6 cups. 1 cup is 3 Points Plus.<br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />15oz black beans, drained and rinsed<br />1 1/2c frozen corn or 15oz can<br />1c finely chopped red pepper<br />1c finely chopped green pepper<br />1/2c chopped red onion<br />1tbsp minced fresh parsley<br /><strong>Dressing:</strong><br />1tsp ground cumin<br />1tsp chili powder<br />1/2tsp salt<br />1/4tsp garlic powder<br />1/8tsp pepper<br />1/2c fat free sour cream<br />1/4c fat free mayo<br />2tbsp red wine vinegar<br />You can give the recipe more punch by adding more Zero Points Plus vegetables like peppers, onions, mushrooms and even tomatoes.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35925639387923441872011-03-30T05:54:00.009-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.267-04:00Add a Little Favi to your Blog<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://webtecker.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/favicon-3d-dots.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh Blogger, look how to taunt me with your bright and bold B icon in my tab. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It does nothing for my website other than scream “HELLO WORLD! I am on Blogger!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was testing this blog out on self hosted WordPress I went through the process of finding a favicon that would go well with my site. I ended up with a little blue book. If I remember correctly, adding it was pretty simple because WP had a plugin to pretty much do it for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Blogger is not so easy. At least that is what I thought. I read the directions. I tried to find a favicon I liked for each of my blogs. I finally just gave up and decided to leave the orange B alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago I received an email from another blog owner who had freely offered to make my favicon for me after landing on my Tax Queen site. It was if he knew my frustration. We exchanged a few emails and he created a customized favicon for this site, the tax site and the Ireland site. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He asked nothing in return. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Instead of that, (doing nothing) I am now following his blog, left a comment and decided to give him a plug here. I am all about letting others know that there are still nice people in this world willing to help out others.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you need a customized favicon, either for here on Blogger or WordPress, go say hello to Dion on his website <a href="http://www.designontime.net/">DesignOnTime</a> <span class="apple-style-span">&nbsp;Or <a href="http://www.faviconfixer.blogspot.com/">Favicon Fixer</a>&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47934564255360308862011-03-29T05:10:00.015-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.269-04:00A Little Blog Lesson Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img height="200" src="http://www.wallpapersbuzz.com/image/462/b_one-minute-to-twelve.jpg" width="320" />Saturday I <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/thank-you-goes-long-way.html">mentioned how a thank you can go a long way </a>in this world. I know some people will just shrug off a small thank you. Maybe they hear so many that it is no big deal, maybe they just don’t care.</div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, I care. I actually took the time to thank this person who had taken the time out of their busy day to contact me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 7.5pt;">In that brief encounter, <a href="http://sivers.org/">I found a great blog</a>. This person also emailed me a tip that I want to share with all of you.<span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">&nbsp;</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 7.5pt;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Keep it under 2 minutes.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, that’s it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reading time should be no more than 2 minutes. 1 minute is ideal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Derek Sivers has a<a href="http://sivers.org/1idea"> great post on the 1 minute idea</a> where it explains the process in great detail.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If your post is longer, make it in to separate posts. This will bring your readers back to read more and give you more posts.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is something I am going to start practicing. I know I have made lengthy posts in the past. I had a lot to say. But I also know there are times when I come across other blogs and they get rather long and I begin to lose interest. There are also times where I see they are long and end up scanning for key points. So if I do it, there are likely others that do it as well. I am also going to look into a blog theme that will take away from so much scrolling. More of a boxed magazine style. I think this will help clean it up a bit, make it a little more streamlined and tidy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lesson learned.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65066175776894254672011-03-28T21:48:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.564-04:00#NSNation - Down this Journey (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am still a work in progress and I think it is going to take me some time to undo all of the bad habits I have accumulated. &nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>has been a great learning tolo. Even though I had some ups and downs with it these last couple of months, it really has been a learning journey for me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was doing some thinking last week and I thought to myself - &nbsp;“self, what was I doing last time that worked?”, “What am I doing now?” and why or why not is that working??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>It was a real eye opener.</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><br /></strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When I was on a weight loss journey some year ago, I had easily dropped 50 plus pounds. There were many factors that were different then. I exercised regularly. By the end of my journey, I was running up to 7 miles a day. I did not have a full time job at that point. I did when I first started. I was cooking only for myself.&nbsp; I was pretty much vegetarian. Not vegan, I still ate eggs, fish, and chicken, although I was slowly working myself away from it all and eating mostly Boca, Morning Star, and tofu products. I felt better, inside and out.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am not doing any of that now. This go round, I have a family to take care of. Although Big M does cook sometimes, I still do most of it. I never learned how to make “meals” for a family. I never really learned how to cook with flavor. Then, I was plain and simple. Now, I like flavorful foods. This is my journey now. I work full time, school full time and have many more responsibilities. Exercising is limited. &nbsp;Food has to be budgeted.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The only family style meals I know how to cook are the ones my mother has made for so many years. Despite being budget friendly and yummy, they are not the most healthy for me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I made a vow this week that I was going to start teaching myself to stay away from these large meals I learned how to cook through my mother during my life because they are cheap. I am going to make less meat and more vegetables. My family needs to eat healthier, too. I am going to spend some time looking through my healthier cookbooks to find recipes that are cost effective and good for us all.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">That is the journey I need to be on now.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I might be losing slowly, but I am having plenty of non scale victories to make up for it.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">BTW – I am down a pound this week!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div _mce_style="margin: 0px;" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>today or call&nbsp;<a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43117290602205577862011-03-27T21:47:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.463-04:00Creamy Lemon Pie<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://cdn.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/foodandrecipes/2004/12/creamylemonpie_lg.jpg" alt="" src="http://cdn.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/foodandrecipes/2004/12/creamylemonpie_lg.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 Points Plus per serving</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15 minutes prep time</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15 minutes cook time</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10 servings</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">6 whole reduced-fat cinnamon graham crackers</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">2 Tbsp butter</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">11 oz fat-free sweetened condensed milk</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">2 large egg(s)</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">1/2 cup fresh lemon juice</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">1 Tbsp lemon zest</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13px;" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br /><ol _mce_style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px;" class="decimal" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li _mce_style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350ºF.</span></li><li _mce_style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grind graham crackers in a food processor until fine, or place crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Place crumbs in a small bowl.</span></li><li _mce_style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Melt butter on stove top or in microwave and pour over graham cracker crumbs, mixing with a fork until completely moistened. Press crumbs evenly onto bottom of a 9-inch pie pan; place crust in refrigerator while preparing lemon filling.</span></li><li _mce_style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place condensed milk and eggs into a bowl and mix until smooth. Add lemon juice and zest and stir until incorporated. Pour milk mixture into prepared crust.</span></li><li _mce_style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bake pie for 15 minutes. Cool completely, and freeze for up to two weeks before serving. For best flavor, serve chilled.</span></li></ol><div><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Note: This pie can be baked and frozen for up to two weeks. Defrost and serve chilled.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57093879786774289322011-03-27T06:27:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.864-04:00Rants in my Pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Literature" src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/CParish/literature.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Just like last time, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/with-internet-friends-comes-internet.html">With Internet Friends Comes Internet Jerks,</a> I let the words of others get to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Although this new situation was not geared towards me, I did feel the need to stand up for someone else. Not that she needed help. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh I am so fed up with some people these days. It is bad enough that I have to stand up and tell people that just because I&nbsp;write content for other websites that they have dubbed “content mills” I apparently am not a real writer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just because I do not have a degree in English, I have no grasp of grammar or literary terms so therefore I could not possible be a real writer. For the record, I am graduating this June with a double major in Accounting and Business. Shortly after I AM returning to school to work on an English degree, then my MBA. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been printed in a magazine. I have been printed on magazine websites. I do have private clients.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But yet I am still not a real writer?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What is a real writer anyway?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I don’t have a novel publish in hardback or paperback format, I can’t be real.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whatever.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>3/24/2011</b> – This was a post I made on Thursday in reply to a post that made the announcement about a girl who wrote eBooks got picked up for a 7 figure publishing deal. I believe there was a mention of a movie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>People got excited. We had talked about this girl a few weeks ago when it was discovered how much money she was making promoting her self published works. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, not bring on the drama. Apparently the fact that this girl got signed ruffled some feathers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is my reply to that:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Did you know that Stephanie Meyers, the writer of Twilight actually was sued for plagiarism because her series closely resembled another popular book series? I'm just saying. It happens. There are so many published pieces out there that something always sounds like something else.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/04/twilight-author-accused-of-biting-vampire-story/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/04/twilig...vampire-story/</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2009/12/twilight-eclipse-author-stephenie-meyer-plagiarism-suit-thrown-out.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethe...hrown-out.html</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/stephenie-meyer-sued-for-plagiarism/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/20...or-plagiarism/</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">And wasn't it just a few weeks ago we were all praising this same girl as in the OP message who self published and was making a pretty large some of money? And people here thought that was great?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/amanda-hocking-2011-2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">http://www.businessinsider.com/amanda-hocking-2011-2</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285233" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">http://www.workplacelikehome.com/for...d.php?t=285233</span></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">There are published books that are crap. Whether they went to an editor or not.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Your definition of crap and mine could be different just like everyone else in the world.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I agree there is no excuse for grammar errors. Sadly, if your story is good people will still buy and read. There are a lot of people out there who would not even know a grammar mistake if it slapped them upside the head.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Who are we to decide what works for someone?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I would self-publish in a heartbeat if that meant I could get my book out there because I honestly don't have the time to go through the process of finding an agent, editor, and publishing company.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I can guarantee you my book would not be crap.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Stereotypes suck and we should not be using them.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Everyone here has something to say when someone pops off about how people who write for content mills are not real writers. But many of us say we are. Its all about paying the bills. So how is this stereotype about self-publishing, whether in print or ebook form, any different than that?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">OfficeC has written ebooks and we KNOW she is not a crappy writer.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">So you found some that were crappy or you just did not like them. I get it. We have all found a few of those. But that does not mean ALL self-published print or ebook are terrible.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Instead of ranting about the bad we need to be standing up for ourselves and making it good.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I am tired of writers claiming this way or that way is the only path to being a real writer.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">What is a real writer anyway???</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Am I not a real writer because I have never published a novel?</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Am I a real writer then because I have been published in a magazine?</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Is someone not a real writer because they only write for "content mills"?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">WHO CARES?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Am I any less of a writer because my degree is NOT in English?</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I think not.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I think I am just as much of a writer as anyone else that writes for a living.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">If anyone can make money off their writing, who am I to judge how am they did it. More power to them and good luck to all.</span><br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[endif]--></span></i><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>3/25/2011</b> – On Friday I felt the need to write some more in reply to all the other dream squashing that was going on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Writing is NOT about perfect grammar anymore. Hello?!?!? Anyone hear of Twilight? Have you read the book? Or the entire series? I have. Quite frankly I think her writing stinks. People like it. Not because of the grammar and the overall structure of the book, but because she tapped into an audience that was hungry for that sort of material. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">As for eBooks, in case you have not noticed we are in the digital age. What people want, people will get. The good, the bad, and the super ugly.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">People say Stephen King is a crap writer. While I think the man is brilliant, I also think he has a couple of books that are crap. His fans wanted him, they got him and no one cared what he spit out.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">As for Danielle Steele, personally I think her style of writing is shit. And do you know why that is? Because she is not a genre that I enjoy reading. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Everyone has an opinion. We like what we like and we hate what we think disgusts us.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Again I will say, to each their own. If you are happy, making money, got a roof over your head and food in your belly, you are one step ahead of millions of people in America. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Everyone wants different things in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Good for you for stepping out of the box. Good for you for taking a chance on your own future. Good for you for doing what works for YOU!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">People have a chip on their shoulder everywhere you go. There will always be someone who thinks their way is the only way. There will always be that person who isn't where they want to be in life so they make everyone else miserable. There will always be one person in your life who tries to tell you whatever you are doing is not good enough or that you can't do it. It is up to you to rise above it and go for it. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">What works for one may not work for another. Do your research, take your time and find your path. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">I think another problem we have here is a wide generation gap. There are the old school who wish the eBook world never existed. They want to stay in their cozy libraries with the overstuffed chair, smelling the leather spines, flipping through brittle pages. And while that is nice and all fine and dandy, the reality is that is not how life is anymore. The new generation wants technology, they want digital, they want to save trees and stop wasting paper. While I know printed books won’t be non-existent, more and more companies are switching to digital format. These last 2 semesters in school, I have had all the textbook companies try to sell me everything in eBook format.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">eBooks are here to stay. Love them or hate them they are want is popular now. I see nothing wrong with marketing yourself and capitalizing on that. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">If someone is a crap writer, don't read them. It really is that simple. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Whether you self publish a printed book or eBook, that is your choice. If you hire an editor to help you, again your choice. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">You do what you have to do to make it work for YOU. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">I am with a lot of others here; I also plan to do both. Right now I am taking 9 classes this semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I don’t have time to sit and research editors or publishing companies. I just don’t. I do have an editor looking over something that I happen to think will work well for eBook readers. Will I use a pen name? No. And why is that? Well, because if I am not proud to put my name on something I should not have written it in the first place!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">I do have a pen name, and there is only one genre I use it for and the reason I use is it not for the reason most people think.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Stop passing judgment. Let others be. Stop preaching because at the end of the day you are going to do what you want and they are going to do what they want, regardless of what kind of stuff anyone throws at them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Want my answer?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If you write and you get paid for it, you are a writer. Bottom line. Does not matter what you write or who you write it for. You are a writer. Tell yourself that and stop letting others say it for you. If you want to find an editor, an agent and a publishing company, more power to you. If you want to self publish and you are comfortable with it or think you are that good, than go for it. Don’t let others decide for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19869975603774532732011-03-26T06:00:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.866-04:00A Thank You Goes a Long Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fairytale" src="http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm357/random_rina/notaprincess.png" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This does not happen to me often, so when it does I always feel the need to share it with my readers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The other day I was on the <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/IrishChik/">StumbleOn</a>&nbsp;website. After I had added my own website link I decided to do some “stumbling” to see what came up. I ran across this blog post entitled “<a href="http://sivers.org/drama">Kurt Vonnegut Explains Drama</a>” &nbsp;by Derek Sivers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I read through the post, written in September of 2009. I was very intrigued by it. Normally my A.D.D. starts to kick in and I give up on posts that are rather lengthy. But this was captured my attention and forced me to keep reading.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Once I was done, I went back to read some more. I scanned through some of the comments. Some were brilliant, some….well, not so much. I debated on whether I should leave one or not. I was amazed that a post this old was still getting new comments. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">For some reason I get shy when commenting on random blogs. I like to try to introduce myself at some point, but I did not see an opportunity to do that here. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I left my comment and hit “stumble” and moved on to the next one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Let me remind you, I have no idea who this person is. I did not take the time to roam around the site. I read an interesting post; I left a comment and moved on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So imagine my surprise when there was a nice email waiting for me from a Mr. Derek Sivers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Hi Chrystal -</span></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for visiting my site &amp; commenting on</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://sivers.org/drama" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">http://sivers.org/drama</span></a></span></span></i></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I really appreciate it. Glad you liked it.</span></i></span></div></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I saw</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">selfemployedwriter.com</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">so I know the stuff on your (GREAT) site already. &nbsp;:-)</span></i></span></div></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you tell me anything more about you, where you're at, and what you're working on? &nbsp;Where in Michigan are you?</span></i></span></div></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">The more I know, the more likely I can hook you up with someone that can help, or vice-versa.</span></i></span></div></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks again!</span></i></span></div></span> </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span">--Derek Sivers<span style="color: #888888;"> &nbsp;<a href="mailto:derek@sivers.org"><span style="color: #3333cc;">derek@sivers.org</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #888888;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #888888;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #888888;"><a href="http://sivers.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3333cc;">http://sivers.org</span></a></span></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></div><o:p></o:p></i><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Well that certainly got my attention. When I first read the email I seriously went, who? What comment? I had left a few this week. I did not recognize the website since it was through StumbleUpon I noticed it. So I went back to check out the website to refresh my memory. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It is all coming back to me now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">So who is Mr. Derek Rivers?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I’ll tell you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">His Bio<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Derek Sivers is best known as the founder of CD Baby. A professional musician (and circus clown) since 1987, Derek started CD Baby by accident in 1998 when he was selling his own CD on his website, and friends asked if he could sell theirs, too. CD Baby was the largest seller of independent music on the web, with over $100M in sales for over 150,000 musician clients. After he won the 2003 World Technology Award, Esquire Magazine's annual “Best and Brightest“ cover story said, “Derek Sivers is changing the way music is bought and sold... one of the last music-business folk heroes.” In 2008, Derek sold CD Baby to focus on his new ventures to benefit musicians, including his new company MuckWork where teams of efficient assistants help musicians do their “uncreative dirty work”. His current projects and writings are all at sivers.org.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The list of places he has lived is pretty extensive and for those that love a good book review, you should <a href="http://sivers.org/book">check out his</a>.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Why am I making a fuss?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Because he IS somebody in this world. He is a blogger who has 600 plus comments on a post. I was #660 on the one I shared here. &nbsp;Hello!!!! SIX HUNDRED and SIXTY. I am lucky to get six these days. Years ago I could easily get a 100 if my topic was good. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I was humbled by this email and I was greatly honored. It is nice when someone takes time out of their day to say hello and thank you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And yes, I did take the time to send an email back.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44417360508783012912011-03-25T21:46:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.422-04:00Irish Heritage<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/images/ireland-map.gif" alt="" height="640" src="http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/images/ireland-map.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="480" /><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">According to American Fact Finder, in 2006, 34.5 million United States residents claimed Irish ancestry. This number is almost NINE times the population of Ireland.</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wonder what that&nbsp;statistic&nbsp;is now. I hopped on over to the Fact Finder website and could not figure out how to search for this information.</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you know, feel free to post in the comments!</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91609486532035132812011-03-25T06:37:00.015-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.272-04:005 Steps to Better Time Management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.srikumar.com/personality-development/Timemanagement.jpg" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Are you an individual who finds it difficult to properly manage your time?&nbsp; If you are, you may want to look into making some changes. Not having good time management may have a negative impact on all areas of your life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are a number of steps that you will need to take.&nbsp; These steps should have you making better use of your time by taking just a few minutes of your day to implement these techniques.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">1. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Set goals for yourself.</b>&nbsp; Setting goals is the most important thing that you can do. &nbsp;Make goals such as getting your home office or work desk organized in two to three days.&nbsp; Another goal that you can set is the goal of starting work a little earlier to make extra time for something small.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Know that there is only a certain amount per day.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp; This is important when setting goals for yourself.&nbsp; You do not want to overextend yourself in life.&nbsp; Instead, create realistic goals that you will be able to meet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Know when to say no.</b> A good part of knowing that there is only a limited amount of time in the day is to know when to say “no.”&nbsp; Although you may not always have the pleasure of telling someone no in the workplace, you should have more flexibility at home.&nbsp; If you can’t take on extra assignments at work, don’t.&nbsp; If you can’t find the time to complete another task at home, like dust or vacuum, don’t. Seek help from your partner, your children, or hire a professional housekeeper.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Create a “to do” list.</b>&nbsp; Depending on how out of sync you are with your time, a daily to do list may be required.&nbsp; In time, you may be able to change to a weekly or even monthly list.&nbsp; It is important to know the importance of prioritizing.&nbsp; Determine which tasks are the most important by checking due dates. That is the best start to putting things in order.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. Eliminate or limit your distractions.</b>&nbsp; If you find yourself wasting a considerable amount of time, what is it that distracts you or gets you off task?&nbsp; Is it the internet, socializing with friends, or the television?&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If the above mentioned approaches still aren’t able to help you manage your time, you may want to consider hiring the services of a professional. Did you also know that there are experts who can show you how to better manage and make use of your time? Did you know that there are those who can help you get your home or office better organized?&nbsp; Yes, they do really exist.&nbsp; Enlisting in the professional help, knowledge, and expertise of these individuals can never be a bad thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Here are some of my other posts that might be of interest:</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/organizing-your-time-when-you-work-from.html">Organizing Your Time When You Work From Home</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/how-to-stop-procrastination-easy-three.html">Overcome Procrastination in 3 Easy Steps</a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/3-easy-tips-to-help-you-manage-your-to.html">3 Steps to Help You Manage Your "To-Do" List</a></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71186899110360851192011-03-24T21:42:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.869-04:00End with a Bang<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TOEs1MS5NLg/TYtu3P_2IrI/AAAAAAAAAX4/SHoQKzNifTo/s1600/77072_500400275914_569555914_7613925_4724113_n.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TOEs1MS5NLg/TYtu3P_2IrI/AAAAAAAAAX4/SHoQKzNifTo/s1600/77072_500400275914_569555914_7613925_4724113_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TOEs1MS5NLg/TYtu3P_2IrI/AAAAAAAAAX4/SHoQKzNifTo/s320/77072_500400275914_569555914_7613925_4724113_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TOEs1MS5NLg/TYtu3P_2IrI/AAAAAAAAAX4/SHoQKzNifTo/s320/77072_500400275914_569555914_7613925_4724113_n.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><em>This is me on Halloween 2010. It is the "newest" full body photo I have. I am about 230-240 in this pic.</em><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I always start off good, but somewhere during the day I go off course. I have learned over the years there are just certain things I cannot and should not keep in the house. Being on <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation_14.html">Nutrisystem </a>these last two months has reminded me of that. I just should not keep chocolate or snacks things in the house unless they are low calorie treats.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">With the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem</a> program they give you a daily dessert as part of your package. Having a sweet treat every day is not good for me. It only makes me want more. I need to detox those flavors out of my mouth.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/fat-girl-confesses.html">My confession:</a> Just now, I took some of the leftover Beer Dip (cream cheese, ranch dip mix, cheddar cheese, 55 cal beer) and warmed it up (1/2c) to have with some pretzels. I don’t know why. I just wanted it. Now, I have to sit here and try to figure out the Points Plus.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">GRRRRRRR</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know why I do this to myself. Last night was my first weigh in after starting; I was down a measly one pound. ONE pound! Are you kidding me? I ate right, I used NS and WW. I planned, I counted, I followed. I even exercised and all I get is one damn pound. If that is not frustrating I don’t know what is.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">On a good note, I am making better choices, aside from that dip I just ate. Last week’s meeting we talked about not depriving yourself. If you want something, eat it, track it, and count it. I am one of those people if I don’t have what I am craving, I will end up snacking all day with the hopes of losing my craving. So then I end up eating more than if I would have just eaten what I wanted in the first place!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Earlier this week Big M and I went to a Japanese Buffet. Those places are hard for me; I tend to zero in on those wonderful fried goodies. I was so proud of myself this time. I stayed away. I ate a salad before I left, and then ate a small one when I got there. I filled another plate with the fresh fruit they offered. I had a couple pieces of my favorite sushi, some shrimp cocktail, and even a cup of egg drop soup. I sat there with my iPhone, using the Weight Watchers app, counting my points as I went.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Score! Non-Scale Victory! I was so proud of me, and so was M. That felt good. I don’t have to eat that stuff to be happy.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Last night’s meeting we discussed things that work for you in weight loss and things that don’t.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I was really inspired by that. My leader asked us to visualize ourselves when we were at a “normal” weight. I visualized myself when I reached goal weight the first time I was on Weight Watchers. She then had us think about how we got there, or what we were doing in our life that kept us at that weight. Compare it to what we are doing now. Look at the differences.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This was a no-brainer for me.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wYn1geSUO3g/TYtvdAmtuII/AAAAAAAAAX8/UTh34MIFDOY/s1600/171175_10150135072615915_569555914_8365982_2867554_o.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wYn1geSUO3g/TYtvdAmtuII/AAAAAAAAAX8/UTh34MIFDOY/s1600/171175_10150135072615915_569555914_8365982_2867554_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wYn1geSUO3g/TYtvdAmtuII/AAAAAAAAAX8/UTh34MIFDOY/s320/171175_10150135072615915_569555914_8365982_2867554_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wYn1geSUO3g/TYtvdAmtuII/AAAAAAAAAX8/UTh34MIFDOY/s320/171175_10150135072615915_569555914_8365982_2867554_o.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em>This is me mid-way through my 1st WW journey. I believe I was about 180-190 here.</em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When I first started Weight Watchers I was only preparing meals for myself. When I had moved in with my then husband, I had started running along with a mostly vegetarian diet. Eggs were once in a while. Mostly stuck to scrambled tofu. I replaced all pigs and cows with Boca and Morning Star products. My consumption of fruits and vegetables has not changed much. I love them, I eat them. I stuck to portions then and hardly ever ate out. That is not happening here.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Having to remember all of that really made me stop and think about my life right now. I am cooking for more than just myself. I need to make healthier recipes that are suitable for me and stop stressing about making separate meals. M is even on board with replaces some of our meat grocery budget with fresh produce.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am slowly filtering out the bad food and ugly portions.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Slow and steady wins the race.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HQCRXeEsgN8/TYtvuX4tSpI/AAAAAAAAAYA/AC1QgjsR6-I/s1600/171474_10150135072500915_569555914_8365978_6465327_o.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HQCRXeEsgN8/TYtvuX4tSpI/AAAAAAAAAYA/AC1QgjsR6-I/s1600/171474_10150135072500915_569555914_8365978_6465327_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HQCRXeEsgN8/TYtvuX4tSpI/AAAAAAAAAYA/AC1QgjsR6-I/s320/171474_10150135072500915_569555914_8365978_6465327_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="213" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HQCRXeEsgN8/TYtvuX4tSpI/AAAAAAAAAYA/AC1QgjsR6-I/s320/171474_10150135072500915_569555914_8365978_6465327_o.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em>This is me when I reached goal. This is about 155-159 here.</em></div><div><em><br /></em></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64826789599599952922011-03-24T21:35:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.424-04:00To Ireland in the Coming Times<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x115/msics83/Dunluce20Castle20County20Antrim20Ir.jpg" alt="" height="300" src="http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x115/msics83/Dunluce20Castle20County20Antrim20Ir.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="400" /></div><blockquote><blockquote><strong><em><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;">by: William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)</span></em></strong>&nbsp;</blockquote></blockquote><ul><li><ul><dl><dt><img _mce_src="http://www.poetry-archive.com/k_pic.gif" align="BOTTOM" alt="" border="0" height="24" src="http://www.poetry-archive.com/k_pic.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="28" />NOW, that I would accounted be</dt><dt>True brother of a company</dt><dt>That sang, to sweeten Ireland's wrong,</dt><dt>Ballad and story, rann and song;</dt><dt>Nor be I any less of them,</dt><dt>Because the red-rose-bordered hem</dt><dt>Of her, whose history began</dt><dt>Before God made the angelic clan,</dt><dt>Trails all about the written page.</dt><dt>When Time began to rant and rage</dt><dt>The measure of her flying feet</dt><dt>Made Ireland's heart begin to beat;</dt><dt>And Time bade all his candles flare</dt><dt>To light a measure here and there;</dt><dt>And may the thoughts of Ireland brood</dt><dt>Upon a measured quietude.</dt><dt></dt><dt>Nor may I less be counted one</dt><dt>With Davis, Mangan, Ferguson,</dt><dt>Because, to him who ponders well,</dt><dt>My rhymes more than their rhyming tell</dt><dt>Of things discovered in the deep,</dt><dt>Where only body's laid asleep.</dt><dt>For the elemental creatures go</dt><dt>About my table to and fro,</dt><dt>That hurry from unmeasured mind</dt><dt>To rant and rage in flood and wind;</dt><dt>Yet he who treads in measured ways</dt><dt>May surely barter gaze for gaze.</dt><dt>Man ever journeys on with them</dt><dt>After the red-rose-bordered hem.</dt><dt>Ah, faeries, dancing under the moon,</dt><dt>A Druid land, a Druid tune!</dt><dt></dt><dt>While still I may, I write for you</dt><dt>The love I lived, the dream I knew.</dt><dt>From our birthday, until we die,</dt><dt>Is but the winking of an eye;</dt><dt>And we, our singing and our love,</dt><dt>What measurer Time has lit above,</dt><dt>And all benighted things that go</dt><dt>About my table to and fro,</dt><dt>Are passing on to where may be,</dt><dt>In truth's consuming ecstasy,</dt><dt>No place for love and dream at all;</dt><dt>For God goes by with white footfall.</dt><dt>I cast my heart into my rhymes,</dt><dt>That you, in the dim coming times,</dt><dt>May know how my heart went with them</dt><dt>After the red-rose-bordered hem.</dt></dl></ul></li></ul></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6374928927460099062011-03-24T11:24:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:18:30.891-04:00Freelancers: Get Paid!Getting paid can be tough for freelancers. I know, I've been there. Every week &nbsp;Angela Hoy of Writers Weekly puts out an email newsletter in which she has a section devoted to non paying gigs called <a href="http://www.writersweekly.com/whispers_and_warnings.php">Whispers and Warnings.&nbsp;</a><br /><br />I stay clear of anyone on that list. Sometimes we have no way of knowing IF someone is going to end up on that list until it is too late.<br /><br />Getting paid can be tough. It can be easier when invoices are used. There are several programs and tools available for freelances to keep track of payments and invoices. But the easiest way to get an invoice out the door is to use a web based program such as <a href="http://billable.me/">Billable</a>. There is nothing to install, just fill it out and print.<br /><br />In my quest to find helpful resources to get better organized and maybe figure out the<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/ive-been-thinking.html"> direction of my websites</a>, I ran across Billable the other day when using <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/IrishChik/">StumbleUpon</a>. I made sure to bookmark it.<br /><br /><b><i>What are some websites and programs that you use in your business?</i></b>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92056770760647386512011-03-23T14:05:00.002-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.046-05:0010 Strange But True Federal Tax Deductions<a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/General-Tax-Tips/10-Strange-But-Legitimate-Federal-Tax-Deductions/INF14190.html"><img alt="10 Strange But Legitimate Federal Tax Deductions" src="http://images.turbotax.intuit.com/iqcms/marketing/lib/images/infographics/10-strange-but-legitimate-federal-tax-deductions.png" width="657" /></a><br /><a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/">Efile Online</a> with TurboTax<br /><br />Back to TopChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59192924607011360692011-03-23T12:32:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.567-04:00iPhone App Cafe: Top 5 Free Yoga Apps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top 5 Free Yoga Apps For iPhone" src="http://iphoneappcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/YOGA-Free-200-Poses-Yoga-Classes1.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">In case you missed it, I am a writer over at the<a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/author/chrystalmahan/"> iPhoneAppCafe</a> website, which I LOVE! What is more fun that writing about fun little apps that you can test out on the phone you love?!?!<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/my-1st-published-piece-with.html"> I really enjoy this writing gig.</a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">My latest article was just published.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/top-5-free-yoga-apps-for-iphone/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Top 5 Free Yoga Apps</span></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43576423133595186892011-03-23T12:26:00.003-04:002011-08-10T18:57:50.796-04:00I've Been Thinking<div class="MsoNormal">Thinking.........</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been thinking a lot the last few days about the direction I want my websites to go in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I have:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Self Employed Writer.</b> When I first started this blog 5 years ago it was about life. My life. Over the last year or so it has become a place for me to share my life as a writer, hence the name. I have been trying to post content that I think would help other writers while still using my website for book and product reviews. <br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel overwhelmed and seem to be having a hard time with keeping up with all of my projects. I have thought about dropping the domains back in the bucket (not renewing) cut my losses and just combine everything back in to one. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is possible I have lost my patience. I am spending so much time making new and the old websites work that my other writing is not getting taken care of. I am no longer sure what direction to take things in. I love blogging. I would love it even more if I could earn more residual off of it. As it is, with AdSense alone I average about $5 a month. My affiliates go up and down and the other advertising is a few cents here and there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been spending a lot of time on ProBlogger and trying to figure out a way to make things work for me. For some reason, I must have missed the bus because it’s just not working out for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Tax Queen.</b> I was so excited to start this site. I thought for sure it was going to be a perfect place for me to dump all those questions that people ask, especially those who work from home. It started off OK, but I have fizzled the last couple of weeks and I can’t seem to keep the topics moving. I wonder if I should just have a tax section on Self Employed Writer, combining the two sites. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan.</a></b> This is just a landing page. It is a domain of my name that I don’t quite want to give up yet. Pretty much has a listing of all the places I write and where to find me on the internet. Pretty simple, nothing to it. It’s there if I need it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Ireland Forever.</b> This one is actually a lot of fun. It does not fit in with any of the others, so it should be kept separate. I am just not sure what to do with it, except what I am doing. I don’t know how to monetize it better. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>These Words, My Life.</b> When I purchased this domain it was with the idea that when I was done with school I was going to work on my self-help/bio writing. As many of you have read in past posts, I have to deal with many mental illnesses as a result of things that happened to me as a child. I wanted a place where I could share what I call “the darkness in my head” with others that were interested in reading it. I had another website, Poetry in Motion, that I separated my poetry off SEW and placed it there. I decided that was a bad move and put it all back on SEW and shut down the poetry site. Some of it is rather dark, and I had placed a few of them on These Words, My Life along with a few posts where I talk about things I am not comfortable with talking about on SEW. I have not done much to promote this site. I try, but I just can’t keep up with it all. I feel like I need this one though so I am not sure what direction I should be going in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/">Erotic Confessions</a>. </b>When I first started blogging, everything on SEW and this site were all on one blog. A few years ago I thought it best to separate them out. I have a pen name for this site. I had planned on trying to build a reader base back up when I put my stories back on the site. I cannot figure out how I want to monetize it. Not sure whether I should have stories for sale, or just have ads. Or do both. This will likely sit on the side lines until I have more time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fat Girl Confessions.</b> I have not purchased a domain for this one. It is brand new and I have not launched it yet. I am still unsure about the name. Since SEW has the Nutrisystem reviews, I thought there should be a place where I actually talked about the parts of my weight loss journey that you don’t see. It will also be a place to talk about the program I will be on once my Nutrisystem blogging program is done. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, as you can see, I have my hands full. I need to work on a system to better manage my time. I need help. I make a list of all the things I need to do that day, but nothing really seems to get checked off. School does keep me pretty busy, and in about 2 weeks it is going to get worse. I want time for that, my websites, writing a few Hubs and write for upfront money or title. I am just not sure how to get it all done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think my next “series” of posts will be about organization and time management. I think I would benefit from that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I would like to know what you guys think. Do you have any ideas on how to manage my sites better? Should I combine? Change formats? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How about a schedule? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am open to all opinions and advice that you are willing to share. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27607745955166694692011-03-23T11:34:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.466-04:00Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Capers<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=047061451X&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><img _mce_src="http://aka.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/foodandrecipes/2009/08/auteedChickenThighsLemonCapers_n_lg.jpg" alt="Image of chicken with lemon and capers" src="http://aka.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/foodandrecipes/2009/08/auteedChickenThighsLemonCapers_n_lg.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />5 Points Plus per serving<br />10 minutes prep time<br />20 minutes cook time<br />4 servings<br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />1 spray(s) cooking spray<br />1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour<br />1/4 tsp black pepper<br />1 1/4 pound(s) skinless chicken thigh(s), about 8 thighs<br />1 cup(s) canned chicken broth<br />2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice<br />1 1/2 Tbsp capers<br />3 cup(s) uncooked string beans, steamed or roasted<br /><table _mce_style="color: #505050; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #505050; cursor: default; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><tbody><tr><td _mce_style="color: #505050; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #505050; cursor: text; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px; vertical-align: top;"></td><td _mce_style="color: #505050; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #505050; cursor: text; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px; vertical-align: top;" width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table><strong>Directions:</strong><br />Coat a 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray; set over medium-high heat.<br />In a small bowl, combine flour with pepper; sprinkle over chicken. Brown chicken in a single layer in prepared skillet until golden on bottom, about 6 minutes; flip and brown on second side, about 4 minutes more. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside. (If necessary, brown chicken in two batches.)<br />Pour broth into skillet and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Return chicken to skillet, cover and reduce heat to low; simmer until heated through, about 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and capers; heat for 30 seconds. Yields 2 chicken thighs, 3/4 cup string beans and about 1 1/2 tablespoons sauce per serving.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34677664007167757962011-03-22T21:37:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.570-04:00Fat Girl Confesses<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The great weight debate has been all in my head. Filling my head more and more every</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">day until I finally just crashed. Yes, I can admit I am overweight. Yes, I can&nbsp;admit I have lost it twice. Yes, I can admit I fell off the wagon and gained it&nbsp;all back, and then some.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I have been here before....<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/07/great-weight-debate_03.html">The Weight Debate</a></span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>No, I refuse to admit I am lazy. I don't understand why the world thinks that everyone who is a little overweight or extremely obese is lazy. That is not always the case.</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">With shows like "Heavy" , "Dance Your Ass Off", and "The Biggest Loser" it is no wonder people are stopping at nothing to be thin. The world is telling us we are fat. These T.V. shows are showing us it is possible to lose weight, IF we can stop our lives, take off to a facility, and do nothing but eat and exercise.</span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333;" style="color: #333333;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 22px;" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 22px;">Sorry. But that is not the real world. Not all of us can afford to take off work for 6 months. Not all of us are lucky enough to be on national&nbsp;television&nbsp;documenting our fat loss. We don't have personal trainers or personal chefs. Our economy has declined. People are poor. Healthier food options cost double the amount of its regular calorie counterparts. And they wonder why America is fat.</span></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">M depression is strong, but I refuse to let it tie me to the bed again. So I push&nbsp;myself, daily. I force myself out of bed, telling myself "the dogs need me, Big M needs me, little m needs me" and&nbsp;forward I go. I keep my nose stuck in my textbooks, online classes to finish my&nbsp;degree, or my writing career. I try to stay focused and not think about what is in the fridge. What am I going to eat today. But sadly, I have to. When I did&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36168&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36168&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">Wonderslim&nbsp;</a>(which I loved &amp; only stopped because I was given the Nutrisystem opportunity) I would start my morning planning out the first half of the day. With Nutrisystem I just opened the cabinet and go "well that looks good, I will eat that" since the meals are color coded for Breakfast, Lunch, Dessert and Dinner. It does make it a little easier, but there still is a bit of planning with the snack and other food options. Since I am also doing Weight Watchers for the sake of the meetings, I am counting the Nutrisystem Points Plus Values as I go along. That way, when the Nutrisystem Bloggers program is over for me, I am already on my way with <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/">Weight Watchers</a>.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">So you see, I keep busy because I HAVE to, not because I want to. Oh, how I would love to&nbsp;lounge around in bed all day. I do have a laptop; I could if I wanted to. But&nbsp;then I do not feel very productive. In the past I pushed myself because bills needed to be paid. Big M was unemployed and his unemployment income only covered so much. it was up to me to make up the difference as well as pay for my own bills and the other things the household would need, all while trying to finish school. It is a little different now that Big M has a great job. I don't have to work as much right now since I am taking 9 classes in school. I still have to make money. Bills still have to be paid.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/depression-sucks-oh-and-welcome-to-my.html">Being depressive</a> I find it hard to live with, take care of, and love myself. IfI cannot do this, then who is going to do it for me? I have to learn. I am getting married this year and it is hard to think about my self doubt and insecurities.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I have never hid my emotions and for the last six years my life has been an&nbsp;open book to many. I have nothing to hide. I am embarrassed, but at the&nbsp;same time I know it's not my fault.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Yes, NutriSystem worked once. Yes, Weight Watchers worked for a long time. &nbsp;Calorie counting works, this works- that works. The problem is not me following&nbsp;any program. I can follow a program. The problem is I have an addiction. My&nbsp;addiction, my drug of choice is not alcohol (despite being Irish lol). My drug&nbsp;is food. Food was my best friend growing up.&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book.html">Most of you know my troubles as a&nbsp;child, the things that happened to me.&nbsp;</a>So there is no need for me to repeat it. That is another time, another post.&nbsp;But those bad things affected my outlook on food. I ate for all of the wrong&nbsp;reasons.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I can remember so many times the abuse would happen, after I would run to the&nbsp;kitchen, hoping to find something to save me. I always did. I ate to feed my&nbsp;emotions. Subconsciously, I ate to keep people away. At least that is what my&nbsp;therapist told me many years later.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I can also remember being 7 or 8 and making HUGE (talking salad bowl size) bowls&nbsp;of macaroni and cheese. I would stand there with that huge bowl and spoon and&nbsp;eat it all. I would take huge spoons of peanut butter and mix it in a bowl with&nbsp;gobs of jelly, and just eat it. Bread never even crossed my mind.I have always&nbsp;been bigger than everyone else. That is nothing new. By high school my mother&nbsp;had enough, and we welcomed NutriSystem. It worked. I got skinny, and I got a&nbsp;life. Then came college, the parties, the boys, and the best friends a girl</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">could ever have (I love you guys and miss you so much). I was at a pretty&nbsp;comfortable stage in my life. I was having so much fun living in the present; I&nbsp;had no time to think about the past.</span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, I still struggled with my weight and self esteem. And that&nbsp;followed me right into marriage, which eventually landed me in a psychiatrist's&nbsp;office. I learned a lot in the years that followed. I went on Weight Watchers, I&nbsp;went to weekly meetings, I walked the dogs, I ran, and I was active. Life was&nbsp;ok. Did I mention I was also medicated? Or, perhaps did I ever mention I became&nbsp;so obsessed with staying thin, I went the opposite direction and instead of just&nbsp;overeating and dealing, I overate/binged and since I could not get myself to</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">throw up, I became addicted to laxatives? I was on Weight Watchers when this happened.</span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Once I went off the medication, things fell apart. My marriage, my life, my&nbsp;eating. I gained weight, I stopped running, and I realized I have a food&nbsp;addiction.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">In 2005 I attended online Overeaters Anonymous meetings. I really began to see&nbsp;all the underlying problems. With depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders,post traumatic stress and an eating disorder it's no wonder why I always turn to&nbsp;food for comfort.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This not something TOPS, Weight Watchers, Calorie Counting, or any other program is going to help me with. This is something I have to find&nbsp;help for elsewhere. The time is now. It is time for me to go running with my tail between my legs back to therapy. Only, it scares me. I have lived here for 3 years and I have no insurance, or a doctor. I do not look forward to digging up my past again.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>But, I have to. My life depends on it.</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hello, my name is Chrystal, and I am addicted to food. I overeat/binge. I seek&nbsp;comfort in food, it is my drug. It has been my drug for as long as I can&nbsp;remember, and my earliest memories are around the age of 6 or 7. I have an</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">addiction. Dieting is not the problem, food is.</span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>I have to work on me. I am worth it.</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Laxatives are not kept in my house for this reason. Alcohol is not kept in my&nbsp;house because it only provides me with more ammo to eat.&nbsp;This is an addiction I cannot hide anymore. My body, my health, my self-esteem,</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">my life, and my relationships depend on it.</span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>So, why am I telling you this?</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Because most of you have watched me struggle for so long that now I feel some&nbsp;sense of relief knowing therapy might just be the answer I have been looking for. Problem is, I do not know what I will be able to go. I just know I need to.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I am also telling you this so you can understand some of the things that go on&nbsp;in my brain.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>I need you to watch me; I need you to help me.</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My mental health is a mess. Medications are in order, Dr. visits are needed. Until that time I am going to continue forward with the Nutrisystem program for a couple more months when my contract is over. I will also continue to go to Weight Watchers meetings for the support and mind training that I need to get my food portions in order. I also need to learn how to cook healthy meals for my family. In the past, it was only me I cooked for.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><strong _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></strong><br /><div _mce_style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;" style="display: inline !important; text-align: left;"><strong _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: normal;"><strong _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Life, it is a battle. Mine, is a battlefield.</strong></span></strong></div></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If I could just have everyone's support rather than pity, it would mean a great&nbsp;deal. I just wish I could get those around me to understand that.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">That is why I am here, to seek out the friendship and support of others like me. I hope to join with other weight loss bloggers, no matter what program they follow.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Journaling is part of recovery. I will be writing much more. Here, blog, video&nbsp;diary, things like that.</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I have a lot going on around me, but until I can accept and love myself, how can&nbsp;I expect anyone else to love and accept me?</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Tomorrow is my meeting with Weight Watchers. I have completed week 1. I am hoping for a loss, no matter how small. I do not want to feel like I have failed myself.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;">I have dusted off my old Weight Watcher materials. I have so many cookbooks and recipe cards that I collected when I was on the program before. I know I have to recalculate points for the new Points Plus, but I don't think that will be too big of a deal. I think there are a lot of recipes in there that Big M and lil m will enjoy.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Putting my best foot forward, and taking this one day at a time.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse;" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Slow and steady wins the race, right?</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30870324591531852722011-03-22T21:35:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.427-04:00The Blarney Stone<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Blarney_Castle_01.jpg" alt="" height="240" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Blarney_Castle_01.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The Blarney Stone is a block of bluestone that's built into Blarney Castle near Cork, Ireland. Legend says that kissing the stone will give someone the gift of eloquence or flattery. It's a popular tourist attraction.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><img _mce_src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E5oqfxxiOcc/TOxtTXFib7I/AAAAAAAAAAc/XTI-L6NVECY/s320/blarney+stone.jpg" alt="" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E5oqfxxiOcc/TOxtTXFib7I/AAAAAAAAAAc/XTI-L6NVECY/s320/blarney+stone.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">My grandmother kissed the Blarney. I always thought kissing the Blarney gave you luck and assumed that was why she was always so lucky! I am not interested in kissing the Blarney, something about having millions of lips on the same portion of a rock just does not interest me.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22439993431459950682011-03-22T11:20:00.003-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.048-05:00Mortgage Interest<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a forum for people who work from home which I frequent. Work Place Like Home has a writers section where I hang out with my “co-workers”. There is also another section for tax related questions. It was there I found today’s question and thought I would share it with all of you. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today’s Question:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286805">By LilyG on WPLH</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">I've got a question. When we did our taxes Jakson Hewitt I took our mortgage interest and they told us they weren't doing it. I asked like just JH or everyone? They said oh everyone.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></i></span><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I've been meaning to call the IRS and ask them about this, but thought I'd ask some of all as well.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Thanks.</span></span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span></span></i></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Answer:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">If your mortgage interest and other deductions that go on a Schedule A are not over the standard deduction amount then no tax place will do it. There is no point. The point of itemization is to go over the standard deduction. You can’t use both. It sucks that JH did not bother to explain that to you. I don't think they are a very good tax company.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">When I was in college and started my tax training with HR Block, they made me take classes outside of the standard HR Block. It was a franchise and not a corporation like so many are used to going to. I think the franchise I worked for made all the difference because he was also a CPA and it was all in one building. Anyway, in the few years I trained with him I had so MANY people come to us to fix their taxes after JH messed them up.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;I was shocked at some of the mistakes that were being made. Over the years I have learned that there are tax people doing taxes that should not be. Then there are those who took one class and think they are an expert. Then, there are those who get into it for the wrong reason and just want to make a quick buck and not care about their clients. Those give the others, the ones who do care and go out of their way for their clients, a bad name.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I am sorry for your experience with JH. I wish they could be banned from the business world. Funny thing, the owners of JH used to be involved with HR Block. I want to say they were upper management in the financial offices in KS, where headquarters is. I guess they thought they could make more money when the reality is they churn out tax payers that don’t take care of their clients the right way, or give them the proper training, and every year their sales go down. But yet they don’t understand why and blame it on the economy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span">Personally, anyone who has a bad tax experience should report the office and preparer to the IRS.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88248421296057023192011-03-22T10:41:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.276-04:00Weebly Review<div class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago I wrote about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/more-about-webs.html">Webs</a> &nbsp;in my search to find other alternatives for those who are entering in to the blogging and website world. There are a few who just are not interested in Blogger or WordPress for various reasons. This made me curious and while on my own journey I wondered if there were other alternatives.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I<b> heard about Weebly some time ago.</b> I did not give it much thought since I was already parked in the bloggers world. In the future I have some other projects I would like to be able to work on so I wanted to see what Weebly had to offer. I set up a test site, <a href="http://cmahan.weebly.com/">Chrystal Mahan</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">to play around with and see what I could come up with. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><b>When you log in it takes you to a “control panel” or “dashboard” type screen</b>. From there you can pick the site you want to edit. When you get to the edit screen, you are greeted by a “what you see is what you get” type of interface. You can design you blog and see your changes take place. I always enjoy this type of design so I can see what I am doing. I am one of those who are always afraid of messing stuff up. With the free plan the themes are limited, but you can tweak them up a bit so you don’t end up looking like everyone else.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Weebly is adsense compatible</b>. What I liked most about Weebly was that I was able to build a “home page” and on that page is a tab to take you to my blog.&nbsp; I think this is a great feature for writers who are looking to build a portfolio and more of a personal blog. &nbsp;In the “settings” section there is a complete section just for SEO. There is also an ecommerce section and you can set PayPal up right on your site. Google checkout is the other option. This would be a great for those writers who sell ebooks. There are upgradeable packages which offer more options, including getting rid of ads. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All in all I think Weebly is a great site for someone who is looking for something free and easy to break away from the Blogger and free WordPress platform. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other items you can add: (they call them elements. Sort of like WordPress Widgets <o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">YouTube<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Photo Gallery<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Slide Show<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">An Audio Player<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Video<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Embedded Documents<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Flash<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Google Maps<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Games<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Forums ( I love this feature!)<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Custom HTML<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">RSS Feed<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Survey/Polls<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">RSVP forms<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Contact forms<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Online Bookings<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The more I play around with it I see that they might give Webs a run for their money. Even though Webs has a lot of options too, I think Weebly’s easier set up and design are going to make it more fun and appealing for users. &nbsp;Personally, I feel it has more of a professional look to it than a blog. It would look even better with a forwarding domain. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87887892692534801402011-03-22T10:41:00.003-04:002011-06-28T21:18:23.615-04:00How to Make Sure You Actually Work When You Work from Home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Ahh the glamour. Hanging around in your pajamas all day while you sit comfortable at your desk eating snickers and cheese-its while chatting with&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook0w0" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;">your</span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook0w1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;">&nbsp;</span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook0w2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;">friends</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">in IM.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"></span><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1448657" title="View my Article at Helium.com"><img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" /> </a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44396764683130940242011-03-21T21:34:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.575-04:00I Want to Write<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">I want to write about my excitement. But, I can't. At least not publically, at least not right now. &nbsp;I checked my contract that I signed, it says nothing. However, I was verbally told the other day after mentioning Jenny Craig and Carrie Fischers weight loss that I was not allowed to "promote" other weight loss programs. Well, I was not promoting, I was talking about Carrie Fischer. I think we should be allowed to compare programs. That is pretty much what experience and marketing is all about.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 20px;">I am in the middle of a program with <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation_14.html">Nutrisystem</a> as part of their blogging network.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">Nutrisystem just is not working for me. I have a family to cook for now. I need something that is going to teach me to cook for a family, not just myself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">Weight loss was easy on Nutrisytem the first time. I was a teenager. I only had to worry about myself. In my college years and beyond, it was still just me. When I did Weight Watchers 9 years ago, making lifetime 7 years ago, it was just me. My ex husband was a health nut and often worked 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;or 3<sup>rd</sup>&nbsp;shift so eating right was never a problem.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">Now, in my mid 30s life is completely different. I have a fiancé to cook dinner for and on the weekends, his daughter. Nutrisystem does not give me the flexibility I need to teach myself how to cook for them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">So, last week, March 16, 2011 I made the decision to finally go back to Weight Watchers. I am not going alone, D, my soon to be step mother-in-law is going with me.&nbsp; This is my last ditch effort to get my weight down.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">I don’t like being in this body. I don’t like the way I look or feel. I am tired of struggling and I wish I would have gone back a long time ago.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">I need to stop eating &amp; cooking things that are not healthy. I need to be taught how to do things differently this time. I need to exercise more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">I am <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/im-getting-married.html">getting married in September</a>, and this is not the body I want to get married in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">Now you can see why I had to keep these post out of the radar.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;">I am struggling. I am frustrated. I am fat. These are my confessions.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1298993699253161092011-03-21T21:27:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.577-04:00#NSNation End of Week 8 (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YDcu6107-KQ/TVaQk-NONJI/AAAAAAAAARU/fra47CSrZ4o/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It’s the end of week 8 and this week I am down a whopping 0.4! I know, I should be excited, a loss is a loss but I was hoping for a little bit more. So total weight loss for 2 months is a mere 4 pounds.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I had some medical tests ran last year. Everything came back perfect. I think the doctor was a little shocked that nothing came back abnormal. It is a huge myth that all overweight people are lazy and unhealthy. I did have some problems with my liver something or another being high due to taking too much aspirin. I took a lot for my back pain, but have since switched to non-aspirin. &nbsp;He also did mention my thyroid was a little off but not enough to be concerned about.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I am concerned. I have been trying to lose weight for months now. Even before I started&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>.&nbsp; The thing is, I really don’t go off plan even when I am not eating a Nutrisystem meal. I still count my calories on my My Fitness Pal account so it is always there for me to go back to when I am done with the Nutrisystem bloggers program. I stay pretty close to my calories and when I do go over, it’s not by much and that does not happen often.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have been using the guidelines I found on the Nutrisystem website in the forums.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Breakfast:</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">1 Dairy, 1 Protein, 1 Fruit and 1 Carb.&nbsp; Breakfast has not been a problem. It is the easiest meal for me. I stick to it with no problems. I have found a handful of items I like and have been easy for me to put together. With my next month’s shipment, these are the things I picked. I am finding it too hard for me with so many choices. I tend to be one of those people that eat the same thing every morning whether it be oatmeal or cereal.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Lunch:</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">1 Fat, 2 Proteins, 2 Vegi, 1 Carb. Lunch usually is not a problem. I work from home and there is no outside influence. The only problem I have found myself having is looking at all the choices and not being able to decide what I want. I took care of this problem in the lunches as well. I selected a lot of bars because I find them easiest to prepare. I am really busy with school and work that there are many days when I eat while I am studying or working.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Snack:</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">1 Dairy or Protein, 1 Fruit. There are days when I mix this snack up. Part of it in the AM, part later in the day. I have had some days where I miss it completely, so I add the items in with my next meal.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Dinner:</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">2 Fat, 3 Protein, 1 Vegi or Fruit, 1 Carb, and 2 Vegi. Dinner is where I really have the most trouble. I am the dinner maker. It has been extremely difficult for me to prepare my meal and prepare a completely separate meal for others. Weekdays are easier to deal with. I can usually find something closely related so we can eat together and I don’t feel left out. The nights Big M works late I have a Nutrisystem meal. Weekends are the worst. I have 3 meals to prepare for myself, Big M and little m. Both have different tastes. I struggle. I don’t like to feel left out. I try to make things I can eat too and I stick to the portions and structure of the meal plan like if I was eating out.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We do eat out quite often. In the past I have not always been so smart about what I ordered. I am getting much better about that. We are also trying to cut down our spending since we have a wedding to pay for!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Dessert is given to me by Nutrisystem and really yummy. There are some days when I just do not eat it because I am not hungry. There are days where I am so busy I forget about it. Next thing I know, its bedtime.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Days are crazy. Life is crazy. It goes up. It goes down.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I need to exercise more. I know this is part of my problem. It is frustrating when you see others who do not exercise and still lose 3 pounds a week or more. I know bodies are different. It is still frustrating. You still question yourself.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I do not know what I can do differently. I am trying to make all these changes and have a healthier life. I need more sleep. I have a feeling this is quite a bit of the problem.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that the weather has finally started to break, walking will be happening much more. We did get out and enjoy it Saturday. Took a nice walk. The dogs enjoyed it as well, and even they are on a diet!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to continue pressing forward. The way I see it, even the smallest changes both on the scale and off will add up over time.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Until next week….</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">:</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html#" id="KonaLink3" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>today or call&nbsp;<a _mce_href="tel:888-853-4689" _mce_style="color: #3333cc;" href="tel:888-853-4689" style="color: #3333cc;" target="_blank">888-853-4689</a>.</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56571710341673233822011-03-21T21:25:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.429-04:00Irish Freckle Bread<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a _mce_href="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps22368_TH10389D59.jpg" _mce_style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps22368_TH10389D59.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps22368_TH10389D59.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps22368_TH10389D59.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><strong><br />Ingredients</strong><br />1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast<br />8 tablespoons sugar, divided<br />1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)<br />1/2 cup butter, melted<br />2 eggs<br />1/4 cup warm mashed potatoes (without added milk and butter)<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />3-1/4 to 4 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 cup raisins</div><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;"><strong>Directions</strong><br />In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm water. Add the butter, eggs, potatoes, salt, remaining sugar and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in raisins and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.</div><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;">Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.</div><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;">Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into eight portions. Shape each into a ball. Place dough balls in a greased 10-in. springform pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.</div><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;">Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove sides of pan. Place on a wire rack to cool. Yield: 1 loaf, 12 servings.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67823745912507236872011-03-21T21:22:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.432-04:00More on St. Patrick<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/st-patrick.html">Part One of St. Patrick</a>(click)<br /><br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Az5k8IInalg/TXAdCNOP2eI/AAAAAAAAAUo/M6w1ekGTG9w/s1600/ST.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Az5k8IInalg/TXAdCNOP2eI/AAAAAAAAAUo/M6w1ekGTG9w/s1600/ST.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Az5k8IInalg/TXAdCNOP2eI/AAAAAAAAAUo/M6w1ekGTG9w/s320/ST.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="288" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Az5k8IInalg/TXAdCNOP2eI/AAAAAAAAAUo/M6w1ekGTG9w/s320/ST.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">St. Patrick wasn't born in Ireland. He was born in Britain to a Christian deacon and was captured by a band of Irish raiders at the age of 16. After he escaped, he returned to Britain for religious training and was later sent back to Ireland to do his work.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60089376223220209782011-03-21T08:30:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.279-04:00Getting Set Up with Google AdsenseFor the last couple of days we have been discussing Google Adsense here at Self Employed Writer.<br /><br /><br />I also published a couple of articles on HubPages regarding Google Adsense:<br /><br /><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/all-about-adsense-adsense-defined">All About AdSense: AdSense Defined</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/All-About-AdSense-What-it-it">All About AdSense: What Is It?</a></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/all-about-adsense-what-can-it-do-for-me">All About AdSense: What Can it do For Me?</a></span></li></ul><br />Ready to get started with Adsense?<br /><br />I promise you, it is not hard at all.<br /><br /><br />A very important element in the rapid adoption of AdSense is that it has been very easy for publishers to get the ads on their site as quickly as possible.<br /><br />Integrating AdSense in your website takes only a few minutes, and you can be on your way with one or more nicely integrated AdSense ads.<br /><br /><b>The first thing you need to do is navigate to <a href="http://www.google.com/adsense">Adsense</a> and either apply or log in with your existing account and password.</b> What follows is a page presenting the Google AdSense Terms and Conditions which you must agree to in order to proceed.<br /><br />You are presented with a report page which you can use to get a detailed status on how your AdSense advertising is doing. This allows you to improve your site's contents and layout to maximize your AdSense earnings.<br /><br />On the top of your page you also have link to the setup section where you can generate the code that will need to be pasted on your website in order to have AdSense banners on your page.<br /><br />You can use AdSense for text (the said ads), using a search box or with referrals. Your choice among these options depends on how users will navigate your site.<br /><br />Finally, there is a "My Account" tab which allows you to set up details concerning your account, payment and tax information.<br /><br />To add a text ad on your site, go back to the "AdSense Setup" tab and click the "AdSense for content" link. Make sure you have cookies enabled in your browser.<br /><br />You can make a choice between ad units and link units. The former contain text and or images concerning a certain site for each unit, most with a detailed description, the latter only contain links to certain types.<br /><br />Of course, it's a bit hard to know which type you should use so you should probably experiment with both for a while before you decide.<br /><br />You can also view an example of how the unit will look to the right of your page. However, you may only use three ad units and one link unit on any given page. This is believed to be a step which Google takes for quality control.<br /><br /><b>The next step is to choose your add format and colors.</b> You can basically select any color palette you choose with Google offering some of its own if you don't have the time or skill to create one. You can constantly view how the palette will look through the aid of an example. The one that works best in terms of appearance and revenues will vary with the look, feel and content of a website.<br /><br />However, your ad formats are limited to a choice of eleven formats. There's an "Ad Formats" link which takes you to a page that lets you see all even of these in action so you can decide best which one suits your site. Sometimes the most intrusive, doesn’t work best however again, this can vary from website to website.<br /><br />After you finish with customization, you can click "Continue" from the bottom of the page.<br /><br />You are now presented with a section entitled "AdSense for Content". You can click anywhere in the text and that shows the JavaScript required to get AdSense running. This will automatically select the text in the box.<br /><br />You can then copy it and paste it into your pages directly. If you use dynamic pages, you should paste this code within your template so as to ensure that it gets displayed on any page of your website. Some advertisers choose not to display Adsense on every page, and this is understandable. An example of this is a company that has adsense, may also have terms and condition which would inevitably provide legal resources which would probably be deemed inappropriate.<br /><br />What is then left for you to do is get content on your page (provided you didn't have any already). Google AdSense crawlers will soon visit your site, making sure that the ads displayed are relevant to your site's content.<br /><br /><b>And you're all done</b>. For a simple page this should indeed be a matter of a few minutes, which is precisely what makes AdSense the choice for so many. Although it is quick, its mass appeal also makes it the best. Through being the most popular, advertisers and publishers alike see Adsense and Adwords as their natural first choice.<br /><br />You should have optimized niche website templates for best results.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36063378183819536012011-03-20T17:05:00.014-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.281-04:00Google Adsense: Click Fraud, huh?If you're using AdWords or AdSense you must have heard about an emerging practice in the underworld of computing called "click fraud". But what exactly is click fraud and how is it accomplished?<br /><br /><br />AdSense uses a payment mechanism that awards a certain amount of money to a publisher (someone who holds an AdSense banner on their page) every time a person clicks on the said banner. So click fraud is the attempt to have people clicking the ads just so that they can earn a greater income.<br /><br /><br />Believe it or not, there are people setting up sites for the sole purpose of fraudulently generating revenue through Google's AdSense program. These users achieve an incredible number of clicks through many methods, some complex and sophisticated and some rudimentary and simple.<br /><br /><br />One of the most complex is through the use of so called "hitbots". These are automated programs who emulate clicking the links in AdSense banners (there are some that actually click the banners as well).<br /><br /><br />Google's AdSense protection scheme is by no means perfect and nearly anyone can find the details of surmounting the protection mechanism, ironically just by doing a Google search.<br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;Once Google receives a large number of clicks from a single address, the address and the site that had the AdSense banner will be banned, and the illicit behavior might even get the fraudster sued.<br /><br /><br />To prevent this from happening, many people use a large number of proxy servers for the purpose of clicking. These are basically trojans, located on computers throughout the world (though mostly in the US). What's even more daunting is that these clicks will appear to originate from an actual computer so such scams are really hard to detect.<br /><br /><br /><br />Google has a very strict policy regarding click fraud, and it has sued those employing such techniques in the past. But while the search engine giant tries its best to minimize the risk of click fraud there's certainly room for a lot of improvement.<br /><br /><br />It is estimated that more then 20% of the clicks that follow an AdSense link are just done in order to get money from the person paying for the ad. Some people believe the number of fraudulent clicks to be even twice as large.<br /><br /><br />There are a great deal more schemes involving click fraud, such as groups of AdSense publishers clicking each other's links (which is referred to as "clicking rings", or spamming people so that they click such links.<br /><br /><br />Despite Google still holding click fraud on a leash, the phenomenon is certainly raising concerns for the advertisers on AdWords, but despite this advertising with Google's AdSense still remains more profitable for the advertiser, as opposed to traditional untargeted advertising schemes.<br /><br /><br />There are some means of protection against such schemes and all advertisers should be savvy enough to employ them. Many advertisers choose to avoid the content network all together for fear of click fraud.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21189256759323725892011-03-19T11:39:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.283-04:00Alternatives to Google Adsense<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" /></a></div><br /><br />Many people use Google's AdSense program, but there are some who find it a bit too uncertain or simply not suiting their own requirements from an ad program. Maybe you are just someone who does not want to use Google products or just Adsense.<br /><br />With all the changes in Google, it is nice to have other alternatives. Thankfully there are some alternatives to AdSense.<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;<b>Here is a list of some that might be worth checking out:</b><br /><br /><b>Amazon Associates</b><br />I decided to post this, but to let users beware that Amazon stated they would be doing away with this program for some users.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://chitika.com/publishers.php?refid=cmahan">Chitika</a>&nbsp;</b><br />Chitika reminds me of a cross between Amazon Associates and Google Adsense.&nbsp;Artificial intelligence to retrieve the most relevant ads for your page. Keywords are selected based upon which previous selections payed off and which didn't. That means there's a constant feedback process that ensures you gain better revenue from your ads. It also supports blocking certain adds and child-safe filtering and many more options.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bidvertiser.com/"><b>Bidvertiser</b></a><br /><br />Like AdSense, Bidvertiser displays text ads in your page. But the difference lies in the fact that advertisers bid over your advertising space, ensuring you earn as much revenue as you possibly can. This also means that bids will increase over time, earning you even more cash. You also get a great way to customize your ads with a very easy to use tool and detailed reports on your site's status.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.advertising.com/publisher/our-network"><b>Advertising.com</b></a><br />Part of AOL advertising<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.vibrantmedia.com/publishers/index.asp">Vibrant Media IntelliTXT</a>&nbsp;</b><br />Vibrant Media IntelliTXT offers user-activated ads, highlighting certain words within the content of the page and presenting relevant ads when a user hovers his mouse over them. It uses a pay-for-performance pricing scheme and can easily be used along with other advertising methods, because it is unobtrusive. It places you in full control, allowing you to easily integrate it within your site with some simple JavaScript.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.miva.com/publishers"><b>MIVA AdRevenue Xpress&nbsp;</b></a><br />MIVA AdRevenue Xpress is targeted towards small and mid-sized publishers. It implements Search Box functionality and also features things like a Category Directory as well as the handling of 404 error pages. It can be integrated with your page using a simple on-line wizard.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.valueclickmedia.com/publishers">Fastclick/ValueClick Media</a>&nbsp;</b><br />Fastclick offers you an impressive 65 percent of what it makes from a click on your website. Payments are done monthly, via PayPal or through checks. The ads can be formatted as you wish, and Fastclick even offers a free support serice for its members and no fees are required to register with the service.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.contextweb.com/sellingdesk">contextWeb ContextAd</a>&nbsp;</b><br />ContextAd offers the possibility of contextual ads for dynamic pages, meaning ads will change as soon as your page does. It's very easy to use and free to sing up for and offers a transparent payment policy. The ads are fully customizable and real-time reports are available 24/7.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.adbrite.com/mb/exchange_publishers.php">AdBrite</a><br />AdBrite offers publishers the possibility of integrating text ads in their pages. These are done on your own rates, with the websites you approve by hand so it bares some similarities with a classic advertising scheme. You also have the option of adding a "Your Add Here" button that buyers can immediately click to ad space on your page. It can also be used in conjunction with Google AdSense, maximizing your CTR and offering advertisers the possibility of showing their links in your Google AdSense space. You have full control over the look and feel of your adds and finally, you get an incredible 75% of what the advertiser pays for on every click.<br /><br /><br />So, as you can see there are many offers for this kind of advertising, and many hybrids based on AdSense like advertising. Also, a lot of services can work together with AdSense to earn you an even greater amount of revenue for your ad space.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81662981951795778032011-03-19T06:49:00.003-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.051-05:00Tax Filing Tips<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="240" src="http://www.kfyrtv-videos.com/UploadFile2/taxes(7).jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Mistakes happen. We are only human. Some of these mistakes can be avoided by finding out whats new before starting your return. The tax codes change every year, so check out the IRS website before filling in the blanks. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Check out the<a href="http://www.irs.gov/help/index.html?navmenu=menu3"> FAQ section</a> on the IRS website. Often, the answers to the questions you may have are right there. Many people forget, or just don’t know that the IRS website has help.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Double check your return. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Avoid the following errors:<o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Filling incorrect.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Incorrect taxpayer ID numbers.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Omitting dependent names and social security numbers.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Forgetting to attach documentation which includes W-2’s, supplement forms, etc.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Omitting income items.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Forgetting to sign and date the tax return.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Putting the wrong information.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Putting information on the wrong lines.</li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Math errors.</li><br /></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">If you are unsure about filing your tax return, do not be afraid to ask for help. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">IRS sponsored help programs:<o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html">(VITA)</a></li><br /><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Tax Counseling for the Elderly <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html">(TCE)</a></li><br /></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Other programs:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.aarp.org/taxaide">AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers</a> are trained by the IRS. These volunteers provide free tax preparation to low and middle income taxpayers.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Military personnel and their families worldwide qualify for free tax assistance through VITA. Check with your base for details.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">There are many local libraries and churches that have trained tax preparers trained through the IRS available to help with basic returns. Call your local library or church to ask for details. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61212391406988473092011-03-18T21:20:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.434-04:00Shepherd's Pie<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps13686_CB1217C271.jpg" alt="" src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps13686_CB1217C271.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This recipe created a savory pie crust with mashed potatoes. The bacon flavor in the filling is wonderful! Just add a tossed salad or green vegetable and dessert, and you'll have yourself a complete meal that is sure to please your family.</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Shepherd's Pie is one of my all time favorite meals Because it is so filling, a little will go a long way. You can also omit and add items as you see fit. Often, Shepherd's Pie is&nbsp;referred&nbsp;to leftover pie!</div><strong><br />Ingredients</strong><br />2 pounds ground beef<br />2 cans (12 ounces each) home-style beef gravy<br />2 cups frozen corn<br />2 cups frozen peas and carrots<br />2 teaspoons dried minced onion<br /><br /><strong>ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each casserole):</strong><br />2 to 3 cups mashed potatoes<br />2 tablespoons butter, melted<br />Paprika<br /><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;"><strong>Directions</strong><br />In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the gravy, vegetables and onion. Spoon half into a greased 2-qt. baking dish or four oven-safe 2-cup dishes. Top with mashed potatoes. Drizzle with butter and sprinkle with paprika.</div><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Place the remaining beef mixture in a freezer container and freeze for up to 3 months.</div><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="clear: both;" class="separator" style="clear: both;">To prepare frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator; transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Top with the potatoes, butter and paprika; bake as directed. Yield: 2 casseroles (4 servings each).</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62115475409551600822011-03-18T11:49:00.002-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.054-05:00Tax Filing Deadline & Extensions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="393" src="http://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/TaxDeadline.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">No one likes it when someone sounds like their mother; nag, nag, nag. I am going to have to be the one to break the news to you. The consequences are pretty steep if you owe taxes and do not file on time. You are allowed to file &nbsp;for an extension.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In past years the tax filing deadline is April 15<sup>th</sup>. This year (2011), the IRS has allowed us three extra days (for your 2010 return), making the deadline April 18<sup>th</sup>. You must have your income tax return (or extension form) postmarked or electronically filed by April 18<sup>th</sup> or the fees added to any amount you owe will increase.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a rule there is an additional 5% for each month (full or partial) added to what you owe if you are late. Add to this the interest and your amount owed starts to add up. The maximum penalty they can place on your amount owed is 25%. If you file on time, the penalties drop to a mere 0.5%. No, that is not a typo. &nbsp;That is a pretty significant drop in fees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you can’t pay the IRS contact them&nbsp;immediately. When speaking to the IRS representative, remember, they are not the ones who made your taxes what they are. I hear all to often about people being angry because they owe. It is not the fault of the person on the other end of the phone. Yelling at them will do you no good. Keep calm and be polite when you explain your circumstances. The IRS agent does have the ability to waive the penalty.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61320670071515575222011-03-18T07:23:00.009-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.286-04:00How to Write General Interest Articles<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Let the readers know what is in store for them by the “heat" in your first paragraph of an article</b>. There are two kinds of articles; those which cover things in general and can be published at any time, and current events (things happening right now). The best place to start with these kinds of articles is the local newspaper with a goal of syndication to many other media.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>In order for there to be acceptance by the editor there must be a local twist of personal interest to the readers</b>. The unusual and odd things about people and their vocation give the reader a departure from the daily drudgery of their own life. These are the best and most sellable articles to write. This includes adventure, mystery, murder, money, accidents, discoveries, economy, history, illness, jail, jealousy, obsessions, quacks, struggles, taxes, etc.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Y<b>ou must attract attention from the first words </b>when writing feature stories for a newspaper type publication, where as a novel or short story for a magazine builds to a climax and generally clears up all the loose ends at completion. I like to think of newspapers giving each of us our own personal headline. In that headline you have only a matter of seconds to reel your reader in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>For a magazine article to sell </b>to the publisher "action" in the first and last part is a must, while the body is devoted to narrative or explanations with a number of vital incidents to keep the action alive. Keep the writing "flowing" in such a manner the reader will anxiously read ahead to see what happens next.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>When it is possible to do so,</b> without distorting the truth, add some fiction to your life stories to keep them interesting and alive. Submit 8x 10 glossy print photos if possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Often the picture will be the difference between acceptance and rejection. It will pay you to get a good camera so you can snap pictures to go along with the articles.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>When submitting your copy,</b> put your name, address and phone number at the upper left cover of the first page and total number of words contained in the article on the upper right side. If you are submitting an article to the newspaper a title will not be necessary as the editor will usually determine after reviewing the article.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Leave plenty of room at the top of the pages,</b> use double spacing and wide margins so there is plenty of space for editing. Number the pages at the top. Preferable on the right hand side. Type only on the front side of each page. Enclose a self addressed stamped envelope for return. Lay it out so your name always appears with the article so that you will gain recognition as a writer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Writers block?</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>There are millions of things to write about so you should never be without ideas for your articles. </b>You don’t have to limit yourself to newspapers and magazines either. To get the ideas all you need to do is go through the dictionary and write about anything and everything that comes to mind, based on the more practical words. Once you have these words, look for keywords and long string keywords.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47194181014435377262011-03-17T21:16:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.437-04:00Leprechauns<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.leprechaunsofireland.com/e107_images/newspost_images/leprecon.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://www.leprechaunsofireland.com/e107_images/newspost_images/leprecon.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="299" /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">The original leprechauns in Celtic folklore were mean little men</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">whose job was to fix the shoes of the fairies. The friendly, jovial leprechaun</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">we celebrate today is purely an American invention.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23115902427659623572011-03-17T21:13:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.468-04:00Shamrock 'n' Roll Shake<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://admin.hungry-girl.com/banner/4111shamrocknrollshake2.jpg" alt="" src="http://admin.hungry-girl.com/banner/4111shamrocknrollshake2.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">Happy St. Patrick's Day!</div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">What do I love most about March ?</div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">Besides St. Patrick's Day!</div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Shamrock Shakes! Because I am trying to bring down my weight, I have only had 2 this year. I was really excited when I opened my email this morning and found this recipe for a weight watcher friendly version from&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/askhg/show/1937#shamrock" href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/askhg/show/1937#shamrock">Hungry Girl&nbsp;</a>(aka Lisa Lillien).<br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">PER SERVING (entire recipe): 175 calories, 4g fat, 150mg sodium, 29g carbs, 2g fiber, 13.5g sugars, 7.5g protein --</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em><strong>PointsPlus</strong></em></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">™ value 5*</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em><strong>Ingredients:</strong></em></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1 tbsp. sugar-free French vanilla powdered creamer (like</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.coffee-mate.com/Products/Sugar-Free.aspx?flavortype=SugarFree" href="http://www.coffee-mate.com/Products/Sugar-Free.aspx?flavortype=SugarFree" target="_blank">the kind by Coffee-mate</a></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">)</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">3/4 cup light vanilla soymilk</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/2 cup fat-free vanilla ice cream (like</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.breyers.com/products/Smooth-and-Dreamy-Fat-Free/Creamy-Vanilla.aspx" href="http://www.breyers.com/products/Smooth-and-Dreamy-Fat-Free/Creamy-Vanilla.aspx" target="_blank">Breyers Smooth &amp; Dreamy Fat Free</a></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">)</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/4 tsp. peppermint extract</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">2 drops green food coloring</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1 no-calorie sweetener packet (like</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.splenda.com/" href="http://www.splenda.com/" target="_blank">Splenda</a></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">or</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.truvia.com/" href="http://www.truvia.com/" target="_blank">Truvia</a></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">)</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1 1/2 cups crushed ice (8 - 12 ice cubes' worth)</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><em>Directions:</em></strong></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Combine creamer with 1 tbsp. hot water and stir to dissolve. Transfer to a blender. Add all other ingredients to the blender, and blend at high speed until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">MAKES 1 SERVING</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">BTW, if you make this with light ice cream instead of fat-free, your shake will have 190 calories, 7g fat, and a</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em><strong>PointsPlus</strong></em></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">™ value of 5*. Not bad. Happy St. Patrick's Day, people!</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75168334127542975762011-03-17T08:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.288-04:00Google Adsense: The Pros and Cons<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1600377068&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />You have that site on-line for quite a while, its generating a good number of hits every day and you're thinking whether or not to use AdSense advertising on it to make it generate some form of income.<br /><br /><b>There are positive aspects to Adsense and alternatives to consider</b>.<br /><br />AdSense is generally a great tool for webmasters. They use to worry about how to raise enough money to keep their sites profitable, or at least keep them on-line those worries are gone.<br /><br />AdSense allows webmasters to forget about those worries and concentrate on creating good content for their sites. In fact, the emphasis is now on creating quality content (often associated with the top-paying words) which will bring you many visitors.<br /><br />AdSense can also very well integrated with your website, it's easily customizable in terms of colors, size and position which means you can experiment with it in any way you like to maximize your income.<br /><br />AdSense is a very good means of generating a constant revenue on your site. All you need to do is create some quality content and keep it updated constantly and you can literally live off your website. A lot of people are doing just that nowadays with AdSense, so it's become sort of a business in itself.<br /><br />It's also a great program because you can have the same account advertising on all your pages. This is great for webmasters wit a lot of content because it means they don't have to create many accounts unnecessarily.<br /><br /><b>There are some negative aspects to advertising with AdSense and here's a small list of such cons</b>.<br /><br />Clearly the largest negative impact the AdSense program can have on you is through Google closing your accounts. Most of the time this happens because of so called 'click fraud', which means somebody would be producing artificial clicks on your page.<br /><br />There's one really nasty side to that. It doesn't have to be you making those artificial clicks. It could very well be your competition doing this in order to shut you down, or the competitor of whoever is advertising on your page, looking to drive their marketing costs up.<br /><br />The earning AdSense brings you are by no means constant. In fact, they're not even close to that. Anything you do to your site could end up being a big mistake costing you a great deal of money. It's that kind of pressure that has a negative impact on you.<br /><br />You constantly need to make sure your site is in the spotlight of search engines when people are searching for whatever it is your site is about.<br /><br />If you fail to do that you won't have any visitors, and that of course means you won't have any AdSense revenue. In a way this is nothing new, as any form of generating revenue on the Internet with advertising has such a drawback.<br /><br />Another major problem is that you constantly have to feed your site with better and better content. Now, of course, certain sites are very well geared towards doing this but with some types of content this is rather hard to achieve. This is often why the services of a copywriter are employed to generate more and more content.<br /><br />When writing original content, the best thing a website owner can do is research a topic thoroughly and then return to writing with lots of information they can out in their own words, and show their own opinion on.<br /><br />So there are the pros and cons of using the AdSense network for generating profits through advertising. Now the choice of whether or not these work for you is yours.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46258738238480005172011-03-16T21:12:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.441-04:00Corned Beef and Cabbage (crockpot style)Corned Beef and Cabbage (crockpot style)<br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://0.tqn.com/d/britishfood/1/0/e/A/-/-/75904515.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/britishfood/1/0/e/A/-/-/75904515.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="355" /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Growing up my mother made Corned Beef and Cabbage all the time. Of course, there was the variations of the cabbage as well. Cabbage has many benefits, especially for those who are frugal shoppers and weight watchers!</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I first tried this fuss-free way to cook traditional corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. I would like to say it is a regular in my menu planning, but sadly, I only make it once or twice a year.</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This is terrific with Dijon mustard and crusty Irish Soda Bread!</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">Ingredients</span></strong></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">1 medium onion, cut into wedges</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">4 large red potatoes, quartered</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">1 pound baby carrots</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">3 cups water</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">3 garlic cloves, minced</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">1 bay leaf (optional)</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">2 tablespoons&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;(brown&nbsp;sugar&nbsp;is good too)</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">2 tablespoons cider vinegar (this is option, I have left it out and it tastes fine, especially if your corned beef comes with one of those flavor packets.</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">1 corned beef brisket (2.5-3 lbs, cut in half)</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Salt and pepper to taste</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">Directions</span></strong></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Place the onion, potatoes and carrots in a 5 quart slow cooker. Combine the water, garlic, bay leaf, sugar, vinegar, pepper and contents of spice packet.</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Pour over vegetables. Top with brisket and cabbage.</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Cook on low, covered, for 8-9 &nbsp;hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Discard the bay leaf before serving if you used one.</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Makes 6-8 servings</div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Recipe from Taste of Home Magazine, Irish Food and Fun.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55390978656349866122011-03-16T21:11:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.443-04:00St. Patrick<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://www.stcolumba-stpatrick.org/images/patrick-ireland.jpg" alt="" height="400" src="http://www.stcolumba-stpatrick.org/images/patrick-ireland.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="309" /></div><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Although St. Patrick is credited for driving out all of the snakes in Ireland with one wave of his staff, there was never really that many snakes there to begin with. The snakes are thought to be a metaphor for St. Patrick converting the pagans in Ireland.</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">It is believed that St. Patrick died on March 17 in about 460 A.D., which is why his feast day is celebrated that day. The Irish have celebrated it as a religious holiday for over a thousand years.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36482693856281849782011-03-16T21:08:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.480-05:00Free eBook :101 Things You Didn't Know About Irish History (kindle edition)<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0047O2IO6&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><img _mce_src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ikty3CzQL._SL500_AA266_PIkin3,BottomRight,13,34_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="101 Things You Didn't Know About Irish History" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ikty3CzQL._SL500_AA266_PIkin3,BottomRight,13,34_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>Here is a wonderful freebie offered through Amazon. It is the Kindle edition so you will need to have the Kindle, or one of the Kindle ereader app on the applicable device. (I use my iPhone).<br /><br />I hope you enjoy&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://su.pr/8uRxFe" href="http://su.pr/8uRxFe">101 Things You Did Not Know About Irish History.</a><br /><br />I did notice that in the "customers who bought this also bought this" section had a couple of other free Irish books. Might be worth checking out.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70759929792890056742011-03-16T09:36:00.002-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.056-05:00I Owe, Now What?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jx3TW8V8Pds/TVA7fNOA9QI/AAAAAAAAAP0/AXRin7fxQUQ/s1600/TAX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jx3TW8V8Pds/TVA7fNOA9QI/AAAAAAAAAP0/AXRin7fxQUQ/s320/TAX.png" width="320" /></a></div>Owing taxes is never fun.<br /><br />If you owe and are able to make the payment, send payment along with your Form 1040.<br /><br />If you owe and are unable to make the payment, call the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html">&nbsp;local IRS office</a> line&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;for help.<br /><br />First, go over your tax return and make sure you have claimed all of the available credits and deductions that pertain to you.<br /><br />If you filed out your taxes yourself, and would like to try a second source, check out the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html?portlet=8">free filing places offered by the IRS.</a> Sometimes humans and computers miss things. Check with your local library as many of them have a free tax help program. The local county Department of Human Services generally has them as well to help those in need.<br /><br />After you have tried these options and still owe money to the IRS, call your local IRS office. You will give them all of your information and they can tell you exactly how much you owe. You can tell them that you do not have the money to pay what you own in full. If you are on limited/fixed income, let them know that as well, especially if paying the bill will cause economic hardship.<br /><br />The IRS will request some financial information and may look at past years returns. They will then determine whether you should/could be set up on a payment plan or declare you as "currently not&nbsp;collectible." If you have any means to be set up on a payment plan you should. Being placed on CNC status is not the end of your debt. You will still owe the debt. Penalties and interest will continue to accrue until it is paid in full.<br /><br />If you are near an office, you are allowed to walk in to speak with someone for help.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75162253087427255832011-03-16T09:20:00.002-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.058-05:00Are You Ready to File?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qjwc9k-eGWM/TWWMmfLJcVI/AAAAAAAAATU/AIyE6HQzkF8/s1600/4457464_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qjwc9k-eGWM/TWWMmfLJcVI/AAAAAAAAATU/AIyE6HQzkF8/s320/4457464_f520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It is getting close to the tax deadline. Are you ready?<br /><br /><br />If not, do not worry. The IRS will allow you to<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/taxextension"> file a tax extension</a>. This form is merely one page and very easy to fill out. It is due by the tax deadline of April 15.<br /><br /><br />You will need to fill out <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf">Form 4868 Application for Automatic Extension of Time</a>&nbsp;which will give you an extra three months to file your taxes.<br /><br /><br />You will need to have an estimate of your Form 1040 in order to fill out Form 4868. This extension gives you extra time to file your taxes but it does not give you extra time to pay any taxes due. If you have taxes due to the IRS, you must include a payment along with your Form 4868.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50002560696972239672011-03-16T08:46:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.291-04:00Taking Advantage of Google Orkut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-opgxJ2wSjfU/TXfnOu-E2YI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/wh7VPty40l0/s1600/200px-Oorkut.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-opgxJ2wSjfU/TXfnOu-E2YI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/wh7VPty40l0/s1600/200px-Oorkut.png" /></a></div><br />According to<a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/product/orkut"> CrunchBase</a> Orkut is not as popular as MySpace and Facebook, nor is it leading in the United States. It IS one of the most visited websites in Brazil (where it is hosted) and India.<br /><br />Now I know you guys are asking me, Chrys, what's the point? Isn't Twitter, LinkedIn, Stumble, Facebook, MySpace and Tumblr enough? Well, it is.<br /><br />I have had my <a href="http://www.orkut.com/Main#Profile?uid=6291804091625338042">Orkut account</a> since 2008. I have never really done anything with it, so my profile is pretty naked. I use sharaholic extension in my Chrome browser. It allows me to share my links on all my social networking sites. I started sharing my blog posts on Orkut. According to Analytics, I am seeing an increase in readers from other parts of the world.<br /><br />This may not be a big deal to some, but it might be to others.<br /><br />Sometimes it is nice to connect with others from around the world.<br /><br /><br />If the name of the website doesn’t automatically draw you in, there is a good chance that the website features will. Like many other social networking websites, Orkut has a number of different member benefits. These benefits are what makes it worthwhile to become a member of this popular social networking website. Google users will find that it is simple to sign up.<br /><br /><br /><br />Orkut, like many other online social networking websites, has a number of different purposes. &nbsp;Of course, the main purpose of Orkut is to allow you to connect with others, but you can do much more than that. &nbsp;Once a member of Orkut, you can easily famialrize yourself with other website members who share the same interests as you do. &nbsp;This will not only help you make new friends, but it may also help with networking. <br /><br /><br />I figure I have nothing to lose. It takes me 1 second to share my links there. If a gain a few readers, it is more than worth my time. I link all of my other blogs their as well when I have a new post. When I have more time I plan to make it a point to add more friends there so when I share my links, someone might actually be reading.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21613066685506511692011-03-16T07:36:00.016-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.580-04:00The Latest iPhone BlogI am really loving writing for the iPhone App Cafe. It really does help when you write about something you enjoy and love. I loved my iPod Touch, but I am loving my iPhone even more. I feel really blessed to have been able to share my writing and my views with the visitors of this site.<br /><br />I can't place the content I write here, since they own it. But I am allowed to give you guys a heads up so you can go read my work over there. :) No pressure of course.<br /><br /><b>This weeks iPhone app articles:</b><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/5-great-yoga-apps-to-get-you-stretching/comment-page-1/#comment-2075">5 Great Yoga Apps to Get You Stretching</a></li><li><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/zombie-fields-can-you-kill-the-undead/">Zombie Fields: Can You Kill the Undead?</a></li><li><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/zombie-fields-can-you-kill-the-undead/">Documents Free: Any Businesses BFF</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/author/chrystalmahan/">Chrystal Mahan, Author (my author's page)</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75256896847712771872011-03-15T21:07:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.871-04:00My Shamrocks<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">The shamrock was a sacred plant to the Celts in ancient Ireland because it was seen as a symbol of renewal in Spring.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">Since then, it has become a symbol of Irish nationalism and heritage.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zwn5F1tMIIs/TX9kVQ-xxdI/AAAAAAAAAXs/uJeXlenoARU/s1600/148814_10150105712860915_569555914_7875403_4037024_n.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zwn5F1tMIIs/TX9kVQ-xxdI/AAAAAAAAAXs/uJeXlenoARU/s1600/148814_10150105712860915_569555914_7875403_4037024_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zwn5F1tMIIs/TX9kVQ-xxdI/AAAAAAAAAXs/uJeXlenoARU/s1600/148814_10150105712860915_569555914_7875403_4037024_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zwn5F1tMIIs/TX9kVQ-xxdI/AAAAAAAAAXs/uJeXlenoARU/s1600/148814_10150105712860915_569555914_7875403_4037024_n.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">This is a photo of my very first tattoo when I was about 20 (I am going to be 36 in July). It is on my right ankle. I love Shamrocks!</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12452112750733336052011-03-15T14:48:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.450-04:00Sewing Your Own Kilt: How do I Know What Colors?<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">In a <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2009/09/how-to-sew-kilt.html">previous post </a>I discussed a way in which someone could make their own kilt.<br /><br />You want to make one, but you have no idea what plaid, otherwise known as tartan, you should use.<br /><br />For those who are not Celtic (being Irish or Scottish) the choice is yours for what plaid design you would make your kilt out of. It is also up to you what material (cotton, wool) you would like to use.<br /><br />For those who are Scottish and Irish, the tartan colors and design depend on certain factors.<br />M is part Scottish. His last name is Scottish, so their tartan is by last name.<br /><br />McConnell, derived from McDonald, and his tartan looks like this:<br /><img _mce_src="http://www.scotlandshop.com/Images/Tartans/macdonald-modern-10oz-wool-tartan-swatch_lg.jpg" alt="MacDonald Clan Modern" src="http://www.scotlandshop.com/Images/Tartans/macdonald-modern-10oz-wool-tartan-swatch_lg.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><br />He actually is more Irish, but he follows the Scots more. I don't know my biological father, but on my mothers side I am 99% Irish and 1% Chippewas Indian, which is where I get my dark hair and eyes from.<br /><br />So, being Irish, my tartan goes by County of name/family origin rather than last name. I believe the Welsh go by counties as well. So, Scotland has hundreds of tartans, where Ireland only has a few.<br /><br />I have McCliggott from my grandmothers side and Mahan, derived from MacMahon on my grandfathers.<br />My family comes from two "cities"(as we call them here in the U.S., they call counties) known as Clare and Cork. &nbsp;Clare and Cork are both located in Munster Providence (which we call a county).<br /><br />Clair looks like this:<br /><img _mce_src="http://www.lindaclifford.com/Images/IrishClare.jpg" alt="County Clare Irish Tartan" src="http://www.lindaclifford.com/Images/IrishClare.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />This one comes up for Clare on another website. The one above is generally the one I see when looking at my history. I like it better anyway!<br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.scotchcorner.com/mill/irish-tartans/clare-me073.gif" alt="county clare irish tartan" src="http://www.scotchcorner.com/mill/irish-tartans/clare-me073.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />And Cork looks like this:<br /><img _mce_src="http://www.lindaclifford.com/Images/IrishCork.jpg" alt="County Cork Irish Tartan" src="http://www.lindaclifford.com/Images/IrishCork.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />A simple Google search "Irish tartans" will get you started on finding the tartan that is made for you.<br /><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20181535302015068382011-03-15T07:34:00.011-04:002011-06-28T21:13:54.075-04:00Is Writing Your Priority?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oyzYFKg3h0Y/TXfknw5Rv-I/AAAAAAAAAWM/EvlTOzr_Sj8/s1600/Priority.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oyzYFKg3h0Y/TXfknw5Rv-I/AAAAAAAAAWM/EvlTOzr_Sj8/s400/Priority.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Thought I would add a little humor to your day!</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26884323190063142732011-03-15T07:19:00.040-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.582-04:00Kin-Kast: Fast, Easy, Private (& a cool giveaway!!)<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" scrolling="no" src="http://kinkast.com/demo-embed.html" width="400">&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://kinkast.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Click here to go to kinkast.com&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</iframe><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It’s no secret. YouTube is overloaded. I am a fan; it does serve its purpose. You can use YouTube to share your videos privately with friends &amp; family giving them a special URL link. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I got my first iPod Touch a few years ago there was a Facebook and YouTube share option in the picture roll. By the time I upgraded to the latest iPod Touch with video and Facetime, then migrated to the iPhone, I figured out how to transfer them off my iPhone and put them on my computer. What can I say, I am technically challenged. &nbsp;Sadly, the share on Facebook option is gone from photos and videos.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In order for me to get videos to YouTube I have to first, record. Then, go in to the Photo Roll, find my video and send it to YouTube. &nbsp;Depending on the size of the video depends on how long I have to wait. While the video is loading I have to fill in a title, description, tag it, and categorize it before I can finish. My YouTube is linked to Twitter and Facebook so once my video is done it is posted on those accounts.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep the hard copy on my external hard drive, a backup is placed on Photobucket through their app and then there is the copy that is on YouTube. I would rather be safe than sorry.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, if you got tired just reading this, imagine how I feel doing it!<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s why when I was offered the chance to review <a href="http://www.kinkast.com/">Kin-Kast</a>, I couldn’t wait. The timing could not be more perfect as I received the invitation the day before <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/weekend-getaway.html">Big M and I were about to head out on our mini spa vacation. </a><o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I downloaded the app on to my phone. Set up my account on the web, and I was off and running. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I used Kin-Kast to record 3 videos that weekend. I was having so much fun that I really did not take the time to record much.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What I liked: <o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">I can email the videos which are stored on Kin-Kast.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">I can share the videos on Facebook.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Kin-Kast is an “all-in-one” type app. I don’t have to go from program to program to get a video loaded.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">A video will load to your internet account in the background. No long wait! <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">It’s quick and easy for iPhone video sharing.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">I can trim (edit) videos within the app.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">I don’t have to provide descriptions, titles or anything else before uploading.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">My data is safe and secure; no one sees it unless I want them to.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">You can upload videos from other cameras to the website.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Basic account is free. For someone who does not take a lot of videos, or has to keep them online for any length of time, this is a great option. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">The icon is super cute!</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Akc7VwWfZ6A/TX6E1OrjiJI/AAAAAAAAAXo/sfdLR0cjJhk/s1600/iTunes-Badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Akc7VwWfZ6A/TX6E1OrjiJI/AAAAAAAAAXo/sfdLR0cjJhk/s320/iTunes-Badge.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What I did not like: <o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">I can’t instantly take the videos off my phone and put them on my external hard drive. Maybe I missed something, but I “tapped” everything that was available to me. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">There is no twitter option within the app.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">I did not put the app on the front page. This of course is my own fault. I am so used to using the built in camera option it was hard for me to tap another app. From what I can tell I have to log in on the website to download from there. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">The free account only hosts videos for a month.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">A premium account is $5 a month.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry folks granted this app is cool and a great time saver, I just don’t see myself paying $5 a month for its use. I’m frugal. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Would you like to decide for yourself?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am giving away to one lucky reading a free, one year Premium membership so you can test it out for yourself.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is what you have to do:<o:p></o:p><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Mandatory Entry:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"><br />Follow me here on Self Employed Writer, either through Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333;">Extra Entries:</span></b><span style="color: #333333;"><br />1.) Become a follower of <a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/">The Tax Queen</a>.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">2.) Become of follower of <a href="http://www.eringobraugh.com/">Ireland Forever</a>.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">3.) Become a follower of <a href="http://www.thesewordsmylife.com/">These Words, My Life<o:p></o:p></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">4.) Like<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Self-Employed-Writer/143287295698231"> Self Employed Writer on Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">5.) Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erin-Go-Braugh-com/155997877791719">Ireland Forever on Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">6.) Like T<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tax-Queen/151818668204975">he Tax Queen</a> on Facebook<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">7.) Follow me on Twitter – <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ChrystalMahan">ChrystalMahan</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">8.) Follow <a href="http://www.twitter.com/KinKast">KinKast</a> on Twitter&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;">9.) Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KinKast">KinKast </a>on Facebook</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br />*please comment and let me know what you have done. Provide urls if available.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.15pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BONUS<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;">1.) Post about my giveaway on your blog and link back here. (Include url in comment)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I will give you 5 extra entries, please post a comment for each entry (your url)<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;">2.) Tweet a link to my blog about this entry. It must include @ChrystalMahan<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can tweet daily, giving you one entry per day.&nbsp; Please post a comment for each with the status (url) l &nbsp; &nbsp;link.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you do not wish to enter the contest, Kin-Kast is available free of charge for a basic account.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Contest ends : March 31. Winner will be Announced April 1.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Disclosure</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">&nbsp;Kin-Kast </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">provided me with a Premium account &nbsp;free of charge, for one year in exchange for writing about my experience as a user of Kin-Kast. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20484582582476083492011-03-14T20:59:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.484-05:00We Be Big The Mostly True Story of Rick and Bubba by Rick Burgess & Bill "Bubba" Bussey<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.358.cover.jpg" alt="" src="http://booksneeze.com/art/_225_350_Book.358.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Until this book I had no idea who “Rick and Bubba” were. I grew up in the South, I would have thought at some point or another I would have heard of them. My point of view might be a little different than those who may have been more familiar with them.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone says “God works in mysterious ways.” This story proves it to be true.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>In the first chapter we begin to giggle as we read about Rick and his 4:30am alarm clock and how he gets ready for work. Chapter two becomes Bubba’s story. Each chapter gives us a glimpse into their life and all the paths they took to make it to where they are today. For the longest time each story is told separately, until he two meet.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">In this day and age where everything God related is being stripped from the American way of life, it is nice and refreshing to see two who have fought so hard to be where they are and share their love of God. I may not be within earshot to hear their program, but after reading this book I can tell that these are two shining stars with hearts of gold.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Rick and Bubba are not your typical radio DJ’s. They don’t make fun of people. They don’t make fun of celebrities or report shocking news stories. Instead they share real stories of real family and faith. Rick and Bubba certainly have their share of stories to tell. Some will make you laugh, others will make you cry. It was not an easy path for either to get where they are today.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When that 4:30am alarm goes off and they would rather be sleeping, they are reminded about the good they bring to people’s life. If that is not enough motivation to get up before the chickens, I don’t know what is!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</strong>&nbsp;I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87877294761962452872011-03-14T20:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.873-04:00Grow-A-Long Update: My First Sprout!!<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V0-v9cIfs7Q/TX4QYay9MdI/AAAAAAAAAXk/P6q_KyX8Lfw/s1600/3f637a28.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V0-v9cIfs7Q/TX4QYay9MdI/AAAAAAAAAXk/P6q_KyX8Lfw/s1600/3f637a28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V0-v9cIfs7Q/TX4QYay9MdI/AAAAAAAAAXk/P6q_KyX8Lfw/s320/3f637a28.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V0-v9cIfs7Q/TX4QYay9MdI/AAAAAAAAAXk/P6q_KyX8Lfw/s320/3f637a28.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="238" /></a></div><a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/03/03/how-does-your-garden-grow/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/how-does-your-garden-grow_03.html">I started a little project on March 3</a>. I am a little behind compared to others who started in&nbsp;February.<br /><br />I recycled some egg cartons and planted my seeds. I planted small cucumbers( forgot name, for pickles),&nbsp;radishes, green onions, green peppers, banana peppers, and green beans. I only planted half of each package in case I messed something up. I am fairly new to the garden thing and not the best at it.<br /><br />There was a lot of&nbsp;excitement&nbsp;when I woke up this morning and went over to spray some water on my tiny inside garden.<br /><br />There was something looking back at me!!!<br /><br />My FIRST sprout. Big M was in the shower and I went running in there like a little kid, screaming "I got a sprout, I got a sprout!" After that I noticed I have 3 green onions sprouting too but it was too dark to get a good picture.<br /><br />It is funny that I am so excited over something so small.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81807487165564656092011-03-14T20:48:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.293-04:00Irish Soda Bread (no buttermilk version)I have the buttermilk version - <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/irish-soda-bread.html">Irish Soda Bread</a><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;"><img _mce_src="http://adventuresinshaw.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/bread-pre-bake.jpg" alt="" height="133" src="http://adventuresinshaw.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/bread-pre-bake.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="200" /></span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong>Irish Soda Bread–White Version</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Combine:</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">4 cups flour</span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">1 tablespoon sugar</div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">1-3/4 teaspoons baking soda</div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon salt</div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">1-1/2 cups water</div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">2 teaspoons cider vinegar</div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Stir; it very quickly becomes dough. Form a round loaf. Place on greased baking sheet. Cut slits in top. Bake 40 minutes at 400° F.</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I made this Saturday with lil m, and here is a photo of how it turned out. We ate it with our meal (chicken and rice with brown gravy) Saturday, and we used the leftovers on Sunday. We made chicken stew from the previous nights meal and then put the soda bread on the very top of the stew, in the pan, put the lid on to warm it up. Sort of like a chicken and dumpling. Now thats a way to use leftovers.&nbsp;</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Hl4MQLR2rU/TX4JyPnTV6I/AAAAAAAAAXg/3UivH6bmGYA/s1600/1871998d.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Hl4MQLR2rU/TX4JyPnTV6I/AAAAAAAAAXg/3UivH6bmGYA/s1600/1871998d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Hl4MQLR2rU/TX4JyPnTV6I/AAAAAAAAAXg/3UivH6bmGYA/s320/1871998d.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Hl4MQLR2rU/TX4JyPnTV6I/AAAAAAAAAXg/3UivH6bmGYA/s320/1871998d.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="238" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34493279433593879532011-03-14T07:17:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:16:55.904-04:00Idea's to Overcome Writer's Block<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Every writer has been there. No matter what your age or what genre you classify your writing as, their will be (if not already) a day when nothing comes to mind. It is every writer's dreadful nightmare and it goes a little something like this:</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">blink.....blink......blink.... ..blink</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Shut up darn it</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">blink.....blink......blink.... .</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Would you stop already, I know what I am going to say.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 1.167em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">To finish this story:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;"><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1517352" title="View my Article at Helium.com"> <img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" /> </a></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27792328843078360952011-03-14T06:21:00.036-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.295-04:00Misconceptions of Organization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h358/Catpie2/todolistlayout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h358/Catpie2/todolistlayout.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some people were born organized and then there are those of us who struggle with organizing every year at this time.&nbsp; It seems that it’s always at the end of the year when that little annoying bug begins nudging you to clear things up and start the new year organized.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>I am someone who has a "to-do" list for my" to-do" list.&nbsp;</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I've&nbsp;read just about everybody’s directions, books, and helpful hints about getting organized (in fact, I’m thinking of writing one myself), and&nbsp;I've&nbsp;got to tell you there are some misconceptions being sent out by every organizational guru.&nbsp; It will be my pleasure to give you the “skinny” on that in today’s post.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Here are some misconceptions that we can all throw out:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Handle paper once</u>.</b>&nbsp; This is not only impossible, but in most cases it’s unrealistic.&nbsp; Instead of handling paper once, get in the habit of doing something with each piece of paper to move it forward.&nbsp; If you get some information about an upcoming seminar/book signing, for example, decide if you’ll attend or not.&nbsp; If you’re to attend then note the date on your calendar and sign up.&nbsp; If not, then toss the information immediately.&nbsp; If you want to wait to sign up, then make a note in your planner to respond well before the deadline and file the paper in your “to-do” file.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Always keep papers stored out of sight:</b></u> Some of us work better when their desk is clear, whereas others feel stifled if they&nbsp;aren't&nbsp;surrounded by stacks of paper.&nbsp; If you’re an “out of sight – out of mind” type, keep papers you use often nearby in files or stacking bins.&nbsp; They’ll be accessible, yet not clutter your desk.&nbsp; When working on a project, spread out the papers related to it, and when you’re done put them away together in one place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Everyone should be organized to the same degree.</b></u>&nbsp;&nbsp; Different people work differently.&nbsp; Don’t feel that you have to work the same as someone else.&nbsp; Find a comfortable level of being organized, and make the necessary changes to maintain that level.&nbsp; I usually draw that line when I’m looking for something and can’t find it; that’s when I know things need to get reorganize.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Soon we’ll be a “paperless” society.</b></u> Don’t you believe it.&nbsp; Experts have been saying that for years, and we won’t be paperless for a long time.&nbsp; It’s not technology that’s the problem, it is human nature that’s the culprit.&nbsp; We’re creatures of habit and used to seeing things in print rather than on a computer screen.&nbsp; The younger generation is now being trained on computers at an early age, so when they join the workforce, the “paperless” society will have a better chance of becoming a reality.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>One planning system should fit everyone</b>.</u>&nbsp; When used correctly, daily planners are an ideal way to stay organized.&nbsp; Keep in mind, however, they are designed by a few for many users.&nbsp; When buying a planner, whether paper-based or electronic, determine what you want it to do and choose a system accordingly.&nbsp; If you can’t find one to suit your system, design your own based on your individual needs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>You have to be born organized to be organized</b>.</u> We learn both good and bad habits at an early age.&nbsp; It’s possible to change any bad habit, including disorganization.&nbsp; Youngsters raised in an organized environment sometimes rebel as adults by being disorganized.&nbsp; The opposite is also true, but neither is carved in stone and behavior can be modified.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>You MUST use a “to-do” list</b>.</u> Planning day-to-day is not realistic for everyone.&nbsp; Someone may do the same task every week, but others find their plans changing daily.&nbsp; Consider your particular need, then plan by the day or the week.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Being organized means being a perfectionist</b>.</u> A perfectionist may spend time on insignificant details while disregarding the big picture.&nbsp; When others complete a project quickly and on time, the perfectionist continues to work until the project is perfect.&nbsp; A perfectionist becomes more effective when he/she lowers his/her standards slightly and concentrates on ways to increase productivity.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Misinformation, when taken seriously, can hinder you from doing what you want.&nbsp; The next time you hear one of those “Organizational Gurus” ranting one of the above misconceptions, consider its value and work to develop your own style of organizing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are all individuals after all!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81518714993476326492011-03-13T20:42:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:40.878-04:00No Thoughtful Title Today<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/Muse_Saru_Moody/darkness.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/Muse_Saru_Moody/darkness.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/Muse_Saru_Moody/darkness.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/Muse_Saru_Moody/darkness.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="213" /></a></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent;" style="background-color: transparent;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" id="internal-source-marker_0.7995262516196817" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These Words My Life</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/13/2011</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Words</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have no thoughtful title today. These are just mere words after all. Floating around like pollen on a bright spring day. There is no brightness here. At least not inside my mind. I put a mask on during the day. Never to let anyone see what really hiding behind. I want to believe people are all good and kind so that I do not have to hide. But, I cant. I cant let my guard down. I always have to stay protected. I really am the Crab (July 22). Hard outer shell, soft interior. I do hurt easily, although I try not to show it.</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have tried to have him hear my words. I feel beaten down. I repeat only to find myself backed into a corner. Unable to move. Weak. Scared. Wondering if this is how life is really supposed to be. Will it change? Is it suppose to?</span>&nbsp;</div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent;" style="background-color: transparent;"><br /><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe I don’t want to know.</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is dark here in my world. Screaming. Yelling. Backing down. Fear. </span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Always the fear.</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fear keeps me from what I want to do. Need to do. Fear keeps me guarded.</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am angry at the way I feel. I feel I let others push me around. I have a voice, I used it. I dont think I am being heard. That shatters me. </span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll put on my mask</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">as I head out the door.</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wont be bothered by it</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">anymore.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28206396517895771942011-03-13T20:41:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.868-04:00Things to do in Dublin, Ireland in the Spring<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">With its pleasant year round temperatures and luscious green land it is no wonder many want to visit the land of the Emerald Isle.</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">For the rest of the&nbsp;article:</span></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><a _mce_href="http://www.helium.com/items/1501775" href="http://www.helium.com/items/1501775" title="View my Article at Helium.com"><img _mce_src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72116050573673791152011-03-13T06:18:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.298-04:00Get Your Content Published<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Test Your Idea:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">To lead to a sale, your query must convince the editor that you have a clear idea of what you plan to cover in the article, and what approach you ‘re going to take. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">So before writing the letter, think your article idea through carefully, and picture yourself describing the article to a friend.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Find Your Angle:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Finding your angle is often a matter of narrowing your topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>A topic like “Sports” is far too general, narrow it to say, “Table Tennis” is better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Often, reducing the story to a single dimension e.g., focus on a key person, place, or event – gives a salable angle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">When your subject is popular, you must give the editor a fresh approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>One way is to take an idea like “Overcoming Failure” and give it a twist to something like “Failure Can Be Good for You.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It needn’t be exotic to sell, something as mundane as “New and Improved” has worked by adding a new ingredient to the usual.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Research Helps:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">While many queries can be written entirely from your own knowledge, a little research can pay big dividends by seducing the editor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Facts sell editors on an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Editors look for queries with many specifics:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Don’t just write that “Last year millions of people suffered from yeast infections.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Tell how many millions – and why!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Research both the topic and the markets you’re aiming it at. A common reason for rejection is because of inadequate knowledge of the magazine.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shaping Your Raw Material:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">After you have the basics:</div><ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">the idea</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">the slant/facts, and</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">the market</li></ol></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">then you’re ready to write your query.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>A good query starts strong, and never lets up until the editor is sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Follow the two newspaper dictums; The five W’s (who, what, where, when, why) which explains the story immediately, and “the inverted pyramid” which emphasized putting the most interesting information first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>You’ll lose the editor’s interest if you save the best for last, and always remember EDITOR’S CUT FROM THE BOTTOM UP!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3 Main Sections to a Query:<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Lead Paragraph<o:p></o:p></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Summary<o:p></o:p></b></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Author’s Bio.<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol></ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Each has a specific purpose: first, tell the editor what the story is, then why she/he should buy it, and finally who is going to write it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b>The Lead </b>– is aimed to hook the editor and make them want to continue reading.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Once you’ve aroused the editor’s attention, move directly to a summary of the article.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b>Summary</b> - This section should convince the editor that you know where you want to go with the article; it should outline the points you plan to cover or provide factual information about your topic – giving only enough to prove that your story is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Here you can mention your sources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Tell the editor who’ll you’ll be talking to, and if experts are they on the cutting edge of today’s technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Also include here a working title for the article.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Don’t spend a lot of time trying to get a provocative headline, because titles are often changed by the editor before publication.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b>Author’s Bi</b>o – is where you sell yourself as a writer to the editor now that you’ve sold him/her on the idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Don’t be bashful; editors expect a bit of sell in the bio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There’s nothing wrong with saying, “I’m highly qualified to write this article because…” if a convincing reason follows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Start your bio with your publishing credits, and include magazines similar to the one you’re pitching if you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86279097995159865912011-03-12T20:37:00.011-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.585-04:00Nutrisystem Review (Yes, It HAS been a while #NSNation)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">It is funny how life just keeps throwing stuff at me. I just keep moving right along at the speed of light.<br /><br />Well,<br /><br />not really.<br /><br />But it sounded cool, right?<br /><br />I am really behind in writing up a food review for&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>and for that I apologize. As I have mentioned in the past I am graduating in June. This is my last semester and I am cramming 9 classes in to get done.<br /><br />Not only that, I am<a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/03/12/im-getting-married/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/frugal-irish-wedding.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;planning a wedding&nbsp;</a>and my date is September 10, 2011<br /><br />I was recently thrown some job stress as well.<br /><br />Google has changed the internet world with their farmer crackdown on their&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/archive/2011/02/25/what-google-s-farmer-update-means-to-your-business.aspx" href="http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/archive/2011/02/25/what-google-s-farmer-update-means-to-your-business.aspx" target="_blank">Panda Mission</a>.<br /><br />My websites are not the only places I write. I have a few of what people call “content mills” that I write for too. Some of these places were hit hard by these changes. Others, not so much. My private clients and magazines, not at all.<br /><br />I had to take some time to reevaluate my situation and go from there.<br /><br />So, I am exercising. Staying on program all week except for one meal out. I felt I followed the program guidelines for that meal pretty good. I guess the scale finally agreed with me. I went down 3.4 pounds. I will take it! Overall in 7 weeks I am in the negative with only a net loss of 3.6. My updated stats are on the&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/weight-loss/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html" target="_blank">Nutrisystem Stat Page.</a><br /><br />It is my own fault. I am so busy that is is hard for me to plan ahead. My treadmill dying was not my fault, but instead of sitting on my butt whining about it I could have been using one of my many pieces of home exercise equipment. I think my weight loss this week was by the help of the&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/02/28/a-day-off-and-a-little-bit-of-nsnation/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/day-offand-little-bit-of-nsnation.html" target="_blank">pedaler I bought.&nbsp;</a>I pedal for a little while while I catch up on a DVR show.<br /><br />Enough about that. I am going to keep pushing forward. I have nothing to lose but weight, right?<br />Let’s do a few reviews, shall we?<br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/breakfast/181x135/181x135CinnBunBar.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/breakfast/181x135/181x135CinnBunBar.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Cinnamon Bun Bar</strong>&nbsp;– When I tried the actually Cinnamon Bun, I felt cheated. I opened that little package and I kept thinking there had to be more! Although it tasted good, I think it triggered my sweet tooth and did not satisfy it. I will be staying away from that in the future. The Bar was completely different. It had all the tastes of a Cinnamon Bun, but there was more to it. I was quite surprised at the power in this little bar. This is two thumbs up and on my list to order again.<br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/breakfast/181x135/181x135BluePancakes.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/breakfast/181x135/181x135BluePancakes.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Blueberry Flavored Pancake Mix</strong>&nbsp;– Just like mom used to make. Seriously. I did not even put sugar free syrup on them. Just some spray butter. These are easy to make, too. I end up making one giant pancake instead of a couple little ones.<br /><br /><br />Obviously I have eaten more than these two items. I don’t want to make this post too long, so I am just going to pick a few and wrap this up! I know you are busy and have things to get to.<br /><br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/lunch/181x135/181x135_Wedding_Soup.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/lunch/181x135/181x135_Wedding_Soup.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Italian Style Wedding Soup&nbsp;</strong>– When you are on Nutrisystem, one thing you will notice is that *most* of the foods do not taste like the *real thing* and, for good reason. That real thing we like so well is what reels us in and makes us go back for more! The Italian Wedding Soup tasted so much like the real thing I could not believe it. This is a new item from Nutrisystem and I hope they keep it around for a while!<br /><br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/lunch/181x135/181x135ChickNoodSoup.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/lunch/181x135/181x135ChickNoodSoup.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Chicken Noodle Soup&nbsp;</strong>– It has been wet, snowy, and rainy here this week. Today I decided to sit down to a nice bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup for lunch. After opening the container, I stirred it before putting the lid back on and placing it in the microwave. When I took the plastic cap off to eat, all of my noodles were stuck together in one giant clump. I tried to stir them apart with no luck. I was bummed, that may have been an epic fail on my part. It tasted pretty good. I have another one so I will have to wait to see if that happens again.<br /><br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/181x135/181x135ChickenPenneAlfedo.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/181x135/181x135ChickenPenneAlfedo.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Penne Pasta &amp; Chicken in Alfredo Sauce</strong>&nbsp;– I do have to be honest here. There are just some things that do not mesh well with my palate. I love chicken, pasta and Alfredo sauce but this did not settle well with my taste buds. In the wonderful world of diet food (as this was a problem with Wonderslim, too) that some of the items that are dehydrated and processed for shelf stability have a weird smell to me. I don’t know what it is, or why. Some people smell it, others don’t. There are some things that make me extremely nauseas smelling, some eating, some not at all. I have been pretty luck with Nutrisystem I have not had too much of a problem. It does not make the food taste bad, it just has an off smell.<br /><br /><br />This would be one of those products. It had that smell when I pealed the corner to put it in the microwave. I could not eat it. The texture and smell were just too much for me.<br /><br />I have to pass on this one.<br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dinner/181x135/181x135ThickPizza.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dinner/181x135/181x135ThickPizza.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Thick Crust Pizza</strong><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/181x135/181x135_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/images/food/181x135/181x135_Italian_Herb_Pizza.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Italian Herb Flatbread Pizza</strong><br />Who doesn’t love pizza? These have to be the two best things on the menu for me along with the Beef and Chicken Patties. I love the pizza because of all the things I can do with it. The vegi choices are endless. The cheese is good, it melts nice. Good crust and great, strong, Italian seasoning in the sauce. The possibilities are endless and I see a lot more of these in my future.<br /><br /><br />As a matter of fact when I was on Nutrisystem as a teen, I had the pizza twice a week. Back then they did not have all the options they had now, but the pizza is just as yummy!<br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dessert/181x135/181x135PeppCookPatti.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dessert/181x135/181x135PeppCookPatti.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Peppermint Cookie Patty</strong>&nbsp;– This was a nice surprise. I was expecting a York style peppermint patty. This was even better. In side hides cookie pieces. It’s a mint! No, it’s a cookie! It’s both and it’s wonderful!<br /><br /><br /><img _mce_src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dessert/181x135/181x135PBCook.jpg" alt="" src="http://www.nutrisystem.com/shop/graphics/catalog/product/dessert/181x135/181x135PBCook.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><strong>Peanut Butter Cookie&nbsp;</strong>– Me + this cookie = very happy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: black; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: black; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong>Disclosure:</strong>&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/saturdays-new-weigh-in-day-and-i-have.html#" _mce_style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px; padding: 0px !important; margin: 0px; border: 0px !important none !important transparent !important;" class="kLink" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/saturdays-new-weigh-in-day-and-i-have.html#" id="KonaLink5" style="background-attachment: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; bottom: 0px; color: blue !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit !important; left: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: 0px; text-decoration: underline !important; text-transform: none !important; top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">Nutrisystem</span></span></a>&nbsp;is providing their NutriSystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">and my results may differ from others.</span></span></span><span _mce_style="color: black; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: black; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Would you like to lose weight and&nbsp;<span _mce_style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; position: static; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static;"><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">get&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; color: blue; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important; margin: 0px;" class="kLink" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-color: initial !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial; border-top-color: initial !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 0px !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; width: auto !important;">healthy</span></span>&nbsp;on Nutrisystem too? Visit&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" _mce_style="border-bottom-color: #cccccc; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #9900ff; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #9900ff; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Nutrisystem</a>&nbsp;today or call 888-853-4689.</span></span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2029781752451516632011-03-12T20:35:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.301-04:00Irish Music<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sqTDncDXOTQ/TXp2jAvgHhI/AAAAAAAAAXY/tbdwOHVgEHI/s1600/tin-whistle.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sqTDncDXOTQ/TXp2jAvgHhI/AAAAAAAAAXY/tbdwOHVgEHI/s1600/tin-whistle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sqTDncDXOTQ/TXp2jAvgHhI/AAAAAAAAAXY/tbdwOHVgEHI/s320/tin-whistle.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sqTDncDXOTQ/TXp2jAvgHhI/AAAAAAAAAXY/tbdwOHVgEHI/s320/tin-whistle.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">Traditional Irish musical instruments include the fiddle, uilleann pipes (elaborate bagpipes), tin whistle (a type of flute) and the bodhran (a type of drum).</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27673982477316524502011-03-12T14:45:00.004-05:002011-08-10T11:52:20.512-04:00I'm Getting Married!!!!!!!!!!<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">I bet you knew that already.<br /><br />We&nbsp;had a wedding planned for <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/02/engagement.html">last October (2010)</a>. We were going to get married at a castle in a very ancient, traditional,&nbsp;Medieval&nbsp;style. The men were all going to wear kilts. M and his dad were going to wear their family tartan. The girls were going to have very simple dresses as well as my own.<br /><br />Things happened. Our relationship was not as good as it should have been. He was having issues on the job front and that caused us a lot of stress. We decided it would be in our best interest if we waited. During this time we have been spending more time with our church family, he got a fabulous job in his field and things are much better these days. We are stronger.<br /><br />We decided to plan our wedding, again.<a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/frugal-irish-wedding.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/frugal-irish-wedding.html">&nbsp;</a>The only flaw was that his best friend is getting married this October so that month was out for us. We had opted for this Spring, but our pastor is not available, it being prime wedding season and all. So, after a lot of back and forth, we settled on September 10. Our pastor was always going to be the one to marry us. Most of our wedding ideas and plans are still the same, with a few changes.<br />Instead of the castle, we are getting married at the church. This saves us a large amount of money. Instead of having a big reception after and his moms church banquet hall, we are opting to have a small (no sit down) reception in our church for people to chat a bit, watch us share cake, have a toast, and then M and I are heading up north to the beach for the weekend. The place is special to us, it was our first vacation together a few years ago. So, it just seemed natural to go there.<br /><br />We "want" to have our real honeymoon in Ireland and Scotland. So our<a _mce_href="http://www.myregistry.com/visitors/giftlist.aspx?sid=29711acd-b7b7-49e7-9b72-b5a07c62ea9e" href="http://www.myregistry.com/visitors/giftlist.aspx?sid=29711acd-b7b7-49e7-9b72-b5a07c62ea9e">&nbsp;registry is set up for cash instead</a>&nbsp;of gifts and we are hoping with our families donations and our own funds this trip will happen next year. At least we hope so. Never know what could happen between now and then.<br /><br />We will not have&nbsp;bridesmaids&nbsp;or groomsmen since it is so close to the other wedding. Which, Matt is the best man in that wedding.<br /><br />Anyway, I wanted to share my Irish wedding, and what better place to do it at than right here on my very own website. Not only that, we are doing this wedding frugally. Wedding cake made by his aunt, photos by my aunt, catering done by my mother. I found lil m a flower girl dress at a resale shop for $13. I plan to thrift shop for my cake server, candles, wedding book and so on. Then go to the craft store for ribbon and&nbsp;Celtic&nbsp;charms. The ones I want that already come like that - $300 for the set. No thank you! Most of the things we already have, so we do not really have a whole lot of expenses.<br /><br />I do need a new dress. The one I had last year fit for the castle, and I even wore it on Halloween. It just dos not fit our church setting. I need something a little fancier.<br /><br />As we move forward with the wedding, I will post more and have more photos.<br /><br /><div>Here are some photos, mostly of the ideas I have.</div><br /><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iOjvUQ1s8Nc/TXppRqmy9RI/AAAAAAAAAWs/CNdBN0-6nzY/s1600/photo.JPG" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iOjvUQ1s8Nc/TXppRqmy9RI/AAAAAAAAAWs/CNdBN0-6nzY/s1600/photo.JPG"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iOjvUQ1s8Nc/TXppRqmy9RI/AAAAAAAAAWs/CNdBN0-6nzY/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iOjvUQ1s8Nc/TXppRqmy9RI/AAAAAAAAAWs/CNdBN0-6nzY/s320/photo.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="239" /></a><br /><br /><div>The $13 flower girl dress I found at a resale shop. It was marked $27, but they were having a sale. [intlink id="3475" type="post"]We are going to sew the family tartan along the bottom.[/intlink]</div><div><br /></div><br /><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iwuW5oWnfBY/TXppha_OjSI/AAAAAAAAAWw/yosoFFlas0g/s1600/14_569555914_5414795_2568725_n-vi.jpg" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iwuW5oWnfBY/TXppha_OjSI/AAAAAAAAAWw/yosoFFlas0g/s1600/14_569555914_5414795_2568725_n-vi.jpg"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iwuW5oWnfBY/TXppha_OjSI/AAAAAAAAAWw/yosoFFlas0g/s320/14_569555914_5414795_2568725_n-vi.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="261" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iwuW5oWnfBY/TXppha_OjSI/AAAAAAAAAWw/yosoFFlas0g/s320/14_569555914_5414795_2568725_n-vi.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Here is our wedding bands. Picked this up on ebay, from Ireland, for about $75.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1f3Ralnmbvs/TXppnAo7PjI/AAAAAAAAAW0/4g8Fzdh3zvw/s1600/BSD2Grn1alt-vi.jpg" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1f3Ralnmbvs/TXppnAo7PjI/AAAAAAAAAW0/4g8Fzdh3zvw/s1600/BSD2Grn1alt-vi.jpg"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1f3Ralnmbvs/TXppnAo7PjI/AAAAAAAAAW0/4g8Fzdh3zvw/s320/BSD2Grn1alt-vi.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1f3Ralnmbvs/TXppnAo7PjI/AAAAAAAAAW0/4g8Fzdh3zvw/s320/BSD2Grn1alt-vi.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="201" /></a><br /><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6G7vuuWZ030/TXppo-nlqdI/AAAAAAAAAW4/4LqDnzko-Pg/s1600/BSD2Grn2-vi.jpg" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6G7vuuWZ030/TXppo-nlqdI/AAAAAAAAAW4/4LqDnzko-Pg/s1600/BSD2Grn2-vi.jpg"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6G7vuuWZ030/TXppo-nlqdI/AAAAAAAAAW4/4LqDnzko-Pg/s320/BSD2Grn2-vi.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6G7vuuWZ030/TXppo-nlqdI/AAAAAAAAAW4/4LqDnzko-Pg/s320/BSD2Grn2-vi.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="168" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>These are photograph of my original dress. I love it! I might try to see if I can just fancy it up somehow.</div><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZmBZLR2vk70/TXpqBvbFfvI/AAAAAAAAAXA/EbfpAv4-r0U/s1600/ghillies-vi.jpg" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZmBZLR2vk70/TXpqBvbFfvI/AAAAAAAAAXA/EbfpAv4-r0U/s1600/ghillies-vi.jpg"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZmBZLR2vk70/TXpqBvbFfvI/AAAAAAAAAXA/EbfpAv4-r0U/s320/ghillies-vi.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZmBZLR2vk70/TXpqBvbFfvI/AAAAAAAAAXA/EbfpAv4-r0U/s320/ghillies-vi.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>These are my ghillie shoes. I will still use them, I think. I guess it depends on the dress. Otherwise, I am going to get my wedding shoes from Toms Shoes. That is the organization where every shoe you buy they give a pair of shoes to those who need them. I love their wedding style.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Dl53hmzjojM/TXpq7W2RoAI/AAAAAAAAAXE/adX6WHlUq2A/s1600/w-bridalwhiteglitters-s-450x320.jpg" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Dl53hmzjojM/TXpq7W2RoAI/AAAAAAAAAXE/adX6WHlUq2A/s1600/w-bridalwhiteglitters-s-450x320.jpg"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Dl53hmzjojM/TXpq7W2RoAI/AAAAAAAAAXE/adX6WHlUq2A/s320/w-bridalwhiteglitters-s-450x320.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="227" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Dl53hmzjojM/TXpq7W2RoAI/AAAAAAAAAXE/adX6WHlUq2A/s320/w-bridalwhiteglitters-s-450x320.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a><br />I know it does not look like a traditional wedding shoe. But I love what they do!<br /><br /><br /><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3jd9puKR6qw/TXpp4YJ-RnI/AAAAAAAAAW8/lUBmoC-BJeU/s1600/DSCI0012-vi.jpg" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3jd9puKR6qw/TXpp4YJ-RnI/AAAAAAAAAW8/lUBmoC-BJeU/s1600/DSCI0012-vi.jpg"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3jd9puKR6qw/TXpp4YJ-RnI/AAAAAAAAAW8/lUBmoC-BJeU/s320/DSCI0012-vi.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3jd9puKR6qw/TXpp4YJ-RnI/AAAAAAAAAW8/lUBmoC-BJeU/s320/DSCI0012-vi.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a><br /><div>This is Curwood Castle, where we were going to get married last year. That is Big M and lil m standing in front of it.</div><br /><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsySMZY67TY/TXprj5JV0ZI/AAAAAAAAAXI/u8TzJ6LrZ-o/s1600/shamrockbow-vi.jpg" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsySMZY67TY/TXprj5JV0ZI/AAAAAAAAAXI/u8TzJ6LrZ-o/s1600/shamrockbow-vi.jpg"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsySMZY67TY/TXprj5JV0ZI/AAAAAAAAAXI/u8TzJ6LrZ-o/s320/shamrockbow-vi.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsySMZY67TY/TXprj5JV0ZI/AAAAAAAAAXI/u8TzJ6LrZ-o/s320/shamrockbow-vi.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="240" /></a><br /><div>This is the cake we picked, only without the pink.</div><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jEZQUKOM4w4/TXpr2PEf4nI/AAAAAAAAAXM/yLBO1QjV7tw/s1600/highland_dress-vi.jpg" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jEZQUKOM4w4/TXpr2PEf4nI/AAAAAAAAAXM/yLBO1QjV7tw/s1600/highland_dress-vi.jpg"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jEZQUKOM4w4/TXpr2PEf4nI/AAAAAAAAAXM/yLBO1QjV7tw/s320/highland_dress-vi.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jEZQUKOM4w4/TXpr2PEf4nI/AAAAAAAAAXM/yLBO1QjV7tw/s320/highland_dress-vi.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="221" /></a><br /><div>The look we might go for now. We will have to get him a suit jacket but he was already going to wear his kilt. Then my dress would be my family's county tartan. (Ireland tartans go by county, Scotland go by last name. Big M is more Scot than Irish.)</div><br /><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c64Yx48IaD0/TXpsQFaADqI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/oNu5pOqkrJk/s1600/wg366gueniverem-vi.jpg" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c64Yx48IaD0/TXpsQFaADqI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/oNu5pOqkrJk/s1600/wg366gueniverem-vi.jpg"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c64Yx48IaD0/TXpsQFaADqI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/oNu5pOqkrJk/s320/wg366gueniverem-vi.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c64Yx48IaD0/TXpsQFaADqI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/oNu5pOqkrJk/s320/wg366gueniverem-vi.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="231" /></a><br /><div>This was the first dress I picked out last year. I did not order it because I felt for the castle, it was too formal. I am not sure if I want to go with this look, or the one below.</div><br /><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UtVA76Qjkk0/TXpseY3apsI/AAAAAAAAAXU/PgBma03hEYo/s1600/%2524%2528KGrHqR%252C%2521ioE1NTGk8mKBNd%2521rPq%2528m%2521%257E%257E0_3.JPG" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UtVA76Qjkk0/TXpseY3apsI/AAAAAAAAAXU/PgBma03hEYo/s1600/%2524%2528KGrHqR%252C%2521ioE1NTGk8mKBNd%2521rPq%2528m%2521%257E%257E0_3.JPG"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UtVA76Qjkk0/TXpseY3apsI/AAAAAAAAAXU/PgBma03hEYo/s320/%2524%2528KGrHqR%252C%2521ioE1NTGk8mKBNd%2521rPq%2528m%2521%257E%257E0_3.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UtVA76Qjkk0/TXpseY3apsI/AAAAAAAAAXU/PgBma03hEYo/s320/%2524%2528KGrHqR%252C%2521ioE1NTGk8mKBNd%2521rPq%2528m%2521%257E%257E0_3.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="212" /></a><br />That is all the pictures I have for now. I am really excited to be sharing this will all of you!<br /><br /><br /><a _mce_href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=168830&amp;u=465182&amp;m=9044&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=168830&amp;u=465182&amp;m=9044&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" target="_blank"><img _mce_src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/9044/CurrentCoupon125x125.gif" alt="New Flat Rate Shipping from MakeBeer.net!" border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/9044/CurrentCoupon125x125.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34216683842722195192011-03-12T07:12:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.059-05:00About the Child Tax Credit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">As taxes rise along with the cost of living, raising a family in the new millennium was almost impossible. Many people were putting off having families and others were stopping at one. The government stepped in with The Child Tax Credit to those who have a "qualifying child." The maximum amount given for The Child Tax Credit is up to $1000 per qualifying child.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">To read more:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1468194" title="View my Article at Helium.com"> <img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" /> </a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15788383055847899462011-03-12T07:06:00.041-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.303-04:00Steps to Staying Motivated as a Writer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/mrsmarab/inspiration%20and%20motivation/1264-08-16-2010.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/mrsmarab/inspiration%20and%20motivation/1264-08-16-2010.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1564147754&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Motivating yourself to write, should not be something you do only when the spirit moves you.&nbsp; It’s an ongoing process that should include every facet of your writing life.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This means your mental attitude, physical well-being and appearance, home office atmosphere, your interaction with others (clients and "co-workers"), and your off-the-job environment.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Motivational experts get paid big bucks to tell professionals, striving for success, that they must constantly examine these factors.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>How do you do that?</b><b>&nbsp;</b>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Follow these five tips and watch the changes begin.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></span><u><b>Maintain a Positive Attitude –</b></u> Let’s realize that life is only 10% of what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.&nbsp; We’re responsible for our own actions and attitudes, and changing them when appropriate.&nbsp; When you’re around people/things that are uplifting and positive, you feel that way.&nbsp; You have more confidence in yourself, and know you can change whatever needs changing. If you can make your home office space such a place you’ll find happier feelings and higher production. You might even find yourself rolling out of bed and walking down the hall to work!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></span><u><b>Leave Personal Troubles At the Door -</b></u>&nbsp; Everyone has problems, but they don’t belong in your home office. Turn your attention and energy entirely to your on-the-job tasks.&nbsp; This will actually be good for you because you’ll get a mental break from your troubles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></span><u><b>Create Positive Affirmations -</b></u>&nbsp; The reason for writing goals for your writing business is the same as creating positive affirmations on paper.&nbsp; What your eyes see and ears hear, your mind will believe.&nbsp; Try it!&nbsp; After you’ve written them down, read them aloud to yourself – and do it every morning when you get into your office.&nbsp; You’ll be amazed at what happens.&nbsp; Come up with a set of new ones every month.&nbsp; Statements such as, “I’m an important and valuable person,” or “I know I’ll make good use of my time today.”&nbsp; Repeating them out loud everyday at a set time will help reinforce positive actions.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></o:p></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></span><u><b>Make Sure Break Times Are Really Break Times -</b></u>&nbsp;&nbsp;This is an area where most writers fall down.&nbsp; You become so intense about the content you’re working on that you don’t ease up.&nbsp;You’ll get a cup of coffee and that can lead you right up to quitting time.&nbsp; Regularly adhering to a specified break schedule releases the tension.&nbsp;Since we&nbsp;work on a computer this is even a greater problem because before you realize it – you’ve been working in that same position for hours.&nbsp; The best answer to this is to set yourself a reminder on your appointment calendar for every 2 hours, and let the computer reminder chime send you the alert to move around.<u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></o:p></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></span><u>Exercise, Exercise, Exercise -</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I know that lately it seems that “exercise” is the cure-all to every physical ailment or your love life, but despite that there is some truth to that ugly word.&nbsp; By “exercise” I don’t mean that you should go out and join a gym and spend your lunch-time, 3-days-a-week there working out.&nbsp; What is really beneficial and workable is that at those chiming alerts from your computer, get up and walk around your desk or room.&nbsp; Maybe go outside and get the mail and enjoy the sunlight (if you’re an entrepreneur that has a home office), or just get up and do a few stretches.&nbsp; Concentrated, tense thinking – typing - plotting plans - or whatever your work, makes all those muscles tighten up and knot up.&nbsp; Then when we move we “ooh” and “ouch” because we’ve knotted up into a ball of tension. Periodic stretching, even at our desk, or just getting up and walking over to the window and getting a different view can help.&nbsp; One of the greatest disservice modern business décor has done to us, is making our offices pristine, sleek, unencumbered spaces.&nbsp; There is nothing more relaxing than getting up from your desk and walking over to a peaceful, serene, seascape or pastoral painting and just drinking it in visually.&nbsp; Momentarily transporting your mind out of work and into that place does wonders.&nbsp; A few good paintings and less shiny chrome in offices would benefit us all.<u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">I use<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2040783-exercise"> Break Pal </a>to help me with #4 and #5. I set it to go off every 30 minutes or so depending on my day. Not only do I get a break, but I get some exercise in as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><u><br /></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It only takes a little concentrated effort on our part to keep motivated and productive, which leads to success.&nbsp; I know you’re going to hate hearing this, but it’s true anyway – and that is, “WHEN LIFE GIVES YOUR LEMONS – MAKE LEMONADE!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44016092465204475422011-03-11T20:24:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.882-04:00Changing the Design & Update on Life<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">Sorry for my&nbsp;absence. My head is stuck in piles of homework and once I dig &nbsp;myself out I am so tired I just go right to bed. I have decided to change the background of this website. I do like this Gothic Irish that I found, but the text does not show unless I remember to make the text white before I publish, which I never do.<br />Things are moving along here OK right now. Just the usual stress of homework. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/04/frugal-irish-wedding.html">Making wedding plans. </a>Got some things taken care of.<br /><br />I am still worried.<br /><br />Worried that even though he says he loves me that when we start to go to therapy together that he is not going to be strong enough to handle it. My ex husband went to therapy with me, we went through it together. I was the one who did not want him to have to be with me. That was my own self esteem issues. I do not want that to happen again.<br /><br />My soon to be mother-in-law is pushy. She seems to think that I hate her and her family because I never hang out with them.<br /><br />Well,<br /><br />No.<br /><br />You see, I don't even have time to visit with my own family. I am lucky to see my mom once a month and she lives 15 minutes away. School takes up most of my time and when I am not busy with that, I am writing to pay my bills. It is not personal. I don't know why she takes it as such.<br /><br />I honestly don't mind her. She can be a lot of fun and she has a huge heart. But, she tends to nag at M and it sets the mood. For that reason I don't really care to be around her. Its not fun when they are nitpicking with each other.<br /><br />I prefer to stay home. Rest. Relax. Read a good book. I don't care if I am social. It is how I have always been. When I was younger I lived 1000 miles away from my family so social gatherings are not a big deal to me.<br />Maybe she will get over that and so will her family.<br /><br />His father, hes awesome as well as his wife. She could have been my mom. I just love her to death and she understands my chronic pain and depression. I feel like she is in the middle a lot.<br /><br />It will be interesting to see how this turns out.<br /><br />The wedding.<br /><br />Life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/05/and-beat-goes-on-my-heart-that-is.html">And the beat goes on</a>............</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90667928560731721442011-03-11T20:21:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.462-04:00Irish Herbed Potatoes<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kFmS-iGBr50/TXpWAy_O7ZI/AAAAAAAAAWo/JymO1B2OhMw/s1600/exps4735_RDS1338202D19B.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kFmS-iGBr50/TXpWAy_O7ZI/AAAAAAAAAWo/JymO1B2OhMw/s1600/exps4735_RDS1338202D19B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kFmS-iGBr50/TXpWAy_O7ZI/AAAAAAAAAWo/JymO1B2OhMw/s1600/exps4735_RDS1338202D19B.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kFmS-iGBr50/TXpWAy_O7ZI/AAAAAAAAAWo/JymO1B2OhMw/s1600/exps4735_RDS1338202D19B.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div>Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these unique potatoes. The wedged have the perfect dill and chive seasoning. Your crowd will cheer for them year after year!<br /><br />Recipe from Taste of Home Irish Food and Fun recipe magazine.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">2-1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">1/2 cup butter, melted</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">1 tablespoon lemon juice</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">1/4 cup minced fresh parsley</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">3 tablespoons minced chives</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">3 tablespoons snipped fresh dill or 3 teaspoons dill weed</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">1/8 teaspoon salt</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">1/8 teaspoon pepper</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Directions</b></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain. Transfer to a large serving bowl.</span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; pour over potatoes and toss to coat.&nbsp;</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Yield: 8-10 servings.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19232484584378657762011-03-11T20:20:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.465-04:00How Many Dublin's ??<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9Mdol9NfqY8/TXpUycUoZGI/AAAAAAAAAWk/nbvmchO5wyU/s1600/dublin.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9Mdol9NfqY8/TXpUycUoZGI/AAAAAAAAAWk/nbvmchO5wyU/s1600/dublin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9Mdol9NfqY8/TXpUycUoZGI/AAAAAAAAAWk/nbvmchO5wyU/s320/dublin.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9Mdol9NfqY8/TXpUycUoZGI/AAAAAAAAAWk/nbvmchO5wyU/s320/dublin.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I</span><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">f you can't get to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day, you might be able to find a Dublin closer to home.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Try Dublin, CA; Dublin, OH; Dublin, NH; Dublin; GA, or Dublin, VA.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43644540932319373372011-03-11T08:31:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.061-05:00Tax Advantages of a Home Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D4S0AvBbEl0/TXe-ZKfM3WI/AAAAAAAAAWE/5e0FZvpoBr4/s1600/Boss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D4S0AvBbEl0/TXe-ZKfM3WI/AAAAAAAAAWE/5e0FZvpoBr4/s1600/Boss.jpg" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Tax deductions</b>, which were once one of the beauties of engaging&nbsp;in a home business, are not what they once were. To be eligible&nbsp;for business related deductions today, you must use that part of&nbsp;your home claimed EXCLUSIVELY AND REGULARLY as either the&nbsp;principal location of your business, or place reserved to meet&nbsp;patients, clients or customers.<br /><br /><br /><b>An interesting case in point:</b> if you use your den or a spare&nbsp;bedroom as the principal place of business, working there from&nbsp;8:00 to 5:00 every day, but permit your children to watch TV in&nbsp;that room during evening hours, the IRS dictates that you cannot&nbsp;claim a deduction for that room as your office or place of&nbsp;business.<br /><br /><br /><b>There are, however, a couple of exceptions to the "exclusive use"&nbsp;rule</b>. One is the storage on inventory in your home, where your&nbsp;home is the location of your trade or business, and your trade or&nbsp;business is the selling of products at retail or wholesale.&nbsp;According to the IRS, such storage space must be used on a&nbsp;regular basis, and be separately identifiable space.<br /><br /><br />Another exception applies to daycare services that are provided&nbsp;for children, the elderly, or physically or mentally handicapped.&nbsp;This exception applies only if the owner of the facility complies<br />with the state laws for licensing.<br /><br /><br /><b>To be eligible for business deductions</b>, your business must be an&nbsp;activity undertaken with the intent of making profit. It's&nbsp;presumed you meet this requirement if your business makes a&nbsp;profit in any two years of a five-year period.<br /><br /><br /><b>Once you are this far along</b>, you can deduct business expenses&nbsp;such as supplies, subscriptions to professional journals, and an&nbsp;allowance for the business use of your car or truck. You can also&nbsp;claim deductions for home related business expenses such as&nbsp;utilities, and in some cases, even a new paint job for your home.<br /><br /><br /><b>The IRS is going to treat the part of your home you use for&nbsp;business as though it were a separate piece of property. </b>This&nbsp;means that you'll have to keep good records and take care not to&nbsp;mix business and personal matters. No specific method of record&nbsp;keeping is required, but your records must clearly justify and<br />deductions you claim.<br /><br /><br /><b>You can begin by calculating what percentage of the house is used&nbsp;for business</b>, either by number of rooms or by area in square&nbsp;footage. Thus, if you use one of the five rooms for your&nbsp;business, the business portion is 20 percent. If you run your&nbsp;business out of a room that's 10 by 12 feet, and the total area&nbsp;of your home is 1,200 square feet, the business space factor is&nbsp;10 percent.<br /><br /><br />An extra computation is required if your business is a home day&nbsp;care center. This is one of the exempted activities in which the&nbsp;exclusive use rule doesn't apply. Check with your tax preparer&nbsp;and the IRS for an exact determination.<br /><br /><br />If you're a renter, you can deduct the part of your rent which is&nbsp;attributable to the business share of your house or apartment.&nbsp;Homeowners can take a deduction based on the depreciation of the&nbsp;business portion of their house.<br /><br /><br /><b>There is a limit to the amount you can deduct. </b>This is the amount&nbsp;equal to the gross income generated by the business, minus those&nbsp;home expenses you could deduct even if you weren't operating a&nbsp;business from your home. As an example, real estate taxes and&nbsp;mortgage interest are deductible regardless of any business<br />activity in your home, so you must subtract from your business&nbsp;gross income the percentage that's allocable to the business&nbsp;portion of your home. You thus arrive at the maximum amount for&nbsp;home-related business deductions.<br /><br /><br /><b>If you are self-employed, you claim your business deductions on Schedule C Profit or Loss for a Business</b>.The IRS&nbsp;emphasizes that claiming business-at-home deductions does not&nbsp;automatically trigger an audit on your tax return. Even so, it is&nbsp;always wise to keep meticulously within the proper guidelines,&nbsp;and of course keep detailed records if you claim business related&nbsp;expenses when you are working out of your home. You should&nbsp;discuss this aspect of your operation with your tax preparer or a&nbsp;person qualified in the field of small business tax requirements.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>If your business earnings aren't subject to withholding tax</b>, and&nbsp;your estimated federal taxes are $100 or more, you'll probably be&nbsp;filing a Declaration of Estimated Tax, Form 1040 ES. To complete&nbsp;this form, you will have to estimate your income for the coming&nbsp;year and also make a computation of the income tax and<br />self-employed tax you will owe.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>The self-employment taxes pay for Social Security coverage</b>.&nbsp;If you have a salaried job covered by Social Security, the&nbsp;self-employment tax applies only to that amount of your home&nbsp;business income that, when added to your salary, reaches the&nbsp;current ceiling. When you file your Form 1040-ES, which is due&nbsp;April 15, you must make the first of four equal installment&nbsp;payments on your estimated tax bill.<br /><br /><br />Another good way to trim taxes is by setting up a Keogh plan or&nbsp;an Individual Retirement Account. With either of these, you can&nbsp;shelter some of your home business income from taxes by investing&nbsp;it for your retirement.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72083165489761666722011-03-11T08:30:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.306-04:00Finding Your Niche<div class="MsoNormal">When you are considering freelance writing, you want to make sure you find the right topic.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>What do you want to do?&nbsp;</li><li>Are you going to sell something?&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>What is your passion?&nbsp;</li><li>What subject or topic do you have a lot of knowledge about?</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me start by telling you that selling an information product online is easier than selling a service.&nbsp; But, selling a service online makes more money with monthly memberships.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before you spend all your time working on a website and writing up eBooks, you want to be sure that your customers are going to be interested in what you are selling.&nbsp; Do your market research.&nbsp; Start by seeing how many competitors you have -this is a good sign.&nbsp; Read through newsgroups, discussion boards, and chat rooms and learn about your target market customer base.&nbsp; If you already have an email list, send them a survey to see what they are most interested in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most internet marketers preach that there are three reasons why a customer will want to buy your product.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Your product has solved a problem for your customer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Your product has made life easier or more comfortable for your customer.&nbsp;</li><li>You are very passionate about your product and it shows in everything you do.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">When researching your niche, you may want to use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">www.Amazon.com</a> and find the current top sellers.&nbsp; Find out what people are reading about.&nbsp; You will want to research keywords with keyword tools such as <a href="http://www.wordtracker.com/">www.wordtracker.com</a>.&nbsp; You need to discover which keywords are being searched for frequently.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Doing a little poking around your competitors sites isn’t a bad idea.</b>&nbsp; This is one way to come up with ideas on what would make your company different or better.&nbsp; Take a look at their traffic rankings and their related links.&nbsp; By analyzing this information, you can see how many visitors they have each day and how profitable their company is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Once you find your passion, ask yourself does this serve my customers(if you are writing - your readers).</b>&nbsp; You want to provide an excellent service to each and every person that spends their money with you.&nbsp; This cuts down on complaints and bad press.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62264410575196149982011-03-10T20:06:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.468-04:00Leprechaun Lime Punch<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_iKMdu3HjTQ/TXjw7SibM3I/AAAAAAAAAWg/LpvRMfrym-k/s1600/full.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_iKMdu3HjTQ/TXjw7SibM3I/AAAAAAAAAWg/LpvRMfrym-k/s1600/full.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_iKMdu3HjTQ/TXjw7SibM3I/AAAAAAAAAWg/LpvRMfrym-k/s320/full.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_iKMdu3HjTQ/TXjw7SibM3I/AAAAAAAAAWg/LpvRMfrym-k/s320/full.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="293" /></a></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Toast the&nbsp;occasion&nbsp;with the lively taste of lime and other flavors. This delightful drink is certain to add a festive touch to your St. Patrick's Day table.</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Ingredients:</span></div><ul _mce_style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;" class="ingredients" style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5-3/4 cups refrigerated citrus punch</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cans (12 ounces&nbsp;<em _mce_style="line-height: 1.22em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">each</em>) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup sugar</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup lime juice</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 quart lime sherbet, softened</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 drops green food coloring</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lime slices</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lemon slices</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cherries with stems</span></li></ul><div><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 24px;" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 24px;" style="line-height: 24px;">Directions:</span></span></div><div><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 24px;" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 24px;" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 24px;" style="line-height: 24px;"></span></span><span _mce_style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">I</span></span><span _mce_style="line-height: 16px;" style="line-height: 16px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the citrus punch, limeade, sugar, lime juice and sherbet; stir until smooth and sugar is dissolved. Add soda and food coloring; stir to mix. Float lime slices on top. Serve immediately.<strong _mce_style="line-height: 1.22em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">&nbsp;Yield:&nbsp;</strong></span><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20-24 servings (1 gallon).</span></span></div><div><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 24px;" style="line-height: 24px;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 17px;" style="line-height: 17px;"></span></span></span><br /><ul _mce_style="color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.22em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;" class="directions" style="color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.22em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 24px;" style="line-height: 24px;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 17px;" style="line-height: 17px;"></span></span></span></ul></div><div><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Recipe from Taste of Home Irish Food and Fun recipe magazine.</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28644497722414668102011-03-10T20:05:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.470-04:00St. Patrick's Day Traditions<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7eIAoctHJzw/TXjwHXYVkbI/AAAAAAAAAWc/PMpRtLjQ7LE/s1600/st-patricks-day-cool+card.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7eIAoctHJzw/TXjwHXYVkbI/AAAAAAAAAWc/PMpRtLjQ7LE/s1600/st-patricks-day-cool+card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7eIAoctHJzw/TXjwHXYVkbI/AAAAAAAAAWc/PMpRtLjQ7LE/s320/st-patricks-day-cool+card.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7eIAoctHJzw/TXjwHXYVkbI/AAAAAAAAAWc/PMpRtLjQ7LE/s320/st-patricks-day-cool+card.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">According to Hallmark Research, 82.4% of Americans wear traditional green on St. Patrick's Day, and for good reason. Tradition says you'll get pinched if you don't!</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12402916653318545472011-03-10T10:30:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.063-05:00Record Keeping,Taxes and Accounting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h_YKf4AkTGs/TXeiqx-qnYI/AAAAAAAAAWA/v8qOQfUJVVY/s1600/Chbk1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h_YKf4AkTGs/TXeiqx-qnYI/AAAAAAAAAWA/v8qOQfUJVVY/s320/Chbk1c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>If you have a checking account, of course you balance it periodically to account for any differences between what's in your statement and what you wrote down for checks and deposits</b>. Many people do it once a month when their statement is mailed to them, but with the advent of online banking, you can do it daily if you're the sort whose banking tends to get away from them.<br /><br /><br /><b>As an accountant and a tax preparer I tell my clients to keep track of everything!</b> I know in this day and age with debit cards and online banking many have strayed away from keeping a checkbook register. And that is a shame. Not only does it reduce waste by using a smaller amount of paper, it is much easier to keep track of your deductions and expenses.<br /><br /><br /><b>With paper statements</b>, if you keep them, you will have to look through pages and pages to find your deductions and expenses. With e-statements you do the same thing, unless you print them. Either way you have a large amount of paper.<br /><br /><br /><b>Keeping accurate records</b> in a register saves time, and storage space. I keep these handy with my tax returns in case their is ever an audit.<br /><br /><br /><b>Balance your checkboo</b>k ( I do mine weekly) to note any charges in your checking account that you haven't recorded in your checkbook. Some of these can include ATM fees, overdraft fees, special transaction fees or low balance fees, if you're required to keep a minimum balance in your account.<br /><br /><br />You also balance your checkbook to record any credits that you haven't noted previously. They might include automatic deposits, or refunds or other electronic deposits. Your checking account might be an interest-bearing account and you want to record any interest that it's earned.<br /><br /><br />You also need to discover if you've made any errors in your recordkeeping or if the bank has made any errors. <br /><br />Be sure to use the space provided in your register to note what the credit or debit is. Label it if it is fuel, food, medical, supplies, or any other deduction or expense you need to keep track of.<br /><br /><br />We all dread is the filing of annual federal income tax returns. But with&nbsp;adequate&nbsp;records, you really have nothing to fear.<br /><br /><br />Many people use a CPA to do their returns; others do it themselves. <b>Most forms include the following items:</b><br /><br /><b>Income</b> - any money you've earned from working or owning assets, unless there are specific exemptions from income tax. This will also include self-employment.<br /><br /><br /><b>Personal exemptions</b> - this is a certain amount of income that is excused from tax.<br /><br /><br /><b>Standard deduction </b>- some personal expenditures or business expenses can be deducted from your income to reduce the taxable amount of income. These expenses include items such as interest paid on your home mortgage, charitable contributions and property taxes. These items are itemized on Schedule A.<br /><br /><br /><b>Taxable income</b> - This is the balance of income that's subject to taxes after personal exemptions and deductions are factored in.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41603295628158817312011-03-10T06:28:00.000-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.065-05:00Legalities When Working from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-elW9RLFM3kw/TXe_VpnDJlI/AAAAAAAAAWI/M2Dkk2FTBBc/s1600/homebusiness1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-elW9RLFM3kw/TXe_VpnDJlI/AAAAAAAAAWI/M2Dkk2FTBBc/s320/homebusiness1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Every year, several thousand people develop an interest in "going&nbsp;into business." Many of these people have an idea, a product or a&nbsp;service they hope to promote into an income producing business&nbsp;which they can operate from their homes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you are one of these people, here are some practical thoughts&nbsp;to consider before hanging out the "Open for Business" sign.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>In areas zoned "Residential Only," your proposed business could&nbsp;be illega</b>l. In many areas, zoning restrictions rule out home&nbsp;businesses involving the coming and going of many customers,clients or employees. Many businesses that sell or even store&nbsp;anything for sale on the premises also fall into this category.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Be sure to check with your local zoning office to see how the&nbsp;ordinances in your particular area may affect your business&nbsp;plans.</b>&nbsp;You may need a special permit to operate your business&nbsp;from your home; and you may find that making small changes in&nbsp;your plan will put you into the position of meeting zoning</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">standards.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Many communities grant home occupation permits</b>&nbsp;for businesses&nbsp;involve typing, sewing, and teaching, but turn thumbs down on&nbsp;requests from photographers, interior decorators and home&nbsp;improvement businesses to be run from the home. And often, even&nbsp;if you are permitted to use your home for a given business, there</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">will be restrictions that you may need to take into&nbsp;consideration. By all means, work with your zoning people, and&nbsp;save yourself time, trouble and dollars.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">One of the requirements imposed might be off street parking for&nbsp;your customers or patrons. And, signs are generally forbidden in&nbsp;residential districts. If you teach, there is almost always a&nbsp;limit on the number of students you may have at any one time.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Obtaining zoning approval for your business, then, could be as&nbsp;simple as filling out an application, or it could involve a&nbsp;public hearing. The important points the zoning officials will&nbsp;consider will center around how your business will affect the&nbsp;neighborhood. Will it increase the traffic noticeably on your&nbsp;street? Will there be a substantial increase in noise? And how&nbsp;will your neighbors feel about this business alongside their</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">homes?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>To repea</b>t, check into the zoning restrictions, and then check&nbsp;again to determine if you will need a city license. If you're&nbsp;selling something, you may need a vendor's license, and be&nbsp;required to collect sales taxes on your transactions. The sale&nbsp;tax requirement would result in the need for careful record&nbsp;keeping.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Licensing can be an involved proces</b>s, and depending upon the type&nbsp;of business, it could even involve the inspection of your home to&nbsp;determine if it meets with local health and building and fire&nbsp;codes. Should this be the case, you will need to bring your&nbsp;facilities up to the local standards. Usually this will involve&nbsp;some simple repairs or adjustments that you can either do&nbsp;personally, or hire out to a handyman at a nominal cost.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Still more items to consider:&nbsp;</b>Will your homeowner's insurance&nbsp;cover the property and liability in your new business? This must&nbsp;definitely be resolved, so be sure to talk it over with your&nbsp;insurance agent.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39922306638904479702011-03-09T20:05:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.472-04:00St. Patrick's Day Popcorn<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mNgFI27nGrg/TXZGzoGlGnI/AAAAAAAAAVs/qO-i_a4Virk/s1600/94610c.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mNgFI27nGrg/TXZGzoGlGnI/AAAAAAAAAVs/qO-i_a4Virk/s1600/94610c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mNgFI27nGrg/TXZGzoGlGnI/AAAAAAAAAVs/qO-i_a4Virk/s1600/94610c.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mNgFI27nGrg/TXZGzoGlGnI/AAAAAAAAAVs/qO-i_a4Virk/s1600/94610c.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone's eyes will be smilin' when they see this candy corn with an Irish twist. The green color gives the snack instant St. Patrick's Day appeal.</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"></span><br /><h2 _mce_style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ingredients</span></h2><ul _mce_style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;" class="ingredients" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 quarts popped popcorn</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup sugar</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup packed brown sugar</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup water</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup light corn syrup</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon white vinegar</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup butter</span></li><li _mce_style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 to 10&nbsp;drops green food coloring</span></li></ul><div><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div><h2 _mce_style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="font-size: 1.5em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Directions</span></h2><ul _mce_style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;" class="directions" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.tasteofhome.com/images/RecipeDetail/recipe-listBullet.jpg); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.tasteofhome.com/images/RecipeDetail/recipe-listBullet.jpg); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place popcorn in a large roasting pan; keep warm in a 250° oven. Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugars, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 260° (hard-ball stage).</span></li><li _mce_style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.tasteofhome.com/images/RecipeDetail/recipe-listBullet.jpg); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.tasteofhome.com/images/RecipeDetail/recipe-listBullet.jpg); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remove from the heat; stir in butter until melted. Stir in food coloring. Drizzle over warm popcorn and toss to coat. Cool. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.<strong _mce_style="line-height: 1.22em; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">&nbsp;Yield:&nbsp;</strong>6 quarts.</span></li></ul><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recipe from Taste of Home Irish Food and Fun recipe magazine.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22890343926644686622011-03-09T20:03:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.475-04:00St. Patrick's Day History<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QswDWTr2-eo/TXZFZGD32jI/AAAAAAAAAVk/58MW0qqqR7w/s1600/StPatricksDay.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QswDWTr2-eo/TXZFZGD32jI/AAAAAAAAAVk/58MW0qqqR7w/s1600/StPatricksDay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QswDWTr2-eo/TXZFZGD32jI/AAAAAAAAAVk/58MW0qqqR7w/s1600/StPatricksDay.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QswDWTr2-eo/TXZFZGD32jI/AAAAAAAAAVk/58MW0qqqR7w/s1600/StPatricksDay.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;">St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17 and has been in the U.S. since Irish immigrants in Boston began observing the holiday&nbsp;publicly&nbsp;on 1737.</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V1frb3SuSVU/TXZGdBSi3iI/AAAAAAAAAVo/m1KTi7d0onA/s1600/539w.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V1frb3SuSVU/TXZGdBSi3iI/AAAAAAAAAVo/m1KTi7d0onA/s1600/539w.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V1frb3SuSVU/TXZGdBSi3iI/AAAAAAAAAVo/m1KTi7d0onA/s320/539w.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="188" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V1frb3SuSVU/TXZGdBSi3iI/AAAAAAAAAVo/m1KTi7d0onA/s320/539w.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84997381835736912842011-03-09T09:35:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.067-05:00Sorry, No Pets Allowed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uaEXmjvLHG4/TXbG2LeZ7CI/AAAAAAAAAV4/v_Mp2kZ4olM/s1600/cica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uaEXmjvLHG4/TXbG2LeZ7CI/AAAAAAAAAV4/v_Mp2kZ4olM/s320/cica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Every tax season I have been asked one simple question repeatedly. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>What about our pets? Isn’t there any sort of deduction for them?</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Food?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Toys?</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Houses?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fenced in yard?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">What about veterinary care? That’s medical, right?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a pet owner, I wish I could tell you the answer was YES!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But sadly, when it comes to the IRS there is a <b>“no pet’s allowed”</b> policy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unless…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, there is a catch.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>That pet has to be your business.</b> Although, it would not really be your pet at that point, unless its the mom or dad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For example, you breed full breeds, then the cost of that business, which could include food and supplies could be treated as a business expense. Veterinary costs would be an expense, too. This is also true for those that might breed another animal such as horses. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The other pet option is for those who need a companion animal.</b>&nbsp; A companion animal would be necessary for those who have certain medical conditions. An example would be a guide—dog or other animal to be used by visually-impaired, hearing-impaired or other physical disability. This is a Medical Deduction that must be itemized on a Schedule A.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-310897938896672242011-03-09T07:22:00.019-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.308-04:00Organizing Your Time When You Work from Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VuHOhjn9s1o/TXbJT98AWII/AAAAAAAAAV8/gJKMGvEIF-U/s1600/maxineorganize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VuHOhjn9s1o/TXbJT98AWII/AAAAAAAAAV8/gJKMGvEIF-U/s320/maxineorganize.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Almost everyone needs or wants more money coming in</b>, and with this desire most would like to start some sort of extra income producing project. The trouble is, not many of these people seem able to fit "a second job" into their time schedules.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>It's true that most people are busy, but extra time for some sort of home-based extra income producing project can almost always be found.</b> It may mean giving up or changing a few of your favorite pastimes--such as having a couple of beers with the guys or watching TV--but if you score big with your extra income project, you will have all the time you want for doing whatever you what to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>If you are like me</b>, and working from home as a full time career, organizing can be even more of a nightmare. Client lists, who gets what, where and when? I find it difficult to keep up with at times and it is easy to get overwhelmed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Efficient time management boils down to planning what you're going to do, and then doing it without backtracking.</b> Start by making a to- list of the things you want to do tomorrow, each evening before you go to bed. Schedule your trips to the store or other tasks to coincide with the other things you have to do. If you are working outside the home, plan your trips when you are on your way to or from your other job. For those working from home full time, try to plan as many trips at once. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Whatever chores you have to do at home, set aside a specific time to do them, and a specific amount of time to devote to them. </b>For instance, just one hour a day devoted to yard work would probably make your property the envy of all your neighbors. Don't try to do a week's work in one big flurry. Whether it's painting your house, fixing leaky faucets, or mowing your lawn and trimming your shrubs, do a part of it, or one particular job each day, and you'll be amazed at your progress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Don’t fall in to the trap many of us have.</b> People think just because you work from home that you should be able to do all of the household chores. It just is not possible. Delegate anything you can, if necessary. Break larger jobs down in to smaller ones. In that past I would try to tackle the entire kitchen. I found it would take time away from working at home, and my clients started to suffer. Now, I will do floors one day, dust another, and so on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Take care of all your mail the day, you receive it.</b> Don't let those bills and letters pile up on you. If you're unable to pay a bill immediately, file it in a special place that's visible, and note on the envelope the date you intend to pay it. Answer your letters the same day you get them. If you are Excel savvy, you can always make a spreadsheet.<a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/2011/02/list-of-home-business-self-employment.html"> This will help with your work from home business taxes at the end of the year.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Once you start listing and planning what to do, and then carryout your plans, you'll find plenty of "extra time" for handling virtually any kind of home-based income producing project.</b> People in general may not like routines or schedules, but without some sort of plan as to what is supposed to be done, the world would be mired in mass confusion. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The secret of all financially successful people is simply that they are organized and do not waste time. </b>Think about it. Review your own activities, and then see if you can't find a couple of extra hours in each day for more constructive accomplishments.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Do what has to be done immediately.</b> Don't try to get done in a hour something that's realistically going to take a week. Plan out on paper what you have to do--what you want to do--and when you are going to do it. Then get right on each project without procrastination.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Finally, and above all else, when you're organizing your time and your business, be sure to set aside some time for relaxation.</b> Be sure to schedule time when you and your spouse/ family/friends can be together. You must not involve yourself to an extent that you exclude other people--particularly your loved ones--from your life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Taking stock of the time you waste each day, and from there, reorganizing your activities is what it's all about.</b> It’s a matter of becoming more efficient in the use of your time. It's really easy to do, and you will not only accomplish a lot more, you will also find greater fulfillment in your life.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80706261034862518882011-03-08T20:01:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.884-04:00In Honor Of............<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uOP6zuPVnGk/TXZMGm174eI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ZUo97fzyppU/s1600/l.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uOP6zuPVnGk/TXZMGm174eI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ZUo97fzyppU/s1600/l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uOP6zuPVnGk/TXZMGm174eI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ZUo97fzyppU/s1600/l.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uOP6zuPVnGk/TXZMGm174eI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ZUo97fzyppU/s1600/l.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In honor of my grandparents, family, and friends both here in the United States and in Ireland I am making March all about the Irish. I wanted a place where I can connect with people from all over and share my love of Ireland and her people.&nbsp;</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I am also suffering from a mental block and can't seem to figure out a topic for today's blog *doh*)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8sgL4ZT7T70/TXZMKu40fFI/AAAAAAAAAV0/NWuFnvSFWTI/s1600/2stpatricks-day-by-6aika6.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8sgL4ZT7T70/TXZMKu40fFI/AAAAAAAAAV0/NWuFnvSFWTI/s1600/2stpatricks-day-by-6aika6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8sgL4ZT7T70/TXZMKu40fFI/AAAAAAAAAV0/NWuFnvSFWTI/s320/2stpatricks-day-by-6aika6.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8sgL4ZT7T70/TXZMKu40fFI/AAAAAAAAAV0/NWuFnvSFWTI/s320/2stpatricks-day-by-6aika6.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="304" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72645680471386104562011-03-08T20:00:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.479-04:00St. Patrick's Day Parade<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">The parade in New York is the largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the U.S.</div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">Over 150,000 people participate and about 3 million people line the streets to watch.</div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">WOW! That's a lot of people!</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZY1oNKJ_KdM/TXYuT0d4WyI/AAAAAAAAAVg/1al-Wbem-J4/s1600/l+%25281%2529.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZY1oNKJ_KdM/TXYuT0d4WyI/AAAAAAAAAVg/1al-Wbem-J4/s1600/l+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZY1oNKJ_KdM/TXYuT0d4WyI/AAAAAAAAAVg/1al-Wbem-J4/s320/l+%25281%2529.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZY1oNKJ_KdM/TXYuT0d4WyI/AAAAAAAAAVg/1al-Wbem-J4/s320/l+%25281%2529.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="237" /></a></div>This was the first parade (2008) I attended after I moved across the states. I loved the old&nbsp;Gothic/cathedral&nbsp;style church.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1214664690114935612011-03-08T19:59:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.482-04:00Floating Four-Leaf Clovers with Mint Tea Punch<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_5nd2QJdX0/TXYqGNdQHdI/AAAAAAAAAVc/kyvjvoCSJ2M/s1600/st-pats-images5.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_5nd2QJdX0/TXYqGNdQHdI/AAAAAAAAAVc/kyvjvoCSJ2M/s1600/st-pats-images5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_5nd2QJdX0/TXYqGNdQHdI/AAAAAAAAAVc/kyvjvoCSJ2M/s1600/st-pats-images5.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_5nd2QJdX0/TXYqGNdQHdI/AAAAAAAAAVc/kyvjvoCSJ2M/s1600/st-pats-images5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick's Day and prepare these cute clover cubes. They're made with soda so they won't dilute your beverage. You can make them in advance and freeze them.</div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><strong>Floating Four-Leaf Clovers</strong><br />4 cups plus 2 Tablespoons chilled lemon-lime soda,&nbsp;<em>divided</em>12 lime slices<br />Lime peel (about 6 inches)</div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">Pour ¼ cup lemon-lime soda into 12 muffin cups; freeze until solid. On a work surface, cut lime slices into quarters. Rotate each quarter slice clockwise until one end of outer edge touches the center; place over frozen soda.</div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">To make a stem, cut the lime peel into ½ inch pieces. Place at one corner of clover. Freeze for 20 minutes.</div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">Slowly pour remaining soda into cups until lime is almost covered. Freeze until solid.<strong></strong></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">Yields<strong>&nbsp;</strong>12 clover cubes.</div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><strong>Mint Tea Punch</strong></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><span id="more-4435"></span>10 cups water,&nbsp;<em>divided</em>5 bags green tea with mint<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 cup pineapple juice<br />½ cup lemon juice<br />2½ cups chilled ginger ale<br />4 to 5 drops green food coloring, optional<br />Floating Four-Leaf Clovers (see recipe below)</div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">In a large saucepan, bring 5 cups water to a boil; add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Discard tea bags. Stir in sugar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and remaining water. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.</div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">Just before serving, add ginger ale and food coloring if desired. Add Floating Four-Leaf Covers.<strong></strong></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">Yields<strong>&nbsp;</strong>about 3½ quarts.</div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: left;">Recipes from Taste of Home Irish Food and Fun recipe magazine.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10608151369745522512011-03-08T19:58:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:51:48.984-04:00Irish Setters<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M3cw5DkPEgU/TXKehLvnqYI/AAAAAAAAAVM/7ZE3f3OYcDo/s1600/220px-Can_Setter_dog_GFDL.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M3cw5DkPEgU/TXKehLvnqYI/AAAAAAAAAVM/7ZE3f3OYcDo/s1600/220px-Can_Setter_dog_GFDL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M3cw5DkPEgU/TXKehLvnqYI/AAAAAAAAAVM/7ZE3f3OYcDo/s1600/220px-Can_Setter_dog_GFDL.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M3cw5DkPEgU/TXKehLvnqYI/AAAAAAAAAVM/7ZE3f3OYcDo/s1600/220px-Can_Setter_dog_GFDL.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div>I have always loved Irish Setters. They are so majestic and beautiful. For one of my writing clients, I had to write a&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Irish-Setter" href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Irish-Setter">sample piece</a>. I do not remember if they gave me the topic (which I think they did) or I picked it myself. I never did anything with it and they did not give me payment for it. I put it on my&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan">HubPages&nbsp;</a>account. :)<br /><br />I have two Boxers, Cain and Casey, so I don't see myself getting an Irish Setter anytime soon!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82332270666066700982011-03-07T19:56:00.007-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.887-04:00Madame Alexander St. Patrick's Day Parade<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0pi9KgL1sgA/TXKME9zlbqI/AAAAAAAAAVE/O2G4EjTPniI/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0pi9KgL1sgA/TXKME9zlbqI/AAAAAAAAAVE/O2G4EjTPniI/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0pi9KgL1sgA/TXKME9zlbqI/AAAAAAAAAVE/O2G4EjTPniI/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0pi9KgL1sgA/TXKME9zlbqI/AAAAAAAAAVE/O2G4EjTPniI/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div>This is my latest addition to my Irish collectibles.<a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/day-ofand-little-bit-of-nsnation.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/day-offand-little-bit-of-nsnation.html">&nbsp;Last week I took the day off to do some much needed shopping.</a>&nbsp;Not only did I need to do the shopping, I really needed a day off. While at a store called <a href="http://www.tjmaxx.com/">TJMaxx</a>, I was looking for the Terrence, the boy fairy from Tinkerbell (for lil m, we love our&nbsp;faeries!). They had no Tinkerbell items, but I did spot this gem.<br /><br />For those who don't know, I used to be a HUGE doll collector. I can't remember how old I was, but I do remember my grandmother (that's here over there on the top right of this website) giving me my first collectible doll. She was&nbsp;porcelain&nbsp;and played music. I still have her, she is just put away in my mother's attic. It is there that the rest of my doll collection hides. There really is no place for them here right now. Maybe once I get Big M to put some shelves in for me. Maybe once lil m can appreciate them. Sorry, I fear breakage. I purchased a few for her over the years. They are up in her closet for when she is ready.<br /><br />This little&nbsp;beauty is retired from the 2008 line. She is titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Doll-St-Pattys-Day-Parade/dp/B001GXQS3S?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">"St. Patrick's Day Parade."</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001GXQS3S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br />This is what she looks like when shes not in the box (for my house, she stays in).<br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ym6GsDw7TFI/TXKNM6yMAxI/AAAAAAAAAVI/OdksLd0g1nw/s1600/%2521BUdQSogBmk%257E%2524%2528KGrHgoOKisEjlLmIUKBBKNoPtdkO%2521%257E%257E_12.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ym6GsDw7TFI/TXKNM6yMAxI/AAAAAAAAAVI/OdksLd0g1nw/s1600/%2521BUdQSogBmk%257E%2524%2528KGrHgoOKisEjlLmIUKBBKNoPtdkO%2521%257E%257E_12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ym6GsDw7TFI/TXKNM6yMAxI/AAAAAAAAAVI/OdksLd0g1nw/s320/%2521BUdQSogBmk%257E%2524%2528KGrHgoOKisEjlLmIUKBBKNoPtdkO%2521%257E%257E_12.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ym6GsDw7TFI/TXKNM6yMAxI/AAAAAAAAAVI/OdksLd0g1nw/s320/%2521BUdQSogBmk%257E%2524%2528KGrHgoOKisEjlLmIUKBBKNoPtdkO%2521%257E%257E_12.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="302" /></a></div>I just love her to pieces!<br /><br />I know, almost 36 years old and I get excited over a DOLL *rolls eyes*<br /><br />Honestly, they had a handful of others, they were just as cute. The ONLY reason I bought her is because she is Irish and it is very rare I pass up an Irish item.<br /><br />I did a little research. Since she is no longer for sale on the Madame Alexander website (<a _mce_href="http://madamealexander.com/products/394262/St_Patrick's_Day_Dolls?view_all=1" href="http://madamealexander.com/products/394262/St_Patrick's_Day_Dolls?view_all=1">Here is this years</a>, there are 8 of them) I looked on&nbsp;eBay. One person is selling her for $70. The TJMaxx sticker was $50 and some change. For those who don't have a TJMaxx, they are a discount brand name store.<br /><br />I would not have paid $50 for her. But, she had a pretty red&nbsp;clearance&nbsp;sticker for $29. I gave up buying some workout pants for her.<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed peeking at her as much as I do!<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37901602870687270292011-03-07T09:01:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.310-04:00How to Use Video Effectively in Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ESXYqDdQ4lo/TXTku6vwAZI/AAAAAAAAAVY/CQg4XIGfPdQ/s1600/4726422_f260.jpg" /></a></div><br />Social media. What is it and why do we need it?<br /><br />At some point in a writers career there comes a time where basic advertising just&nbsp;isn't&nbsp;going to cut it. In the day of the electronic world we have&nbsp;eBook&nbsp;writers making more money that traditional published on paper writers. In order to do this they had to learn to use social media , networking and&nbsp;advertising&nbsp;effectively.<br /><br />Using video is just one of those methods.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 26px; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/how_to_use_video_effectively_in_social_media">How to Use Video Effectively in Social Media</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42622628087373646722011-03-06T19:52:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.889-04:00March, the Month of the Irish<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-79Hg9sbINaI/TXKI9yDXkSI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SmGblRVoox0/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-79Hg9sbINaI/TXKI9yDXkSI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SmGblRVoox0/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-79Hg9sbINaI/TXKI9yDXkSI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SmGblRVoox0/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-79Hg9sbINaI/TXKI9yDXkSI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SmGblRVoox0/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-79Hg9sbINaI/TXKI9yDXkSI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SmGblRVoox0/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-79Hg9sbINaI/TXKI9yDXkSI/AAAAAAAAAVA/SmGblRVoox0/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I just have to share my table decor. I put this on yesterday. I am one of those people who decorates my table for the seasons, holidays, or whatever cute place mats I find.</div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last year I had just the white tablecloth (which is now layered under this green one) which has shamrock cutouts all along the bottom. The place mats have clovers and polks-dots on there. I love my plates and we DON'T (hahah) eat off of them. I found them at a Big Lots store and I have yet to be able to track them down online. I know they are discontinued, but geeze, someone has to have some! LOL</div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have 4 plates and there are 2 matching tall coffee mugs. Super cute, I just love them to pieces. I found them last year around this same time.</div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pitcher and glasses are new. I bought those last month. $5 for the set and it came with green dye to color the water. I like to celebrate all month long, not just one the 17th. So I decided to put this up and get my celebration going!</div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over in the corner you can see my recycled egg cartons for the&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/how-does-your-garden-grow.html" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/how-does-your-garden-grow_03.html">WPLH Grow Along</a>&nbsp;I am doing. I am hoping to get some seeds to grow while the ground is still frozen. Just to get ahead of the game.</div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19873714394235499062011-03-06T06:34:00.009-05:002011-06-27T16:38:25.539-04:00My 1st Published Piece with iPhoneAppsCafeI don't remember if I told you guys or not. While I was on problogger.com I found a blogging position for iPhone users/writers. I have been an iPod user for years, eventually getting an iPod Touch and as soon as Verizon hooked up with Apple to bring us the iPhone on their network, I hit the ground running!<br /><br />I love it. It's my new BFF!<br /><br />I was really excited to join the team.<a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/super-friends-embarras-and-entertain-your-friends/"> My first review</a> was turned in last week. Yesterday was my first Top 10.<br /><br />I would love for you all to hop on over there and check it out!!!!<br /><br /><br /><h1 class="entry-title" style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 2.4em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.286em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/10-best-iphone-apps-for-facebook/">10 Best iPhone Apps for Facebook</a></h1>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42651465488707166222011-03-05T19:49:00.004-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.492-04:00St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Sandwiches<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B004PX2S5S&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a _mce_href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CfQRaODaDbI/TXJptDiZ4VI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Tr3vOOV27s0/s1600/Shamrock+Sandwiches.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CfQRaODaDbI/TXJptDiZ4VI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Tr3vOOV27s0/s1600/Shamrock+Sandwiches.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CfQRaODaDbI/TXJptDiZ4VI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Tr3vOOV27s0/s1600/Shamrock+Sandwiches.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CfQRaODaDbI/TXJptDiZ4VI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Tr3vOOV27s0/s1600/Shamrock+Sandwiches.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These little gems take less than 30 minutes to prepare. I found these last year in my Taste of Home Irish Food and Fun recipe magazine. lil m had a lot of fun making these last year because she got to use the cookie cutters to cut the sandwich.</span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About:</span></strong></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dill and Dijon mustard add zip to the creamy corned beef filling in these party sandwiches. Or substitute horseradish for the mustard and garlic powder for the fill for a fun variation. This recipe will make 16.</span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></strong></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="amount" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 package</span></span><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">(8 ounce size) cream cheese, softened</span></span></span></div><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="amount" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup</span>&nbsp;<span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">mayonnaise</span></div><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="amount" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 tablespoons</span>&nbsp;<span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Dijon mustard</span></div><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="amount" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 package</span>&nbsp;<span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">(2 1/2 ounce size) thinly sliced cooked corned beef, chopped</span></div><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="amount" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 tablespoons</span>&nbsp;<span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">grated red onion</span></div><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="amount" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 teaspoons</span>&nbsp;<span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">snipped fresh dill&nbsp;</span></span><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">OR&nbsp;</span></span></span><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="amount" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3/4 teaspoon</span>&nbsp;<span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">dill weed</span></span></span></div><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="amount" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 teaspoon</span>&nbsp;<span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">salt</span></div><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="amount" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 pound</span>&nbsp;<span _mce_style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" class="name" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">thinly sliced seedless rye bread</span></div><span _mce_style="line-height: 18px;" style="line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh dill sprigs, optional</span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instructions:</span></strong></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, mayonnaise and mustard. Add corned beef, onion, dill and salt; mix well. Using a 2-in. shamrock cookie cutter, cut out two shamrocks from each slice of bread. Spread tablespoonfuls of filling over half of the bread; top with remaining bread. Garnish with dill if desired.</span></div><div><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70948182505156483022011-03-05T19:45:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.587-04:00Saturday's the New Weigh In Day and I Have Good News (#NSNation)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/02/28/a-day-off-and-a-little-bit-of-nsnation/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/day-offand-little-bit-of-nsnation.html" target="_blank">Last Monday I took the day off and decided to treat myself.</a><br />I purchased:<br /><br /><ul><li>DVD Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds w/stretchie (all mine are on VHS and it broke!)</li><li><a _mce_href="http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_080V002985274000P?vName=Fitness+%26+Sports&amp;cName=Exercise+Cycles&amp;sName=Upright+Cycles" href="http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_080V002985274000P?vName=Fitness+%26+Sports&amp;cName=Exercise+Cycles&amp;sName=Upright+Cycles">Pedal Exerciser</a>&nbsp;(no place to put an exercise bike, this is perfect size)</li><li>3 new sports bras</li><li>1 new pair of New Balance Running shoes</li><li>2 pairs of Under Armor sweat proof workout socks</li><li>2 new pairs of workout shorts</li></ul><div>I was really excited as everything was on SALE! Bonus!</div><br /><div>I also ordered a new treadmill to replace my one that died. I had her for 10 years. It was going to cost more to fix her than it would for me to buy a new one. It should be delivered by Wednesday.</div><br /><div>This week I started pedaling. Not a lot. In the morning after Big M left for work and I still had a show to watch off the DVR I would pedal while I watched. Another time I took a study break and read a magazine.</div><br /><div>I guess that little bit of movement helped.</div><br /><div>I changed my weigh in day to Saturday. So, today I am down 2.4 pounds. There goes part of the gain of the original pounds lost.</div><br /><div>I am pretty excited.</div><br /><div>As it stands our&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.myregistry.com/public/Chrystal-Mahan-Matt-McConnell" href="http://www.myregistry.com/public/Chrystal-Mahan-Matt-McConnell" target="_blank">wedding date</a>&nbsp;has been set for September 10.</div><br /><div>My original goal was to lose 50 by June 26, the day I finally get to see U2. I don't see that happening, but I would like to have a good amount of weight loss by then.</div><br /><div><a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/weight-loss/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/p/weight-loss-stats.html" target="_blank">Check out my stats!!!!</a>&nbsp;I made a page here &nbsp;just for my&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>&nbsp;stats.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;"><strong>Disclosure:</strong>&nbsp;Nutrisystem is providing their NutriSystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine&nbsp;</span><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">and my results may differ from others.</span></span></span><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;"><span _mce_style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem too? Visit&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a>&nbsp;today or call 888-853-4689.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57085898361815074792011-03-05T19:45:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.891-04:00It Hurts<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Blood/petit_amour_by_BlueBlack.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Blood/petit_amour_by_BlueBlack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Blood/petit_amour_by_BlueBlack.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Blood/petit_amour_by_BlueBlack.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My heart hurts more than anything right now. </span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love deeply and when I let someone in my life, I don’t want to let them go. I don’t have many in real life that are close to me. When I let people get close they hurt me. At the hands of men I have had the worst. It makes it hard.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was in a relationship with a wonderful man for 10 years. Just like any relationship it had its ups and downs. There was some broken trust from the both of us. We went through counseling, I went through therapy, and started to deal with my mental illness problems. In time, I did not think my ex deserved to suffer anymore. I let him go. Right or wrong, it’s what I did. I packed up and moved 1000 miles away.</span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t want to go through that again. I don’t want to lose someone I love. Towards the end of my marriage, there was a man, most know, for this blog he is simply known as ~T~. When he was coming for me, he was murdered.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I started dating. The one person I let myself get close to hurt me deeply.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then, I met my current. </span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been nothing but open and extremely honest. Since I am not on the medication or in therapy as I should be, I have relapsed. It hurts. It is my own personal nightmare.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I find myself wanting to leave again. I just don’t want to. I don’t want to keep running. &nbsp;Maybe this time it is not my choice to meet.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It breaks my heart to think of all of the things I have gone through with him. All his problems with his mom, his ex, his daughter, the depression he went through for over a year while he was unable to find a job. I was always there when he needed me. </span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, when I need him, he wants to leave me. Now, after 2 and a half years he wants to tell me he can’t handle my illness. </span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong>Why now?</strong></span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong></strong></span><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why not just shove a knife in my heart because that is how hearing that feels.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I thought when you loved someone, you loved all of them. As a couple you go through the ups and downs together. He tells me all the time how much he loves me. He tells me all the time he wants to be there for me. When I say I am broken and that I can’t be fixed, he tells me he loves me anyway.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><strong><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Really?</span></strong></span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, I stayed with you and dealt with your own personal setbacks and depression, not to mention the anger issues, but now you think you want to end our relationship. You no longer want to help me through this or stand by me.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Arial;" style="font-family: Arial;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just stab me in the heart and walk away. I can’t imagine my life without the person I love. Being stabbed is better than dealing with the mental pain.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So you are telling me that because I can't hug you when YOU want it, or that I have a flashback flip-out once in a while, YOU don't want to deal.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I just don't understand how that works.</span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; color: #000000;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px;" style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10220360339387799862011-03-05T13:09:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.069-05:00Gamblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n223/kvigneault/p48-9-jackpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n223/kvigneault/p48-9-jackpot.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">In the past two days we have talked about various forms of income:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Freebies and what to do with them&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_632029589"> </a>Prize winnings&nbsp;</li></ul><div><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I purposely left out gambling because it is treated a little differently when you have gains and losses.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gamble Winnings<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gamble winnings are defined as proceeds from wagers including events sponsored by charities and comps from casinos. The amount won is fully taxable. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gamble Losses<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gambling losses are deductable on Schedule A, but only to the extent of the gambling income (winnings).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>For example,</b> you put $5 in the casino machine. From that you win nothing. You put in another $5, you end up winning $5000. You have to claim the winnings of $5000 as income and you can itemize the loss of $10 on Schedule A as Miscellaneous Deductions. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Transportation, meals and lodging expenses are <b>not deductable</b> for nonprofessional gamblers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Adequate records must be kept to support wins and losses. It is in your best interest to keep a log of you activities that include date, location, and wager amount, type of gambling, wins and losses. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Also include the following:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Bingo- the number of games and ticket costs</li><li>Horse/dog races – record races and wagers</li><li>Keno- keep copies of the tickets and the casino credit report</li><li>Lottery – keep the tickets purchased; keep payment slips and unredeemed tickets</li><li>Slot machines – not the time, date, machine played, and machine number</li><li>Table games – record the table number</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For more information visit the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=108277,00.html">IRS Website</a>&nbsp;or you are always welcome to contact me info@thetaxqueen.com</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10603798776518911052011-03-05T07:39:00.008-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.312-04:00More About Webs<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/03/if-you-build-it-they-will-come.html">Yesterday we talked a little bit about Webs,</a> a free to premium all-in-one website and host provider. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted to take a moment to give my readers some of the goodies they offer, pricing, and a little bit of a review.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">More about Webs<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Easy to Build<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Webs offers the WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interface that makes adding new content, pictures, and blog posts a snap. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">The 300 plus templates can be fully customized to fit your needs and personality.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Website Building Tools<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">E-Commerce<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Domain Names<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">SEO&nbsp; Marketing<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Social Networking<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Analytics<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Photos and Videos<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Blogs and Forums<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Applications<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Customer Support<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Website Rings<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Applications<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Daily calendar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Arcade games<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Etsy store<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Twitter<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Facebook<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">CafePress Shop<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Meebo IM<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">AllStar Experts<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Guest Books<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Donations<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">and more!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">There is also a Work from Home Projects app for those who outsource<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tracking<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Clicky Web Analytics<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Google Webmaster Tools<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Free Accounts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Free accounts have limitations, which seem to be the industry standard. The most notable is the advertisement placed on your websites header. Personally, I do not feel it really interferes anymore on my website that the Adsense ads I have on my other websites. For $14.95 a year, I could opt to having the ads removed. Another potential drawback is that your website will not be hosted on your own domain, but rather as a sub-domain at Webs.com. Another downfall for some would be the amount of space for videos, photos, and items that can be placed in the web store.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Paid Accounts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The paid accounts have everything the free account has, and then some. There is also more storage. There is a potential problem that could arise. If you plan on hosting a lot of videos your limitations are based upon the number of minutes rather than the size.&nbsp;However, the Pro account is still very affordable and gets rid of these types of restrictions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></strong></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Review</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Overall, Webs.com delivers on its promises.&nbsp; The website creation process couldn’t be much easier and the free account offers a lot more features than most other free providers.&nbsp; The paid accounts seem to stack up pretty well against competition in terms of features and overall flexibility.&nbsp; Everything has its pros and cons. Make sure to stick with a host and website provider that offers you what you are seeking. Personally, I feel if you need a free service to get you started, this would be a great choice if you are going to sell a product. All their accounts are Adsense supported, but you have to place the ads on the site yourself. If you have the money, then by all means pay for self hosting and build your website that way. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe tomorrow(or Monday) I’ll write up a review on <a href="http://affiliate.weebly.com/scripts/click.php?aid=4d71173223320&amp;cid=d4aceefd">Weebly</a>. It’s a pretty fun site too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #202020; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62058924652209290192011-03-04T19:05:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:51:14.872-04:00History of St Patrick's Day<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Az5k8IInalg/TXAdCNOP2eI/AAAAAAAAAUo/M6w1ekGTG9w/s1600/ST.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Az5k8IInalg/TXAdCNOP2eI/AAAAAAAAAUo/M6w1ekGTG9w/s1600/ST.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Az5k8IInalg/TXAdCNOP2eI/AAAAAAAAAUo/M6w1ekGTG9w/s320/ST.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="288" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Az5k8IInalg/TXAdCNOP2eI/AAAAAAAAAUo/M6w1ekGTG9w/s320/ST.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Every year on March 17 many worldwide celebrate the wearing of the green for St. Patrick's Day and those that don't get the ill-fated pinch. March 17 honors the death of St. Patrick (387-461 AD) of Ireland. The Irish have observed this day for thousands of years.</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><a _mce_href="http://www.helium.com/items/1640650-st-patricks-day" href="http://www.helium.com/items/1640650-st-patricks-day"><span _mce_style="font-size: large;" style="font-size: medium;"><em>The History of St. Patrick's Day</em></span></a></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52000921732236001432011-03-04T19:02:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:01:39.623-04:00Depression Sucks (oh, and welcome to my darkness)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><object height="390" width="640"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-bru3sJ8yiU&amp;hl=en_US&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;version=3" _mce_src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-bru3sJ8yiU&amp;hl=en_US&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;version=3" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></object><br /><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Depression sucks. It ruins my life on a weekly, if not daily basis. Right now I am going through some changes in my life. Changes where one should be excited and celebrating. But, I am not.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I should be celebrating the fact I put myself through college and that I am about to graduate.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I should be happy that I am supposed to get married this year.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I am not.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I live in a constant state of fear.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Why?</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Because I have to deal with Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Attacks and I have battled an Eating Disorder.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I did not ask for this. But yet somehow, for whatever the reason, the man I am about to be married to can't accept the fact that I am sick. He can't get it in his brain that there are certain things that he can't do or it could trigger a flashback.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Like last night.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">You can't box me in.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">You can't put me in a corner.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">You just can't.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">It has taken me a long time to allow people to even come in to my space, but these two things I can't seem to work past. I am pretty sure it is some repressed memory.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I don't have healthcare, so I don't have a psychiatrist anymore. I know I need one. I have tried the free route and no matter what I do there is a road block.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I can’t allow someone to make me feel like it is my fault.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I did not ask to be molested for the first 12 years of my life.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I did not ask to miss out on all the basic structure of growing. I did not grow like other children mentally. As adult, I have problems. There are things I don’t know how to handle. I look at the world differently than most.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Why can’t he understand that?</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">You love me, and accept me no matter how many times I tell you I am broken, but you are not willing to accept the fact that sometimes I can’t hug you when you push me in a corner or box me in.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sometimes.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Not all the time.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I did not ask to be raped at the age of 18.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I did not ask to find out at the age of 26 that the person who molested me was not my biological father.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I did not ask for my real father to eventually tell me he wanted nothing to do with me.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I asked for nothing.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">But I sure got something.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The only thing I ask for is for someone to love me, to help me recover, and for my own happily ever after.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Am I asking for too much?</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I wanted to launch this part of my website a long time ago. I should have. I want this to be a place where I can say whatever I need to say and not be judged. I want this to a place that is extremely personal. This is my voice. I want to reach out to others. I want to share this pain with those who can understand it. I want to heal again. I want to be strong again. I want people to follow my journey, again. Despite it all, I am still a survivor. I had thought about going backwards, through all of my journals. This is my story and I want to share it. People need to know they do not have to go through these things, and they do not have to survive alone.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This, is my journal. My struggle. My pain and sorrows.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #000000;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This is me.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 13.5pt;" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">This is my darkness.</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71444023216203537722011-03-04T12:39:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.315-04:00If You Build It, They Will Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JYLKmEvdCvc/TXEe0MYiEcI/AAAAAAAAAU4/-TfC9vIGL6Q/s1600/BUILDER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JYLKmEvdCvc/TXEe0MYiEcI/AAAAAAAAAU4/-TfC9vIGL6Q/s320/BUILDER.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Almost everyone seems to have a website today.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span">&nbsp; </span>Maybe&nbsp;you've&nbsp;tossed around the idea of setting one up yourself.<span class="Apple-style-span">&nbsp; </span><span class="Apple-style-span">If you are like me, you hesitate and question it. You think it might be a little <i>too hard</i> to design a website and find a suitable host.</span><span class="Apple-style-span">&nbsp; </span><span class="Apple-style-span">It could be you don’t have any upfront money, or you do not want to build a website to make money.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Maybe you just&nbsp;aren't&nbsp;sure what you should put on it</b>.&nbsp; What do people actually use personal webpage’s for anyway?&nbsp; You’d be surprised at how versatile personal webpages can be.&nbsp; More and more users are creating websites that cater to their interests, opinions, hobbies, personal life, professional life, and businesses every day.&nbsp;&nbsp; If you could get one up and running in as little as five minutes, would that peek your interest?&nbsp; What if you could get started with no money and still get a beautiful website and hosting?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now, I am sure you are going to question this. What if your website needs more space or your business is growing and you need more option?&nbsp;There is still <b>no</b> need to hesitate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thanks to <b><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000034681959&amp;pubid=21000000000320849">Webs </a></b><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">(formerly Freewebs)</span></span>, you can start free and go to premium when you are ready.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>With this software you can have your personal or business website up and running in a few easy steps:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Select your website template from over 300 available.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Edit the site to add your own personality.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Add additional features like forums, message boards, discussion areas,&nbsp;news-feeds, e-commerce tools, games, events calendars, social networking and much more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Set up your site controls which will allow you to manage your site statistics, user &nbsp; groups, and emails. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Webs is easily one of the funniest multi-purpose site-building tools suitable for both business and personal use. </b>The well-designed templates and eye catching colors will also attract small businesses looking for a creative web presence.&nbsp; Personal users will love the extra site features such as the ability to upload pictures and music.&nbsp; It's easy to learn, and you can start immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Webs is ultimately less expensive and user-friendly when compared with many other website builder choices.&nbsp; </b>Webs packages are priced from Free with ads, Free with no ads for $14.95 a year, Starter package for $3.75 a month, Enhanced for $7.50 a month and the Premium package for $16.67 a month.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Webs free is a perfect alternative for those who want to migrate away from Google’s free Blogger, or free Word Press (not to be confused with self hosting users who have WP on their sites). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As mentioned in a recent post, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/free-blogger-and-wordpress-vs-self.html">Free Blogger and Wordpress vs. Self Hosting</a>&nbsp;all services have their pros and cons. Those who want to have their own website need to make a list of things that they need and what is important to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>With websites like Webs, what you end up paying for is hosting</b>. They just prefer you use their website platform. When you buy hosting elsewhere, you are giving the option to use theirs or bring in your own, which is uploaded through FTP. Many people prefer the 1 click install. Word Press is a favorite because of the customization and widgets. There is also a huge Joomla &amp; Drupal following for the same reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For those who find those to be a headache, websites like Webs, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/places-to-find-free-website-templates.html">Wix, Yola</a>, and <a href="http://affiliate.weebly.com/scripts/click.php?aid=4d71173223320&amp;cid=d4aceefd">Weebly</a>(which is also a really nice site &amp; is a better fit for another website I have yet to launch, but <a href="http://thesew.weebly.com/">you can look at it here</a>)offer an alternative because most of it is all set up for you. What is not already set up is a matter of clicking it to set it up. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>What attracted me to Webs was the built in ecommerce, even for free accounts.</b> Although I used my current website names to test it out, I do not officially have anything launched. I also loved that Webs offers forums. For my new projects I want to have a forum with my blog. Webs may be the site I need to launch since Blogger does not offer a forum feature. With 1 click I am all set, log in, click, and there is my forum. With GoDaddy, I had a giant headache that not even Excedrin Migraine could tackle (LOL)! I get conflicting answers regarding having WordPress and a Forum on one domain and hosting package. I got fed up.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>I am one of those people who are picky about the way things look and feel.</b> If a website frustrates me &nbsp;(like WordPress on GoDaddy did), I won’t stay. I need to be able to quickly, and easily, find my way around.&nbsp; I am big on how websites look cosmetically too. I don’t like anything too busy. I prefer clean. Keep it simple. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Here is more from my review on a past post:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.55pt; margin-left: .5in;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000034681963&amp;pubid=21000000000320849"><span style="color: #9900ff;">Webs</span></a>&nbsp;is also a host and blogging platform all in one. I have had a chance to play with this one (as well as Weebly) and even though both are great and have good customization, I like&nbsp;Webs&nbsp;much better. They have a control panel that is set up much similar to the control panels within hosting services such as GoDaddy and HostGator.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.55pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.55pt; margin-left: .5in;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Here is why, even with a free account you are allowed 5&nbsp;web&nbsp;store&nbsp;items. I plan on testing this site out more with my ebooks. Setting up the website was extremely easy. I did a test of&nbsp;<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.webs.com/"><span style="color: #9900ff;">Self Employed Writer.</span></a>&nbsp;I have not done anything too fancy. Just set up the site. What I like is it gives me a lot of social networking and SEO features. Not to mention, it’s easy on my eyes. I think this is a great host and website and can see me placing (launching, not necessarily staying) one of my future sites here.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000034681963&amp;pubid=21000000000320849" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="Redesign_100x100" border="0" src="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_impression?lid=41000000034681963&amp;pubid=21000000000320849" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately I jumped the gun as was not breaking even, so I had to go back to free. With the move back to Blogger, I started to look at some other free options to see what was offered. With the launch of<a href="http://www.eringobraugh.com/"> Erin Go Braugh</a> (Ireland Forever) &nbsp;and some others in the works, I am sure there will be a point in time where my earnings have increased enough to pay for my blogging habit. At that point I might look in to self hosting again. At least this time I will know what I am doing! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 11.9pt; margin-bottom: 9.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My journey from Blogger to WordPress (and back)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/making-some-changes-in-blogland.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Making Some Changes in Blogland</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/still-working-on-blog-changes.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Still Working on Blog Changes&nbsp;</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/lets-play-catch-up-shall-we.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Let’s Play Catch-Up, Shall We?</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/i-cant-believe-i-am-afraid.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I Can’t Believe I Am Afraid</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/yes-i-am-now-on-word-press.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I am Now on WordPress</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/moved-to-wordpress.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Moved to WordPress</span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/free-blogger-and-wordpress-vs-self.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Free Blogger and WordPress vs. Self Hosting</span></a></li></ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27796406221526390992011-03-04T07:26:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.071-05:00Prize Winnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Gd9KOeYkQA/TW7hcEGuOEI/AAAAAAAAAT4/XzHtfLnVuMo/s1600/Jackpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Gd9KOeYkQA/TW7hcEGuOEI/AAAAAAAAAT4/XzHtfLnVuMo/s1600/Jackpot.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">You hit the jackpot!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you just get lucky?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s nice when you win something, especially when you least expect it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is a little bit of bad news, you might want to start planning ahead for the tax that will be owed on it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Questions often come up regarding free gifts, gamble winnings as well as cash and/or gifts from contents. Winning is always good, paying the IRS for what you won, maybe not so much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today’s Question:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Where do you file contest winnings? I was interested when you discussed books and product reviews. However, I was curious what happens when you win something online as part of a promotion or contest.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">The Answer:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gambling works a little differently, so we will discuss that in another post.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No one wants to give away something they won. But in these cases, you have to give Uncle Sam a slice of the pie. Cash and prizes are considered a type of income, more closely related to unearned. You must pay tax on the fair market value of any prize that is not cash. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For example, you win a gift card for entering survey. You would report that gift card at face value. So a $25 gift card to Applebee’s would be $25.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you win a prize, such as a MP3 player, the fair market value would be the amount reported.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If your winnings hit $600 or more, the supplier will send you a 1099-MISC form. The value will appear on Line 3 “other income.” The amount goes on Line 21 of the 1040 Form.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19957521150570101972011-03-03T19:12:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.893-04:00How Does Your Garden Grow<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">Yeap, thats me. Starting on my indoor garden.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, got my grow along going.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am only a few weeks late.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">That is ok. Better late now that late like we were last year.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The alarm guy was here installing our house alarm. I knew I was not going to get any homework or work done, so I took advantage of the time and decided to try my hand at seed sprouting. I only used half of the pack because I am terrified I am going to mess up somehow and something is not going to grow.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I do not have much experience with growing goodies, but I am sure trying!</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2dp-EzvZx5M/TW7N5dB4UlI/AAAAAAAAATg/siAOukaT56g/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2dp-EzvZx5M/TW7N5dB4UlI/AAAAAAAAATg/siAOukaT56g/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2dp-EzvZx5M/TW7N5dB4UlI/AAAAAAAAATg/siAOukaT56g/s320/IMG_0366.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2dp-EzvZx5M/TW7N5dB4UlI/AAAAAAAAATg/siAOukaT56g/s320/IMG_0366.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The start of my madness.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvdgXGOFfJ4/TW7N7vfKC0I/AAAAAAAAATk/Q8C78grO_K8/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvdgXGOFfJ4/TW7N7vfKC0I/AAAAAAAAATk/Q8C78grO_K8/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvdgXGOFfJ4/TW7N7vfKC0I/AAAAAAAAATk/Q8C78grO_K8/s320/IMG_0367.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvdgXGOFfJ4/TW7N7vfKC0I/AAAAAAAAATk/Q8C78grO_K8/s320/IMG_0367.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looks like I got my first one done.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-97RzhqpR1zU/TW7N9rwpsgI/AAAAAAAAATo/Nus4ABrmOHs/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-97RzhqpR1zU/TW7N9rwpsgI/AAAAAAAAATo/Nus4ABrmOHs/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-97RzhqpR1zU/TW7N9rwpsgI/AAAAAAAAATo/Nus4ABrmOHs/s320/IMG_0368.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-97RzhqpR1zU/TW7N9rwpsgI/AAAAAAAAATo/Nus4ABrmOHs/s320/IMG_0368.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="239" /></a></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cartons of the giant beans.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jO02DzcixFE/TW7N_lnQ5hI/AAAAAAAAATs/rkvotDWraLM/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jO02DzcixFE/TW7N_lnQ5hI/AAAAAAAAATs/rkvotDWraLM/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jO02DzcixFE/TW7N_lnQ5hI/AAAAAAAAATs/rkvotDWraLM/s320/IMG_0369.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jO02DzcixFE/TW7N_lnQ5hI/AAAAAAAAATs/rkvotDWraLM/s320/IMG_0369.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reuse. I used egg cartons we were saving for when we get chickens. lil m has a fairy garden in the background that we had to take out all the other things that had grew in there since last year. It eventually all died. So, I tossed some flower seeds in there.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She will get super excited if something starts to grow again.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RMr9gGWvRQQ/TW7OBrMY2WI/AAAAAAAAATw/vS66rXiYZqk/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RMr9gGWvRQQ/TW7OBrMY2WI/AAAAAAAAATw/vS66rXiYZqk/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RMr9gGWvRQQ/TW7OBrMY2WI/AAAAAAAAATw/vS66rXiYZqk/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RMr9gGWvRQQ/TW7OBrMY2WI/AAAAAAAAATw/vS66rXiYZqk/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EqLeqfgd6-Y/TW7ODyX3fiI/AAAAAAAAAT0/7F1DeU59dYE/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EqLeqfgd6-Y/TW7ODyX3fiI/AAAAAAAAAT0/7F1DeU59dYE/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EqLeqfgd6-Y/TW7ODyX3fiI/AAAAAAAAAT0/7F1DeU59dYE/s320/IMG_0371.JPG" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EqLeqfgd6-Y/TW7ODyX3fiI/AAAAAAAAAT0/7F1DeU59dYE/s320/IMG_0371.JPG" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="239" /></a></div>All lined up in a row.<br /><br />Here is a list of others participating:<br /><ul><li><a _mce_href="http://openspaceproductions.net/2011/02/16/growing-a-garden-indoors-update-february-16-2011.html" href="http://openspaceproductions.net/2011/02/16/growing-a-garden-indoors-update-february-16-2011.html">The Indoor Garden Starts Today</a></li></ul><ul><li><a _mce_href="http://openspaceproductions.net/2011/02/16/growing-a-garden-indoors-update-february-16-2011.html" href="http://openspaceproductions.net/2011/02/16/growing-a-garden-indoors-update-february-16-2011.html">Growing a Garden Indoors (Update)</a></li></ul><ul><li><a _mce_href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/02/26/the-best-laid-plans/" href="http://rebuildingtori.com/2011/02/26/the-best-laid-plans/">The Best Laid Plans</a></li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Those are the only links I have so far of others doing the indoor garden. If you guys have a link, feel free to leave it in my comments and I will gladly give you a link in my blog on the next update post.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11356988676273801932011-03-03T19:11:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:51:48.986-04:00Irish Soda Bread<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HdRGsQ2s7JA/TW-7TdI0wvI/AAAAAAAAAT8/XuYxDjr7Np8/s1600/4475653_f260.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HdRGsQ2s7JA/TW-7TdI0wvI/AAAAAAAAAT8/XuYxDjr7Np8/s1600/4475653_f260.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HdRGsQ2s7JA/TW-7TdI0wvI/AAAAAAAAAT8/XuYxDjr7Np8/s1600/4475653_f260.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HdRGsQ2s7JA/TW-7TdI0wvI/AAAAAAAAAT8/XuYxDjr7Np8/s1600/4475653_f260.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: left;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Irish Soda Bread is one of my personal favorites. Aside from my mother'</span></span><span _mce_style="color: #274e13;" style="color: #274e13;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s homemade bread as a child, this was one of the first breads I made on my own as an adult.</span></span></div><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are only 4 Main Ingredients:&nbsp;Buttermilk,&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 19px;" style="line-height: 19px;">Sodium&nbsp;</span></span><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="line-height: 19px;" style="line-height: 19px;">Bicarbonate (baking soda), Salt and Flour.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Other ingredients include: some form of nut (usually walnut), raisins, and eggs.</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><em><a _mce_href="http://hubpages.com/hub/_irish_soda_bread" href="http://hubpages.com/hub/_irish_soda_bread">Want to learn more about Irish Soda Bread?</a></em></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">Recipe:</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">Makes 1 large loaf</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">4 cups flour</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">1 tsp. salt</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">1 tsp. baking soda</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cup buttermilk</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">handful of raisins (optional)</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">handful of walnuts (optional)</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">Personally, I cook the bread in the oven in a cast iron skillet.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">First, preheat your oven to 450 F</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">Mix the dry ingredients. Make a little well in the center and pour in some of the milk. Using your hand, stir in a full circle to mix the flower from the sides of a bowl. If you prefer to not get your hands dirty a small spoon will do.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">Add more buttermilk as necessary. The mixture should be soft, not too wet and sticky.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">Take it out of the bowl and place on a floured board or your&nbsp;counter top. Kneed lightly for a second until it all comes together.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">Pat the dough into a round shape, about 2 inches deep and cut a cross on the top.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then turn the oven down to 400. Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until fully cooked.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">If you are unsure, tap the bread bottom, it will sound hollow when it is done.</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">Enjoy</span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span _mce_style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;" style="color: #274e13; line-height: 19px;">~Chrys~</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15069844987150974642011-03-03T19:10:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.499-04:00The Shores of Ireland<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kkmmr4SSJnQ/TXADCGF-gbI/AAAAAAAAAUY/-fYYqC_rlQk/s1600/4343.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kkmmr4SSJnQ/TXADCGF-gbI/AAAAAAAAAUY/-fYYqC_rlQk/s1600/4343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kkmmr4SSJnQ/TXADCGF-gbI/AAAAAAAAAUY/-fYYqC_rlQk/s320/4343.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kkmmr4SSJnQ/TXADCGF-gbI/AAAAAAAAAUY/-fYYqC_rlQk/s320/4343.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div>This is one of my favorite photographs of the Ireland shoreline. I originally published this photo in August of 2005&nbsp;and it will always remind me of my friends and family. I hope you find it as beautiful as I do.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38883217859491817772011-03-03T19:08:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.501-04:00The Green Little Shamrock<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FfbIYhnj5g/TXAMomB0IVI/AAAAAAAAAUc/awZEHi5rWc4/s1600/6030.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FfbIYhnj5g/TXAMomB0IVI/AAAAAAAAAUc/awZEHi5rWc4/s1600/6030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FfbIYhnj5g/TXAMomB0IVI/AAAAAAAAAUc/awZEHi5rWc4/s1600/6030.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FfbIYhnj5g/TXAMomB0IVI/AAAAAAAAAUc/awZEHi5rWc4/s1600/6030.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The Green Little Shamrock</span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There’s a dear little plant that grows in our isle,</span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span>‘Twas St. Patrick himself sure that set it.</span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It thrives through the bog, through the brake,</span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span>and the mireland;</span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">And he called it the dear little shamrock of&nbsp;</span><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ireland</span><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span></div><div _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-align: center; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span>~~Andrew Cherry</span><span _mce_style="color: green; font-family: Castellar; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: green; font-family: Castellar; font-size: 18pt; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">~~</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32730590694981821932011-03-03T06:35:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.073-05:00What to do with those freebies?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes as a self-employed person I am not paid in cash. There are times when I am given a product to test and keep. In return I write something about that product. By keeping the product I am accepting payment for my work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As part of the<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation.html"> Nutrisystem Nation Blogger</a> program I am given a monthly packed of food. In return, I post reviews on the food and talk about my journey. At the end of the tax year I will have to include on my Schedule C Profit and Loss from a Business, in “other income” the fair market value of each month’s worth of product. In this case, every month I earned $300, even though it’s not a cash payment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Books are treated the same. They are pretty easy to manage since they have the retail price printed on them somewhere. I do <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/search/label/Book%20Review">quite a few books reviews</a> and they send me the book, which I get to keep. The book then becomes my payment for the review.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anything given in return for a service provided is considered a payment. Be sure to keep accurate records of the products you receive, and their value. This will make it easier to report at tax time.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15128015616013419562011-03-01T16:33:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.317-04:00Love in an Elevator....Pitch That Is<ul><li><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/about-self-employed-writer.html">About The Self Employed Writer</a>&nbsp;(who am I and what I do here)</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul><li>What I am starting on now : ProBlogger 31 Days to a Better Blog. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/finally-getting-to-problogger.html">This post from Feb. 11, 2011 was my 2nd attempt to get moving on this book.&nbsp;</a></li><li>What I tried to do last year: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/11/elevator-pitches-what.html">Elevator Pitches?!?!? What????</a> on Nov. 28, 2010</li><li>Here I am, trying one more time. This time I am partnering up with a bunch of fellow bloggers for the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/31-days-to-build-better-blog-challenge.html">I made that&nbsp;commitment&nbsp;on Feb. 27, 2011</a>. The challenge starts today.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Day 1: Write an elevator pitch for your blog.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Reader. Writer. Blogger Extraordinaire.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">For <a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/">The Tax Queen</a>, I am having a hard time trying to simplify the purpose of that blog. It is fairly simple, to answer tax questions. Helping you make sense of your taxes. Mostly aimed at those who work from home or are just self employed. But discussion is about everything.&nbsp;</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67900846960533151802011-02-28T19:14:00.006-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.593-04:00A Day Off....(and a little bit of #NSNation)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Welcome to Monday. lil m ended up staying with us last night instead of grammies, so we are taking her to school this afternoon. I decided to work on as much homework as I could over the weekend because Big M has today off and we have a lot of things to get done today. I thought I would keep this</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">blog simple since tomorrow is the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/31-days-to-build-better-blog-new.html">31 Day Blog Challenge</a>.</span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I want to go look at some new furniture. We desperatly need new living room and a dining room table. We have hand me downs that Big M got about 7 years ago. The couch, loveseat and chair are old, full of holes and have coloring all over them (thanks to his ex step kids) so we have covers over them. Truth be told, they are an eyesore and not comfy. I don't sit in the living room any more than I have to.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The dining room table, you lean on it and you can feel it crumbling under you while you eat! LOL. Its old, and the chairs were so ugly when I first moved in a spray painted them when I repainted the kitchen, just so there would be some normalcy going on. I try to&nbsp;re -purpose&nbsp;things, but wear and tear pay a factor in these items.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We have a used furniture store we are going to look at today after dropping lil m off. I also have my king size bed that my mother bought me for Christmas when I was 21. It has served me well, and I love it to pieces. Over the years the dogs, cats, and my moving have scratched, dinged, and dented it. I love it, but I have outgrown the style. I bought a nice Queen size bed frame on clearance at Kmart a few weeks ago. Now, we need to buy a mattress. Queen seems more manageable, and budget friendly.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I am also going to be stopping by the gym today to see what the facility is, and&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;sign up for a 8 week weight loss challenge and get this weight loss in motion. I think this is what I need to get my rear in gear on this <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem </a>diet once and for all. Big M has promised to get up earlier in the AM so he can go with me. I think $60 for the family is a pretty good price for a place that is open 24 hours and pretty close to my house considering there is not much that is.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">If they weigh me and such today, I will post it later tonight. If I don’t like the people/place or for whatever reason decide against it, then I do have my chiropractor’s office, $25 a month for yoga and aerobics. She is only a few miles away.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I am also going to look at treadmills while we are out and about today.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Other than that, the only thing left on my list is to get some seeds so I can start my planting. My egg cartons are washed and ready, the dirt is in the garage. I am just lacking seeds.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Pretty eventful day. Let’s hope it all goes well.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">There is some homework at some point, but I am trying not to think about that right now. My brain needs a rest.</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Happy Monday!</span></div><div><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11237788045176356022011-02-28T18:36:00.000-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.075-05:00Calculate Federal Retirement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSSzjtrnocU/TWWL5ubCiwI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Kl5qUHs51QQ/s1600/4475012_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSSzjtrnocU/TWWL5ubCiwI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Kl5qUHs51QQ/s320/4475012_f520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Are you a government worker ready for or close to retirement?<br /><br />The one thing you need to prepare for right now is learning&nbsp;<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/calculate-federal-retirement">how to calculate federal retirement</a>&nbsp;to start planning.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73751579751646452672011-02-28T05:35:00.001-05:002011-10-31T14:04:37.562-04:00Calculate Federal Retirement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSSzjtrnocU/TWWL5ubCiwI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Kl5qUHs51QQ/s1600/4475012_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSSzjtrnocU/TWWL5ubCiwI/AAAAAAAAATQ/Kl5qUHs51QQ/s320/4475012_f520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Are you a government worker ready for or close to retirement?<br /><br />The one thing you need to prepare for right now is learning <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/calculate-federal-retirement">how to calculate federal retirement</a> to start planning.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65742082786583956822011-02-27T13:46:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.320-04:0031 Days to Build a Better Blog - Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/31dbbb-125.png" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I decided to take the plunge and join the<a href="http://31daysblogchallenge.com/"> 31 Day Blog Challenge.</a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I have had this book for quite some time, and on 3&nbsp;separate&nbsp;occasions tried to tackle it and other projects (mainly school) kept me from completing it.&nbsp;&nbsp;So when the girls from the&nbsp;<a href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/">Ultimate&nbsp;Blog Challenge</a> decide to turn this 31 Days into a challenge, I knew this was something I had to get in on.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Why do I have a feeling I will be making some blog changes again??</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Day 1 starts March 1.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>How many of you are taking part in the challenge?</i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70854444128506685262011-02-27T13:22:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.077-05:00Income Tax: Questions & Answers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e6CANc5GUQ0/TWqVn61aoqI/AAAAAAAAATc/9tIAcxYcwcI/s1600/RiddlerQuestionMark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e6CANc5GUQ0/TWqVn61aoqI/AAAAAAAAATc/9tIAcxYcwcI/s1600/RiddlerQuestionMark.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought I would take a little time today to do sort of a question and answer session. You let me know what sort of questions you need answered and I will take the time to answer them for you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With the tax laws, and countless tax forms, there is no shortage of things for me to write about. Today I must be having a bit of writers block because I am not sure "what" to write. So, why not find out?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Today's Question is for you:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>What questions do you &nbsp;have for me? Anything you need help with?</i></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1323336084887570242011-02-26T05:38:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.079-05:00Its Getting Close! Do You Need to File an Extension??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qjwc9k-eGWM/TWWMmfLJcVI/AAAAAAAAATU/AIyE6HQzkF8/s1600/4457464_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qjwc9k-eGWM/TWWMmfLJcVI/AAAAAAAAATU/AIyE6HQzkF8/s320/4457464_f520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Before you know it, April will be here.<br /><br />Are you ready?<br /><br />If not, you need to take some time to learn how to <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/taxextension">file a tax extension</a> which can give you until October to file your Federal Income Taxes.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66418484781315717002011-02-26T05:10:00.035-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.322-04:00SEO Glossary Search Engine Optimization Words to KnowWith <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/search-engine-optimization-seo-101.html">Search Engine Optimization Lessons SEO 101</a> finally comes a SEO Glossary!<br /><br />The glossary is not my own work, nor do I claim it be as such.&nbsp;Unfortunately&nbsp;I can't credit the original author because I have no idea who wrote it! What I do know is that there are a lot of us out there that can benefit from this list, so I am passing it along to those who need it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcY6yritk4w/TVXckfiVN3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/SpMApOCnh2w/s1600/4540522_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcY6yritk4w/TVXckfiVN3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/SpMApOCnh2w/s1600/4540522_f260.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/all-about-adsense-adsense-defined">Adsense</a> - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Google Adsense is a way for any website to display relevant Google ads anywhere on their web pages and earn money from clicks.</span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Adwords</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - Google Adwords is a way to advertise online. Your ads are seen in the Google Search Engine Results or on a network of other search engines and content based websites. You are charged Per Click. So it only costs you money if a visitor clicks on your ad and comes to your website. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Algorithm</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a mathematical formulae that search engines use to rank websites. It's based on a number of different factors that weigh a web page's importance.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Anchor Text - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Anchor text refers to the visible text for a hyperlink. For example the following will show up as "This is the Anchor Text" within the webpage and it would take you to www.WebofOpportunity.com... This is the html code for it: &lt; a href="http://www.webofopportunity.com/" &gt;<b>This is the anchor text</b>&lt; /a &gt;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_411221430">Back Link</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_urls_links"> </a>- This is also referred to as an Inbound Link (IBL). These are links that come from one website to another. If you have 50 Back Links, then you have 50 links pointing to your website.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bot - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is also referred to as a "Spider" or "SpiderBot". These are programs the scan (or Crawl) the World Wide Web. Their main purpose is to index web pages for the search engines.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Click-Through</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is just a term used to refer to the click that occurs on a hyperlink and as a result leads to another web page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Click Through Rate</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is the ratio of impressions shown to the number of clicks you're getting. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Cloaking</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a way to trick Sea</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">rch Engine spiders (it can get you banned so don't do it!). It's a way to show or hide optimized content specifically for the purpose to make a page look good to a search engine.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Comment Tag</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a tag that is only found in the "source code" in HTML. It is not meant to be viewed by visitors. It's just for the programmer.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Conversion - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A website that is designed to sell a product or do some kind of action like filling out a form is concerned about converting their visitors. When the action of buying or filling out a form is performed, this is called conversion. It is used in combination with how much it costs to bring traffic to that page or product. You will then ultimately be able to figure out a product or website's ROI. ROI is your Return on Investment. How much are you making in comparison to what you're spending.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Counter</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a program or script that counts hits or visits to a web page. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CPA</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cost Per Action) - This is how much you pay for some kind of action. This can be purchasing something, filling out a form, signing up for something, etc..</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CPC</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cost Per Click) - This is simply how much you are charged for a click on a link to your website from another location.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CPL</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cost Per Lead) - How much you are charged for a lead. A lead is where someone does something like filling out a form.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CPM</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cost Per Thousand) - How much you pay per 1000 impressions.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Crawler</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It is a program used to go through a website to get information from the website and take it back to the originator.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_advanced_linking">Cross Linking</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It's simply linking multiple websites together. Excessive cross-linking can get a website banned from a Search Engine.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CSS</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Cascading Style Sheets) - It is a feature that is added to HTML that helps website developers and users have more control over fonts, colors, layout, etc..</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">CTR</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Click Through Rate) - It is the ratio of impressions shown to the number of clicks. It's often used in Pay Per Click Advertising like Google Adwords.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dead Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It simply a link that doesn't work. It will normally produce an error called a "404 error (page not found)".</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Directory</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It's just a list of websites that are split into multiple categories for people to search.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Domain</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Domain Name) - This is a name for a website. .</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Doorway Page - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is another way to get banned by a Search Engine. These pages are not designed for the visitors. The are usually optimized for one keyword and only exist to get high rankings in the Search Engines Results Pages. They are sometimes called a Gateway Page.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dynamic Page</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a page that is generated automatically by a hosting servier at the time it is requested (on-the-fly).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Google Everflux</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It's a phenomenon that refers to the continuous changes in the Google search results pages at specific times (during the "Google Dance" for instance). </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">FFA Free For All</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - There is no content on these pages. They are just full of links added by visitors.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Freshbot</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It is a Google crawler that is known that adds pages to the Google index a little quicker than other Bots.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Gateway Page - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is another way to get banned by a Search Engine. These pages are not designed for the visitors. The are usually optimized for one keyword and only exist to get high rankings in the Search Engines Results Pages. They are sometimes called a Doorway Page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Google Bot</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - These are Google's "crawlers". They crawl web pages to index them into the Google Search Engine.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Google Dance - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As of this date it refers to the period of time when Google is performing the update to it's index. Google has multiple datacenters that have different results during this period. This occurs about every month or so.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Header Tag</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is an HTML tag which is most&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">often used for page headers. For example: </span><br /><h1>The Header Tag</h1><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hidden Text</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - It is text the is invisible on a web page because it is the same color as the background. You can be penalized by search engines by doing this.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hit</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This occurs when a file is loaded on a webpage.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">HTML</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Hyper Text <st1:personname w:st="on">Mark</st1:personname>up Language). This is a popular language used to format webpages. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">HTML Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a link from one page to another.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">IBL - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(In Bound Link) - This is also referred to as a back link. These are links that come from one website to another. If you have 50 IBLs, then you have 50 links pointing to your website.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Inbound Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is also referred to as a back link. These are links that come from one w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ebsite to another. If you have 50 IBLs, then you have 50 links pointing to your website.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">IP Address </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">- This is a unique number that is assigned to a computer or system.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">JavaScript</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a scripting language (client side).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_411221438">Keyword</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_determine_keywords"> </a>- This is a single word that is used to identify the subject or purpose of a web page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Keyword Density</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This refers to how many times a keyword or keyword phrase is repeated on a web page. It is based on a percentage.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_411221442">Keyword Phrase</a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-Getting-Started-on-Keywords"> </a>- This is a group of two or more words that are used to identify the subject or purpose of a web page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Keyword Stuffing</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is when a page is stuffed with all kinds of keywords. There is a lot of repetition in the Meta Tags or anywhere else on the website. It is meant to increase the websites importance to the Search Engine. It is considered spamming by most search engines.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Link Farm</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This involves a set of web pages that have been built for the sole purpose of increasing the number of incoming links to a web site. This type of activity will get you banned from Search Engines.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Meta</span></b></st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Search</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This type of search will search multiple databases and combine the results for you.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Meta</span></b></st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Tags</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is content that is found in the code of a website. It is not seen by visitors. It's only purpose is to give information to search engines etc..</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Open Directory Project</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a large directory of websites run by volunteers.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Optimization</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is something webmasters do to their websites to try and get higher positions in the Search Engines Results.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Outbound Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - These are links going from your website to others.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Page View</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is for the number of times a page is loaded.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">PopUp</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a window that "pops up" in front of you while viewing another window. It can be triggered numerous ways. Either by an action of yours or something predetermined by the person that programmed it.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">PFI</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Pay For Inclusion) - It's simply paying for your website to be listed. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Pop Under</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is the same as a PopUp except it's another window that loads under the page you are viewing. You normally don't see it until you close the page you're on.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Portal - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is normally a term used to describe a website that is the first place people see when using the web.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">PPC - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(Pay Per Click) - It is a way of advertising in which you only pay when someone clicks on your ads.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">PR</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is Google's Page Rank. It is part of the formula the Google uses to determine your position in the Search Results Pages.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Query</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is simply a search word or phrase submitted to a search engine. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Reciprocal Link</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is where 2 websites will exchange links from one to the other. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Referrer</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is the page from where a user has come. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Refresh Tag</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a tag which defines how a page will refresh. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Robot</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is basically the name given to a search engine spider or crawler.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Robots.txt</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is a file that tells the search engine spiders how to crawl a website. It is often used to tell a spider not to include a page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Search Engine</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - They are used to search the web.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">SEM - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(Search Engine <st1:personname w:st="on">Mark</st1:personname>eting) - This type of marketing includes SEO and various paid advertising like banners and PPC.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_411221446">SEO - </a></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-The-Donts">(Search Engine Optimization)</a> - This is what is done to make a website search engine friendly. It is practiced to get the best positions possible in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPS).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">SERP</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - (Search Engine Results Page) </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Spam - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This is when various techniques are used to manipulate the search engines to rank better. One example is keyword stuffing. Websites will be banned for spamming.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Spider</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is also called a "Bot" or "SpiderBot". This is a program used to visit web pages and bring information about that web page back to the source.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Stop Word - </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">These are just common words that the search engines ignore when indexing a web page or when processing search queries.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Submission</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - This is simply submitting a website to a search engine or directory. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Traffic</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - These include the visitors and page views that a website gets. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">URL</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> - Uniform Resource Locator. The address at which a specific resource can be found.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72409406164130834282011-02-25T19:26:00.005-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.488-05:00Couples Who Pray by Squire Rushnell & Louise Duart<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2hL-HYJRgvg/TWhKLPjMwFI/AAAAAAAAATY/Bi63hk5aqkw/s1600/_225_350_Book.299.cover.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2hL-HYJRgvg/TWhKLPjMwFI/AAAAAAAAATY/Bi63hk5aqkw/s1600/_225_350_Book.299.cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2hL-HYJRgvg/TWhKLPjMwFI/AAAAAAAAATY/Bi63hk5aqkw/s320/_225_350_Book.299.cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2hL-HYJRgvg/TWhKLPjMwFI/AAAAAAAAATY/Bi63hk5aqkw/s320/_225_350_Book.299.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="203" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Oh no! Not another prayer book. There has got to be more to the Christianity book world than another prayer book. Doesn’t the Bible give us EVERYTHING we need?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">If you are like me you often wonder, why do we need another prayer book? There are so many of them out there what else could their possibly be to say that someone else has not already talked about.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>You are right, nothing.</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">There is literally nothing left for a prayer book to be exclusive about and this one is no different.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I picked this book for my review because it was “couples” based. My fiancé and I are trying to have a stronger relationship with God and I thought with the problems we have been having these past couple of years that perhaps couples prayer was just the thing we needed.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Reading the reviews of others, I wondered if I made the wrong choice.</strong>&nbsp;I downloaded the book to my Nook immediately after signing up for it.&nbsp; First, I made the choice to read&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/02/25/book-review-life-in-spite-of-me-by-kristen-anderson-with-tricia-goyer/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/life-in-spite-of-me-by-kristen-anderson.html">Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Anderson.</a>&nbsp;Just then it seems like all my own problems faded and was pale in comparison. But, I knew my relationship needed work.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Getting through the book was just as everyone else had stated. It was more of a book about OTHER couples and how they became couples who prayed together, or how they became that couple.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What it was lacking was prayer structure. I kept reading, and although I did enjoy the couple’s stories, I wondered how long it was going to get to the “how” of this 40 day couples prayer program. What is was not lacking was a bunch of chatter about sex.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Finally!</strong>&nbsp;Chapter 3, Section2 : Taking the 40 Day Prayer Challenge.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have reached that point. I am ready to sit down with Big M and see what he feels regarding a daily prayer, together.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Do you have the proper mind-set to begin exploring the extraordinary manner of renovating your marriage?”</em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">YES!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, wait!! We aren’t married. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/02/engagement.html">Not yet anyway.</a> &nbsp;However I know for a FACT our Pastor would think this would be a great step for us and our relationship.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Are you both ready to make the commitment to giving joint daily prayer a chance to work wonders in your relationship? To help you work through issues that have been bothering you…brining you tangible things you need…while vastly enhancing your love life and communication?”</em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, yes and yes.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Go to Couples Who Pray . com and fill out the couple questionnaire. &nbsp;There is a cost if you sign up, a nominal handling cost. The same questionnaire is in the back of the book as well.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">We pray separately, but HOW do we pray together?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TEN TIPC TO START THE 40 DAY PRAYER CHALLENGE</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">1. More prayer, more power. Simply talk to God. The more you pray, the more it will come to you.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">2. Make time to pray.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">3. Have an attitude of gratitude and vulnerability.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">4. Confess and request forgiveness.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">5. Pray out loud with your spouse.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">6. Keep it short.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">7. Use everyday language.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">8. Pray for your marriage.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">9. Pray for others and for self.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">10. Expect God to answer your prayers.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">After that little bit it is back to the stories. Are you just as confused as I am?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Another tip:&nbsp;</strong>Journal with your partner.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">After that tip, more stories, theology, science and history of the Bible and Biblical fact.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">*yawn*</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Again, same old same old.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Challenges we may face. I get it, they are the same challenges we face in life when trying to live the life of a Christian or even trying to make time to pray on our own.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where are the 40 days of prayer??</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Shouldn’t a book written about a 40 day challenge offer some sort of program giving us prayers and pages to write on without forcing us to buy other books for journals or website admission?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted so much more from this book, expected so much more. All I got was a frown and some disappointment.</div>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from a Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48500549047524454122011-02-25T19:24:00.008-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.493-05:00Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Anderson with Tricia Goyer<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><iframe _mce_src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9iRDt96Lu3Y" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9iRDt96Lu3Y" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>I don’t know what makes me look at a list of books and immediately pick out the one about attempted suicide or anything depressing.</b>&nbsp;I have my own depression to deal with, my own life issues that leave me with more questions than answers. I should know better than to pick something that I know is going to punch me in the gut and force an empathic like me to go through a box of tissues.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Problem was, that should have happened, but did not. I shed a few tears.&nbsp;</b>I defiantly felt Kristen’s story. Having lost people I love close to me, being a sexual abuse survivor, and being an extremely confused teenager, I know only too well the feelings Kristen had. I have never tried suicide. I have thought about it, but the scare and the guilt of it always got the better of me. I have often thought that others would be better without me and all my problems, but….that is a whole other story, one of my own.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Kristen Jane Anderson was the All American teenager.&nbsp;</b>We have all been down that road at one point, no matter what we do, we feel we are not good enough for our parents. We are so misunderstood that nothing is ever going to get them to understand us.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Kristen stayed out the night before to be the designated driver for her friends.</b>&nbsp;Doing something good, putting her friends first, and it caused her to be home late. Her parents were less than thrilled. She was grounded until further notice. She took no time trying to explain. Tired of being stuck in the house, she decides to go see a friend. Afterwards, not wanting to go home and face her parents she takes a walk.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">That walk leads her right to the neighborhood train tracks and cargo yard. She sits, she thinks, she debates. With a train approaching it does not take the reader long to figure out what is going to happen.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>Kristen, lays on the tracks, the train runs her over</b>. She should be dead. She SHOULD not have lived. But she did, despite the fact she had crawled away, separating herself from her legs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">What follows are the tears of pain and joy as Kristen tries to overcome her hurdles in life. Now, instead of living life for herself, she is living her life for God.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The story is like so many others we have heard. What makes Kristen’s any better than any other teen who has overcome depression, lived through attempted suicide and found God is beyond me. (<a _mce_href="http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/about-nick" href="http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/about-nick">Anyone hear of Nick&nbsp;<span _mce_style="color: #323232; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #323232; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Vujicic and his Life Without Limbs?</span></a>&nbsp;Granted, his was not suicide, but a story none the less.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Having said that, the story is good.&nbsp;<b>The writing, not so much.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>I do not claim to be the best writer.</b>&nbsp;But this book was horrible to read. Kristen should have more of a voice in this book. This book needs more of her words and her story. Instead we are left with a jumbled up, hodge podge mess of bit and pieces. The style of the voice did not fit Kristen’s personality.&nbsp;<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>There were too many grammatical errors for a book of this nature.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This book has HUGE potential, but I think it needs to be rewritten and thrown back to the editors. Kristen is an amazing girl and what she is doing NOW, right this minute for teens and others is something words cannot describe. Visit Kristen Website:&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.reachingyouministries.com/" href="http://www.reachingyouministries.com/">Reaching You</a>&nbsp;for what this beautiful girl is doing for others!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from a Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3762825926730166302011-02-25T19:21:00.003-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.497-05:00If God, Why Evil? A New Way to Think About the Question by Dr. Norman Geisler<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0764208128&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>We all think it</strong>. Some of us I am sure have said it out loud.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If God is suppose to be all good, all powerful, all everything, than why would he allow so much pain and suffering?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>Do you know the answer to that?</strong></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If you are like me, you have heard the same answer all of your life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“We are never given anymore than we can’t handle.”</em></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em _mce_style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I tell you what, I have spent my entire life thinking that was the biggest load of crud I have ever heard.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">No one and I repeat NO ONE should have to go through what some people in this world have to go through.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>Personally, I have been through more than my fair share.</strong>&nbsp;I was sexually abused for the first 12 years of my life. This left me emotionally scarred for life. Even today at 35 years old I have to live with the aftermath of that abuse.<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/05/my-survivor-story.html"> I am a sexual abuse survivor.</a> I am a rape survivor. I have watched so many people close to me die of cancer. One of my best friends (who I loved deeply) and a man I had planned to spend the rest of my life with, both brutally murdered. These me were taken away from me and everyone else around them far too soon. I found out the man who molested me, was not my biological father. I did find him, only to be told I was not wanted (again).</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">In three years I lost my grandfather and 3 of my best friends, those 2 men included. In one month I went through a divorce, lost my grandmother and moved 1000 miles North to the frozen tundra.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">No one and I do mean NO ONE should have to go through anything that I have gone through in life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">But you know what? I did. I lived. And so will everyone else.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The depression, the anger, the guilt, nightmares, flashbacks, tremors, panic, anxiety, and stress all plague me now.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Who wants to live a life like this? Who deserves to have a life like this?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">No one.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I made the choice to read this book because this is something I deal with every day. Not too long ago a read a book called<a _mce_href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2011/01/14/book-review-chasing-elephants-wrestling-with-the-gray-areas-of-life-by-brent-crowe/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/chasing-elephants-wrestling-with-gray.html">&nbsp;Chasing Elephants: Dealing with the Grey Areas of Life.</a>&nbsp;I thought for sure that was going to be the answer I was seeking.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Why do I feel this way? Why, why and more why? Sadly, that book did not answer the questions I needed an answer to but it did give me some insight to other areas of my life.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">This book was no help either.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">*sigh*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Don’t get me wrong this book was&nbsp;<strong>great</strong>&nbsp;in the fact that it broke down every aspect of evil. It picked it apart like it was a geometry problem and you were trying to prove its points with theorems.&nbsp;<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>But that is not what I was after. I did not need nor want another book where bible verses were inserted and picked apart giving me the definition of evil.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If that is what you are looking for, than this IS the book for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from a Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26189273368627549152011-02-25T05:31:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.081-05:00Information about Tax Fraud Penalties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNBz14HWWaQ/TWWLIWQ-HsI/AAAAAAAAATM/0kK5KTSKQqE/s1600/4475185_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNBz14HWWaQ/TWWLIWQ-HsI/AAAAAAAAATM/0kK5KTSKQqE/s320/4475185_f260.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b>No one wants to commit tax fraud.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Often, people don't even realize they are.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Your best bet is to always stay informed.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><b>I<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/tax-farud-penalties">nformation about Tax Fraud Penalties.</a></b></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14466052677946179212011-02-25T04:59:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.895-04:00With Internet Friends Comes Internet Jerks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOaevWEVJqc/TWWDUvkNcUI/AAAAAAAAATE/kWK7gR2BGRI/s1600/drama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOaevWEVJqc/TWWDUvkNcUI/AAAAAAAAATE/kWK7gR2BGRI/s1600/drama.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made a post on Wednesday&nbsp;about <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/internet-community.html">Internet Friends</a> and how wonderful they are. Today, (mind you it’s not that I really want to) I am going to talk about the drama queens and jerks.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It seems that no matter what direction we choose to go in with our online adventures, we are always going to be greeted by the drama queens and the jerks. You know that person who must have no life of their own and find great joy in stirring the pot because it gives them sometime to talk about. I am sure we have all run across that person. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>There really is no getting away from them. </b>They are like vultures waiting to attack at a moment’s notice. Sometimes they are like bears and hibernate in packs, only to come out when provoked by some act of randomness. They are driven by their egos, they get off on their malicious words and their actions instigate their life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>For the most part I am pretty good at ignoring them</b>. I have generally been the one to click the back button and walk away. I hate drama. If real life had a back button I would use it. I run away from drama all the time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>However, one got under my skin recently.</b> It was a direct blow to me when I was only trying to help. It became personal and it was obvious to me that no matter how many people pointed out the same thing, this person was not going to have it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>BUT WAIT!</b> I am guilty of lashing back. Only by stating the cold facts, that is what I am guilty of. Normally the best course of action is to walk away. I don’t think anyone should feed fuel to the fire. But, I will say choose your battles wisely.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A jerk or a drama queen can really take you by surprise and make your blood boil. </b>There have been times I read something written by someone who felt they had something to gain by being mean, and wanted to punch my fist through the PC screen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>It can make you want to find his physical address and confront him or her...<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I think the best thing to do is just take a walk.</b> Only this time, I didn’t. I did not scream. I did not verbally abuse, slander, accuse or even say one mean thing. I kept my calm, cool, collected nature. Think drama queen bee cared? Nope. She just kept going like the energizer bunny (not my words)!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Word to the wise, if you are called out in a forum thread, don't look at that thread again. Sometimes you have to defend your territory or something you believe in, but don't get personal back... Just lay out the facts. Which, I did. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">AS LONG as you are in the blogging world and visiting forums, you will have to deal with drama queens jerks.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I used to think that people were generally good to each other</b>. I grew up in the south, in a middle class neighborhood, where everyone helped each other, said hello, please and thank you. No one stepped on each other’s toes. No one took advantage of each other. But the internet is full of so much hatred and rudeness. It’s so childish and high school. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Build relationships. Help others. And don't be a drama queen or a jerk. You have a brand to protect, yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXQW8FC2UtU/TWWD5BpMgyI/AAAAAAAAATI/MT0EgJraYRk/s1600/drama.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXQW8FC2UtU/TWWD5BpMgyI/AAAAAAAAATI/MT0EgJraYRk/s1600/drama.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For those of you who missed i<a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284113">t here is the WPLH: Please Read the Sticky thread. </a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27997683893005459112011-02-24T04:39:00.006-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.898-04:00My Time Has Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TYiBe_lhY8/TWV_GDIk9gI/AAAAAAAAATA/h1n35nWxKpY/s1600/time.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TYiBe_lhY8/TWV_GDIk9gI/AAAAAAAAATA/h1n35nWxKpY/s320/time.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There comes a time when you have been blogging for a while, and this time is going to be different for everyone, but there will be a time when you realize that you know what you need to do in order to succeed as a blogger.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You sit there, staring at that damn cursor blinking back at you. You decide to take that chance; it is your opportunity now. The time is now. You have finally achieved the level of knowledge, inspiration, determination and confidence to make that path clear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All of the little things are over. Only the big things matter. Over the years the secrets have been revealed.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now is the time for me to finally make my mark.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a new focus. Or, really it’s an old focus that I am taking a chance on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know what needs to be done and I have finally reached my place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can now officially say I am a paid blogger!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3479851104049186302011-02-23T19:43:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.595-04:00#NSNation One Month Check In (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">My life can be summed up in one word right now, busy.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I know I have talked about this in past blogs, both personal, professional and in&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem&nbsp;</a>posts. I had hoped a schedule would be made, some sort of slow down would happen, but I guess I was wrong. I do not see life slowing down any time soon.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I spent the last week really thinking about Nutrisystem. Honestly, I even contemplated quitting.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">But then the guilt kicks in.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">What sort of loser would I be? What would everyone think of me?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am struggling here.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I was SO excited to get back to a program that I know works. I have done it once, yes, it was long ago when I was a mere teenager. And, that was with face to face meetings.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I did Weight Watchers a few years back, lost the weight, again, with face to face meetings.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I did TOPS, but found the meetings to be more about prizes and games that actual weight loss related.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Is that what is holding me back? I need that face to face companionship? I need IRL (in real life) people to kick me in the butt? Someone I can pick up the phone and call?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I KNOW the Nutrisystem forums are there, I know there is phone call and email help. I know there are fellow bloggers out there walking this path with me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The problem is, I don’t have TIME! Time is my biggest obstacle right now. I know people say, I don’t have itme for this, I can’t do that, blah blah. Trust me, I have heard it all. I remember thinking back in my WW days I worked full time; I had a life outside of work. If I could find the time to run 6-7 miles a day, then this person could find the time to squeeze in 30 minutes of walking. I never understood the reality of BUSY until now.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>A typical weekday for me:</strong></div><br /><ul><li>5-6:30am woke up by my Fuzzy alarm clock, Ziggy</li><li>7 am: Get up and around to take the dogs out</li><li>7am-9am : make coffee, make breakfast for me and sometimes for Big M. Think about my day, go over my to do list. Get M’s lunch packed and push him out the door. LOL, except for every 3<sup>rd</sup>&nbsp;day where he does not go to work until 11:30a.</li><li>9am: dogs go out again.</li><li>The rest of my morning is spent going through emails, adding or crossing off my to-do list.</li><li>Then, I start my daily participation points for school. Since my classes are all online we have to check in and reply to our professor and classmates. This can be quite time consuming.</li><li>After that comes daily homework. Again, time varies depending on assignment, but I am usually done with all school related items between 2-3pm.</li><li>Sometime in there I take lunch, take the dogs out a few more times, and maybe take a shower.</li><li>The rest of the afternoon I begin working on my blog, my paid work, and my other writing jobs.</li><li>Sometime around 6pm is dinner.</li><li>Then back to work and/or studying until I am done.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I will walk away from the PC around 9-11pm depending on how long it takes me to finish everything.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is HARD for me to make time to exercise. I DO try. There are days when I get 30min, days where its only 15-20 and then there are days where I have NO time at all.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone keeps telling me I have to make time, but I have no time to make. I have things that HAVE to be done every day.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It is a huge misconception that people who work from home can make their own schedules. That is true to a point, but there are still things that have to be done daily, or I don’t get paid.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>Oh wait, there’s more.</strong></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><em>Now I sound like an infomercial.</em></div><br /><ul><li>I am trying to plan a wedding.</li><li>I am graduating in June.</li><li>I own my own business.</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal">And…</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I we are going to try and start a family this summer.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have a LOT on my plate.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I NEED to lose weight. I weigh too much to have a healthy pregnancy. My age is already a factor, I don’t need my weight to add to that. My chiro has told me more than once because of my disk disease I really need to get the weight down. Other than that, I am 100% healthy, which seems to baffle my docs. It seems that just because I am overweight I should have a host of problems. I don’t. Thank goodness.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here I am.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">God blessed me with Nutrisystem. He knew I could not afford any weight loss programs right now, and He knew I needed help. He sent me on a path, with a little help from my friend, and a whole lot of prayers, Meredith gave me this wonderful opportunity. She could have said no, she could have kicked me out of the program right now, but she gave me a gift. She kept supporting me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t want to give up this opportunity I have been blessed with.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, I just don’t know HOW to keep going forward. It has been one month (as of Monday) and my weight has gone down, up, and I am pretty much where I was when I started.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It messes with my head. Makes me feel like not only have I failed myself, but everyone else in the process.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">This is not a feeling I like. But, at this point, I just don’t know what to do.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Big M and I have talked about joining the Y. The family plan is decently priced and the hours are good so I could go late in the eve or early in the AM. But, it’s a drive. Which I don’t like. However, we can go on weekends as they have a kid’s center so lil m would have some little people to play with! She would love that.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I just wish my treadmill didn’t die.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Stress = eating.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Big M = food enabler.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I feel pretty, for lack of a better word…off. I so wanted to have at least 10lbs gone by now.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I did find out my Worship Pastor, who also happens to be one of Big M’s good friends is on Nutrisystem, so I might poke him on Facebook and see if he could be my NS Buddy.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I also know I should take some time to seek out my fellow Nutrisystem Blogger Nation buddies!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Quitters never win, right?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82863157953650730752011-02-23T14:45:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.083-05:00Home Based Business DeductionsLast week I had the&nbsp;privilege&nbsp;of writing my first Tax Queen guest post on <a href="http://directsaleshelp.com/">Direct Sale Help.</a><br /><br />I wanted to share that with you since we have been discussing many of these tips here on Tax Queen the last few days.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pkiFeAMKDM/TWVjX11vHhI/AAAAAAAAAS8/M38ih2S1S7I/s1600/665345-ms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pkiFeAMKDM/TWVjX11vHhI/AAAAAAAAAS8/M38ih2S1S7I/s320/665345-ms.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><h1 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://directsaleshelp.com/wp-content/themes/mflat/images/bg_title2.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: -8px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 15px;"><a href="http://directsaleshelp.com/2011/02/home-based-business-deductions/">Tips on Home Based Business Deductions</a></h1><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34775927621594111632011-02-23T09:21:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:00:40.677-04:00The Internet Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KWzPcHwSLw/TWKgPJ6C3UI/AAAAAAAAASs/ZoCWXFQ4b2Q/s1600/MakingFriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8KWzPcHwSLw/TWKgPJ6C3UI/AAAAAAAAASs/ZoCWXFQ4b2Q/s1600/MakingFriends.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyNuFxtC9HQ/TWKgROI4L6I/AAAAAAAAASw/0GI7qcyGgp8/s1600/goofy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eyNuFxtC9HQ/TWKgROI4L6I/AAAAAAAAASw/0GI7qcyGgp8/s320/goofy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>It's amazing really. </b>The longer you hang out online the more you realize how small the internet community is. I say small, even though it is quite large. But once you land someplace that is sort of a niche for you. That particular community tends to be tight knit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am starting to run into people I know in different forums quite often. I am starting to get emails and private messages.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>That's a good thing.</b> That's part of doing business online. Building relationships, networking, sharing your world... but you also build personal relationships with some. You share personal experiences. You help each other through good and bad times. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>It's amazing. </b>It is also something I do not take for granted. In the last 6 years I have met some amazing people. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you haven't already done so, find a good forum to hang around. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Just start hanging around. </b>You'll start to get to know the people. Then you can start participating... or just jump in. Before you jump right in, be sure to at least take the time to get to know the forum rules and some basic behavior skills. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>There are forums for everything.</b> Whatever you're involved in. If you got a career, there’s a forum for it. If you have a hobby, there's a forum for it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hang around mostly in work from home and writers forums.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don't know where I would be today if I hadn't discovered their power. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Beyond relationships you can learn endless things.</b> Not just anything. Things drawing from experience. It's better than a textbook. It's interactive. If you ask there is usually someone waiting with an answer. You can search databases of threads that could contain untold information...<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Experience the Power of Forums... Explore and Grow!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPeEB82gEC8/TWKgtOJrV8I/AAAAAAAAAS0/IDesg3jaOTo/s1600/ab15a768.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPeEB82gEC8/TWKgtOJrV8I/AAAAAAAAAS0/IDesg3jaOTo/s1600/ab15a768.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68640487493031241852011-02-22T08:15:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.085-05:00When Does the IRS Usually Mail Refunds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWYQ1_hgS5s/TUxf716uQxI/AAAAAAAAAPo/sYTiWJqKNnc/s1600/dollar_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWYQ1_hgS5s/TUxf716uQxI/AAAAAAAAAPo/sYTiWJqKNnc/s320/dollar_sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You finally got your taxes filed, now you wait patiently for the refund.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question:</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I didn't want to take over the other thread with my question. The Where's My Refund site says my federal refund will be mailed February 25. Is that usually accurate, or is it like with direct deposit, where it sends out the payment before or after it says it will?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><img alt="" border="0" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/images/smilies/circles.gif" style="vertical-align: middle;" title="circles" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I just want to know if I should expect it this coming week or the following one, basically :)</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My Answer:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">That meens your refund will be mailed the 25th. So you should receive it 2-5 days after that. This always depends on how fast the mail runs in your area. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This year direct deposits are being pushed through on Fridays and Tuesdays.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Also, this is not a "set in stone" date with the IRS. This is usually when they "expect" to have payment. There have been times when it comes early and late.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3908859903571030592011-02-22T05:04:00.075-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.324-04:00Places to Find Free Website Templates OnlineWith so many of us changing blogging platforms, trying to see what is out there and what is going to work best for us, I thought I would reprint an article I had published on Dee's blog. I hope someone find's these useful. After this post this article is going in the vault.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">First, here is a list of some of the other sites I have tried aside from Blogger and both versions of Word Press:&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you are still in need of a website, check out&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wix.com/">Wix</a>&nbsp;for totally free flash websites and designs. They have made it a clean and simple process. Get your website up and running, for, you guessed it, FREE!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.weebly.com/link/pbvrk3">Weebly</a>&nbsp;is another great website builder and host. They have a free option. As your business or website grows, so can their service, for under $50 a year you get more space and more storage. Weebly also has the option to let their designers create a custom website for you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000034681963&amp;pubid=21000000000320849">Webs</a>&nbsp;is also a host and blogging platform all in one. I have had a chance to play with this one (as well as Weebly) and even though both are great and have good customization, I like Webs much better. They have a control panel that is set up much similar to the control panels within hosting services such as GoDaddy and HostGator.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here is why, even with a free account you are allowed 5 web store items. I plan on testing this site out more with my ebooks. Setting up the website was extremely easy. I did a test of <a href="http://selfemployedwriter.webs.com/">Self Employed Writer.</a>&nbsp;I have not done anything too fancy. Just set up the site. What I like is it gives me a lot of social networking and SEO features. Not to mention, its easy on my eyes. I think this is a great host and website and can see me placing one of my future sites here.&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Last but not least, Yola. I have tried Yola and although it serves its purpose, there really is not much I can say about it that stands out. It was easy to build on, but it is pretty basic.&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTFd2--IpYw/TV8mfe_2d-I/AAAAAAAAASk/zX7sXBhYTO0/s1600/2493066577_d1006bcec3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTFd2--IpYw/TV8mfe_2d-I/AAAAAAAAASk/zX7sXBhYTO0/s320/2493066577_d1006bcec3.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Business Support Blog</div><div style="text-align: center;">Free Resource Friday&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Originally&nbsp;Posted:&nbsp;February&nbsp;12, 2010</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Places to Find Free Website Templates Online</b></div><br /><br /><b>The idea is already there, inside your head.</b> You have your website up and you know how you want it to look, the problem is where do you go for templates? Having a template designed just for you can be costly. Perhaps that is something you do not or just can not think about right now. No needs to worry, plenty of places offer free resources, no matter what sort of website you are trying to get set up.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Any Website</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.freewebsitetemplates.com/"><b>Free Website Templates</b></a><br />All of the templates from Free Website Templates are pre-designed and fully customizable to fit you and your website. The templates have been coded in CSS so you will not need to place any link on your website with these templates. Now that's freedom.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://freesitetemplates.com/"><b>Free Site Templates</b></a><br />Free Site Templates offers its browsers creative designs to help you start your web development. Templates are free and categorized for easy retrieval.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Blogger&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />Blogger, owned by the popular search engine, Google, gives its bloggers a wonderful free service to showcase work, write, or advertise their business.<br /><br /><a href="http://btemplates.com/"><b>bTemplates</b></a><br />bTemplates is one of the larger, and totally free Blogger template websites. The collection grows daily.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloggerbuster.com/2009/08/101-awesome-free-blogger-templates.html">Blogger Buster</a><br />Blogger Buster offers 101 of the best Blogger templates, free for use.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Live Journal</span><br /><br />Live Journal offers it’s users a free or paid account. Finding templates for the free account are hard to come by since Live Journal provides standard templates with the free accounts. If you are looking for something just a bit different that what they provide, check out <a href="http://www.createblog.com/livejournal-layouts/">Create Blog</a> for a few different option.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Word Press</span><br /><br />Word Press is becoming the most popular and widely used blog/website interface because of the many options it offers users compared to free sites like Blogger. Word Press does off both a free account with limited use, and a premium paid account.<br /><br />For some free templates/themes check out:<br /><a href="http://wordpressthemesbase.com/">Word Press Themes Base</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wordpresstemplates.name/">Free Word Press Templates and Themes</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wptemplates.org/">Free Word Press Themes</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Type Pad</span><br />Type Pad itself is not a free blogging site, however if you already have a Type Pad account, the free templates are extremely limited. However one blogger posted <a href="http://www.ukbloggersguide.com/tips/2007/09/the-definitive-.html">“The Definitive List of TypePad Templates &amp; Themes”</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34263449557155040262011-02-21T13:31:00.003-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.087-05:00Amended Returns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pU0k6XQVSb4/TWKvF0HR5QI/AAAAAAAAAS4/B6LNjn_N73c/s1600/1040x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pU0k6XQVSb4/TWKvF0HR5QI/AAAAAAAAAS4/B6LNjn_N73c/s320/1040x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Have any of you filed this yourself? I filed my taxes myself however, I got a 1099 I had forgotten all about and need to add it. Can I do that efile too? I'm sure I'm not going to get much if anything back, will have to&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;">pay a little I'm sure. I'm just wondering how easy this is or isn't.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My reply:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">You cannot e-file an amended return.<br /><br />Amended forms are really easy. One column is for the current information, the other column is for the new/correct information. You will mail the original 1040 with the amended return. If you amend federal you will have to amend your state too as this will change thing in regards to income and tax. State amend forms are very similar.<br /><br />Here is a little tip: The IRS will not even acknowledge your form until after they are done with the 2010 year. So, mailing your form before April 15 is not going to speed up any extra refund you are due.<br /><br />When I was working in the firm, we would hold the amended returns until after the file date for that year since the IRS does nothing with them until they are done with the current load.<br /><br />You have up to 3 years to file an amended return to claim any extra refund that might be due to you.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">IRS Amended Return:&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040x.pdf">http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040x.pdf</a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79053511510892084932011-02-21T05:54:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.327-04:00Places to Find Free Affiliate ProgramsThe other day Angie, from The Work at Home Wife, gave us bloggers a<a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/amazon-affiliate-program-alternatives-and-a-day-of-self-reflection/"> list of places</a> to try our affiliate hand at. It reminded me of an article I had written for my friend Dee when she had her Business Support blog. I thought I would share that article with you guys. These might be useful for someone.<br /><br /><br />On a side note there is always <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/All-About-AdSense-What-it-it">Google AdSense.</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoheBgoQ-qo/TV8j3mc_zlI/AAAAAAAAASQ/OIJb--b8Isg/s1600/adsense_logo.gif" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Places to Find Free Affiliate Programs</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Free Resource Friday</div><div style="text-align: center;">Originally&nbsp;published: April 30, 2010</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Affiliate programs are a great way to drive traffic to your blog or website as well as provide you with a means for those page hits to make money.<br /><br /><b><a href="https://www.microsoftaffiliates.com/index.html?content=Zune">Zune Pass</a></b><br /><br />Zune Pass is an affiliate program that is offered by Microsoft. &nbsp;Zune is their popular mp3 player which competes alongside the Apple iPod. &nbsp;Affiliates will get paid for obtaining Zune Pass subscriptions. &nbsp;Affiliates can earn high payouts as well as Zune Pass trials and offers. This affiliate program is great for music lovers or those with websites in musical categories.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.liveperson.com/lp/affiliates/"><b>Live Person</b></a><br /><br />Live Person is a wonderful tool that can provide websites with live expert chat. Simply sign up, place the box on your website or blog and let users find the expert they need. Affiliates can earn up to $100 per paid subscription. Minimum payment is $25.<br /><br /><a href="https://publishers.singlesnet.com/register?affiliate=5star&amp;campaign_id=3395&amp;redirected=true"><b>Singles Net</b></a><br /><br />If your blog is about dating and relationships then Singles Net would be a positive addition to your site. &nbsp;The first tier pays $4.50 per lead, with payments going up to $11 per lead. &nbsp;Affiliates can get real time information, weekly payments, customized landing pages, and unlimited calling to customer service.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.100best-affiliate-programs.com/"><b>100 Best Affiliate Programs</b></a><br /><br />Website owners who are unsure of their niche, or perhaps they do not have one, this website give you plenty of affiliate programs in any category you need. Pick and choose the ones that work best for you and optimize your blog.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5862380090004725982011-02-20T07:03:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.900-04:00How Do You Other Bloggers Do It!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/DanubiusHotels/Danubius%20Health%20Spa%20Resort%20Buk/wellnessservices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa382/DanubiusHotels/Danubius%20Health%20Spa%20Resort%20Buk/wellnessservices.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is what I get for running multiple websites, hanging out in multiple forums and trying to go to school full time! I feel like I have nothing to say today...or it just could be I want to enjoy my day without putting too much thought in to work.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not complaining though... better than being bored. Although, I can’t say that I am bored. I am in the middle of my weekend mini spa vacation getaway. I have never had a spa treatment before. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I'll find something more interesting to say tomorrow. Yes, Monday. I will talk ALL about my wonderful weekend.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Peace. Relaxing. Stress-free. Just what I needed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>How are/did you spend your weekend? Whats new for Monday?</i></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20432855964296393222011-02-20T06:02:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.088-05:00Quarterly Tax Payments: What Should I Be Paying?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ejmb-sd6I4/TV2p-1Trz4I/AAAAAAAAASM/KW6GEs4Snag/s1600/cash-prize-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ejmb-sd6I4/TV2p-1Trz4I/AAAAAAAAASM/KW6GEs4Snag/s320/cash-prize-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quarterly Tax Payments: What Should I Be Paying?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Unsure if you should be setting up quarterly payments? How much should you be setting&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">aside for that end of the year tax return?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, the answer is 30% of your income.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today’s Question:</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow 30% seems like a lot more than I paid this year. Maybe we are in a lower tax bracket. No matter how much it is, I won't get in trouble for not sending it in early right? I can just save and they don't mind as long as they get it in the end?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Answer:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Generally 6.2% is paid by the employer and 6.2% from you for Social Security. Since its all you, that’s 12.4%. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Medicare is usually 2.9% them 2.9% you. That’s 6% all you now. So there is 18%. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other 12% is about a 60/40 split between Federal and your State. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Self Employment taxes are a little higher, not just because you are paying your own SS and Medicare, but overall they are a bit more because of the fact the IRS has taken into consideration that there are expenses that get deducted.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">30% for some does not tend to be enough. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">30% of $15,000 is $4500. Looking at the Federal chart, about 2500 of that goes to federal for a single person. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I realize there are other factors, dependents, credits, other income, file status and so on, when you are filling out your Schedule C none of that is taken in to consideration. That’s why 99% of us freelancers who work from home, put away 30%. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, you are not going to get in trouble for not sending in quarterly payments. You don't HAVE to do it, but....if you owe because of SE tax, you could be facing an 8% tax increase.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is some more about that: <a href="http://www.moneyunder30.com/quarterly-estimated-tax-payments-who-needs-to-pay-them-when-and-why">Quarterly Estimate Tax Payments: Who Needs to Pay Them &amp; Why</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72703582614423248362011-02-19T19:42:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.902-04:00Weekend Getaway<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to be leaving here in a little while to spend Saturday night and Sunday night in Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan. Nothing I am doing is college related, thank goodness. Instead, its to take a break from college and life.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Since Big M had to work last weekend, and we wanted to spend Valentines with lil m, we decided we would have lil M stay the night last night, and we will take her to grammies (his moms) this morning. We have 2 nights in the hotel, with the spa hot tub right in the room.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLFsiX12XvM/TVxo3rLotXI/AAAAAAAAARs/_xg4UCUjsso/s1600/adOneHover.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLFsiX12XvM/TVxo3rLotXI/AAAAAAAAARs/_xg4UCUjsso/s1600/adOneHover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLFsiX12XvM/TVxo3rLotXI/AAAAAAAAARs/_xg4UCUjsso/s320/adOneHover.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLFsiX12XvM/TVxo3rLotXI/AAAAAAAAARs/_xg4UCUjsso/s320/adOneHover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>I am so excited. This afternoon, we are booked for a 2.5 hours spa treatment at the spa salon nearby.&nbsp;</strong>Candles, roses, strawberry chocolate fondue, body massage (special attention to my fingers!) and pedicures. This is my Valentines to myself (and him of course) but I really wanted something that was stress-free, anxiety-free and would help me relax. Often when we go on these mini vacations we are always going someplace to DO something.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Whether it be an event, museums, show, or something. This time I wanted to do NOTHING but be pampered and rest. I need rest and lots of it. I got a great deal on the room and spa. I also used resteraunt.com to get us dinner and lunch. Indian food for dinner tonight, sushi tomorrow for lunch.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Since Big M does not have to be to work on Monday until 11:30am, we were able to stay Sunday night. So it worked out well. We get to have lil M and spend some time together. Usually we don’t get to do both. We only do a weekend trip twice a year.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am planning a special one for her in a few weeks. The hotel is designed just for kids.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a _mce_href="http://www.greatwolf.com/traverse/explore/activities/?s_kwcid=TC|15981|great%20wolf%20lodge||S|b|6887565612" href="http://www.greatwolf.com/traverse/explore/activities/?s_kwcid=TC|15981|great%20wolf%20lodge||S|b|6887565612">Great Wolfs Lodge.</a>&nbsp;They have a ton of water park things inside, a girly shop for moms and girls to eat ice cream and get mani,pedis, and so much more. Then the rooms are built to look like lodges with&nbsp;separate&nbsp;areas for the kids. I think it would be a lot of fun for her. Now that she is 6 she seems to be able to appreciate and understand things a little better. It looks like a lot of fun, for all of us. She has never been so I am excited to be able to do this for her, and for Big M. They are my family.</div><br /><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2UVdPRt93M/TVxqaD7s9KI/AAAAAAAAARw/OnCFNTzv3c4/s1600/409x234_Fort_Mackenzie_1.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2UVdPRt93M/TVxqaD7s9KI/AAAAAAAAARw/OnCFNTzv3c4/s1600/409x234_Fort_Mackenzie_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2UVdPRt93M/TVxqaD7s9KI/AAAAAAAAARw/OnCFNTzv3c4/s320/409x234_Fort_Mackenzie_1.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2UVdPRt93M/TVxqaD7s9KI/AAAAAAAAARw/OnCFNTzv3c4/s320/409x234_Fort_Mackenzie_1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaXq85HkuAY/TVxqcrFlzrI/AAAAAAAAAR0/2v_Zq0GOpmY/s1600/409x234_KidKamp_Suite_2.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaXq85HkuAY/TVxqcrFlzrI/AAAAAAAAAR0/2v_Zq0GOpmY/s1600/409x234_KidKamp_Suite_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaXq85HkuAY/TVxqcrFlzrI/AAAAAAAAAR0/2v_Zq0GOpmY/s320/409x234_KidKamp_Suite_2.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="183" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OaXq85HkuAY/TVxqcrFlzrI/AAAAAAAAAR0/2v_Zq0GOpmY/s320/409x234_KidKamp_Suite_2.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Ok..need to get off here, pack the laptop and hit the road.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48939027478768935762011-02-19T16:29:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:39:38.681-04:00Childhood Dreams<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><strong><img _mce_src="http://citizentom.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/lawyer.png" alt="" height="300" src="http://citizentom.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/lawyer.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="400" /></strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong>Today’s Topic:</strong><br />If you had made a career out of whatever you were passionate about when you were ten...what would you be doing?<br /><br /><strong>Answer:</strong><br />A lawyer. Until I learned how much extra schooling was required, I went with my second choice, Accounting. I was told there were no good jobs for an English Major unless I was going in to teaching.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12992985918605738092011-02-19T04:40:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.090-05:00All About the Internet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5AmRYRO9S4/TV2cwsHZQhI/AAAAAAAAASI/mu9gn1ijBc8/s1600/internou0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5AmRYRO9S4/TV2cwsHZQhI/AAAAAAAAASI/mu9gn1ijBc8/s320/internou0.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Today's Question: How am I supposed to deduct my internet???</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The problem with deducting your internet is that most of the time, internet is a package deal. For instance, I pay for cable and internet all on one bill. Now, $XX is for internet and the rest is for cable. But then I have to figure out how much of that internet is used for personal and how much for business.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My Thoughts:</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">I think this is the norm these days. I know my bill statement has billing for each product, so this is helpful. &nbsp;Most statements, like mine, will break down what is the internet, cable, and telephone portion of the bill. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Keeping track of use time does not have to be difficult. Most often it’s a 50/50 split.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Here’s more:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">My internet right now isn't a bundle, but only because our cable is included in our rent. When we move, it would be bundled.</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">How would I go about figuring if deducting it is worth it? Just playing with the numbers on the tax software? Because that scares me, it really does...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My Answer:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Every expense is WORTH it when it comes to self employment. This being expenses will help reduce your self employment tax. For tax purpose, all you would need is a statement from your landlord saying that internet is included in rent and get a breakdown of the costs. Most landlords are willing when they know you work from home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3825739257098838002011-02-18T06:56:00.001-05:002011-06-28T20:55:39.335-04:00Getting Out of the Information Loop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l15/lifeofcletus/The%20Philadelphia%20Story/Information.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l15/lifeofcletus/The%20Philadelphia%20Story/Information.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;">This is something I saw being discussed today by some fellow writers on a couple of forums I roam around in.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br />It’s regarding the moment you realize that you know enough. Enough of trying this, enough of looking for that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br />A lot of people get into a trap or this "loop" (sort of like a vicious circle) of buying eBook (or even a printed book for that matter) after eBook and course after course looking for the magic formula to writing success.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b>I think some of us think this online stuff should be easy.</b> So we search in vain for the easy formula. I mean why not? So many out there make it LOOK easy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br />Until that day we realize the formula X uses is never easy and that we already know how to be a success online. We just get so buried in this information we don’t see that the key is right here within our reach.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br /><b> I've seen people who have spent $1000s of dollars looking for the magic formula. But they never find it.</b> Why? Because there isn't one. Or when one emerges it doesn't last long; the market becomes saturated with people running after the opportunity and overnight the opportunity loses its power.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Bum Marketing, The Keyword Academy, they all mean well, but deep down they are all just a spin on the same thing most of us already know.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /><br />That why I think it is so important to hang out in forums, read all the free stuff out there and then choose a path that is suited to YOU. After you've decided what path is best, then maybe buy a few eBooks (or books) related to that path. But commit to it and don't be distracted because you see everyone else running to the New Big Thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Spend time writing. Honing your craft. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I realized once I spent less time searching, seeking, wishing, and actually started writing, that’s when I started to see the increase in adsense.<br /><br /><br /><b> I'm not saying don't buy any book that looks like it might benefit you and your writing. </b>I am saying focus on a specific area and get to work. Don't get bogged down by purchasing every new thing that comes along or trying every new internet craze. This will never stop. There will always be new products to Google over.<br /><br /><br /><br />So take a look at what you have. Take a look at yourself and make a decision to start acting. Start putting your money into your business instead of info products. <br /><br />Start today!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><i>Let me know how it works for you!</i></b></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68442154077525003672011-02-18T04:31:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.092-05:00What About Multiple Computers?<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17n9NHEe1iU/TV2VpMzZYnI/AAAAAAAAAR8/DKC-1_PSfwQ/s1600/computer-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17n9NHEe1iU/TV2VpMzZYnI/AAAAAAAAAR8/DKC-1_PSfwQ/s320/computer-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As for the multiple computers.... I have 2 for myself, 2 for my DD (if you want to count the old laptop that doesn't work) &amp; DH's laptop. Any of these I could use for work, if I wanted to. I could even dedicate my desktop as my play computer &amp; the laptop for work. How would that work? The laptop is older; it was DH's that we bought 3-4 years ago. Would that old thing even still be eligible for a deduction? Or is that only for new computers???<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">My thoughts:</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is only for things you purchase in THAT tax year. You cannot claim any expense from a previous year for the current tax year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;For example anything you buy in 2011, computer, office desk, supplies, things like that, would be allowed on 2011 tax return which you will file in 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;Previous years purchases are just not allowed. There is only one exception to this rule and that is if your expenses are significant, then you can always go back and amend that tax return to include your expense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Having multiple computers gets tricky anyway. If you end up buying a desktop and a laptop in the same year, you would only be able to deduct/expense 50% of each. But the IRS might have some issues with the NEED of 2 computers. People do get audited for over expensing. They do value the difference between NEED and WANT.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48691755589404205712011-02-17T10:15:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.094-05:00More on Home Office/Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL167MxKfkA/TVxzYzILZ6I/AAAAAAAAAR4/PoFmmTS1w-M/s1600/modern-homeoffice-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL167MxKfkA/TVxzYzILZ6I/AAAAAAAAAR4/PoFmmTS1w-M/s320/modern-homeoffice-design.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">I've been going over the stuff &amp; I actually made $1,000+ last year!!! I'm a little surprised, I didn't think it was that much. But now I have some questions...</span></b></span><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I don't want to do the depreciation thing, I'd have bought this computer whether I worked from home or not but I was wondering about Internet service. Again, I'd have it regardless, but since I spend a good chunk of my time working (at least half) can I deduct half of the monthly cost on my taxes? I know I can't deduct most utilites though since my computer is in the bedroom, not a separate room.</span></span></b><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Also, how would I count the Amazon Gift Cards I get from some survey sites? Would that be income&nbsp;</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span">or something else??? I'm lost! Please help!</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">I can help! They don’t call me The Tax Queen around here for nothing! </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">When you buy a piece of equipment, for example a computer, the depreciation should be for 5 years as that is the “life” of a pc. So, every year you would get a small expense. Many people choose this option&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">because expenses vary every year and this allows them to have some every year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">You can elect a 179 deduction where you can take the entire amount one time. I would not suggest you do this for everything, or do this every year. If your deduction becomes too close to your income, or if your income becomes negative, the IRS will red flag you for an audit. Schedule C filers have the highest amount of audits. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Since PC are generally a 50/50 split in regards to personal and work, 50% is what you should deduct as an expense. Again, this is a onetime only expense and ONLY if you purchased that pc in that tax year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Internet again is prorated for business and personal use. I always suggest to those who are new to filing a Schedule C actually need to keep track of the hours spent online/on the pc and what you are doing. This way, if there is an audit, you are prepared and you will know for sure rather than guessing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">My home office is an office I share. I take the square foot of ½ the office as my home office. You CAN do this for any space that you work in, but it has to be dedicated for home office use. If you travel from room to room with a laptop, this tends to not work. But if you have a space, with a desk, that is yours, you can deduct the square footage of that space. You will need the total amount of your house and when you fill in these amounts to the tax program it will figure the percentage for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Any gift cards for surveys, books for review, or anything else you are given, this goes in to “other income” on Schedule C. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">So, for ALL of you who are doing book reviews now, be sure to keep track of the value of those books. Those books are considered payment for your time and review.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">You can deduct utilities, but ONLY if you have a dedicated home office space. Again, this is where that percentage is needed with the home office sq. ft./total sq. ft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Another great website is <a href="http://shoeboxed.com/">shoeboxed.com</a>, for people who don’t want to keep track of their receipts. It also connects with outright.com<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">$400 in self employment is right. That is the filing&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">requirement</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;amount. Contractors are not required to send you a 1099 unless you made $600 so you have to keep adequate records.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67919028651030960292011-02-17T06:35:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:18:30.894-04:00eZine Link Swap<div><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/" title="Do you Heart EzineArticles.com, too?"><img alt="Do you Heart EzineArticles.com, too?" border="0" src="http://EzineArticles.com/images/heart/heart_11.gif" /></a><br /><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/" title="Do you Heart EzineArticles.com, too?">Do you Heart EzineArticles.com, too?</a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just got notification last night that my very<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chrystal_Mahan"> first EZineArticle was published</a>. That sure did take a while and I was beginning to wonder if they were even going to accept it. *phew* I am not one who likes to be kept waiting on things like that. Not that EZA really matters all that much, there are other places for me to push (LOL) my links at.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know there are many out there who have had great success with eZines, especially those who have a niche. I am still unsure what I am supposed to be doing with EZA, other than putting links in my work for my websites and residual sites without it getting too spammy.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />The gave me expert status right off the bat. I am going to assume everyone becomes an expert with their first article. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you who like EZA, I found a website that might be helpful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">swapezineads.com Here you can track down an EZA related to your own, contact the publish, and swap/trade ads/links with other EZA’ers. <br /><br /><br />It is going to take me some time to get used to another site. With Google starting to crack down the way it is, I am not sure investing a lot of time in EZA is going to be beneficial. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="color: #29303b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>I thought maybe we could share links to our EZA or would be/coming soon articles and maybe we could help each other out.&nbsp;</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38601765355160962982011-02-16T08:03:00.003-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.096-05:00Home Office, Expenses and Schedule C<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms-VPU7xPM4/TVA36gWz1kI/AAAAAAAAAPw/mf-c4mb4D98/s1600/taxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms-VPU7xPM4/TVA36gWz1kI/AAAAAAAAAPw/mf-c4mb4D98/s320/taxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All of my expenses are shared between writing and transcription, except in the case of if I need books for writing or books for medical transcription, of which I didn't have either this year.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My DSL, computer repairs, etc. can be used towards both writing and transcription. So, I am gathering I can use one Sched C?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Also, we purchased a home this year and I have my computer setup in the corner of a spare bedroom. I do not have a partition or anything like that around it. This desk and computer are used for my writing and transc. only. I would be able to take the home office deduction, correct?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">My Answer:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It would be easiest to say you were a virtual administrative assistant. Otherwise the writing and transcription would have to be on 2 separate schedules as they fall under different categories. I know the IRS does like to keep different types of jobs&nbsp;separate&nbsp;because they do have their own code they fall under that is reported on the Schedule C. If you have a minimal amount from each, you can group them together as a Virtual Assistant since they pretty much do all of the major online work categories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The DSL (internet) would be prorated, more like a 50/50 split as the IRS assumes that most people use the net for leisure too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Computer repairs are a yes. Make sure you have a copy of the receipt, you will need this in case their is ever an audit.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the business use of the home, you need the total sq ft of the home, then the sq. ft. of the space you use for your desk. You don't have to have a partition. Just a designated area.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There will be a question on the Schedule C that asks if their is a business use of home. You would say yes and then it will take you (assuming you are doing your taxes online or with a software program) to Form 8829.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70377167820582377682011-02-16T05:55:00.016-05:002011-06-28T20:50:19.876-04:00Can You Build a Successful Online Biz without Google?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx-uHTv5-c8/TVsg_QVY8rI/AAAAAAAAARo/_C7-c7AkWxM/s1600/twoogle_x291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx-uHTv5-c8/TVsg_QVY8rI/AAAAAAAAARo/_C7-c7AkWxM/s1600/twoogle_x291.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">It really doesn’t surprise me that <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283395">Google recently announced</a> that&nbsp;they will be seeking different algorithms to seek out content farms. In light of the recent announcement many of these so-called content farms are announcing changes within their systems.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am glad I finally started to build on my <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_advanced_linking">residual</a>s. Although I am a long way from the $1000 a month club, at least I am on my way. I don’t mind writing for some of these places. They are not all so bad. The upfront money can be quite good. What I don’t like are the snotty editors who think they sit on a throne and want to nitpick about how you actually do or do not make a grilled cheese sandwich.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, those of us who count on these sites, even the<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/All-About-AdSense-What-it-it"> affiliate sites</a>, do we really need Google to make money?<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what’s it going to take?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_good_content">Good content!</a>&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to share with you this article I found. Right now many of us are becoming obsessed with optimizing our sites, and for good reason. But some are forgetting one fundamental thing. You have to write a site with quality content. You want your visitors to come back don’t you</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Spending too much time looking for links or affiliates?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Doing so could make your site suffer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Believe it or not, if you spent a little extra time making the content good, the end result is not only going to make you happy, it is going to make the search engines happy as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0470633956&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I am not saying SEO is not important. I am learning to practice it daily. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This article will show you there is a little bit more to blogging and residual that optimizing. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s not let our websites suffer, we have worked too hard these last few months.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.site-reference.com/articles/Build-a-Successful-Online-Business-%96-Without-Google">Build a Successful Online Business – Without Google</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1942925580012987022011-02-15T08:57:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.098-05:00More about Education Credits: Tax Benefits for Education<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEveWZd_VL4/TVbBLHLVqPI/AAAAAAAAARc/f1HnPs07Av4/s1600/tax-preparation-service7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEveWZd_VL4/TVbBLHLVqPI/AAAAAAAAARc/f1HnPs07Av4/s320/tax-preparation-service7.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf">Tax Benefits for Education</a><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Qualified Tuition Expense</b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #00162d;">A qualified college tuition expense is the tuition required for the enrollment or attendance of the eligible student at an institution of higher education. It does not matter whether the expenses were paid by cash, check, credit card, or with borrowed funds. In addition, the eligible student does not have to be enrolled in a degree program or attend full time for the expenses to qualify. However, only undergraduate enrollment or attendance qualifies. Tuition payments required for enrollment or attendance in a course of study leading to the granting of a post baccalaureate or other graduate degrees do not qualify.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #00162d;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Non Qualified Tuition Expense</b><o:p></o:p></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #00162d; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Tuition paid through the receipt of scholarships or financial aid (For this purpose, financial aid does not include student loans, other loans, and grants that must be repaid either before or after the student ceases attending school.)<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #00162d; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Amounts paid for room and board, insurance, medical expenses (including student health fees), transportation, or other similar personal, living, or family expenses<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #00162d; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Fees for course-related books, supplies, equipment, and nonacademic activities, even if the fees are required to be paid as a condition of enrollment or attendance<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc457.html">Tuition and Fees Deduction&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">You may be able to deduct qualified tuition and related expenses that you pay for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent, as a tuition and fees deduction.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205674,00.html">American Opportunity Credit</a>&nbsp;</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the tax year, you may be able to claim an American opportunity credit of up to $2,500 for qualified education expenses paid for each eligible student.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96273,00.html">Lifetime Learning Credit</a></b>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div><div style="mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Lifetime Learning Credit may be claimed for the qualified tuition and related expenses of the students in the taxpayer's family (i.e., the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or an eligible dependent) who are enrolled in eligible educational institutions.<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">A taxpayer cannot claim both a&nbsp;Lifetime&nbsp;Learning Credit and a Hope Credit for the same student in the same year.</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></span></div><div style="mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;<span class="apple-style-span">This credit allows for a 20% tax credit for first $10,000 of qualified tuition and expenses to be fully creditable against the taxpayer’s total tax liability</span>, making the maximum about $2000.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=177996,00.html">Hope Credit&nbsp;</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black;">For tax year 2010, the following changes have been made to the Hope and American opportunity credits.<o:p></o:p></span></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">The Hope credit is not available for 2010.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">The American opportunity credit&nbsp;is available for 2010 and is unchanged from 2009.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65400965700828901752011-02-15T05:23:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:00:40.679-04:00The Writing Spot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ldf8vXBxIFc/TVHJZmqlxDI/AAAAAAAAAQU/YSJRmRSAa5Y/s1600/LookingUPChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ldf8vXBxIFc/TVHJZmqlxDI/AAAAAAAAAQU/YSJRmRSAa5Y/s320/LookingUPChick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I spent my Valentines at the eye doctor. Was not fun. Apparently I spend too much time on the internet and have broken my eyes in such a manner that none of my old glasses are in working condition. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, a few hours and $275 later I am now the proud owner of not one, but two pairs of glasses. One pair for when I am working at the computer, and another for everyday use. Oh joy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While I was there, of course you have to fill out the initial paperwork when it’s your first time, my job? Freelance writer. Insurance? No way. To which her reply was – where do you write? Newspapers and magazines?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ugh. Something like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So we talked about my accounting background and how I fell into writing financial content for websites, leading to magazines, leading me in to making my 5yr old blog a revenue sharing site and launching my own tax site.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ohhh she said…that’s neat. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, I visit forums and people are sending me PM’s of tax questions and where do I write at?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">here were go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Links to my Work:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Self Employed Writer</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Tax Queen</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/">&nbsp;</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan</a>&nbsp;</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/">Erotic Confessions&nbsp;</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan">HubPages</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632">Web Answers</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_432880262">Helium</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">&nbsp;</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/652747/chrystal_mahan.html">Associated Content</a></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.odesk.com/users/~~d46f66354ca58c74">oDesk</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Examiner</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> – Detriot Depression&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Detroit Frugal Living&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://bizsupportblog.blogspot.com/"><span id="goog_432880211"></span>Business Support Group</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_432880206">eHow</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.ehow.com/members/ds_caca5416-4882-481d-b245-83bf1d6afadf-articles.html"> (through Demend Studios</a>)&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Other places I write:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Demand Studio<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Break Studios<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Textbroker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.starreviews.com/blog/cmahan/">Star Reviews&nbsp;</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.experts123.com/users/10396/cmahan">Experts 123&nbsp;</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">eCopywriters <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Merchant Circle<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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line-height: 115%;">Magazines:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One Mag - </span><a href="http://www.onemagazineva.com/">http://www.onemagazineva.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://religionisdead.com/">http://religionisdead.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://tidewaterchurches.com/">http://tidewaterchurches.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29601860144227115822011-02-14T19:19:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.600-04:00#NSNation Happy Valentines! (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiJv6qmQQaQ/TVfd5MPNEPI/AAAAAAAAARk/5jXzXabuEZc/s1600/f4cff7c9.png" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiJv6qmQQaQ/TVfd5MPNEPI/AAAAAAAAARk/5jXzXabuEZc/s1600/f4cff7c9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiJv6qmQQaQ/TVfd5MPNEPI/AAAAAAAAARk/5jXzXabuEZc/s1600/f4cff7c9.png" alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiJv6qmQQaQ/TVfd5MPNEPI/AAAAAAAAARk/5jXzXabuEZc/s1600/f4cff7c9.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">First, my apologies. I have been so busy with work and school that I STILL have not had time to take some before photos, nor get a video together. *ugh* I have been spread thin and I am extremely stressed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I had to pop over to the NS Forums the other day for some support.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a _mce_href="http://boards.members.nutrisystem.com/showthread.php?t=193458" href="http://boards.members.nutrisystem.com/showthread.php?t=193458">How do you get through a funk?</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I still have food reviews to do, but today I am going to talk a little bit about&nbsp;<span><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;">hat I love best about the&nbsp;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">NSNation and my journey so far, as well as what I love best about being on <a href="http://nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I have had a rough couple of weeks. I actually thought about contacting Nutrisystem and telling them I did not want to be part of the program anymore. Hence, my reason for going to the forums and finding someone to&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">talk to. I am in a funk that I can’t seem to break free from.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I don’t want to be in this funk. That is one of the things about Nutrisystem I love, it is right there for me to pick myself up, dust myself off, and just start new again. It is a best friend that will never leave me just&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">because I am having a bad day, or in my case a bad couple of weeks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I have chatted a bit with a few fellow bloggers, mostly exchange of twitter tweets, and find the group to be very strongly bonded as we walk down the same path of this journey. I like the instant connection we all seem to have.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">It is because of that I seem to be letting my best friends down.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I have another busy day today, have to go get my eyes checked because my glasses don’t seem to be effective and my headaches are getting worse. No matter what, I have the stair stepper upstairs now so I don’t hit my head on the basement ceiling and the treadmill is off to the mill grave yard.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Today is a new day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong _mce_style="list-style-type: none; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" style="list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong></span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92055413937791658432011-02-14T08:48:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.100-05:00Tax Deductions for Weight Loss Programs?<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0471653659&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anyone who has been following thisr website, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/">The Self Employed Writer</a>, will know that I am part of the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/i-am-now-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation.html">Nutrisystem Blogger Nation</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">. It was because of this offer I put my <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=7669&amp;userID=465182&amp;productID=472675251">WonderSlim</a> plan on hold.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was on the Nutrisystem message forums where today’s question came from. When&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I worked in a tax office I would get asked this question quite often.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Today’s Question:</span> Tax deductions for weight loss programs?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Does anybody know what qualifies for this?<br /><br />I'm guessing Nutrisystem doesn't qualify... It would be nice if it did.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Answer:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is what seems to be floating around the internet, thanks to the Yahoo! Tax channel<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://tax.yahoo.com/tips/deduct/"><i><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Medical Expenses Related to Obesity</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></b></span></i></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b> <span class="apple-style-span">If you pay for a weight-loss program because you are obese, you can deduct the cost as a medical expense. You cannot deduct the cost of low-calorie foods that are a substitute for the normal food you eat, but you can deduct the cost of food if it doesn't satisfy your normal nutritional needs, it alleviates or treats an illness, and the need for the food is verified by a physician.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><i><br /></i></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">The problem is, the little blurb does not go in to details regarding the actually qualifications. To anyone reading this they might think that they are overweight, making them obese so whatever they paid over the course of the year can be tax&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">deductible</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>This is not the case.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502.html">Straight from the voice called the IRS</a>:&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tax deductions for weight loss programs would fall under Medical &amp; Dental expenses. You can only deduct qualifying medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (gross income less certain deductions, but before your standard/itemized deduction). So if your AGI is $50,000 you would only be able to deduct medical expenses exceeding $3,750 (the first $3,750 is never deductible). This is a pretty high hurdle for most people to reach.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Second, food is generally not deductible, so NS (neither would WonderSlim or any other meal plan) would not qualify.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span">From the IRS publication:</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Weight-Loss Program</b></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay to lose weight if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">(such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). This includes fees you pay for membership in a weight reduction group</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><u>&nbsp;</u></span><span class="apple-style-span">as well as fees for attendance at periodic meetings.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses, but you can include separate fees charged there for weight loss activities.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">You cannot include the cost of diet food or beverages in medical expenses because the diet food and beverages substitute for what is normally consumed to satisfy nutritional needs. You can include the cost of special food in medical expenses only if:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1. The food does not satisfy normal nutritional needs,</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">2. The food alleviates or treats an illness, and</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">3. The need for the food is substantiated by a physician.</span><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The amount you can include in medical expenses is limited to the amount by which the cost of the special food exceeds the cost of a normal diet.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9223356364652400232011-02-14T08:03:00.026-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.329-04:00Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 101 : The Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcY6yritk4w/TVXckfiVN3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/SpMApOCnh2w/s1600/4540522_f260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcY6yritk4w/TVXckfiVN3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/SpMApOCnh2w/s1600/4540522_f260.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have put together a 12 part SEO series for beginners.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here are the topics (with links) for those who have missed it on HubPages and for those who are interested in checking it out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will be starting a SEO 102 series soon. I have some other beginner series I think I would like to dive in to next. :0&nbsp; But first, I should spend some more time on financials and taxes before the season is over and help build up some content and links to <a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/">The Tax Queen Website</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.75pt; text-align: center; width: 455px;"><tbody><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_good_content">SEO 101: Good Content</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_check_your_words">SEO 101: Check Your Words</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo101_urls_links">SEO 101: Your URLs and Links</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-The-Donts">SEO 101: The Don'ts</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-Basic-Link-Structure">SEO101: Basic Link Building</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-Getting-Started-on-Keywords">SEO101: Getting Starting with Keywords</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_advanced_linking">SEO 101 : Advance Link Building</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_optimization_determine_keywords">SEO 101: How to Determine Keywords</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_friendly_content">SEO 101: Search Engine Friendly Content</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/search_engine_friendly_content_seo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>SEO 101: Tips Search Engine Friendly Content&nbsp;</b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/seo_search_engine_Backlinks"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>SEO 101: Backlinking and SEO&nbsp;</b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div></td> </tr><tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td nowrap="" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 341.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="455"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Search-Engine-Optimization-SEO-101-Putting-it-All-Together"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>SEO 101: Putting It All Together</b></span></a></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70822619845446869422011-02-13T19:10:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.904-04:00Poetry in Motion: This Valentines Day<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFfcJ9bC9as/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/ZnEMvLsWWNQ/s1600/th_emooo.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFfcJ9bC9as/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/ZnEMvLsWWNQ/s1600/th_emooo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFfcJ9bC9as/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/ZnEMvLsWWNQ/s1600/th_emooo.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFfcJ9bC9as/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/ZnEMvLsWWNQ/s1600/th_emooo.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I love you with all my heart</div><div class="MsoNormal">and hope that we never part.</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are so many obstacles in the way.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I worry if I will stay.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Down this road so many times</div><div class="MsoNormal">always following the yellow line</div><div class="MsoNormal">thinking</div><div class="MsoNormal">hoping</div><div class="MsoNormal">this time will be different.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love you with all my heart</div><div class="MsoNormal">and want to marry you too.</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are so many obstacles in the way.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I worry about us every day.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t want to walk down this road</div><div class="MsoNormal">but it’s so hard to know</div><div class="MsoNormal">wishing</div><div class="MsoNormal">wanting</div><div class="MsoNormal">dreaming</div><div class="MsoNormal">this time will be different.</div><div class="MsoNormal">2/13/2011 C.M.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64036278501606622192011-02-13T07:31:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.101-05:00College Students in Credit Card Debt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnYokotJfjA/TVWInxvKobI/AAAAAAAAARE/mZEi76L820o/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnYokotJfjA/TVWInxvKobI/AAAAAAAAARE/mZEi76L820o/s320/01.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Wrapping up the weekend series we are going to touch a little bit on “College Students in Credit Card Debt.”</b> While it is true many students use these credit cards to pay for school or school related expenses, there are those who have no idea how to handle their finances. Walk in to any campus student union and you will likely see rows of tables with free goodies just for signing up for a credit card. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel victim to that game myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>College students are running up an alarmingly large amount of credit card debt these days and it is only increasing with the passage of time.</b> &nbsp;The average undergraduate student carries $2,500 in credit card debt and by the time they graduate from college, they are beginning their new lives in the “real world” with debt that they can’t pay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Students figure:</b> I'll live like I want to now and then when I get a job it will be easy to pay it back.&nbsp; This is often not the case.&nbsp; Lower-than-expected salaries, plus higher-than-expected living expenses and hefty student loan payments, make handling credit card debt all the more difficult for students and recent grads.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>And the worse part about college students having so much credit card debt is that it takes so long to pay it off.</b><b>&nbsp;</b> Even if they are able to make the minimum payments, by sticking to minimum payments it would take a student more than 12 years and $1,115 in interest to pay off a $1,000 bill on a card with an 18 percent annual rate.&nbsp; If students fall behind in their payments, they get slammed with high late fees. And it's easy for things to get out of hand.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1591842980&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Of course, there are two sides to this story.</b>&nbsp; Most college students start out with little and even no credit, so having a credit card seems like a good idea so they can start building a credit history in anticipation of owning a new or better car and even, someday their own home.&nbsp; Except for if they haven’t been warned of the dangers of using credit cards or are especially naïve, this could be a bad move.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Credit card debt for college students affects many, many aspects of their college lives.</b>&nbsp; They can’t pay their bills regularly and find themselves short of cash.&nbsp; Plus, it can affect their ability to secure a student loan which can be crucial with ever-rising tuition rates.&nbsp; And parents should beware of putting their college student on their own credit cars as an authorized user as the same debt can pile up under the parents’ names and cause some serious credit problems.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Armed with the right information, many students are able to establish credit and steer clear of card debt. Even though college students do carry credit card debt, 54 percent of college students pay off their credit card balances every month.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most tend to be responsible and use the card wisely.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1427754640&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>However, some of them don't and they're getting into trouble</b>. If a person makes it through 18 years of life without any financial wherewithal, it's very difficult to change their behavior and that's why it's so important that parents speak to their children about money management. To keep a college student out of credit card debt, the key is teaching students money management skills before handing them a credit card. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are a college student, or you know one, not only should you set yourself up on a budget, but keep all the receipts. Anything that is school related should be kept aside for tax purposes. It could be valuable to your education expense.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25551955342879718552011-02-13T05:03:00.019-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.331-04:0051 (More) Headline Copywriting Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvP-K_ks2-k/TVWydjeGpTI/AAAAAAAAARM/5pdxxRvy8HM/s1600/write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvP-K_ks2-k/TVWydjeGpTI/AAAAAAAAARM/5pdxxRvy8HM/s320/write.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is part two of the 101 Headline Copywriting Tips&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #b84700; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 36pt;">101 Awesome Headline Copywriting Tips<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 36pt;"></span></div><div class="PreformattedText" style="color: #b84700; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>51) You Are About...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "You Are About..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells of a benefit they will discover if they read the rest of your ad. All they have to do is keep reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"You Are About To Discover A New, Amazing Weight Loss Formula!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>52) Celebrity</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Celebrity" headline grabs your prospect's attention because a celebrity has that fame and name recognition that brings a lot of credibility. People will believe them. Your prospect figures the celebrity wouldn't want to risk their reputation. That celebrity at least needs to be a considered one or a recognized expert to gain your target audience.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Joe Blow says, "This autoresponder service blows away the competition!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>53) Metaphor</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Metaphor" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it suggests your product performs, is like or offers the same or better benefit as something they know. It helps the people relate to your product faster and gets them interested in the rest of your ad.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Sitting In One Of Our Chairs Is Sitting In Luxury"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>54) Help Wanted</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Help Wanted" headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people have been raised to help another when asked.&nbsp; At least they will stop to find out that need.&nbsp; That is enough to get them into your text. Never be afraid to ask for help. All the better when telling them of their benefit in helping.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I Need Help! I'm Looking For 200 People That Want To Make Up $5,000 A Month!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>55) Free/Special Report...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Free/Special Report..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people know they are going to receive a reward or benefit for&nbsp; finding out more by reading the text.&nbsp; Even something of value since you are making an issue of it and they could not obtain it elsewhere.&nbsp; It doesn't appear an advertisement but something benefiting them. They will let down their buying defenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Free Report! How To Triple Your Sales In Three Easy Steps!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>56) "by"</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "by" sub headline grabs your prospect's attention because your ad looks like an article instead of a sales letter. That's because most articles have the author's name under the title. It also develops an expertise and credibility since it is an article. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How To Instantly Improve Your School Grades With Little Or No Effort!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">by Larry Dotson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>57) Exclusive...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Exclusive..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people think they will be one of the first or few people to read about it. It gives them a privilege or secret that most won't have. So they will have to read your text to have that privilege<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Exclusive Offer! The First 50 People That Order Will Get $675 In Bonuses!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>58) Revolutionary...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Revolutionary..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds like a major, new and improved way to get their desired benefit! People will think they'll get their benefits easier and faster than before with your help so they will read on to find out. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Introducing: A Revolutionary Diet Plan That Lets You Pig-Out Anytime You Want!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>60) Healthy...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Healthy..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because&nbsp; everyone wants to live a long, happy life. To do it they need good health. The best part is it doesn't have to actually relate to health to grab their attention. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Earn A Healthy Income Pulling Weeds Part Time!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>61) Urgent...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Urgent..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people feel it calls for immediate attention. In the past people have received urgent messages and knew how important they were.&nbsp; It also establishes a need for immediate action.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Urgent! What Credit Card Companies Don't Want You To Know!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>62) You Too Can...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "You Too Can..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells people there are others, perhaps no better than them, accomplishing wonders or earning the money they aren't. So they think, "Why can't I?" It makes them envious or at least curious.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Millions Of People Are Working From Home And You Can Too!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>63) What If...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "What If..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it takes them to a wonderland wherein they already have their desired benefits or goal accomplished. They need to read the rest of your ad to make it a reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"What If You Could Make $10,000 A Month?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>64) Instant</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Instant..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want their desired benefit NOW or as quickly as possible. The word 'instant' is also interpreted as being easy. Fast and easy sell like crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Instantly Triple Your Opt-In List!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>65) Pay Close Attention...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Pay Close Attention..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people will automatically do as told and know some important and possibly detailed information follows that statement. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Pay Close Attention! Never Pay For Lawyer Fees Again!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>66) If You Qualify...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "If You Qualify..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's a challenge to their worth. They can't buy if they aren't good enough or a part of the 'right' group. It might even appear you are not going to offer them the product unless they are right or fulfill some conditions. Those terms could be noted in the text below. You could actually turn their purchase down.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"$2000 Diamond Ring For Only $299...If You Qualify!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>67) Visual</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Visual" headline grabs your prospect's attention because one visual can triggers thousands of eye-catching stimuli. Visuals could be pictures, graphics, online videos, comics, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This Could Be You: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(your visual)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>68) Targeted</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Targeted" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds like you are talking directly to them. You have already created a rapport because you have recognized the type of person they are and established their interest and how you can help.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Attention! Calling All Gardeners To Try This New, Fast-Growing Plant Fertilizer!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>69) Introducing...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Introducing..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people see "Introducing" attached to something or someone they are not familiar with but still important to their benefit. You are doing a good turn for them by showing them something new.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Introducing: A New, Absolutely Delicious Sugar Cookie Recipe!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>70) If You're Worried...Don't Be</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The " If You're Worried...Don't Be" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it gives people the comfort and confidence of knowing you have thought about it and offer a solution to their concerns, problems and situation. They want to read the rest of your ad to see why they shouldn't worry!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"If You're Worried About Paying Your Bills...Don't Be!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>71) You're Invited To...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "You're Invited To..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds like a special event instead of an advertisement. It makes people feel special and important.&nbsp; It also takes away risk because of the friendliness of it.&nbsp; No commitment but just see what is offered and how it can benefit you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"You're Invited To Experience The Business Opportunity Of A Lifetime!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>72) The Perfect...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "The Perfect..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because&nbsp; people want their lives to be perfect. They are always looking for the perfect way to attain their desired benefit.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Perfect Bathing Suit To Hide Those Left Over Winter Pounds!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>73) Tested...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Tested..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people feel more confident about reading what you have to say when tests prove the point. It is a more scientific approach not left to chance. If your product is tested and works, then it will work for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Tried And Tested Diet That Allows You To Lose Up To 10 Pounds Per Week!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>74) Breakthrough...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Breakthrough..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people are always looking for that one breakthrough that will solve their problems or give them their desired benefit.&nbsp; Success where other, similar products have failed in the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"New, Breakthrough Formula That Gets Rid Of Dry Skin Forever!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>75) Time-Tested…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Time Tested..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells people that they can trust your business. Your product has been tested over a long period of time and you always deliver what you promise. It and you are reliable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A Time-Tested Investing Formula That Generates A Positive Return 99.9% Of The Time!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>76) Safe...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Safe..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want to be safe and avoid physical pain, to avoid risk too. They also want to avoid harming other people in their life.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A Bug Spray That's Fully Safe To Use Around Children!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>77) Serious Inquires Only...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Serious Inquires Only..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you are actually limiting those that can order based upon eligibility. A business-like approach that tells people it is direct and trust-worthy.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Lose 5 Pounds Per Week - Serious Inquires Only!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>78) Used By…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Used By..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you actually use some of your famous and/or well-known clients in your headline! It gives credibly to your entire headline and offer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Our Famous, Internet Marketing Course Has Been Used By (some of your famous/respectable clients)"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>79) Free Trial/Sample</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Free Trial/Sample..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it removes their buying defenses. You're not asking them to spend any money and you feel confident enough to give them a sample of your product before they decide to buy or be charged.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"FREE 30 Day Trial Membership To Our Internet Marketing Private Site!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>80) Physical Effects</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Physical Effects" headline grabs your prospect's attention because the result is something they know and is common to that you offer. A pleasurable and emotional issue is developed.&nbsp; It makes your headline come to life.&nbsp; The sizzle effect before the substance.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Our Delicious, Tantalizing Steaks Will Make Your Mouth Water With Anticipation!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>81) Easy/Simple...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Easy/Simple..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people don't want to work hard at acquiring their desired benefit and goal. They want the experience to be as painless as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Simple And Easy Leaf Vacuum System!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>82) Only Source</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Only Source" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's noting the product or the benefit cannot be obtained anywhere else or from anyone else. It's as though you have a monopoly on that particular product or benefit and will dispense it as you will.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"You Can't Find Our Odorless Cleaning Liquid Anywhere Else...Guaranteed!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>83) Ordinary People</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Ordinary People" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it states that ordinary or un-advantaged people are getting the same benefits the reader wants. Your prospect will think if others can get it, so can they.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How A Man From Chicago Went From Homeless To Riches In Just 30 Days!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>84) Experience The</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Experience The..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want to experience having their desired benefit. They also seek experiences that bring them emotional rewards.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Experience The Relaxation Of Our Tropical Resort!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>85) People Reactions</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "People Reactions" headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people care what other people think and say. Those close to them can have an influence or even persuade them to buy your product easier than your business can.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Imagine What Your Friends Will Say When You Drive Up In A New Sports Car!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>86) Giving</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Giving" headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want others in their life to be happy. One way people show that they care about those others is to buy them gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Just Imagine The Smile On Your Kid's Face When You bring Home This Cute Puppy!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>87) Tired Of</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Tired Of..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people get tired of the old things in their life.&nbsp; The old just does not give the promise of the new.&nbsp; New has the potential to fulfill their desire for benefits or a goal achieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Aren't You Tried Of Working For Someone Else?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>88) Don't Buy Another...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Don't Buy Another..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it cautions them with some inside knowledge you have affecting their purchasing decision. It creates uneasiness and even indecision that you will thoughtfully remove.&nbsp; You want to help them make the right decision by buying your proven better&nbsp; product. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Warning! Don't Buy Another Toy For Your Kids Until You Read This!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>89) Myths</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Myths..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it will cause them to view some imagined things, myths, fears holding them back from getting their desired benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"8 Myths About Starting Your Own Home Business!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>90) Low Cost<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Low Cost" headline grabs your prospect's attention because people are looking for a bargain and trying to save money. They can either be on a tight budget or thrifty shoppers.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How To Find Low Cost Advertising On The Internet!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>91) Top...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Top..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want to know the top, best or most popular way to get their desired benefit. They want to get the best things in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Top 5 Ways To Reduce You Credit Card Debt!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>92) If You...I'll...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "If You...I'll..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you're actually making a deal and rewarding them for getting their desired benefits. It's a win/win situation for your prospects.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"If You Read My New Copywriting Book, I'll Give You Another Copy For FREE!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>93) Specific</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Specific" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it makes your headline more believable. If there is a specific figure, there must be a good reason for it. It must be true or even understated.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How I Made $17,845.67 By Buying One Solo Ad!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>94) Simile</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Simile" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it compares two unlike things in a combination that amplifies your point. The paradox would bring them into the text of your ad. Most similes use the words "like" or "as" in the connecting term.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Taking Our Marketing Course Is Like Having No Competition!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>95) Analogy</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Analogy" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it compares something known to something different. It provides a new combination or contrast one would not normally see. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How Algebra Can Be Just Like Playing Connect The Dots!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>96) Famous Quote</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Famous Quote" headline grabs your prospect's attention because, if it's by a famous or respected person your target audience knows, it gives your business and product more credibility.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A Headline That Grabs Your Prospects Attention Can Be Considered A Hypnotic One"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">by Larry Dotson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>97) Don't Read This</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Don't Read This..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it uses reverse psychology. It catches your prospect off-guard and they wonder why they shouldn't read it. They also become more curious by the prohibition.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Don't Read This If You Want To Go Bankrupt!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>98) Miracle</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Miracle" headline grabs your prospect's attention because everyone fantasizes about some miracle that could improve his or her life. Some miracle related words could be…unbelievable, incredible, amazing, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A New, Amazing Traffic Generating System That Doesn't Cost You A Cent!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>99) Confusing<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Confusing" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's a puzzle and unsettling. People are used to certain conformity. If you make your headline a little confusing, or unusual, it may tempt them to find out more to clarify the mystery.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Marketer Cows Money<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>100) Humor</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Humor" headline grabs your prospect's attention because there might be something humorous in your product or packaging. Be very careful in the use however for irony is the best humor to use.&nbsp; Joking, other than tongue-in-cheek can be very counterproductive.&nbsp; What makes people laugh? Some cannot see the humor.&nbsp; Your product could gain in credibility if you are slightly depreciating.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"You Might Be Addicted To Internet Marketing If You Start Calling 'TV Dinners' - 'PC Dinners'..."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>101) Success Story</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Success Story" headline grabs your prospect's attention because people will place themselves in the same position. Succeeding at great odds. If another can do it, "Why not me?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText" style="margin-bottom: 14.15pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How An Average Guy From Utah Turned His Hobby Into A Multi-Million Dollar Business!"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b84700; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #b84700; font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #b84700; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 36pt;"><br /></span></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86755954133018432782011-02-12T08:07:00.003-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.103-05:00Student Loans, Bad Credit, and Private Student Loans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcCkg06xiv8/TVWCalN1o9I/AAAAAAAAARA/HAvfmYM3cxo/s1600/DSC03359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcCkg06xiv8/TVWCalN1o9I/AAAAAAAAARA/HAvfmYM3cxo/s1600/DSC03359.jpg" /></a></div>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/weekend-edition-college-students-in.html">Since yesterday's post</a> I received a few emails regarding student loans and whether that counts as income.<br />The easy answer is, no. It is not income, does not have to be claimed because eventually you have to pay it back.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">But what happens when you have bad credit and you NEED a student loan? This topic is not exactly tax related, but it does raise some questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0874479053&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>What do you do when you have bad credit and you need to get a student loan through a private company?</b><b>&nbsp;</b> It might seem like there’s just no way you’ll be able to get a loan to attend school, but really, there is hope on the horizon.&nbsp; Just because you have bad credit doesn’t mean there’s no way you can get a private student loan.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>You can start by looking into government subsidized loans such as the Stafford Loan.</b><b>&nbsp;</b> These are loans that you can obtain through your school and you don’t have to repay them until six months after you graduate.&nbsp; The interest rate on these loans is usually quite low making it affordable for you to repay after graduation.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Another option for you to look at when trying to find a private student loan when you have bad credit is to have your parents get a PLUS loan.</b><b>&nbsp;</b> This will be in their name and will also be at a lower interest rate.&nbsp; Your bad credit won’t be an issue since the loan approval will be made solely on their credit rating – not yours.&nbsp; Of course, it will have to be paid back – probably by you, but your parents will be responsible for the payments, so you’ll want to make those payments and not risk the wrath of your parents!<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Your parents would get to take this as an Education expense since in theory; they would be the ones paying them back. The school will then issue a 1098-T in their name under your account.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1601382618&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>There are also many private student loan companies you can explore when you have bad credit.</b>&nbsp; Start by contacting your local bank where you have your checking or savings account.&nbsp; Explain to them your situation and why you have bad credit.&nbsp; Since you have a relationship with them already, the likelihood of them approving a loan for you is better than if you work with another financial institution that doesn’t know you at all.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>You can get a private student loan also by having a co-signer with good credit that will offset your bad credit.</b>&nbsp; Most often, this is a parent or grandparent.&nbsp; It works just like any other loan with a co-signer.&nbsp; They are saying that you will make the payments or they will have to if you fail to follow through on your loan agreement.&nbsp; Again, it’s important to make timely payments if you have a co-signer on your student loan as missed payments can affect not only your credit, but theirs as well.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Getting an education these days is certainly expensive, but even if you have bad credit, you can get a student loan with a private company.&nbsp; All you have to do is research your options and then go for it!<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>On a side note:</b> Be sure to keep track of all the related school expenses. This will make it much easier to determine your education expenses, deductions and credits at tax time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77857061451590045312011-02-12T05:46:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.334-04:0050 Headline Copywriting Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG6N87EfrXw/TVWyA6R4TnI/AAAAAAAAARI/aYy3o7Sd5oQ/s1600/write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG6N87EfrXw/TVWyA6R4TnI/AAAAAAAAARI/aYy3o7Sd5oQ/s320/write.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">On Thursady, Angie at the Work At Home Wife wrote a post titled <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/starting-a-niche-site-where-to-find-blog-topics/comment-page-1/#comment-10602">“Starting a Niche Site: Where to Find Blog Topics.</a>” In that post was another link to CopyBlogger on how to write headlines.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Now there is something I never really thought about.</b> I do have a hard time coming up with a post title. It was never a problem for me in the past, but now that I have learned so much more about SEO and keywords, it tends to hinder my title making abilities.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I thought I should do some digging and see what I could come up with</b>. First place I went was to my online storage account to search through my PLR items. I just knew there had to be something in that mess (I promise I have been trying to organize it!) that would help us out with headlines. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Thankfully, I found something</b>. Since I am allowed to share it at my will, I am going to share it with all you guys since it seems to be something we all could use on our blogging adventure. Or would that be journey???</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here you go. You might want to bookmark this page and come back to it; there are 101 of these gems to read.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="PreformattedText" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #b84700; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 36pt;">101 Awesome Headline Copywriting Tips</span></b></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>1) How To...</b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "How To.." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells their brain they are about to learn something new that could benefit their lifestyle. The headline should get their attention and explain how to get their benefit faster, cheaper, easier, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Get Out Of Debt In 1 Year Or Less!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>2) Unlock...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "Unlock..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because when something is locked-up it's perceived as being more valuable. Your product would of course be the key that will unlock the benefit for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Unlock The Secrets Of Selling High Ticket Items!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>3) Discover...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "Discover..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it gives your prospects a sense of adventure. It's just like in a story when someone discovers a treasure chest or a lost artifact. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Discover 3 Simple Ways To Reduce Your Unwanted Wrinkles!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>4) ...Exposed</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "...Exposed" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds as if somebody was trying to hide something. Your prospects will want to know what was being covered up and why.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Used Car Dealer Sales Tricks Exposed!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>5) ...Explained</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "...Explained" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it will give them a clear picture of a benefit they may not understand how to get. If there is something you don't understand and it could benefit you, wouldn't you want it explained?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Top Search Engine Optimization Strategies Explained!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>6) Breaking News...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "Breaking News..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because&nbsp; breaking news usually happens when it's really important and can't wait until the normal news show time. It's usually something major like serve weather, a terrorist attack, war footage, etc. It makes people stop what they're doing and take notice.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Breaking News! Scientist Finds Breakthrough Weight Loss Formula!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>7) Inside Secrets...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An "Inside Secrets..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because your prospects will feel that if they learn more information they'll belong to a select, privileged group of people. It also adds a rareness to your product. Rare is valuable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Inside Secrets Of Millionaires Under The Age Of 29!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>8) Magic...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "Magic..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because almost everyone's fantasy is to have a magic formula or tool that will instantly give them their desired benefits. People want to get their desired benefits with little or no effort.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"New! A Stain Remover That Works Like Magic!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>9) Finally...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "Finally..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because usually people will buy any number of similar products before they get the exact benefit they want. So, when we find that perfect product we are likely to say or think….FINALLY!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Finally! An Acne Cream That Actually Does What It Says!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>10)...Guaranteed</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A "...Guaranteed" headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells your prospects there is no harm in reading the rest of my ad and there's no risk. Your prospects will allow themselves to get interested because even if the buy they have nothing to lose. It makes the most unbelievable headline seem believable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"10,000 Web Site Visitors In One Month...Guaranteed!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>11) Time Sensitive...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Time Sensitive!..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because if it's placed in front of their desired benefit, they know they need to promptly read your ad. They'll be worried that they may miss your time sensitive offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Time Sensitive! 5 Ways To Reduce Your Taxes!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>12) Truth About...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Truth About..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people suspect they are being lied to by businesses. It's usually because they have been burnt at least once by another business in their lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Real Truth About MLM Compensation Plans!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>13) Free Bonuses...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Free Bonuses..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people like to be rewarded for buying. Your prospects will read the rest of your ad to find out about the free bonuses and see how much they will have to spend in order to get the free bonuses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Get 7 Free Bonuses Worth $1657!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>14) Which Of...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Which Of..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because it will give them a choice. People like to have choices, it gives them freedom and control.&nbsp; Once they choose, they will want to read your ad to see the results of their choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Which Of These Web Hosting Companies Would You Choose?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>15) Last Chance...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Last Chance..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people usually pay more attention to their last chance than their first chance to buy something. Everyone hates to lose something. It will usually help sell to people that procrastinate about buying.&nbsp; Now or never is a strong motivator.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Last Chance To Save 50% Off This Stunning Ring"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>16) Take Advantage...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Take Advantage..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because most people would rather have an advantage than be disadvantaged.&nbsp; People want to learn about any advantage that will help them get the desired benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Take Advantage Of The Falling Stock Market"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>17) Treat Yourself...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Treat Yourself..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because most people are focused on pleasing and helping their family, friends and employers. It will make them stop and think, "I need a treat once in awhile, too!".<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Treat Yourself To A Delicious, Hot-Fudge Sundae!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>18) Reasons To...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Reasons To..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because when you ask someone to do something, don't they always ask why? It will give them a reason to read your advertisement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"10 Reasons To Start Your Own, Profitable Ezine!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>19) Now You Can...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Now You Can.." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people usually don't have their desired benefit yet if they are even considering reading your ad. Now they can learn how to get that benefit from reading the rest of your ad<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Now You Can Afford That In-Ground Pool!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>20) Proven..</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Proven..." headline will grab your prospects attention because people want products that they know are proven to get their desired benefit. Would you want a product that's UN-proven?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"A Hair Tonic That's Proven To Work!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>21) Are You Still...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Are You Still..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people will wonder if they are still getting the most benefit with an older product.&nbsp; It's also a question that they will mentally have to answer then compare to the newer product you are offering.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Are You Still Using That Slow, Old Typewriter?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>22) Never Seen Before...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Never Seen Before..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people usually ignore ads. They think they have seen everything. If your product has truly never been seen before they will want to stop and read about it. NEW is very enticing!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Never Seen Before! Tires That Never Go Flat!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>23) Imagine...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Imagine..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because people like to leave there own reality. Why do you think TV, movies, video games, music, drugs, alcohol, etc. are so popular? Give them one or more of their desired benefits to imagine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Imagine Losing 20 Pounds In 14 Days!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>24) They Laughed...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "They Laughed..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because everyone has suffered being laughed at or minimized at least once. So your prospects can relate to it. They won't be afraid to get their desired benefit since you proved the people that laughed at you were wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"They Laughed At Me When I Bought That Run-Down House Until I Sold It And Made $20,000 Profit"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>25) How I...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "How I..." headline will grab your prospect's attention because it's not only showing them to how to get their desired benefit but you, the "I", are telling them, not some big corporation. It is more personal and will draw your prospect into your ad copy. The little guy wins!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How I Made $36,890 In One Week!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>26) Thousands Have...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Thousands Have.." headline grabs your prospect's attention because if thousands of people have bought your product then it must be good. They can't go wrong. Of course you don't want to lie if thousand haven't bought your product. You may also want to use a specific number of people so it sounds more believable. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"3,734 People Have Bought Our Tax Software"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>27) Do You...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Do You..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's asking them (you) a question. People have been taught their whole life to answer questions. It's almost like a teacher calling out your name in school. It also draws out a yes or no answer. Depending on your question, getting them to answer will help get them interested.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Do You Want To Be In Debt For The Rest Of Your Life?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>28) ...Mistake...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "...Mistake..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people don't want to make costly mistakes that could stop them from getting their desired benefit. People also don't want to experience the feeling of being dumb or stupid.&nbsp; Your 'new' way is the 'right' way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Don't Make The Same Tax Mistakes That Cost Me $34,568!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>29) I'm So Mad...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "I'm So Mad..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people want to know what caused you to have that particular emotion, and then tell them about it.&nbsp; Of course you could use just about any emotion you want such as happy, excited, sad, depressed, etc. Just not normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I'm So Mad About Being Scammed Again!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>30) I Dare You...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "I Dare You..." headline grabs yours prospect's attention because people consider a dare a challenge. People will like to prove you wrong but they will have to read the rest of your ad and buy your product in order to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I Dare You To Find A Tastier Cookie…If You Do Your Money Back!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>31) Secrets Of... </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Secrets Of...: headline will grab your prospect's attention because people want to learn secrets. It's like someone telling you they know a secret, you just have to pry it out of them. Most people are just plain nosy. The will have to buy your product in order to find out the secrets. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"The Secrets Of Rich And Famous Writers"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>32) ...Doesn't (Don't) Want You to Know</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "...Doesn't (Don't) Want You To Know" headline will grab your prospect's attention because people want to find out about those things people are trying to keep from them, especially if it stops them from getting their desired benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Top Ranking Secrets Search Engine Experts Don't Want You to Know<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>33) Warning...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Warning..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people have been cautioned their whole life to stop and take notice of any kind of warning. Such as storm warnings, poison warnings, side effects warnings, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Warning! Don't Let False Spam Accusers Take Advantage Of You!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>34) Ways To...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Ways To..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you are going to tell them something they might not know; that which will improve their life and give them the benefits they seek. They will have to learn them all. They will lose if they don't.&nbsp; Even better is to give a numbered amount to your ways….such as "10 Ways To….".<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"20 Ways To Sell Your House Faster!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>35) Step-By-Step...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Step-by-Step..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people don't want to be confused. When they buy a new product or are seeking a desired benefit they want simple take-you-by-the-hand steps or instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"An Easy, Step-By-Step Web Site Design System That Takes Newbies By The Hand!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>36) Testimonial...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Testimonial" headline will grab your prospect's attention because they will likely trust someone else's recommend-<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ations more than the actual business selling the product. It gives your business a trust and credibility that can keep them reading your ad and buying.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I'm in SHOCK! This search engine software took my web site from number 60 to 3 in two weeks!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jan Young,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Business Owner<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">http://www.-----.com<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>37) Limited...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "limited..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people consider anything that is limited, or in a limited amount, to be rare and scarce. It may be their last or only chance to get their hands on the product and then have their desired benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Limited Quantity! Only 37 Diamond Pendants Left In Stock!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>38) As seen...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "As seen..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people trust famous, brand name media outlets.&nbsp; Would you buy something from someone you didn't know or trust? If they don't know your business, they may know a famous media source you can identify with.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"As seen in Travelthon magazine! The Luxurious Apple Hotel"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>39) Stop...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Stop..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people have been trained their whole life to stop when they see a "Stop" sign or told to stop. It's a natural reaction. Works better when the word 'stop' is in the red color too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"STOP! How To Reduce You Monthly Gas Bill By 50%!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>40) I'm Looking For...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "I'm Looking For..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it don't sound like an ad. It's sounds like you are asking for their help. Most people have been raised to consider helping people that are in need or ask for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I'm Looking For 200 Lucky People That Want To Help Test My New Traffic Exchange!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>41) Once Upon A Time... <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Once Upon A Time..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it's usually the start of a story. People like stories because they are entertaining and allow an escape from the real, everyday things. That's why books, T.V. and movies are popular. You can also use other story related headlines, such as…It Was A Cold, Stormy Night...something to draw them into your text.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Once Upon A Time There Was A Beautiful Woman..."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>42) Remember...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Remember..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it triggers their past memories. Your prospects will want to read the rest of your ad to see what other memories and emotions it brings back to them or reminds them of better times.&nbsp; Something to be recaptured.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Remember When You Could Leave Your Doors Unlock?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>43) Uncensored...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Uncensored..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it tells your prospects that you're leaving nothing out of your ad or product. They feel that they are getting something that others can't normally get.&nbsp; They are a part of a select group you are trusting both with the information and your product.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Internet Marketing Exposed - Totally Uncensored And Uncut!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>44) Everyone Knows...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Everyone knows..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because it sounds like they should know even if they don't….everyone else does!&nbsp; Even if they do, it will attract them to read the rest of your ad to confirm it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Everyone Knows That Gasoline Will Only Get Higher, Right?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>45) FACT...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "FACT..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because people typically buy products based upon emotion and back up their decision with logic and facts. If something is a presented as a fact after getting them emotionally involved, it will affect their getting their desired benefit and justifying it. They will also read the rest of your ad.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"FACT! 99.9 Of People Buy Based On Emotion!" <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>46) (Source) says... </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "(Source) says..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because you have a reputable, famous media source giving you a testimonial about your product. Such as in a magazine or newspaper article. Then used in an ad with that testimonial included. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Rolling Red Magazine says it's "Simply Amazing"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>47) Make Money...<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Make Money..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people want to make more money. They usually need some extra to just get by or they want to buy something expensive they can't afford.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Extra Make Money Working From Home!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>48) Save Money...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Save Money..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people want to save money. They usually want to cut their expenses, save some for a big purchase or for retirement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Save $50 At The Grocery Store Without Coupons!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>49) Save Time...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Save Time..." headline grabs your prospects attention because most people want to save time. Even with all the technological advances, people still can't get everything done in one day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"How To Free Up An Extra 2 Hours A Day No Matter How Busy You Are!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>50) New...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "New..." headline grabs your prospect's attention because most people that see the word "new" think that it's a new and improved way to get their desired benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Example:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"New! How To Design A Professional Looking Web Site In Under 2 Hours!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><br /></div><div class="PreformattedText"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow: 51 More Ideas and Tips!</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86272738665351979712011-02-11T05:00:00.001-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.501-05:00Finally Getting to ProBlogger<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0470616342&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I have been hanging around the ProBlogger site for almost two years now. I have had some of Darren Rowse ebooks for about a year now. I have opened them, scanned them, read parts and even started to follow some tips from them only to get sucked in by life and put them on the back burner. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While was sorting through my online storage account, trying to get my PLR and MRR items into categories so I can better manage them and see what I have, I decided to peek in my other section of my storage site devoted to ebooks for my Nook. Believe it or not I have a whole folder dedicated to writing and blogger. I loaded up some books, actually some books on how to better write and publish my erotic stories, I thought I should go ahead and dust Darren off while I was at it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I own the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog and Secrets for Blogging your Way to a Six Figure Income. With the 31 days, I have yet to get past day 4, thanks to life. I think its due time I really sit down and use these books for their intended purpose. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just like everything else, I will likely share it here since the books are pretty interactive. &nbsp;I will work on this as a book review while I wait for my next batch of books to make their way to me.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77568666999994835022011-02-09T19:39:00.003-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.505-05:00Amish Love: Part 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><em>Story 2 is entitled What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller, you can read about part 1 here: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/amish-love-part-one-marriage-of-heart.html">Part 1</a></em></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1595548750&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Want to know the cutest thing about this book?&nbsp;</strong>There is a little secret buried within its pages that I had no clue about until I was midway through this story. I don’t know why it did not click sooner, but all three of these stories take place within the same community.&nbsp; I thought that was a really neat quality to have in a book. Generally a three in one combo pack ends up being three different stories by the same author or just in the same genre. They don’t usually intertwine with each other.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><em>What the Heart Sees</em>&nbsp;is a story about Ellie, who was left blind due to an accident 5 years prior.</strong>&nbsp;Her cousin, Isaiah is about to marry her best friend Sarah Lynn. Ellie lost her other best friend, Caroline in the accident, who had been engaged to Sara Lynn’s brother Christopher. Confused yet? So was I. A story unravels here. Isaiah was the one driving the car that included Ellie and Caroline. The Amish way is to forgive, but Christopher could not do that. Because of this, he was eventually banned from the community.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Christopher does come back, years later and learns of his sister’s marriage. He is outraged. He seeks friendship in Ellie. With that friendship comes forgiveness, and love. In this story we learn the truth will always set you free.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>The final story in&nbsp;<em>An Amish Love</em>&nbsp;is entitled&nbsp;<em>Healing Hearts</em>&nbsp;by Beth Wiseman.</strong>&nbsp;In this story we meet Levina and her husband Naaman.&nbsp; While the other two stories center on younger couples, this one is centered on a couple (I am guessing) in their late 40s early 50s. It was a nice change of pace to see another point of view. Naaman left his community to “find his way” only to return a year later. His wife is slowly forgiving him but his children are having a harder time with it.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>This story was a slow read.</strong>&nbsp;It was a little harder to hold interest. Although there is drama with the eldest son, it does get resolved when he sees that he is angry at his father because he too has this feeling of needing to leave. His father helps him through that. As the story goes on we find out that Naaman did not come back sooner because he was actually getting the word of God out to others that needed him.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Learning that, his wife, family, and community fall in love with him all over again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in; border: 1pt none windowtext;" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</span></strong><span><strong><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in; border: 1pt none windowtext;" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;">I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46672270355266236042011-02-09T19:06:00.002-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.509-05:00Blind Hope An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jMBGlVjISo/TVM7MQzZYgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/SODOGXsCO3o/s1600/51sE%252BvpVZ%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jMBGlVjISo/TVM7MQzZYgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/SODOGXsCO3o/s1600/51sE%252BvpVZ%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jMBGlVjISo/TVM7MQzZYgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/SODOGXsCO3o/s1600/51sE%252BvpVZ%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jMBGlVjISo/TVM7MQzZYgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/SODOGXsCO3o/s1600/51sE%252BvpVZ%252BL._BO2%252C204%252C203%252C200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click%252CTopRight%252C35%252C-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Rising-Stories-Rescued-Dreams/dp/1590522699?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1590522699" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />was found in 1995 by Troy and Kim Meeder.</strong>&nbsp;What started off as a piece of property that no one wanted turned in to something others can’t seem to get enough of. Troy and Kim purchased the property with the dreams of something big. While they began to transform the property, abused horses began to transform them. Children came to the ranch; all they wanted was to help, to love, and to be loved in return. The horses changed, the children changed.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Laurie came to the ranch not only for employment, but to escape her own loneliness, sorrow and abuse. Little did she know that she would not learn only from the horses at the ranch, but from Mia, a dog willing to provide unconditional love, no matter how abused Laurie had ever been.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>In the pages of this book are tears of happiness and sorrow.</strong>&nbsp;As someone who has a huge heart for animals, I knew I would be up all night reading this book. I just could not put it down.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Mia’s original owner could not give her the proper attention, nutrition and care she needed. Years of not being properly cared for had taken its toll on Mia. Laurie thought she was about to rescue the most beautiful dog in the world, only to find a dog who was tattered, smelly, and weak.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong>How shallow was she to think she did not want this dog?</strong>&nbsp;(Her words, not mine) She knew she had to do the right thing and take the dog and put her in her care. How would it look, working at and animal rescue only to turn away this helpless dog. This loving dog, so full of energy and kisses.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Laurie, helped to nurse the dog back to health, while the dog showed her a thing or two about her own self esteem. We could all take a lesson from the animals around us.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in; border: 1pt none windowtext;" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Disclosure of Material Connection:</span></strong><span><strong><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in; border: 1pt none windowtext;" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;">I received this book free from&nbsp;</span></span><span><span _mce_style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 12px;">WaterBrook Multnomah’s</span></span><span><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15px;">&nbsp;as part of their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33792246541510909672011-02-09T18:00:00.002-05:002011-06-28T20:45:53.059-04:00I'm Coming Back Home (To Blogger)<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1430230126&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I debated and debated. I can't find one "real" person who has had their content deleted from Blogger by Google for NO reason. Those who did clearly violated the TOS, although they don't want to admit it.<br /><br /><br />I see no point in paying for another month of GoDaddy hosting. I like Blogger. We have a long relationship and breaking up is really hard to do. It us customizable where I need to be. I know all the tips, tricks and secrets. My blog does not make me that much money. It is the stuff connected to my blog that does. Hosting is $10 a month, $120 a year. Then, there is the yearly cost of the domain. I have 9 of those. There is another $90. $200 a year. May not seem like that much money, but when school takes up 80% of my day, I don't have much time to work for upfront money.<br /><br /><br />I am going to move all my posts from the last 2 months off self hosted blog and bring them back over here. Once all that is done, I will cancel that blog host and this blog will once again have my original domain and life will be much easier.<br /><br /><br />Self hosting, might be for some, but was a huge waste of time for me. Not to mention I lost a TON of blog traffic. &nbsp;That is no joke. In the 2 months I was on WP my traffic dropped! Traffic is ALL about SEO and keywords. I had a huge amount of traffic from blog hops and people hopping blogs on Blogger.<br /><br /><br />Right now, spending more money just is not an option for me. I am going to continue to build my Tax Queen Blog, <a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/">Erotic Confessions Website</a>,<a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049"> Helium</a>, <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan">HubPages</a>, <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632">WebAnswers</a> and other projects. When I am ready, I am going to move all my blogs at once so that I can get the add-on domain packages. I would like to have more residual come in before I spend anymore money.<br /><br />I feel as long as I am not spamming or violating the TOS, I have nothing to worry about. &nbsp;As a rule of thumb, I always keep a back up copy any way.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26067454993341672552011-02-08T08:00:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.105-05:00Important Changes for 2010 Income Tax Returns<h2 id="12741224_title" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Self Employment Schedule C Changes</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741224" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Self-employed health-insurance deduction:</strong>&nbsp;Only for the year 2010, self-employed workers who can deduct health-insurance premiums also may take them against Social Security taxes on Schedule SE.<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Self-employed health-insurance deduction, non dependent child:</strong>&nbsp; For 2010 and after, self-employed workers who deduct insurance premiums can include those for a child who is under age 27 at the end of year, even if the child is not a dependent for tax purposes.<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mileage rate change for business:</strong><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">&nbsp;</strong>For tax year 2010, the standard mileage rate for business use of a car is now 50 cents per mile (See IRS Publication 17, chapter 26).<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">What counts as an business deduction? How about a list of<a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/homebusinessdeduction"> 25 Business Deductions</a> to get you started. Here are <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Free-Accounting-Sources-for-Your-Work-From-Home-Business">some free accounting software</a> choices to help keep track and get you on the right path for next year.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12741243_title" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Itemized Deduction Changes on Schedule A</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741243" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mileage rate change for the deduction of a medical expense:</strong>&nbsp;For medical expenses, the standard mileage rate for medical use of a car is 16.5 cents a mile (IRS Publication 502).<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mileage rate change for moving expenses:&nbsp;</strong>For moving expenses, the standard mileage rate for moving is 16.5 cents a mile (IRS Publication 521).<br /><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mileage rate change for charity work</strong>&nbsp;For charity work, the mileage rate for the use of your car is 14 cents a mile (IRS Publication 526)<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Don't think you will be ready to file by April 18th? <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/taxextension">You can always file for an&nbsp;extension.&nbsp;</a></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12741258_title" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Misc. Deductions and Credits</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741258" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">First-time homebuyer tax credit:</strong><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">&nbsp;</strong>There have been several versions of this credit; most taxpayers who claimed it for 2008 purchases must begin repaying it on their 2010 return. See parts III and IV of Form 5405.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></strong></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Adoption credit:</strong>&nbsp;For 2010, the tax credit of up to $13,170 for out-of-pocket expenses for the legal adoption of a child is a refundable tax credit. This credit phases out for joint filers with incomes above $182,520. Adoption papers must be sent with a return. For more information, see the instructions for Form 8839.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sales-tax deduction:</strong>&nbsp;Lawmakers extended (for 2010 and 2011) a deduction for state and local sales taxes in lieu of income taxes. This is primarily used by taxpayers who live in states without an income tax, such as Florida, Texas and Washington.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">No extra standard deduction for property taxes:</strong>&nbsp;Lawmakers didn't extend a provision allowing taxpayers to add as much as $1,000 to their standard deduction if they pay property taxes. This means taxpayers who want to deduct property taxes will have to itemize on tax form Schedule A with their Income Tax Form 1040.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Deduction for higher-education expenses:</strong>&nbsp;Also extended (for 2010 and 2011) was a deduction for as much as $4,000 of higher-education expenses for singles earning up to $80,000 or couples earning up to $160,000. For many students and their families, however, the American Opportunity Credit is more effective because it's a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $2,500 per student per year.</div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12741261_title" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Retirement</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741261" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Charitable IRA rollovers:</strong>&nbsp;Lawmakers also extended (for 2010 and 2011) a popular provision allowing taxpayers over age 70½ to make contributions of IRA assets of up to $100,000 per year directly to a charity. The donation isn't tax-deductible, but doesn't raise reported income that might trigger higher Social Security taxes or Medicare premiums. Amounts donated can count as part of a person's required minimum distribution.</div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="12741289_title" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 400; font: normal normal bold 1.2em/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Unemployment</span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_12741289" style="font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Unemployment pay fully taxable:</strong><strong style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">&nbsp;</strong>In 2009, taxpayers were allowed to exclude up to $2,400 of unemployment compensation from income. That exemption expired, so all unemployment compensation is taxable for 2010.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57653769263196039222011-02-07T18:29:00.004-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.603-04:00Monday: The Day for Starting Over #NSNation<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><strong>My first week on <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog">Nutrisystem</a> I did REALLY well, I had lost 4 pounds.</strong>&nbsp;I worked out 3 of the 7 days. This last week I did not do nearly as well. I found myself not eating everything I was supposed to in regards to the fruit and vegetables. It was a bad week stress and emotion wise and I was so busy with work and homework I had to force myself to stop and take a shower. Many of my work from home friends will understand that one. It was just one of those weeks.<br /><br />My treadmill started to spaz out so I was only able to get one workout in this week. Most of that was just me not being able to find time to do it.<br /><br />The weekend turned in to a nightmare.<br /><br />I was proud of the few nonscale victories that I had.<br /><br /><strong>The first one being, most of you know we are on food assistance.</strong>&nbsp;We have to stretch $200 out for a whole month for 3 people. It is not easy to do. We like to take 30 minute drive to this city that has a discount food outlet. They sell damaged boxes and cans for about 75% off. They also have meat that is nearing expiration so the stores can’t sell them, but as you know, so long as you get it home and frozen (which they freeze it when they get it) or cook it right away its fine. I have stuff in my freezer that’s months old, and it’s as good as new. &nbsp;Anyway, we were able to get about $400 worth of food for $113. I read every label and was surprised at how many light, low fat, sugar free and lean items they had this time. That was a victory for me. I am learning how to take care of myself after I go off the Nutrisystem program. I am trying to make better meals for me and my family.<br /><br /><strong>I did have another nonscale victory</strong>. I am a huge fan of the UFC and an even bigger fan of Buffalo Wild Wings. I kid you not when I tell you I starting putting my weight back on when BWW came to Stillwater while I was still living in Oklahoma. We would go at least once a week.&nbsp; I had decided I was going to enjoy some wings this night because now that I am in Michigan, the BWW or B-dubs as we call it, is so far away I only get to go once every few months. I think this last time; it’s been about 9 months since I have been there. Big M and I ordered our wings, I think I ate about 5 or 6 before I just did not want anymore. So, I spent the rest of the night munching on celery and I did have a taste of a different flavor or boneless. I also did not drink anywhere near what I used to either. So, yes I went off the Nutrisystem plan, but, the damage was no where what it could have been if I was eating like I did in the past.<br /><br />I am proud of that.<br /><br /><strong>However, not so proud of Bob Evans.</strong>&nbsp;I had total intentions of eating a salad and staying as close to plan as possible. Once he said the country fried steak was back, that had to be my meal. I have not had a country fried steak in the three years I have lived in Michigan. No one makes it like the south. So, I gave it a try. I ate all the grean beans, left the ham pieces. And I ate a biscut, half the taters and half the steak. This is, this was not an overly large portion like most places give you. Bob Evans gives normal portion size, for the most part. And then 3 of us shared a chocolate cake, which lil M ate most of.<br /><br />Bad choice of food, good choice I did not eat it all, nor did I want to.<br /><br />So, I was supposed to go to the Super Bowl party where Big M’s dad and step mother were serving Haggis. I was trying to finish up my daily homework and was going to meet him over there.<br /><br />That did not happen.<br /><br />I started to get really hot and light headed. I spent most of the night puking or going to the bathroom.<br /><br />I don’t know what made me so sick but I never made it to the super bowl.<br /><br />*sigh* and missed the Haggis, a once a year tradition.<br /><br />So, I got up the morning, enjoyed my coffee and Nustisystem breakfast…only to step on the scale and see those 4pounds lost are back on.<br /><br />Funny how just2 meals can make 4pounds come back on.<br /><br />Today is a new day, even though I don’t feel very well I plan to&nbsp; get right back on track.<br /><br />I’ll go over my food reviews for the week in another post, likely tomorrow.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88794488895824111962011-02-07T13:34:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.107-05:00New Computer and Schedule C<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TVA7fNOA9QI/AAAAAAAAAP0/sSP9Lq3wtLU/s1600/TAX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TVA7fNOA9QI/AAAAAAAAAP0/sSP9Lq3wtLU/s320/TAX.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>Question:</b>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I bought a new computer for working from home last year. I use it for work over 50% off the time. When I try to put it into my schedule C it wants me to do depreciation. Do I have to do it this way or can I claim the entire purchase amount in another section such as supplies?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Answer:</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Since you only use it for 50% use work/leisure you can only take half of the cost.<br /><br />You can depreciate so that you have some expense every year, or you can take it all at once as a <a href="http://www.section179.org/electing_section_179_deductions.html">179</a>.<br /><br />For example, last year I purchased a $1200 laptop for $650 (gotta love black friday). Since I use it for school/work and leisure I took the expense as such. $325 was taken as a business deduction. Some years my expenses are great, and some are minimal. I depreciate so that I know I will have some expense every year. $110 was taken as school expense.<br /><br />If you have TOO much expense, you could be a red flag for an audit. Especially if the income to expense ratio is high. While the IRS does understand that a business will be in the negative, if you do it too many year or break even for too many year, or have a high income to expense ratio you will be flagged.<br /><br />A computer should go in the "office expense" as the supplies is for things such as paper, ink, and so on.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">For more information: <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sc.pdf">IRS Schedule C</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/homebusinessdeduction">Home Business Expenses</a>&nbsp;are excellent resourced to help manage your home office expenses. If you are interested in some software <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Free-Accounting-Sources-for-Your-Work-From-Home-Business">here </a>are some free resources that are available.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18331969106296230662011-02-07T13:21:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.109-05:00Some of You Get to File Late this Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TVA36gWz1kI/AAAAAAAAAPw/zzy5a0EZY6Y/s1600/taxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TVA36gWz1kI/AAAAAAAAAPw/zzy5a0EZY6Y/s320/taxes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, it is true. While we all get the due date of April 18<sup>th</sup> due to weekends and holidays, there are a handful of tax payers that will have to wait to even file their tax returns.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Why is this?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can thank congress for this little gem. You see, Congress took so long trying to make some changes to the 2010 taxes; the Internal Revenue Service has to tell some taxpayers to wait a few days to file their taxes in order to update their computers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For some, this is not going to be a big deal. For others wanting to cash in on their refund, those extra days could make all the difference. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>How do you know who this effects?</b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">If you itemized your deduction on Schedule A</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Teachers who claim the $250 Educator Expense Deduction</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Those taking Higher Education Credits</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Those taking the Tuition and Fees Deduction on Form 8917</li></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Those stuck with a delayed return can start filing February 14<sup>th</sup>. Until then, those of you who fall in to one of these groups will find that some agencies computers won’t be able to accept your return until the updates are complete.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46285971708810566282011-02-05T11:57:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.336-04:00Update on The Keyword Academy<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/02/getting-started-with-keyword-academy.html">So the other day I had mention how I went ahead and signed up for the 30 day free trial of The Keyword Academy</a>. I had been hearing mix reviews, but many of them were good. I figured I had nothing to lose and at least 30 days of knowledge to gain.<br /><br />In the last few months I have been collecting and reading a plethora of business related ebooks (when I have a little bit of free time). Many of these books are about Search Engine Optimization,&nbsp;blogging/writing for money, marketing, social networking, how to backlink and things like that. Once I learned about a subject, I would ask questions from other bloggers, and then try to find a book about it to learn more.<br /><br />Problem was, I was not really doing anything with what I was learning. I am just now starting to do backlinks and linking in general. I am just now searching for keywords to go with a subject I am already writing, and making a list of higher paying keywords for future reference.<br /><br />With all the books I have, I probably have enough to take up reading time for the rest of my life! LOL<br /><br />I decided a few weeks ago to start sorting all of these ebooks. In the middle of that I ran across the ebook for The Keyword Academy. I read through most of it, and really liked how they put it altogether. I wanted to see what else the website had to offer.<br /><br /><strong>The website does have a lot to offer. </strong>I was pretty impressed overall. Everything was in one spot making it easy accessible for others to find what they needed. It is a great training tool and provides many outlets for help. The only problem I had was that 90% of the information on the website was in this ebook. So what am I going to be paying $33 a month for? Access to keyword tools and such when there are free versions online? Or the forums? When they have a million keyword forums online?<br /><br /><strong>I know there are some out there that are making great money off of this program.</strong> In the last few days I have been working on linking 3 blogs together, my <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">Hubpages </a>and <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium </a>along with just starting on <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a/" target="_blank">WebAnswers</a>. I must be doing something right because my adsense has doubled. I plan to keep going forward, using the things I did pick up from TKA and the others books I have read.&nbsp; But my overall opinion is if you are short on time and have money coming in, then pay for this program. Otherwise, seek out materials on the internet or library and read, read, read! Find forums and ask questions. Save yourself a few bucks in the process. It just seemed like there was too much of it that I already knew from various outlets.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31383486156394228442011-02-04T22:09:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.111-05:00List of Home Business & Self Employment Deductions for Schedule C<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Original post from Business Support Group Blog</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Free! List of Home Business Deductions for Schedule C</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">By&nbsp;Chrystal&nbsp;Mahan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TUy_VeEBRLI/AAAAAAAAAPs/7iBDu7p2v7w/s1600/manage-your-expenses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TUy_VeEBRLI/AAAAAAAAAPs/7iBDu7p2v7w/s320/manage-your-expenses.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>One of the many advantages to having your own home based business is the deductions you can claim for Schedule C.</b> You will want to keep extremely accurate records of all money coming in and going out for your home business. Excel is great for this. I use one page for "income" which lists all of my clients. Then I make a page next to it and label it "expenses" and I list all the possible expenses.&nbsp;</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0470597259&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Advertising (includes: billboards, newspaper, online, business cards)<br />2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bank Fees on Business Accounts<br />3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vehicle Expense<br />4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cost of Goods Sold<br />5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Depreciation on Office Equipment<br />6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commissions and Fees<br />7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dues for Trade Associations<br />8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dues for Trade Publications<br />9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Employee Benefits – for those with employees<br />10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Contractor Payments – for those that hire contractors<br />11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Insurance<br />12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Office Expenses<br />13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Office Supplies<br />14.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Interest<br />15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Any Legal and Professional Services<br />16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meals and Entertainment<br />17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rent or Lease Expense<br />18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Materials<br />19.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repairs and Maintenance<br />20.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pension or Profit-Sharing Plans – for self or employees<br />21.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Travel Expense – related to business<br />22.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Utilities (for home office portion)<br />23.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cell Phone (only business portion)<br />24.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Internet (only business use portion)<br />25.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some Education Tuition</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>As you can see the list is quite extensive</b>. &nbsp;Keeping track of your expenses will make things easier for you or your accountant at tax time. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your business is to set up and file system. You will need one file for things such as vehicle, utilities, bank statements, advertisement, etc. Once your bill or invoice comes in, you can place it in the appropriate folder. &nbsp;Any purchases you make keep the receipt and place it in the appropriate file as well. Even with the best accounting or bookkeeping software it is best to have a hard copy for documentation.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54113429482991393482011-02-04T21:49:00.002-05:002011-10-31T14:04:37.567-04:00How to Get a Credit Card Fee WaivedOh, we have all been there. As a freelance writer, times happen when you are waiting for a client to pay you and OOPS you missed a payment.<br /><br />For one reason or another our credit card company has imposed a fee on our account.<br /><br />Ever wanted to know how to have them removed then check out <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1604020-waive-credit-card-fees-credit-card-late-fees-credit-care-over-the-limit-fees">"How to Get a Credit Card Fee Waived"</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67706690979835173772011-02-04T18:37:00.000-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.113-05:00How to Get a Credit Card Fee WaivedOh, we have all been there. As a freelance writer, times happen when you are waiting for a client to pay you and OOPS you missed a payment.<br /><br />For one reason or another our credit card company has imposed a fee on our account.<br /><br />Ever wanted to know how to have them removed then check out&nbsp;<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1604020-waive-credit-card-fees-credit-card-late-fees-credit-care-over-the-limit-fees">"How to Get a Credit Card Fee Waived"</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63770875678725701282011-02-04T15:22:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.115-05:00$411 to have taxes done--is that high?Today's Question:&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><strong>$411 to have taxes done--is that high?</strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">We had them prepared at H&amp;R Block, last year it was $185, this year $411! They said the difference was because we moved so they had to do two states plus we had moving expenses and a 401K we cashed out to pay for our move. Does that sound right?I don't know much about taxes, but I sat there the whole time she did it and didn't look like much work to me. We haven't paid for it yet, I'm going to see if I can find a coupon/rebate type thing.</span></strong></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TUxf716uQxI/AAAAAAAAAPo/BpOySAfp70o/s1600/dollar_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TUxf716uQxI/AAAAAAAAAPo/BpOySAfp70o/s320/dollar_sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>ANSWER:</b><br />It is not uncommon for me to run across questions such as this. So I am going to try to break it down for people who might not understand why companies charge what they do to prepare taxes.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/taxpreperationfee"> How to Determine Tax Preparation Fees</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Having been a tax accountant for years, just with any other product sometimes prices increase.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Having spent some time with HR Block, both corporate and franchise I have insight as to how that works.</div><div class="MsoNormal">When things change, there is a charge. Each state file is a charge. More than 2 W-2? There is a small charge. For every Form or Schedule that has to be added to the 1040 there is another charge and that charge is based on the form and the length of it. A Schedule C is one of the more expensive ones because many people have a lot of various incomes to report and expense deductions. If you depreciate any office equipment there is a charge for that as it is another form. Business use of home? It has a form too. &nbsp;401k distributions , again another form.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Now then, something else to think about, HR Block also provides clients with rapid refunds. </b>Instead of waiting a week or two like a direct deposit takes (at least until high peak season) these rapid refunds can be same day, next day, or 2-3 days. Because HR goes through a bank for these products there are bank fees added in to the HR fees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you go to a CPA to have them prepare your returns be prepared to pay an hourly fee on top of that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The good thing about using HR Block (their enrolled agents) or a CPA is that if you are ever audited they will stand beside you and help you through it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Tax software is great, but it is not perfect.</b> If you don't know what is supposed to go where it's not really going to help you. If you have a basic return, its fine. The only problem I run in to with most tax products is they do not list EVERY deduction a person can take or credit that they could qualify for. Tax software only gives the basic, most used ones.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It does not hurt to shop around and find what works best for you, and your pocket book. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90535270953807871292011-02-04T09:23:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.339-04:00Free Blogger and WordPress vs. Self Hosting<strong>NOTE</strong>: let me express to you that there are going to be a few that read this blog from WPLH and think that this is poking a finger at them. It’s not. There is one person I am poking a finger at who does visit WPLH, but this person is not really a part of our blogging community. So anyone who thinks this might be a shot at (Angie, Andie, Tori and so on) would be wrong. I just wanted to get that out there because you guys <strong>ARE</strong> helpful and you do speak about <strong>all</strong> the topics available.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oxvsfi3EFc8/TW_kSMIcvmI/AAAAAAAAAUE/pBiusLtCVzg/s1600/Blogger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Oxvsfi3EFc8/TW_kSMIcvmI/AAAAAAAAAUE/pBiusLtCVzg/s320/Blogger.png" width="319" /></a></div><br />I have heard all the arguments for free blogs, free self hosting and paid self hosting and against.<br />Been there, done that, still dealing.<br /><br />Personally, I have both.<br /><br />I see a lot of people using Squarespace these days, but I have no experience with it.<br /><br />Blogger and I have had a relationship for a good amount of years. I know I made my first blog with them right before the huge Yahoo! 360 wave hit and that was 2005. When I got on 360 my Blogger went on the back burner. I did delete that blog. I am not sure why I did that. I made another one and put all those years worth of posts back up. Somehow I have collected about 8 blogs. A few deleted, a few replaced. I did have a free WordPress too, that mirrored my original Self Employed Writer Blogger but I did not like it very much. It was deleted about a month ago.<br /><br />Most people leave the free WordPress because you cannot place ads on the site. Not only that the themes and customization is extremely limited.<br /><br />There is a reason why I am talking about this today.<br /><br />I visit about 4-5 different forums. There is only 1-3 I visit on a daily basis. I have noticed over the last couple of months there have been a lot of people asking questions about Blogger and WordPress as well as some of the other free blogging platforms that are available.<br /><br />It makes me sad to see those that completely dismiss options for bloggers. &nbsp;The reality is newbies should be allowed to know and learn about ALL options that are available to them. They should be allowed to test everything and discover what is going to work best for them.<br /><br />When I started I had no one out there to tell me or show me the way. I had to learn it all my own. Of course then blogging for money and content writing was not all the craze that it is now.<br /><br />I understand there are those out there that live and die by self hosting. And for good reason. Trust me when I say “I get it.”<br /><br />I know all the pros and cons of self hosting. I have sat here and made a list of them before I moved my Self Employed Writer blog from Blogger to self hosted WordPress.<br /><br />One thing you have to think about, people looking into starting a blog may not have (or want to for that matter) have upfront money to put in to a blog. For many people, myself included, setting up a free blog, getting your feet wet and learning the process is a good start before moving to a plan that requires money.<br /><br /><strong> It bothers me when I see people who constantly push the paid hosting option.</strong> It makes me even sadder when you learn that person pushing the pay sites ends up being an affiliate. I don’t care when people mention their favorite hosts, I don’t even care if they are an affiliate of that site, IF you are giving the person ALL the options to choose from.<br /><br />I am also not a fan of others who push as if their way is GOD and that it’s the only way.<br /><br />Because it’s not.<br /><br />There are plenty of options out there for everyone. This is NOT a one size fits all industry.<br /><br />I have also noticed that when someone does come in and mentions the free services they are immediately &nbsp;shot down by others who seem to be so self hosted self righteous. Enough is enough already. Let people make their own decisions by giving them all the options.<br /><br />So, we already know most don’t like the free WordPress because the reality is, you can’t make money off of it.<br /><br />The argument for Blogger is that because you are basically hosted by Google they own the content you place on your blog because technically it is their blog.<br /><br /><strong>I think many people misunderstand this.</strong> They don’t own your content the way you think they do. They can use your content to advertise their services or to talk about you in their own blog or news articles. Things like that. They don’t need your permission. They are allowing you use of their service in exchange for this privilege. However, they can’t take your article and reprint it elsewhere for money because they don’t have exclusive rights like that. Make sense? If and when they do use your material, chances are it is for advertising purposes AND it might just be in your favor anyway. (bring you traffic)<br /><br />Then, there is the argument that people get their posts or even their entire blogs deleted for NO reason. No reason huh? Do you really know this person in real life that got their entire blog for no reason? And if so, do you really think they are going to be honest and tell you that the reality is they violated Google’s TOS because they are angry and want someone to blame. So, they blame Google.<br /><br />If you look at the forums all these people are using the same link to the same blog with someone ranting about Google deleting their blog. The SAME person.<br /><br />So how many people out there really have their blog deleted? The number is a lot smaller than you think.<br /><br />I have an erotic blog. Never deleted. Nothing. Ever. &nbsp;Of course I am not selling porn so I don’t really violate the TOS and Blogger does give me the option to mark the blog as “adult” which I have.<br /><br />I personally know two people who had their blogs, the entire thing, had been deleted. Now, here is the beauty. Even IF, and that is a big IF, Google does delete your blog, they still have access to it. So, call them. Find out why. Talk to them about it.&nbsp; Then go check your SPAM box because it’s possible your Violation of the TOS email got pushed there. These two girls called Google and in a matter of hours they had their blogs back.<br /><br /><strong>Google uses a spam filter. </strong>Sometimes things get flagged. It’s no different than an article you wrote getting flagged for plagiarism. You contact them, they review and if you did not violate the TOS, you will be fine.<br /><br />Crap happens, it is life.<br /><br />So you back up your content. You should be doing that anyway and if you are using self hosting you are really going to want to do it.<br /><br />Why?<br /><br /><strong>Well self hosting isn’t without problems people.</strong> They (the company) gets hacked; your blog can get hacked. The servers get overloaded. The service goes down. WordPress gets a bug. The company could fall apart. Anything could happen, so the end result is NO ONE is safe on the internet.<br /><br />You are worried about Google using your content, but what is stopping someone online from stealing your article? I see this happen. Same difference.<br /><br />Risks are all over.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />I admit, when I really wanted to start using my blog as part of my residual income I felt that I had NO choice but to go to self hosting. As time went on, my complaint list about self hosting is 10 fold compared to my free Blogger. I do like some of the WordPress features. Many of them are time savers of things I already learned how to do myself over the years.<br /><br />Want to know something else?<br /><br /><b>My traffic was 75% higher on Blogger than it is now on self hosting.</b><br /><br />Wonder why that is?<br /><br />Let’s think about this.<br /><br />Blogger is owned by Google. Adwords, Adsense and most affiliates we use are owned or through Google. They are going to push their own stuff first.<br /><br /><strong>Another benefit of Blogger</strong>? The readymade community of followers. Do you know how easy it is to blog hop and find blogs that interest you? I can do it blindfolded. Over the years I have collected 1000s of blogs to follow that are loaded in my Google Reader and categorized.<br /><br />WordPress does not really have this feature. Aside from the Google Friend Connect and FeedBurner, those who actually visited my blog through Blogger have been lost since I moved to WordPress.<br /><br />When I moved 900 plus posts from Blogger to self hosted WordPress I lost all my formatting. Do you know how long it would take me to go back and correct all the posts and make them look like paragraphs again instead of one giant letter? Too long.<br /><br />In the last couple of weeks I have learned A LOT in regards to blogging and residual income.<br /><br />Honestly, I see no point in paying for self hosting. It is a personal decision for me and I tested the waters before I made the choice.<br /><br />I just don’t see the justification in paying for a monthly hosting.<br /><br />I tried.<br /><br />I have witnessed Blogger users with 2000 plus followers and you know their affiliate and adsense bring them $2500 and some odd change a month?? They have good content.<br /><br />Never a problem with Blogger.<br /><br />I am willing to take the chance of eventually going back to Blogger with this blog and keeping all my other ones there.<br /><br />It’s faster than my self hosting (I have tried a couple of them now), it is easier to get noticed by other Bloggers, and it so easy!<br /><br />For the record, I am not against self hosting by any means. It just makes no sense for me to do it.<br /><br />I miss the blogging community and that’s the real reason why I blog. The money I might get from it is just a bonus.<br /><br />I plan to spend more time focusing on other residual income projects aside from my blogs and HubPages.<br /><br />Would I ever go back to self hosting? Maybe. But right now I see no point in dishing out money when I don’t need to.<br /><br /><strong>If someone wants to make $5000 a month just from their blog, more power to them</strong>. I don’t have the time to commit to a blog like that right now. Not only that, I don’t want all my eggs in one basket. People that make that sort of money on their blog- well that tends to be all that they do.<br /><br />In the internet world, nothing should be noted as being permanent.<br /><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan">HubPages</a>, <a href="http://www.webanswers.com/_f4zt6t0a/">WebAnswers</a>, <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">Helium</a>, Infobarrel, Suite 101, Triond, Bukisa, and any other revenue sharing site can go down at any moment’s notice. Blogging, whether hosted through someone or self hosted is no different.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><strong>I have been a huge fan of <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042">ProBlogger</a> for quite some time. </strong>Many of you know the site and Darren. I have found hundreds of people through various forums that use his site and Blogger and make a nice chunk of change on it.<br /><br />I did my research.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.thetaxqueen.com/">accountant </a>in me is seeing the red line and I don’t like that.<br /><br /><strong>I am seriously considering taking this blog and moving back to Blogger at some point. </strong> Well, my blog is still there, so I would only have to add the new posts from the move to this point that is missing on that blog. Switch the domain back to forward from Blogger. Good to go. Cancel my subscription and hopefully recoup some of the money I have spent on domains and hosting.<br /><br />While GoDaddy is making all their changes in my account I can focus on the tax site. I need to get it loaded with more content so I can add it to my Demand Studios blog syndication.<br /><br /><strong>Wait, I almost forgot. </strong>I know there has been talk about free self hosting. Well, I checked in to those too. For WordPress users the free accounts don’t give you access anymore. Both of my accounts have been stripped of this option and they now want you to upgrade to a paid. Which, is cheap. Cheapest I have seen, but I question the company and whether I can see them being here in the long term.<br /><br />I am sorry if I ruffled anyone’s feathers. That was not my intention, so my apologies. I just really wanted to let people know that they do have options.<br /><h1>For More Information:</h1><br /><a href="http://www.wikisummaries.org/Blogger_Terms_of_Service" target="_blank">A Summary of Google/Blogger TOS (pay close attention to the 5<sup>th</sup> bullet)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/topic.py?hl=en&amp;topic=12444" target="_blank">Blogger’s Full TOS</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/answer.py?hl=en&amp;answer=42639" target="_blank">Blogger: Why is my blog disabled?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/content.g" target="_blank">Blogger Content Policy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogbloke.com/moving-wordpress-blogger/" target="_blank">Self Host Blog User Leaves for Blogger</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.warriorforum.com/main-internet-marketing-discussion-forum/327135-free-blogging-vs-self-hosting.html">Warrior Forum: Free Blogging vs. Self Hosted</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84963495114295264032011-02-03T06:54:00.002-05:002011-10-31T14:04:37.571-04:00The Snowpocolyps 2011 – I got graphics!So, what did you do on your snow day?<br /><br />Me?<br /><br />I still worked.<br /><br /><strong>Big M got a snow day, so I put him to work.</strong> He spent the day making me some super cute graphics for the Self Employed Writer website and my new The Tax Queen website that is a work in progress. I am so glad he knows how to use Adobe Photoshop, I am clueless! He made it look so easy too.<br /><br /><strong>Right now I am debating on whether I want to start it on Blogger first before I sink money in to hosting.</strong> I am already in the hole money wise in regards to my website as I am not really making any money off of it right now. It is a slow process and I understand that.&nbsp; I know all the good reasons to self host, but I have never had a problem with Blogger.<br /><br />I need to monetize my blog a little better because right now I just can’t justify the cost(s).<br /><br />The free hosting sites that I have accounts for have both revamped their hosting, making it extremely difficult to host WordPress on. Not to mention, those free hosting sites are not going to work when the traffic starts to rise. The now offer some pretty good prices yearly hosting (cheap monthly, too) but I wonder just how stable they are going to be and I wonder about their customer service.<br /><br />Anywho…I am just trying to figure out what I want to do.<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/LookingUPChick.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1536" height="300" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/LookingUPChick-300x300.jpg" title="LookingUPChick" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><strong>I seem to be having some problems with GoDaddy lately in terms of stability. </strong>It seems my site is down more often than it should be and there are times when it times out when I am trying to post or make any sort of changes within the admin panel. &nbsp;Granted, it is for a brief second, but that is seconds I could be missing out on! It is starting to get on my nerves. I need it to be quick. So, I don’t know if it is maybe a plug-in issue on my end or if its GoDaddy servers. This is something that is going to have to be addressed ASAP as I can’t have my blog slow to load for others or giving me issues. I may have to move to a different host. I don’t really want to. I have a feeling it’s going to be a pain in the a$$ to do.<br /><br />I am too the point where I am going to put my tail between my legs and go back to Blogger. We have a five year, going on six, relationship. It’s hard to break up. LOL<br /><br />So later today I am going to spend some time dealing with that. I would like to have the tax site up and running by the end of the day. We will see how that goes.<br /><br /><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/TaxQueen1.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1537" height="269" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/TaxQueen1-300x269.jpg" title="TaxQueen1" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I wanted to share the new graphics with you. I will be making icon/buttons and such out of them and there is a couple more in the works.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51534192799864527362011-02-02T05:14:00.001-05:002011-10-31T14:04:37.576-04:00Getting Started With The Keyword AcademyThere has been a lot of buzzing in some internet forums that I visit (even a work from home girl needs “co-workers”!) regarding this business venture from Court Tuttle and Mark Butler<br /><br />I am always leery of joining these online programs that claim to help you make X amount of money. The internet is full of scams and it is easy to target people who want to work from home. But this one is getting rave reviews.<br /><br /><strong>This girl has been blogging for the better part of 6-7 years now; perhaps it is time to actually take it seriously.</strong> I have come to the conclusion over the last year that I am tired of writing for someone else to pay my bills. Although I like writing, and I don’t mind the clients I have, I am forced to write their topics and titles if I am expected to get paid. &nbsp;Again, I don’t mind this but it is almost as if I am being forced to write.&nbsp; After a while, the motivation is lost and you start to feel a little run down.<br /><br /><strong>I have had a revenue sharing/residual income site with <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> for over two years now.</strong> When I opened my account there I was just getting in to the content writing world and really had no idea what to expect, not to mention I needed a few articles under my belt before I applied to Demand Studios. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> has served its purpose. I used it as a depository for articles I did not want to do a rewrite on, or something I wrote that I could not use elsewhere. I never took the time to think about or pay attention to SEO or keywords.<br /><br /><strong>Now, things have changed.</strong> I like writing internet content and I like blogging. But, I want it to me MINE. I want to write with my titles, my thoughts and my ideas.<br /><br />Starting on the residual income path is<em> scary</em> and there is a lot of information out there, it is easy for someone like me to feel somewhat overwhelmed.<br /><br /><strong>Taking the plunge to actually buy my own domain was the first step, moving to self hosting was the next.</strong> Now that I have those out of the way I feel like I am on my way. I opened a few accounts on various revenue sharing sites. So far the only one I have spent any time on is <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">HubPages </a>and I love it. I love the creative aspect of it. I am not much of a “how to” person so some of the other websites likely won’t be my forte. I am also not a huge fan of 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> person writing, that’s too much like forced content writing to me. I do it, but I like to do it my own way.<br /><br />I guess I just don’t want to follow others rules anymore. I literally want to write what I want to write.<br /><br />So I am.<br /><br /><strong>Given my work background and degree, it only seems natural that my niche be business/tax/accounting/financial related.</strong> I will be opening a new website<strong> thetaxqueen.com</strong>, hopefully in the next few days. About 5 years ago I started erotica writing. Then it was IrishChiks Erotic Confessions (irishchik has always been my handle) now, it is just Erotic Confessions. I have had stories on blogger for a while with plans to get it going again. I removed the stories to revamp the website. I just recently purchased a domain <strong>erotic-confessions.com </strong>and will soon move it to self hosting too.<br /><br />I think with 3 websites and a few residual sites I will soon be on my way. There are also some other domains I own (my name, one for my memoir, one to promote my novel, and a shortened version of selfemployedwriter – thesew.com) which in time will all be tied together.<br /><br /><strong>Right now my only obstacle is school. I am in my last semester and it has been a huge time constraint for me.</strong> I am happy that I do have time to start laying the foundation to my future. I look at my websites and my revenue sharing sites as an investment on my future. I would rather spend the time writing and working for myself than make someone else money. I also like the idea of a residual site making money for me even when I decide to take some time off!<br /><br /><strong>This is where The Keyword Academy comes in. </strong>I read the ebook last night and absorbed all 39 pages word for word. I took notes. I got an excel sheet started and I plan to work on it more today. I am going to take advantage of the $1 trial for the website and get started on my first 30 days. I need help and this is where I am going to go to get it.<br /><br />I will be reporting my journey here. I know it is not going to easy, but I do know it will be worth my time.<br /><br />Since we are snowed in today, my fiancé can’t get out of the driveway to get to work! LOL , so I am putting him to work on his Adobe PhotoShop to get started on my graphics, buttons and banners for my tax site.<br /><br />Wish me luck!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75717471073639822022011-02-01T16:02:00.001-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.513-05:00An Amish Love Part One - A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYovxHkmVc/TVMj4LoYCKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Cr7Tzzw69u8/s1600/_225_350_Book.317.cover.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYovxHkmVc/TVMj4LoYCKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Cr7Tzzw69u8/s1600/_225_350_Book.317.cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYovxHkmVc/TVMj4LoYCKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Cr7Tzzw69u8/s320/_225_350_Book.317.cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYovxHkmVc/TVMj4LoYCKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Cr7Tzzw69u8/s320/_225_350_Book.317.cover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="208" /></a></div><strong>This is going to be a 3 part series as there are 3 volumes in one.&nbsp;</strong>Each volume written by a different author, hence the reason for 3 different blog posts.<br /><br /><strong>First, let me start out by saying I have never read an Amish novel.</strong>&nbsp;I have always been very intrigued by the Amish way of living. So pure, so simple. There have been times when I read an article in a magazine about Amish girls who leave the community and I have always wondered what would I do? I often think I would like the Amish way of living. To live in a simple world where material things don’t matter. A world without television, automobiles, cell phones and internet. Women tend to stay home to raise the family; cook, clean, sew and some help with work. The men tend to the land. Everything is homemade; clothing, food, and in many instances the furniture and homes. Hard work? Yes, I agree. But to live in a world where you don’t miss the things you don’t have and appreciate what you do.<br /><br />Ok, so I love the baking and cooking part and maybe the sewing. I can garden, but I could not tend to a whole plot of land, nor could I stay in a community without venturing into the outside world. Of course, this is what I am accustomed to, so I know what I would miss if I were to leave.<br /><br /><strong>In An Amish Love: Part 1 A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long</strong>&nbsp;– Joseph Lambert knows the best of both worlds. And the worst. Living in an Amish community at young age, little Joseph got a taste of the Amish living. His parents decided to leave, taking his sister and him along. Joseph later split from his parents and his sister went off to college. He found himself caught up in the English world, fighting a drug addiction.<br />Dr. Knepp rescues Joseph, bringing him back to the Amish community.<br /><br /><strong>Abigail is strong willed.</strong>&nbsp;The marriage, forced. As the story unfolds before our eyes, so does the love before theirs. Abigail lost her mother at a very young age. She never learned how to be a proper Amish wife. Every marriage faces trials and tribulations. Hers was no exception. Day by day she learns something new. Not forced, but wanting. She takes care of Joseph when he has an accident and learns she can love, she can be a wonderful wife. Sometimes love really is all you need.<br /><br />I feel the story ended much too soon. I would love to read more about these characters. &nbsp;I will be seeking out more stories by Kelly Long.<br /><br />The next review story will be part 2 in An Amish Love called What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller.<br /><br /><strong>Disclosure of Material Connection:&nbsp;</strong>I received this book free from BookSneeze as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21157920195677496892011-01-31T16:47:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.608-04:00#NSNation Drum Roll Please….. (Nutrisystem)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">NS Nation Drum Roll Please…..</span></div>Today was weigh in day and honestly I was not expecting what was in store for me when I stepped on the scale today.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;">My starting weight last Monday: 233</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;">My weight today: 229</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;">That is a total NS loss of 4 lbs!</span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;"><br /></span><br /><strong>For anyone interested in joining <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem</a>, they are rolling back prices to 2003!! Get in on it while the price had dropped and try it out for yourself!!!</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br />I can’t complain.<br /><br />Nor will I.<br /><br /><strong>It was not easy.</strong>&nbsp;I had a few times here and there where the mind hunger was very strong. Sugar Free Jello was great to help me combat this as well as a cup of air popped popcorn, eating one piece at a time. No weight loss adventure is ever easy. Physically I was not hungry at all and of the 7 days I only exercised 3 days. I wanted to ease my way back in to it since I had been idle for a few months.<br /><br /><strong>Friday I was really playing mind games with myself.</strong>&nbsp;“Oh I can’t do this”, “I am just going to fail, so why bother” and on and on it went. I had to tell Big M “NO” so many times when he asked me about food. I know it’s a huge change for him too right now.<br /><br />I am just going to keep pressing forward, one day at a time.<br /><br />So, let’s get to the food part shall we?<br /><br />Rather than do each day separately, since I have done day 1-3, I will just bundle the breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks together.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><strong>Breakfasts:</strong></h1><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Golden French Toast (Frozen)&nbsp;</span>– I think I put it in the micro for a second too long. My poor French toast had a tad rubber consistency to it. I did not let that derail me. French toast is one of my all time favorite breakfast foods which I sadly don’t make for our weekend family breakfast. I should. Whole wheat bread, egg whites, and some cinnamon. I know lil m and Big M would love it. &nbsp;This french toast was very similar to that. It had a hint of cinnamon smell and spice taste to it. The piece was nice and thick. I did use some sugar free organic syrup. Not even a tbsp was needed. The toast had really good flavor with just the butter spray. But, with the rubber problem I had, I thought some syrup might help. &nbsp;Big M thought it smelled wonderful and asked if we could have French Toast soon!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Homestyle Pancakes (Frozen)&nbsp;</span>– These were pretty good. I actually like Fiber One pancakes better. I have had the Nutrisystem powder mixed pancakes in the past, those are better too. I am not sure what it was about these frozen pancakes I did not like. I love making pancakes and we make them all the time on the weekends when lil m is here. She loves them. But these reminded me of the frozen pancakes you get at the grocery store, and that is just fake tasting to me. It was not that they were not good, I just like to actually make my pancakes and I think that took away from the experience. These are great for those on the go!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Garden Vegetable Omelet (Froze<span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">n</span></span><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">)</span>&nbsp;– I have to say this little omelet was quite satisfying. I am a huge fan of mixing garden vegetables with my eggs. This had a really nice flavor when mixed with the two cheeses. All of my favorite things on one plate!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Low Fat Granola Cereal w/4 oz skim milk</span>&nbsp;– I have always been a fan of granola cereal. I have sampled a few brands and I am not fortunate enough to live by a Whole Foods or Trader Joes so I am missing out on the lower fat all natural varieties. The closest I can come is Kashi Crunch! Which is pretty yummy. But, I have to say this was a wonderful mix of sweetness and crunch. At first I put it in my bowl and thought, “wow, is that it? I am going to be hungry an hour after eating.” I had wanted to get some light vanilla almond milk which is 60 cals a serving as opposed to skim milks 80. But, my food assistance had not arrived yet. I felt this cereal would have tasted like a little dessert with vanilla almond milk. It makes cereals taste yummy. I measure out 4 oz of skim and put it in my bowl. I took one bite, looked at lil m who was eating Lucky Charms and said, “Diet food is yummy!” She giggled. I am defiantly adding this to my list for next month. Maybe 4, to have one a week.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #3366ff;" style="color: #3366ff;">Cinnamon Bun&nbsp;</span>– Ok, Nutrisystem, really? This is just a tease. I love a good cinnamon roll as much as the next person, but I really need more than two bites to get me over that feeling of wanting one! I was really disappointed with the portion of this. I had such high hopes for it when I saw the photo on the website. But the mini bun was smaller than the palm of my hand and when it sat next to my boiled egg it looked so tiny. I was sad. The taste? Well, I liked the frosting. It was no overly sweet but the bun was really heavy. Likely due to the fiber and protein to give the little gem a lot of punch. I think a lot of people out there will like it. If I had to pick, I would rather have an egg or that yummy granola cereal. I don’t think I will order this again. &nbsp;Big M wasn’t a fan.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><strong>Lunch:</strong></h1><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Tuna Salad</span>&nbsp;– I was a fan of these the last time I was on Nutrisytem. In those days it came in a little can and you were given little wheat crackers that looked like melba toasts, only rectangle. I had no doubt this was going to be good. And I was right. I did not have any wheat rolls (darn food assistance) so I made a really big salad. I did have some Pepperidge Farm Very Thin Wheat Bread. Its 110 cals for 3 pieces. I took 1, toasted it and cut it in half and then half again. It had a nice creamy texture, sort of like relish mixed with tuna. I will be buying this again.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Chicken Quesadilla (Frozen)</span>&nbsp;– This was not for me. The sauce had a funky aftertaste. It did have some nice chunks of chicken. I just could not get past the sauce taste. I would have been happier with just a plain cheese and vegetable quesadilla.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar</span>&nbsp;-<a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/26/nsnation-nutrisystem-day-3/" href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/nsnation-nutrisystem-day-3_26.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;When I got word I was going to get PB&amp;J bar to sample and saw the picture I was seriously thinking about how Nutrisystem was going to pull this off.&nbsp;</a>I went to the Nutrisystem forums and others that had already tried it had mixed reviews. I thought the outside looked like some sort of bread type and then jelly on the inside. I must not have paid very close attention. The bar feels a little heavy in your hand, which worries me a bit. Those protein bars are pretty heavy and often, not very good. When I pulled back the wrapper……oh I was in heaven! The outside of the bar was coated in peanut butter! The jelly was just enough to get over the heaviness of the bar (very minimal) and when I got to the end, I wanted more! I can’t wait to order more of these!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Steak and Cheese Melt (Frozen)</span>&nbsp;– Very much like a philly cheese steak lean pocket. This was ok. The crust had a different sort of breading flavor. &nbsp;Big M had a taste; he seemed to really like it.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Roasted Vegetable Pizza (Frozen)</span>&nbsp;– I loved the crust.&nbsp;Like I wrote about the last pizza,<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/nsnation-nutrisystem-days-1-and-2-part_26.html"> the crust reminds me of the delivery pizza I adore</a>.&nbsp;But, there was not much flavor in the vegetable department.<br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><strong>Dinner:</strong></h1><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Homestyle Beef w/ Mashed Potatoes &amp; Gravy</span>&nbsp;– I made steak and baked potato for Big M and this was the closest thing on my Nutrisystem menu. I was a bit sad when I opened the box to pull out the container. I know these meals are portion controlled for a reason, so I don’t know why the disappointment. I think because I wanted a potato so BAD that I thought I was only going g to get one bite out of this container. I pulled back the lid a bit, cooked and let it sit for a moment. I was SO excited when I took the cover off and saw that it was full of all these yummy potatoes. The potatoes were nice and thick, the gravy was nice and had a good full beef flavor and there was just enough bites of meat to keep me happy. I was full! This I WILL be getting again!<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Meatloaf &amp; Tomato Sauce w/Mashed Potatoes</span>&nbsp;– I have only had two kinds of meatloaf in my life. My mothers and my ex husband who made an Italian Pizza Meatloaf (oh it was yum!) and I am not the biggest fan of other people’s loaf. Many use way too much ketchup and I like more of a garden tomato flavor. My mother also puts seasoning in her meat and I find a lot of people lack that. So, I never eat other folk’s meatloaf (sorry!).&nbsp; Again, there was excitement for the potato factor. I love those suckers! This had great smell and there was a nice piece of meat. It tasted pretty good, but the potatoes had a different consistency than the beef dinner which did not feel good in my mouth. They had a bit of a different taste. The tomato sauce from the meatloaf may mix too much with them or something. I think Nutrisystem should try a different package, one that has 2 sections to the microwave tray so they don’t mix in the package. &nbsp;I might try this again. It depends on what else I love that I want to order for next month. This is on my “maybe” list. I would be willing to give it a 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;chance.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Ravioli Formaggio (Frozen)</span>&nbsp;– You like Italian? Like Ravioli? &nbsp;You will like this. They are stuffed full of creamy goodness. Nice flavor to the sauce too.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Salisbury Steak w/ Mac &amp; Cheese (Frozen)&nbsp;</span>– I have to admit, this has always been one of my favorite “go-to” meals for something quick prep. We all know that those are not that great (taste and in health) but they are quick and you can add some flavor to kick it up a bit. The Lean Cuisine, Smart One and Healthy Choice variety are *meh* for lack of a better word. Nothing worth writing home about, but they fill the need for the full fat version. The Salisbury steak was one of the best I have ever had. The mac and cheese made me cry. I love cheese more than chocolate. I wanted mac and cheese so badly and there was NO cheese flavor to this. Velveeta 2% shells is better flavor! I ended up using 1 tsp of reduced fat parmesean and 1tsp of molly mcbutter cheese flavored sprinkles to add a little kick.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #ff0000;" style="color: red;">Mac &amp; Cheese&nbsp;</span>– I was nervous. After the mac and cheese disappointment in the frozen dinner, but I had a craving for mac &amp; cheese and thought…and I thought right! It did not turn out to be a wonderful creation. I added too much water, which was not hot enough. My noodles did not want to cook. *sigh* I almost gave up, and then I got the brilliant idea. I drained the cheese juice and put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. I then added 1tsp of reduced fat parmesan cheese and 1tsp molly mcbutter cheese flavored sprinkles. Success. I am happy to say that my desire for mac &amp; cheese was fulfilled. I will be adding more of these to my list!<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><strong>Desserts/Snacks:</strong></h1><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Orange Crème Bar</span>&nbsp;– I don’t eat orange cream so I was not sure what to expect. It did have a nice creamy orange flavor and it was a really good serving size.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Carrot Cake</span>&nbsp;– I LOVE carrot cake. I could eat it every day. In my quest for healthy eating I have tried every healthy version known to man. Some were fabulous, others were an epic fail. Success! It is a little heavier than a normal carrot cake. I love that it had a great smell and the spice flavor was heaven. This little cake was even full of walnut bits! The icing was just right (not a fan of overly sweet icing) and this will be a regular staple in my house! This would be something I would order al a carte after I was done with the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger program.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">White Chocolate Chunk Cookie&nbsp;</span>– I want cookie, I got cookie. You would never know it was “healthy”.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Cheese Puffs&nbsp;</span>– When I was on Nutriystem as a teen I remember ordering these cheese puffs and they were on my list more often than not. These are nothing like I remember. More air than cheese flavor.<br /><br /><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Buffalo Wing Pretzel&nbsp;<span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">Bit</span></span><span _mce_style="color: #993366;" style="color: #993366;">s</span>&nbsp;– These are my new favorite thing! I am a huge fan of “buffalo” and anything Cajun spicy. At first they tasted like any old pretzel, but then the flavor it. Try them, and be ready for it!<br /><br /><strong>Ok folks.</strong>&nbsp;There you have it.&nbsp; I am going to try to do shorter posts during the week with the food reviews until I have reviewed everything I have ordered. That way the posts will not be so long!!<br /><br />Thank you for hanging out with me all this time.<br /><br /><strong>Disclosure</strong>: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.<br /><br />Also there is NO compensation AT ALL for any of the other products I may have mentioned. It’s just my opinions.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11841809686018255812011-01-30T07:05:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.341-04:00How to Stop Procrastination – An Easy Three-Step Process For Overcoming Procrastination Fast<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/29/3-easy-tips-to-help-you-manage-your-to-do-list/" target="_blank">Since yesterday's blog was about time management</a>, I thought today would be a good day to talk about procrastination. This tends to be my problem quite often. Instead of working on homework A or project X first, I put it off. It always seems to be the project I put off is the one that takes me the longest to do. &nbsp;I seriously need some better organization and time management.<br /><br />So today's article is also brought to you by <a href="http://www.ladypens.com/" target="_blank">Lady Pens</a>. If you have time you should check those ladies out. They have a lot of quick-read articles and I have found so many useful tips the last couple of days.<br /><br />Enjoy your Sunday!<br /><br /><br /><h1><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/how-to-stop-procrastination-an-easy-three-step-process-for-overcoming-procrastination-fast/" target="_blank">How to Stop Procrastination – An Easy Three-Step Process For Overcoming Procrastination Fast</a></h1><br />So you’ve been procrastinating again. And chances are you’re beating yourself up about it. Stop that right now. Overcoming procrastination can be a challenge, but if you read this article and act on it, you’ll discover a secret that will make it much easier to stop procrastinating and take action.<br /><br />Think about it. When you think about your to do list, how do you feel? Does it make you feel overwhelmed? Chances are that it has simply far too many things on it.<br /><br />I’ve been there. In fact, I often have the same problem. But my economic survival depends on getting over it, so I’ve found a few things that help. And there’s one thing in particular.<br /><br /><strong>1) Get rid of your huge to-do list</strong><br /><br />You know what I’m talking about: Your huge to-do list that has far more things on it than you could ever complete in a week. And you feel overwhelmed. No wonder you’re procrastinating. That’s your body telling you that you’ve cut off more than you can chew.<br /><br /><strong>So what do you do? Get rid of it.</strong><br /><br />Well, not entirely, but take a few minutes and sit down and go over it. Then pick out a couple of items that really have to get done. Then pick one of those that you can do easily if only you take the time to do it. Start a NEW to-do list and put that item on it.<br /><br />Add item two and three as well and then put the other list aside. Finally, start another new list and only add item number one.<br /><br /><strong>2) Focus on item number one</strong><br /><br />So now you have just one item on your to-do list, you can focus on just one task at a time. Sure, people are singing the praises of multi-tasking, but research as well as experience have shown that it just doesn’t work. So put all the other stuff aside, even item two and three, and just focus on item number one.<br /><br /><strong>3) Divide and conquer</strong><br /><br />If that first item is too big, break it down into steps, and line them up underneath item one. Then tackle step one and cross it off once it’s done. Next, do step two. And so on. The divide and conquer approach makes overcoming procrastination a breeze.<br /><br />In fact, before you know it, you’ll have completed item number one. Give yourself a pat on the back, a break, and maybe a cup of coffee or another reward. Then go on to item number two and repeat the above process.<br /><br />And if you’d like more help with overcoming procrastination, you’re invited to claim Elisabeth Kuhn’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.easyeft.info/" target="_balnk">FREE introduction to EFT</a> (Emotional Freedom Technique), which is highly effective for helping you stop procrastinating.<br /><br />To claim your free guide, click here now:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.easyeft.info/" target="_balnk">http://EasyEFT.info</a><br /><h3>Last 5 posts by Elisabeth Kuhn</h3><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/traffic-dashboard-kim-roach-a-review/">Traffic Dashboard (Kim Roach): A Review</a> - December 18th, 2010</li><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/extra-income-for-retirees-starting-a-home-based-business-could-be-the-perfect-solution/">Extra Income For Retirees - Starting a Home Based Business Could Be the Perfect Solution</a> - September 24th, 2010</li><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/writing-for-money-three-ways-to-get-started-making-money-writing-on-the-internet/">Writing For Money - Three Ways to Get Started Making Money Writing on the Internet</a> - September 24th, 2010</li><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/manifesting-abundance-which-money-blocks-are-holding-you-back-and-what-can-you-do/">Manifesting Abundance - Which Money Blocks Are Holding You Back and What Can You Do?</a> - July 14th, 2010</li><li><a href="http://www.ladypens.com/anger-management-techniques-five-strategies-to-take-control-of-your-anger-quickly/">Anger Management Techniques - Five Strategies to Take Control of Your Anger Quickly</a> - July 14th, 2010</li></ul><br /><h2>This is a Free Reprint Article</h2><br />You are welcome to publish this article on your website, blog, ezine (free of cost) as long as the author's resource information remains intact and all links remain live and clickable. This article may be published offline in print, provided the author's name and full link to the author's website are both included. Copyright is reserved by author. Read our full<a href="http://www.ladypens.com/terms-of-service/">Terms of Service</a>.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86460774809030516632011-01-29T07:05:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.344-04:003 Easy Tips to Help You Manage Your To-Do List<strong>I am running very short on time today</strong>. Just spent my entire morning cleaning house. Big M is sick and being a big baby. I just love (sarcasm coming...) &nbsp;how when I am sick he just leaves everything for me to do and it all piles up. So, when I feel better, there it is waiting for me. *ugh* So, it has gotten to the point now that even when I am sick, I never take a day off. Ever. When he is sick he reverts back to being 5 and expects to be coddled and picked up after and taken care of. What part of "I dont have time" does he not understand. I was sick for the last 3 weeks. Did my world stop? No.<br /><br />I am just so fed up with some of his behaviors. I find myself starting to treat him the way he has treated me the last few years. I don't like it, but its the only way I can make him understand. I believe in equal partnership and therefore all chores should be shared.<br /><br />Anyway, I know we are all having some time management issues the last week or so. I wanted to share an article I got in my email from <a href="http://www.ladypens.com/" target="_blank">Lady Pens</a><br /><br />I hope you guys enjoy your Saturday. I am about to head in the shower and later today go pick up lil m. Her birthday is tomorrow, she will be 6. So we have an adventurous weekend. I think tonight we will all stay in and make homemade chicken noodle soup.<br /><h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>3 Easy Tips to Help You Manage Your To-Do List</strong></h1><br /><strong>Posted By&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rhonda White</span> On January 21, 2011 @ 4:18 pm In&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Business - Home Based</span>,&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Time Management</span></strong><br /><br />It’s so easy to get side-tracked when we fail to sit down and write out a specific to-do list. We end up wasting hours away during our business work hours.&nbsp; And consider this…if you were to get paid for all those lost hours, you might be a millionaire!<br /><br /><em>There seems to be two main extremities among business managers…</em><br /><br />Those that suffer in utter chaos (you know, constantly looking for that lost file on the computer, a forgotten password, or notes scribbled on some little piece of paper somewhere — “It was right there yesterday! Really it was!”<br /><br />On the other side of the coin, there are those that seem to fly through their day.&nbsp; They accomplish so much (it makes your head swirl), and stunningly enough…they even manage to have spare time to get a manicure and read their favorite book.&nbsp; They thrive abundantly in an organized, stress-free manner.&nbsp; Best of all, they don’t have to rush and burn the midnight hours away trying to get caught up.<br /><br />The choice between the two options is really up to us. We all have the same 24 hours every day to get things done, and how we manage to use those 24 hours each day makes a real difference in our business and our home life.&nbsp; As you work from home, it’s more important than ever to organize your business tasks or you may find yourself working endless hours (and addicted to coffee).<br /><br /><strong>Here’s 3 Easy Tips to Help You Manage Your To-Do List:<br /></strong><br /><br /><strong>1. Make a master list. </strong>Create a master list<strong> </strong>of everything you need to accomplish for the entire week.&nbsp; Next, begin to break down your list into a daily “to-do” schedule. When you plan early the tasks that need to be done, you allow yourself more time to accomplish them without being bogged down or overwhelmed.<br /><br /><em>Example:</em> If you’re creating a new report, you can plan to create an outline on Monday, do necessary research on Tuesday, write ten pages on Wednesday, write ten more pages on Thursday, proofread and add final touches on Friday.<br /><br /><strong>*A couple of tips:</strong> Keep in mind those days that are quite hectic and schedule less tasks.&nbsp; Also, determine when your energy is higher and schedule larger tasks that require more focus during those times.<br /><br /><strong>2.&nbsp; Schedule every task (smaller ones as well).</strong> Each task needs to be accounted for, such as responding to email, planning product development, managing your marketing plan, researching, managing your website, tending to customer service, attending meetings, traveling time, dealing with other employees, etc.<br /><br />Scheduling all minor and major tasks allows you to see the whole picture which will help you manage your time better.&nbsp; It’s important to allow yourself&nbsp;<em>adequate</em> time to accomplish those tasks as well as trying to stick to the schedule that you’ve set so that you don’t find yourself lagging behind. You need to feel small steps of success and not constant failure.<br /><br /><strong>3.&nbsp; Determine how much time you have to dedicate for each of your business activities</strong>.&nbsp; Keep a realistic view on your available time. As I said earlier, you want to allow yourself&nbsp;<em>adequate</em> time to complete each task. Also ask the question, “Are there some tasks that could be completely eliminated because they’re not actually productive for your business?”<br /><br />As your business grows, you may need to outsource more tasks.&nbsp; Outsourcing is absolutely a positive action for your business.&nbsp; As you expand your home business, your position as CEO will become more defined as you outsource all the smaller tasks and your main focus now becomes overseeing all the major decisions and planning of your business.<br /><br />Rhonda White is a Christian Work-at-Home Mom. To learn more about managing your home business and keep you motivated, grab your free membership on her blog at&nbsp;<a href="http://mommyrevenue.com/" rel="external">MommyRevenue.com</a> <sup>[1]</sup>.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59940138890450848742011-01-28T16:42:00.001-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.518-05:00Divine Appointments by Charlene Ann Baumbich<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><iframe _mce_src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=B003EI2EE0" _mce_style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=B003EI2EE0" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Divine-Appointments-Novel-Snowglobe-Connections/dp/0307444724?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Divine Appointments</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=0307444724" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is the second book by Charlene Ann Baumbich in the Snowglobe series.</strong>&nbsp;I wonder, had I read the first book if perhaps this one would have been any different. In reading other’s reviews I learned that some of the characters from the first book show up in the second book. Often, when this happens there are things about the character that would make things look differently to a reader if they read the first book.<br /><br />One time in our life I suppose we were all told “never judge a book by its cover” and I try to live by that standard. However, I do love a beautiful cover and I have to say that the artwork on this book is absolutely adorable. It is one of those that you can actually see as a small printed, matted and hung.<br /><br />Sadly, that was my favorite part of the book. I felt that this book was just average. I did enjoy that it was a story that so many could relate to. The book has loneliness, job loss, career moves, honest friendships, and even some sad memories that linger on. The author did a great job in reaching out to write about characters that were a little older. I can’t say I read too many books about single 47 year older, or anyone like Josie for that matter. Josie was cute and she was my favorite character. There are a lot of executive and high power woman that can relate to her.<br /><br />Josie has built her life around her career. She remains single, has very few belongings, and even fewer friends. She has one brother, who lives in France and he is only talked about a few times through the book. Josie never lets herself get attached. She takes contract work so she can travel from state to state, only staying long enough to complete her job at these large corporations.<br /><br />When she lands a contract with Diamond Mutual she has no idea that her life is about to change. &nbsp;It is here that the characters are built. Many of the characters are work related, and although all interesting in their own right, it was hard to follow along when the chapters would stop in the middle and go on to discuss something or someone else. This made it hard to follow for me. You would just get in to the scene only to have it stop abruptly and be whisked away someplace else. For me the choppiness was more distracting than good.<br /><br /><strong>Disclaimer:&nbsp;</strong>.I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. This does not influence my words for the review. These words are mine, and mine alone; my own thoughts, ideas, and opinions. I was not paid to give a positive or a negative review.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72756287017894094812011-01-28T06:47:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.611-04:00Need to Break this Crazy Cycle<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/chriscrap_prev_crazyday.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1407" title="chriscrap_prev_crazyday" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/chriscrap_prev_crazyday-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a> I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I know it’s not writers block because here I am writing. I just have no ambition to write for “them”. Maybe it’s the lack I titles I am interested in, or maybe I just got burnt out working so much to take care of everything around here. Right now I don’t really have an income. I have not been writing for upfront payment. I have been spending quite a bit of time writing for myself either here on my blog or for residual. I like it so much better. But, I need some upfront money. I can’t seem to doing title selecting either. I always made pretty good money doing that but once they separated regular ehow and ehow h&amp;g the well runs dry more often than not. I can’t sit here and stalk titles all day; I have other things to do. I am sure it is just a matter of time before they take my privileges away from me. I NEED to write I just don’t WANT to. So I am not sure how to go about getting my mind reset. Then, there is school. I cringe at the thought of it. I have a stack of books piled up that are waiting on a review to be done.... <strong>I wake up around 7am every day (actually before, this is when I finally get out of bed).</strong> I make coffee, visit with Big M before he goes to work, then I sit down and have breakfast. Usually I am eating while doing my daily chit-chat on my school blackboard for my participation points. Since I started doing Nutrisystem I told myself I should be allowed to sit down and enjoy my breakfast while watching something I have on the DVR. So I have been doing that this week. Then I head to my office and start school. Every few hours the dogs have to go outside. Then there is the preparation of lunch, and later in the day, dinner. So I do take a few breaks here and there. The last couple of days I have had to force myself to take time to exercise. Most of my day is spent here in the office. I am in here from 9-10am till about 7-10pm depending on what is going on. I don’t get to sleep until after 1am even though I am in bed by midnight. I can’t get my brain to stop thinking about everything I still have to do. Then there is the frequent waking for trips to the bathroom. It seems like a downward spiral I am going on. I feel tired and run down ALL the time. I don’t know how to get off this schedule and still get everything done. Once upon a time I was organized; I don’t know what happen. <strong>My schedule needs to include: </strong>a workout, 3 meals of food prep, taking the dogs out, school, writing for upfront payment and writing for residual. Then there is the social networking. Of course somewhere in there I have to find time to shower! Somehow I need to figure it out. I need to get more than 3-5 hours of sleep. This is just not cutting it. I am hoping that when these 2 classes end in 2 weeks and the next 2 start that perhaps the workload for those won’t be like the 2 I have now. Since this is supposed to be my last semester, these are my toughest classes so I doubt that is going to happen. After the next 2, I have 3 to take. I know I can’t keep going like this until June. My life is crazy. I used to be organized and have great time management. What happened? Where did that girl go? On that note I must pull myself away and hit the treadmill.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89361710209496220192011-01-27T07:32:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.909-04:00American Idol and Chris Medina<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:American_Idol_logo.svg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Former logo of American Idol from 2002 to 2008." height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/87/American_Idol_logo.svg/300px-American_Idol_logo.svg.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:American_Idol_logo.svg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><b><br /></b><br /><br /><strong>Season 10</strong>. Wow. I can remember the very first episode. Where has the time gone?<br /><br />Thinking back, I don’t think I ever really wrote much about American Idol. Or, at all. This episode deserves a few words; from me and the rest of the world.<br /><br /><strong>I had to set the DVR to record American Idol.</strong> I have the first few episodes on my laptop that I have yet to watch. This morning I decided to actually sit down and enjoy my breakfast instead of doing homework or working while I eat. I debated about what to watch, The Biggest Loser, some Ghost Hunters International, other random shows, or American Idol. I figured since they were still doing auditions it would not be a big deal to watch it before watching the others.<br /><br />So, I got in my comfy spot on the couch, ate my wonderful Nutrisystem breakfast, enjoyed my Hazelnut coffee and let the television roll. Because it is on the DVR I can fast forward through commercials and the stuff that makes me yawn. Of course, there is not too much of that on AI.<br /><br />I am going through the whole show, couple of girls with that raspy rock store voice that I love. Their voices reminded me of the “Black Velvet” Alannah Myles days…or better yet, one of my all time favorite female vocalist, Janis Joplin.<br /><br /><strong>Every season there is that one person with a back story that makes them stand out in the crowd</strong>. Sometimes they are the terrible singer of the bunch and sometimes they make it to Hollywood. But this episode, nothing really stood out. It is the last 5 minutes of the show and they are recapping those that made it through. I was just about to turn the TV off and get to work when they announced one more person. Chris Medina. I guess it was the save the best for last method. And boy did they!<br /><br /><strong>When you first start to hear his story you think”oh that’s sweet he is so in love”</strong> then he starts talking and my first instinct was he was going to tell us she had passed away. That was not the case here folks.&nbsp; This man is 26 years old. He and his fiancé have been together for 8years. They have been engaged for over 2 years. A while back ago she was in a sever car accident which left her with significant brain damage and skull injuries. After weeks in a coma, Chris’s prayers were answered when she woke.<br /><br />American Idol Chris Medina Audition <br /><br />You can tell as he is talking that his man is even more in love with her than he was 8 years ago. Her mother and he are her caregivers.<strong> He STILL wants to marry her.</strong><br /><br />In a world where people are quick to run when life gets tough, here is a man that shows us that there is still a lot of good left in this world.<br /><br />Chris has an amazing voice. I am sure he will go far. He has a story that has touched millions.<br /><br />All I know is Karma is on his side and he has a full life ahead of him.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSXbWffIw4Q">Here is a video shot on what was to be there wedding day. He wrote a song for her while she was in the hospital.</a><br /><br /><strong>For more information about Chris</strong>: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OfficialChrisMedina" target="_blank">Chris Medina Facebook </a><br /><br /><strong>Information about his band</strong>: <a href="http://www.theablebody.com/" target="_blank">The Able Body </a><br /><br /><strong>To donate to The Juliana Foundation</strong> : <a href="http://www.laurusfoundation.org/help-juliana-ramos.php" target="_blank">For Juliana </a><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=1c6b285f-b368-46b0-92ba-c5237fbb2b02" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64471347807149067952011-01-26T16:38:00.005-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.613-04:00#NSNation Nutrisystem Day 3<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/nsnation-nutrisystem-days-1-and-2-part_26.html">This is a continuation of Day 1 &amp; 2 (part of 3)</a><br /><br />I got word yesterday that there are&nbsp;<strong>FOUR&nbsp;</strong>new items on the Nutrisystem menu and they are being sent out so that I can try them. I love trying new things so I am excited to have these come.<br /><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">They are:</span><br /><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Scrambled_Eggs_Vegetables.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Scrambled_Eggs_Vegetables.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Breakfast:</span></div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">Scrambled eggs with vegetables (oh....eggsss.....how I love you so!)</div><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Wedding_Soup.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Wedding_Soup.jpg"><br /></a><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_PBJ_Bar.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_PBJ_Bar.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Lunch:</span><br /><strong>Italian wedding soup</strong>&nbsp;(I LOVE Wedding Soup! I can't wait to try this one!)<br /><strong>PB + jelly bar&nbsp;</strong>(Huge fan of PB - not so much the J. It is rare I eat PB&amp;J, so this will be interesting)</div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Popcorn.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/297x220_Popcorn.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><span _mce_style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Dessert:</span><br /><strong>Buttered popcorn</strong>&nbsp;(I am deeply attached to my little&nbsp;kernels&nbsp;and air popper. I can have 1c popped as a free food and free foods are limited to 2-3 per day. So, I am not sure this will be something I will use for dessert, but it will be fun trying it out.)</div><br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="font-size: 1.5em; text-align: center;">Oh happy, happy, joy, joy! There are more eggs! I will review these items once I try them.</h2><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><span _mce_style="color: #008000;" style="color: green;">Now, for today’s meals (Wednesday January 26).</span></h1><span _mce_style="color: #008000;" style="color: green;"><br /></span><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito (Frozen)</strong><br /><strong>Hello eggs, how are you doing today?</strong>&nbsp;I am doing great myself.&nbsp; I pulled this baby out of the freezer, popped it in the microwave and counted down until I could sit down with my water (protein powder), coffee, ½ banana and my breakfast burrito. I joyfully chomped my first bite. Big M goes “well how is it?” To which I scrunch my face and go “There’s BEANS in my breakfast burrito!” Yes, beans. What? I have had a lot of BB’s in my time, but never with beans!! That’s for lunch and dinner. So, I ran back into the kitchen, looked at the picture on the package. Sure enough, there are a few little beans poking out of the egg mixture. Weird. Despite having to get over the fact there were beans in my breakfast, Nutrisystem gets a two thumbs up on this one. Although looking at the eggs they had a weird texture to them, the beans and the seasoning was spot on for a nice Mexican flavor. I think this would be even better with a dash of my liquid of choice: Kens Red Hot! If you love the flavors of Mexico, you won’t be disappointed with this goodie.<br /><br /><strong>Lunch: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Toasted Ham and Cheese</strong><br /><strong>Read the directions silly</strong>&nbsp;(yes, I do talk to myself often), it states TOASTER OVEN or OVEN. Ugh. I don’t have a toaster oven. I also don’t really care to turn my oven on for this little…umm…what is this? Do I call it a pocket? A sandwich? Both? It reminds me of a different shaped hot pocket or even better, it really resembles the shape and size of a pop tart. OH! I can put it in the toaster. Yes. Nooooo I forgot my toaster has been weird and I need to toss it and get out the other one.<br /><br />Uhhhhhhhhh great. I want this. I want to eat it now. I am hungry and in the middle of homework. That’s OK.<br />Off in the micro it goes.<br /><br />Not a good idea. Now I have a hard toasted ham and cheese. I ate it anyway and chugged down water from the gallon jug I have been keeping in my office.<br /><br />Lesson learned. Now excuse me while I LOL all over the place and decide what I want for dinner while I exercise to Leslie Sansone: Walk Away the Pounds – 1 mile.<br /><br /><strong>Disclosure</strong>: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47816802367727541572011-01-26T16:35:00.006-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.615-04:00#NSNation Nutrisystem Day’s 1 and 2 (part of 3)<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0471653659&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I had originally planned to write the first day on&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/14/i-am-now-a-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation/" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/14/i-am-now-a-nutrisystem-blogger-nsnation/" target="_blank">Nutrisystem</a>&nbsp;to sort of let you know how it was going. As we all know, the first day of change is always the hardest. No one likes to break out of their comfort zone. &nbsp;This blog is going to be a little long, so please bear with me.<br /><br /><br /><strong>I have to admit, I have not exercised Monday or Tuesday</strong>. As I mentioned in a past blog:&nbsp;Just an Update-Why All the Pain?&nbsp;I explained what was going on with my shoulder problem, along with a back issue I will have forever. (Hence the need to lose weight and get strong, my chiro will thank me for it!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/09/just-update.html">Because of that shoulder injury and all the nerve damag</a>e I had, not to mention the medication I was on, there was no way I was going to get on the treadmill. There were days I could not even get out of bed, or even sit up in a chair. So, all the work I had put in on the C25k (downloaded the FREE app from itunes) went down the drain along with my motivation.<br /><br /><br />The nerves have healed, my shoulder better, my back is good although my hips being a little weird, I am still having a hard time getting back on the exercise track. So, I am pledging that as soon as I get this blog posted I am going to pop in Leslie Sansone: Walk Away the Pounds – 1 mile walk. Then, I am going to turn on&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.breakpal.com/affiliate/2392" href="http://www.breakpal.com/affiliate/2392" target="_blank">My Break Pal</a>&nbsp;so that I am getting more exercise and breaks while I am working. So (cross fingers) I am desperately trying to find my bottle of exercise motivation.<br /><br /><br />Big M and I have talked about joining the Y, but with his crazy schedule, mine, and all the exercise stuff we have here, I am having a hard time justifying the monthly cost.&nbsp; Besides I have always been an AM exerciser. Get it done and out of the way.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Monday’s Nutrisystem Menu:</span></h1><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;"><br /></span><br /><strong>Breakfast: Nutrisystem Advanced Chocolate Chip Scone</strong><br />This was pretty yummy and it really started my day off on the right foot. It was like having dessert first. I was not sure what I was supposed to do with it, so I ate it right out of the package. Reminded me of cookie dough. This is something I would eat again (and again)! Later it was mentioned others nuke it in the microwave for a few seconds.<br /><br /><strong>Lunch: Nutrisystem Three Cheese Pasta with Cheese</strong><br />This was even better than I remembered it. Good chunks of chicken, nice cheesy sauce. My only problem was I could not see the water fill line on the container and put too much water in there, so my sauce was a tad runny. When I was on Nutrisystem in the past, there was always some sort of variation of cheese pasta, so I was sure this one would not disappoint me. This one stays on the list to order next month.<br /><br /><strong>Dinner: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Glazed Chicken Tenders</strong><br />When I buy frozen healthy meals, I tend to stick to the ones that have no vegetables. I am not a fan of frozen vegetables so I was a little disappointed to see half of my container had green beans in it. I LOVE green beans and will eat a can daily if I could, but not frozen. No way, no how. So, my dogs got the beans. Green beans are vet approved and they are supposed to be on a diet too! I honestly felt that this dish did not have much flavor. It was really blah. I had to doctor it up with some pepper. The rice was ok, but it had that pasta el dente texture, which I am not a fan of. So, this one, I would rather not have again, but there is another one in my freezer. I guess I am going to have to check the forums for a recipe idea.<br /><br /><strong>Dessert: Nutrisystem Nacho Crisps</strong><br />I love, love, LOVE nacho Doritos. Hmmmmm I can feel them crunching in my mouth now. I will even eat the baked/better for me version. I just love them. So I was excited to try these little gems. I tried the first one, and I thought I was going to crunch my ear drum right out of my ear. If you are looking for crunch, these babies have it. The first few were very yummy. However, when you get a few into the bag, the texture and taste start to get a little weird. After a few more there was a weird taste in my mouth. Not bad, just weird. I had to really sit here at think about these while I was eating them. I did head to the Nutrisystem forums to see what others had said. I found some really good ideas (eat with the chili, dab some FF sour cream on them, use salsa) so I will have to try it. These are just too good to pass up and I will be ordering these again.<br /><br /><strong>The rest of my day was filled with vegetables and fruit.</strong>&nbsp;I ate everything pretty much as is. Sadly, I did get a little twitchy as the day went on. This is the hard part about breaking bad habits and starting new ones. I broke, went off plan and had some peanut butter. *sigh* Made me feel sad inside that I could not even get through ONE day. But, it was a huge adjustment for my body. So, I still felt good that I ate great food and many things that were good for me.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><span _mce_style="color: #339966;" style="color: #339966;">Tuesday’s Nutrisystem Menu:</span></h1><strong>Breakfast: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Ham and Cheese Omelet</strong><br />Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE eggs. Fried, scrambled, omelet, poached or boiled it does not matter. Plain, with cheese, with lean meat, vegetables, or just salt and pepper. I want them. So I was really excited to try this Omelet. It was a nice size and fit my salad size plate well. It reminded me of eggbeaters. The ham was diced really small and for diet cheese, I was surprised it did not have that fake plastic taste.&nbsp; I did add a little pepper and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I found myself really making the connection to portion sizes and I said to Big M “I can make this!!” and I quickly wrote myself a little recipe to have handy after I am done with the program.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Lunch: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Margarita Pizza</strong><br />Yes, I am a pizza-holic. When I was on Nutrisystem as a teen, this was one of those items I would get 2-3 of a week. Not this exact one, just the pizza in general. I remember the girls would giggle and ask me if I was sure I did not want to try something new. Sadly, I wanted to love this pizza and couldn’t. I did like the crust, it really reminded me of my favorite delivery pizza. Nice and crisp, had sort of a butter texture to it. But I did not care to much for the toppings.&nbsp; The ricotta and herb cheese had no flavor, the marinara was bland (maybe I should have put some oregano and Italian seasoning on it), and I felt there could have been more tomatoes to give it some punch. If I was making my menu for next month, I am undecided about this one.<br /><br /><strong>Dinner: Nutrisystem (Frozen) Turkey Medallions</strong><br />My opinion on this one is much like Mondays chicken dinner. The container had a lot of frozen vegetables which ended up in the trash. I did give them the benefit of the doubt since it was carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. I sprayed a little butter spray on there and a dash of pepper. It was no help. I had many 5 chunks of turkey and a few spoons of gravy. I was not really please with the flavor either. I had made Big M open faced hot turkey sandwich with a turkey dinner kit we purchases. I was trying to make something similar for him while eating the groceries we still have in the house. I had to “cheat” as I had 3 pieces (110 cals) of Pepperidge Farm Very Thin Wheat Bread with some butter spray. I put the turkey and gravy on top of this. Then, I made some fresh okra (boiled) and some spinach. I know I was not suppose to have the bread since I am not one with 100 or more pounds to lose, but I did not know what else to do without wasting the turkey. I really do not care to have this meal again.<br /><br /><strong>Dessert: Chocolatey Nougat Bar with Peanuts and Caramel</strong><br />There really is only one word to describe this: YUM! I found it to have very good flavor despite being a weight loss bar. In the past other bars I have tried were flavorless and had a cardboard texture. This did require some water, but I can say this will be on my list of favorites. It has just enough chocolate sweetness, peanut butter, and caramel taste that even satisfy a chocoholic like me.<br /><br />Later this night I felt I should not have eaten that bread. I think it triggered my brain to search out more carbs and I ended up with crackers in my mouth before I went to bed.<br /><br /><h1 style="font-size: 2em;"><span _mce_style="color: #ff00ff;" style="color: magenta;">*sigh*</span></h1>I really am trying. I promise!<br /><br /><strong>Ok, this catches me up to today’s food, which I am going to put in a new post.</strong>&nbsp;I am going to try to post a Nutrisystem blog a day so that I can review the foods I am eating. If I have already reviewed it, I won’t write about it. So, right now, the blogs will be a little longer. By next month I will likely be ordering the same foods so it will just be a matter of telling you how well (or bad) I am doing.<br /><br /><strong>Disclosure</strong>: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31484292118232136762011-01-25T11:09:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.911-04:00What Inspires You to Write?<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medieval_writing_desk.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Medieval illustration of a Christian scribe wr..." height="299" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Medieval_writing_desk.jpg/300px-Medieval_writing_desk.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medieval_writing_desk.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><strong>Today’s Topic: What inspires you to write?</strong><br /><br />You could share:<br /><ul><li>why you started blogging</li><li>what inspired you to write in general</li><li>what inspired a specific post you've shared</li></ul><br /><strong>I was up against a writer’s block brick wall today.</strong> I have not been overly excited about the topics the Ultimate Blog Challenge owners have been emailing out, so once in a while I write about whatever I am feeling at the moment. I was going good in terms of ideas and topics, and I wanted to continue the writing series I was doing, but<br /><strong> BAM!</strong><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br />I hit that proverbial brick wall.<br /><br />Darn it.<br /><br />*sigh*<br /><br />So I am going to use this writing prompt to get today’s blog going.<br /><br /><strong>I started blogging around 2004. </strong>I was not very serious about it, more or less just a bunch of useless ramblings. Then Yahoo! launched their 360 social networking and blogging site. First, I was able to connect with all my Yahoo! friends that I chatted with in IM. I would blog while I was bored at work. At home talking about life, and in the middle of the night when I could not sleep.<br /><br /><strong>Then, we would connect with each other’s friends until we had 100s.</strong> To date this is still be best blogging experience of my life. Blogging allowed us to connect with people we would have never crossed paths with in life. We blogged to connect, we blogged to share our stories, we blogged to share life.<br /><br /><strong>There are many people from 360 Blogville that I am still friends with today</strong>. Yahoo! had terrible TOS and after about a year, people would get deleted with no warning, accounts froze; it was a literal hell for a while. So, we all then jumped on the MySpace bandwagon. MySpace rocked my world. I was able to unite with Irish people all over the world. It opened up even a larger world for me than 360 ever did.<br /><br /><strong>I lost 3 very good friends</strong> to various forms of death and MySpace never looked the same to me. Long gone were the days of staying up till 3am with my best friend(s) looking for that perfect graphic for our rounds of comments (damn insomnia). I venture there, but don’t really blog anymore.<br /><br />I have gone through a few blogger.com blogs, finally staying parked a few years ago and importing 5 years of blogs, then later moving to self-hosting Word Press.<br /><br /><strong>I blog because I love writing.</strong> I love the social interaction that it sometimes brings. I like for people to know that someone else out there may be going through what they are going through and they are not alone. I have a voice and I intend to use it. I blog about life, work, school, and everything else I can think of. I write because it sooths my soul. It is my form of therapy.<br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=c77b9ddc-c888-4957-a730-7d302b4e40c9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12327725450463753992011-01-24T16:34:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:01:39.626-04:00Living with Someone who has Mental Health Disorders<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Panic-attack.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Panic Attack or Anxiety PTSD" height="225" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/Panic-attack.jpg/300px-Panic-attack.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Panic-attack.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">I was told once that a&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.examiner.com/depression-in-detroit/how-to-know-if-you-re-depressed" href="http://www.examiner.com/depression-in-detroit/how-to-know-if-you-re-depressed">person suffering from depression</a>&nbsp;does not know they are clinically depressed and would otherwise not claim themselves to be such.<br /><br /><strong><a _mce_href="http://www.examiner.com/depression-in-detroit/what-not-to-say-to-someone-who-is-depressed" href="http://www.examiner.com/depression-in-detroit/what-not-to-say-to-someone-who-is-depressed">I beg to differ.</a></strong><br /><br />I wondered what it would be like to live with someone who suffers from mental health disorders.<br /><br />Imagine how it feels when you wake up in the morning and that person is you.<br /><br />Not a day goes by where I don’t question the relationship I am in.<br /><br />I self destruct, often.<br /><br /><a _mce_href="http://www.examiner.com/depression-in-detroit/physical-pains-of-depression" href="http://www.examiner.com/depression-in-detroit/physical-pains-of-depression">I am depressed. Is/am/are/was/were.</a>&nbsp;I suffer from reoccurring major clinical depression. It is not fun. I am medicated, but that is not a cure, it is only a tool to help deal with it. I tend to fade in and out of a depressive state and I never know when it is going to happen.<br /><br />Over the years I have figured out there are things that trigger it, so I try my best to not walk down those paths.<br />I also have suffered through eating disorders; I have PTSD, bouts of insomnia, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/default.htm" rel="webmd" target="_blank" title="Anxiety Panic">panic attacks</a>, and anxiety disorders.<br /><br />My life is draining me.<br /><br />I keep trying to put my best foot forward, only to find out I have bit off more than I can chew. The end result is me disappointing someone (usually him) because I can’t do something, go somewhere, or I just end up in bed sleeping.<br /><br />I am confused by life. I don’t see how anyone could love someone as broken as me. I often think he would be better off without me so that he does not have to carry the burden of my illness. I feel bad that I have to cancel things and he goes alone. Then, he has to explain once again while I am not there. So I no longer have to let him down, I have thought more than once about leaving.<br /><br />Maybe I am better off alone instead of making someone else suffer right along with me.<br /><br />I did not ask for these problems and I wish I did not have them.<br /><br />I only wish everyone else around &nbsp;me could/would understand.<br /><br />Just once I would like to wake up in the morning and feel normal.</div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=308539be-f1dc-4254-93da-af85633e39f2" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37500876438271537562011-01-23T00:02:00.001-05:002011-06-28T20:35:51.173-04:00Things to Ask Yourself before You Start a Freelance Writing Career<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FLOW_CHART_-_LATEST.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Traditional freelance writer work system." height="388" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/FLOW_CHART_-_LATEST.jpg/300px-FLOW_CHART_-_LATEST.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FLOW_CHART_-_LATEST.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday and<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/21/writingforreason" target="_self"> the day before </a>we talked about freelance writing.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Really we just touched on the subject.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Today, its question time.</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">23 Things to Ask Yourself before You Start a Freelance Writing Career</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you are looking for ways to make money at home doing freelance writing, you really need to sit down and make a list.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>1. How much time can I devote?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Timing is everything. I do not look at it in terms of cents per word, but rather dollars per hour.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>2. Do I like writing?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If no, you may need to seek other work at home employment. Writing is not easy and it can get pretty tedious.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>3. Is this long term or short term?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If short term, up front, quick payments might be best for you.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If long term, setting up your own website, blog, and revenue share sites might be best for you.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>4. How well can I meet deadlines?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Private clients, content sites and magazines all have deadlines!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">When writing for yourself you have to make sure the work gets done!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>5. Can I get the job done?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone has guidelines and rules to follow.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>6. How much money do I need to make?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Figuring out your budget will help guide you with a monthly/weekly income goal.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>7. Do I have to have upfront payments?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If yes, look at private clients, magazines, and content.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If no, head in the blogging or revenue share direction.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>8. Should I look at writing as an investment on my future?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If yes, seek revenue share.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Get a grip on AdSense and affiliates.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>9. Can I handle criticism?</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If no, you should stick to writing for yourself (blogs, revenue share)</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If yes, then the other options are good for you. Editors DO speak their minds.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What are some other things I/You/We should be asking?</strong></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=782a25f3-4603-48fe-b066-e19cca9fa2b8" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85623320032300547772011-01-22T00:47:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.913-04:00Writing for a Reason Part 2<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/21/writingforreason" target="_blank">Yesterday I started talking about how my little writing world is changing</a>. Today I wanted to post the message that I posted on the WPLH forum regarding revenue share writing.<br /><br />(mind you, I don’t really use proper grammar when writing in the forums)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The deal with rev sites really is, you get what you put in to them.</strong></div><br /><br /><br />This post is geared more towards newbies who might be lurking in to read more about rev share, niche sites, and their own blogs or content sites.<br /><br /><strong> I am all for making your own niche site, keeping 100% of the profits.</strong> That's awesome. But for someone like me, I don't have a niche. I could take my blog and divide it out for all the different topics (niches) but that would take too much time to try to self promote all these different sites. Been there, done that.<br /><br /><strong> For me, it's not worth it.</strong> At least not right now. I don't have time. I would like to say that maybe I would do it in the future, but again, I am stuck with not really having a niche.<br /><br /><strong> I enjoy my blog.</strong> My life as a writer is my own niche. I promote it, I use ads and it grows daily. I promote it as much as time allows. DS helps me with that since it is now a part of their syndicated network. I have also applied to some other syndication networks. This is what I like to do. Write about whatever.<br /><br /><br />I have other fiction and self help ideas in the works, but those will come after I graduate college. I just don't have the time to start any new, big projects right now.<br /><br /><br />After 2 years of being 80% of our household income, <strong>I no longer have to bust my rear end writing my fingers off to pay bills.</strong> Now, I can spend time working on whatever I want; only needing to make enough money for a couple bills that are mine, and household items.<br /><br />So, I write for <strong>clients, myself, couple magazine, and a few sites in order to have money to spend</strong>. I write on the <strong>rev share sites because I like it</strong>. I actually find them a lot of<strong> fun</strong>. There are things about <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a> I enjoy. The more I play on <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">Hubpages</a>, the more I really like it. It is fun! I know a lot of people will wonder how "work" can be so much fun, and it is hard for me to describe. I just love the look and feel of the website. I like how you create your "hub" and I love all the information on the forums. They also have a wonder tutorial program for newbies.<br /><br /><br /><strong> I don't have to do them, but I want to.</strong> Because most of these websites are rather large on the internet, I don't have to worry about doing as much promotion as I would if I had my own niche site. I don't have enough content for one niche, so these websites allow me to write about ALL of the things i like. And, I don't mind sharing part of my income.<br /><br />I would do more rev share on DS, like a few here do, but I have a hard time finding topics I like.<br /><br />I find topics I like on these content sites, and then I end up with an article out of it I can put on rev share. I like titles I can get the most bang out of. Make sense?<br /><br />My rev articles really don't take me much time to write. Some of them are articles that were not accepted elsewhere or I felt the rewrite was not worth my time. Some of them are my own articles rewritten. Often, when I write one article, another stems off the subject. There are times when I am writing something for a topic I see on Helium, and I will bang out 4 others in the process. Taking only an hour of my time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank"> I have 150 articles on Helium. </a>I was submitting stuff quite frequently in 2009. A little in 2010, but the end of the year, nothing. This year I have submitted 3 items, book reviews, that I also have on my blogs. I make about<strong> $100</strong> average a month on there now. When I was writing all the time, it was more. It did drop for a while, but I have been suggesting titles and writing an empty title which gives me a few dollars bonus.<br /><br /><strong> I know a lot of people don't think that is a lot of money, but it was really easy work.</strong> I have a method to how I write my rev share articles (much like how Andie was writing her DS) so they really don't take much time out of my day. Any little bit I make from them is just a bonus.<br /><br />Is rev share sites for everyone? No. But they are a good option for those who don't really have one niche or don't want to deal with their own website.<br /><br />I would be happy with $1000 - $2000 a month in residual, and if it took me a 1000 articles to get there, no big deal to me because I know those 1000 wont take me long at all. My actual goal is to do 2 a day for <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">HP</a>. I may or may not rewrite and place the same article on <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a>. I would like to, but its more of a time constraint for me right now.<br /><br /><strong> I also understand some people need more money.</strong> A few years ago, I did. But, now I changed roles in my household, and my writing is for me. Its for the extra things we might want. Its no longer a have to, it is a want to. So that really has changed my outlook on how and why I write.<br /><br />The private client writing I do, I love. I don't even mind DS when they have something I like to write. So, thats my bread and butter. Everything else is just extra. When I am done with school I plan to focus more on my magazine writing, my fiction, my nonfiction and the rev share. My website- it’s going to be my own hub for all of it.<br /><br />I think when deciding where to write, whether it be rev share or content sites, you need to figure out why you are writing and how much do you need to make? How much time do you have? Those things will really put in to perspective what direction you want to go in.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45995711554897967532011-01-21T00:52:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.915-04:00Writing for a ReasonWhile discussing rev share sites on my favorite writing forum (<a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=126" target="_blank">Work Place Like Home</a>) I wrote a post about how things changed for me in terms of my views on how and why I write.<br /><br /><strong>When I first started this little adventure in 2009,</strong> I had no idea where I was going to go with it, but I knew I liked it and it paid my bills. At that time Big M had lost his job and unemployed was a back and forth issue. Even when he did get it, it was such a minimal amount that it became time for me to step up to the plate and take care of my little “family” so I became the head of the household.<br /><br /><strong>Writing was not easy.</strong> I tried to get Bit M in to it, but even as good as a creative writer he is, he just could not deal with content writing. So, I plugged along. I paid bills; I took care of him, lil M, the dogs, the kitten, the fish, and even the crabbies. I took care of household expenses; toiletries, personal items, clothing, and food. &nbsp;I put myself last. I was working as many hours as I could and still going to school full-time. What little social life I had to begin with took a serious nose dive (which I still have yet to come out of).<br /><br />Writing is <strong>NOT</strong> for everyone. I know there are a lot of people doing it just to make money. Generally, those are the people that get burnt out first.<br /><br />You really have to<strong> LIKE</strong> writing in order to stick to it long term.<br /><br />The main thing is to just have <strong>FUN</strong> with it.<br /><br />They always say the best jobs to have are the ones where you wake up in the morning and are excited to go to work every day because you enjoy what you do. Although I am not always excited about my days (mostly because of school) I do enjoy what I do (I used to be an Accountant).<br /><br /><strong>Last fall Big M was able to get a part time retail job. </strong>This helped a little bit with income. Since I was entering my last year in school, things were getting a lot tougher and much more time consuming in regards to homework. I HAD to cut back a bit on writing. I tried to do as much titling as I could to make up for it, but the well would run dry quite often. Of course, right before Christmas, that job went bye-bye.<br /><br />Let's flash forward to 2011.<br /><br /><strong>So far this year is off to a great start.</strong> Big M is back to work full-time, in the field he is going to school for (just waiting to finish his clinicals so he can graduate) and he is pretty much making enough money to carry the household load, which takes a lot of my shoulders. I still have my own bills (cell phone) to pay for, and I still take care of the household items, but the rest is him. WOO!<br /><br />I can now focus on my last (hopefully) semester of school.<br /><br /><strong>This has also given me some time to reevaluate my writing situation.</strong> In 2009 I started my revenue share experience at <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049" target="_blank">Helium</a>. It was a great experience for me. But, as I mentioned, I just did not have the time to devote to it. I could not work for “free”. I have managed to put 150 articles up since then. On a good month I make $100 in revenue, on a bad it’s about $20. I wonder what it would get to if I actually spent more time on there???<br /><br />Somewhere in there I managed a few magazine articles. Couple of private clients.<br /><br /><strong>I am not really burnt out with content writing</strong>; I just have not found any titles I WANT to write. So, I started looking back in to revenue share. I few sites I tested in the past and just did not like. So, after reading reviews I decided to go with <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan" target="_blank">HubPages</a>. I have a method to my article writing now.<br /><br />Now that I can divide my time between my blog, my revenue share and content for upfront payments, my writing outlook and schedule has changed.<br /><br /><strong>Tomorrow:</strong> the post that changed it all! (sort of)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22314502037721586252011-01-20T16:31:00.006-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.918-04:00Only in My Dreams<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">It is really rare that I dream.&nbsp; I tend to suffer from bouts of insomnia, PTSD related, and when I do sleep it is only 4-5 hours. Sometimes I sleep pretty hard, and sometimes (even with earplugs) the slightest noise wakes me.<br /><br /><strong>This morning I woke about 3:30am</strong>. This is typical that I wake up at some point to go potty. On a good night its only 1 time. There are times when I have to get up 2-4 times in the night to potty. Stopping beverages before 5pm does not help. Doesn’t matter when I drink, or when I don’t.<br /><br />So, I fall back to sleep.<br />I had a dream.<br />Not a very nice dream.<br /><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/kat-von-d.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/kat-von-d.jpg"><br /></a><br /><strong>My dream has a flashback sequence where I am remembering a run I went on some years ago.&nbsp;</strong>The run does not play a part in my dream until later. I am living in a house, sort of a cross between <a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Ozzy-Osbourne/dp/B004X8W42M?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Ozzy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B004X8W42M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />’s house and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tattoo-Chronicles-Kat-Von-D/dp/0061953369?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Kat VonD</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=0061953369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. If you have watched either of their shows you know it’s sort of a gothic style. I have a really large cross on the wall, just above a fireplace. My mother is over for a visit. I am being taunted by a ghost. Over time I put the clues together. The ghost is not really nice, she is rather malicious. She throws things at me, hits me, hides stuff on me, and just makes my life (for lack of a better word) a living hell. It gets so bad one night that I have to call my cousins to come over. On this particular night, my mother comes back over. I remember looking at the cross and telling her she has to believe. If their ever was a time for her to believe it is now. We are talking, waiting for my cousins to come over, and I am telling my mom that this ghost is the sister of a man that was killed in the park. The same park I ran in. Apparently I had run passed while he was being murdered and did not notice. The sister was dead prior to his murder, she was his guardian, meant to keep him safe. This ghost had no idea I had headphones on and could not hear. She forced her brother to scream as he lay dying. I did not hear his screams. She blamed the killer obviously, but she also came after me some years later. My guess is she was stalking the killer first.<br /><br /><strong>This is not the first time I had dreamt of a ghost. But it is the first time I have in this manner. I wasn’t scared. Not scared of ghosts, but it was a bit creepy.</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><a _mce_href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/gray20lady20real20ghosts.jpg" href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/gray20lady20real20ghosts.jpg"><br /></a><br /><strong>You see, while I was waiting for my cousins to arrive, in the middle of talking to my mom, I started to feel as if I was being choked.</strong>&nbsp;I knew it was her. I started to push my arms around as if it was human, hoping to push it off, hoping to remove the grip it had around my neck. I was trying to communicate with her. Sort of humming my words since I could not open my mouth. Speaking to her in my mind too. Trying to tell her I was sorry, I did not hear him scream, I had headphones on. I just kept saying I did not hear, I did not hear……<br /><br /><strong>Apparently, I was doing this in real life.</strong>&nbsp;Big M started to shake me and my hands were flying. It freaked the crap out of me. I was breathing heavy as I could not catch my breath. He said he woke up to me struggling to breath, he said I was trying to talk, but I sounded like I was a deaf person and not able to get my words out right. It scared him.<br /><br />Then, I explained my dream to him.<br /><br />He later fell back to sleep. I had to lie there a while longer and think about it.<br /><br />It is rare I remember a dream, if I dream.<br /><br /><strong>I had a hard time falling back to sleep.</strong>&nbsp;By this time it was 5am. Thankfully my kitty Ziggy came to save the day. He lay on my chest, purring. I laid there and pet his soft fur until all those thoughts were gone and I fell asleep.<br /><br /><strong>I have never been one to really look into my dream meanings</strong>. I have had bad dreams in the past, but those are related to my PTSD. This one, unrelated. I thought perhaps it was a sign from some of the friends I had lost in the last few years, but, again, I see no relation.<strong>&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong>Maybe this is one I should not find the answer to.</strong></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1552074226923085702011-01-18T16:26:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:39:38.683-04:00What Famous Person Would You Go to Dinner With and Why?<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0451172817&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>The name of my favorite book is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Needful-Things-Last-Castle-Story/dp/0451172817?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Needful Things </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=0451172817" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />by Stephen King.&nbsp;</strong>I have been reading Kings work since I was a little girl and introduced to him through my mother, who was also a fan. The first book I read was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Special-Sissy-Spacek/dp/B00005K3NR?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Carrie</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00005K3NR" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Every book gets better and better. When I read Needful Things I was touched by the way every person in the story had a story of their own to tell. Everyone needed something in their life, something that was missing. And they got it, only in a bad way. That, in turn, made me feel very sorry for the people. If only they had opened their eyes and saw that all they really needed was a bit of love in their life, no matter what level, it was still needed. Needful Things is generally classified in the science fiction or thriller genre depending on which bookstore you visit. Most of them group Stephen King’s works together and some fall in to both categories.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>I feel this book should be on the top of the list for any of Stephen King’s fans,&nbsp;</strong>and even those who are not. It teaches us the basic concept of not being able to always get what we want, and that possibly there is a reason why we were not given it in the first place. Forcing to obtain these things could have consequences as the grass is not always greener on the other side.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>He is my pick for dinner, if I could pick anyone to go with.&nbsp;</strong>His words are magical and they transport to me a place where I do not have to think about any of the daily stresses of reality. For the time I am reading his words, nothing else consumes me. I am sure it is very cliché to say I would want to ask him to read a manuscript, or give me advice. It would seem to me that those are the questions all writers would want to ask. For me, I just want to know where his words come from. After that conversation, perhaps he could tell me what novel is his favorite and why that is his pick. After dessert, I would pick his brain a little more. What sorts of things inspire him, does his brain ever shut off, is there a topic he would never write about?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">When the night is over, I would offer my hand, in the hopes he would shake it. After grabbing my now signed copy of Needful Things, head home to read it, one more time.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66375463811606070092011-01-17T00:20:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.920-04:00No, I Will Not Give You the Answer<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t152/zomgspongelolbob/1286590310742.png" title="hainternet" width="400" /><br /><br />Yesterday’s blog sort of brought up some other feelings I have about things.<br /><br /><strong>Yes, I work from home</strong>. Yes, I make money and get to stay at home. Yes, it’s great. Yes, it is nice, thank you.<br /><br /><strong>No</strong>, I will not stop, hold your hand, and tell you exactly where to go and what to do.<br /><br /><strong>This might sound like I am being rud</strong>e, but you know what? That is exactly what happened to me. I was given a few forums to check out, I went, I got a feel of the board and introduced myself. Then I actually took the time to read what others were writing and what was going on. And you know what? It worked! I was able to find jobs.<br /><br /><strong>Yes, I did ask questions too</strong>, but I was not expecting anyone to hold my hand. My questions were general and usually based on the clients and I needed clarification or what someone thought about a particular company.<br /><br />I do the same thing for people who ask me. I tell them where they can begin looking and tell them to read. It really is pretty simple. Right there in front of you, black and white.<br /><br /><strong>No, it’s not Top Secret information</strong>. We aren’t hiding it.<br /><br />Sometimes people don’t want to read and they want a hand out. Sorry, I worked too hard to get where I am at today to just hand over every little bit of information I have had to learn myself. I feel if most would just take the time to read a little bit, most of their questions would be answered.<br /><br /><strong>It just irks me when people demand you tell them things.</strong><br /><br />When you go to a staffing agency, HR department or any other job programs, do you demand they give you information and help you get hired? No, they expect you to go on interviews, show your talent and put yourself out there. Working from home is the same thing. You have to go out into the world and find the job opportunities.<br /><br /><strong>Please, please, please,</strong> if you are looking for work at home jobs visit work at home forums first and just READ! Don’t expect anyone to give you a handout. You will gain much more respect if you research and apply yourself.<br /><br />Ok, I am off my soap box now.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76413619508555967102011-01-16T00:42:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.922-04:00Ack! Rude much?Ok, I have NEVER been one to start ANYTHING out here in blogville. If something ever happened it was unintentional.<br /><br />Most of you are like my "family” and I would never disrespect anyone.<br /><br />I have noticed these last few months an onslaught of new people on the internet forums which I tend to spend way too much time on. I don't know what it is about some of them, but they really need to stop and think about what they are saying.<br /><br />Whether &nbsp;they are trying to come off as rude or not, perhaps the just should not be.<strong> I have seen a lot of rudeness. </strong>The rudeness does get picked up by the "elders" that have been here a while, and they usually post something snarky. Then the newbie feels attacked or threatened, but yet they continue to do this.<br /><br />Before you click the "submit" button <strong>please read your post and think about how it is going to sound to others</strong>.&nbsp; Every time I write something I constantly change things around because I am afraid that someone is going to take it the wrong way.<br /><br />Maybe this is you; maybe you just do not know how to speak online. I don't know, but I sure hope that is not how you are talking to people around you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10455196738675769122011-01-15T00:24:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.924-04:00So, I’ve Been Thinking<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="100" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/sexybeast6947/myspace%20icons/bb3.png" title="books" width="100" /><br /><br /><strong>I have given the school situation a lot of thought.</strong> I really had to stop and ask myself, “What is my hurry?”<br /><br />Well, I have been going to school pretty much non-stop since January 2008. Aside from the occasional holiday breaks, my brain has been in overdrive. Last year I started getting paid for this whole writing thing and it left very little time is my life for me to do much else.<br /><br /><strong>I guess people did not understand that I was making sacrifices</strong> so that I could better myself. So that I could actually say I finished something in my life.<br /><br /><strong>Instead I get a lot of whispers and comments </strong>about how I “never do anything” and that I “don’t have time.” Some people just take it so personal, and honestly, I am tired of hearing it. I am tired of the words, the guilt trips and the silent treatments. So, I thought, OK, if I just finish then I don’t have to worry about it anymore.<br /><br /><strong>But who am I to give up my dreams and what I want for the sake of others?</strong> I am tired of worrying about what everyone else thinks. I did not start this for them. Most of them I did not even know when I started. I did this for myself and I will continue down that path.<br /><br /><strong>I have decided that I am going to go ahead and finish this degree</strong> since I am only 9 classes from being done. At that time I will evaluate what is going on in my life, and will likely either go to graduate school and get my MBA or go for my BA in English.<br /><br /><strong>I tried to get a hold of the financial aid department today;</strong> I am waiting to hear back from them. I would like to know how to get financial aid for the summer. I did it once, now I don’t remember what I did. I think instead of stressing myself out and cramming 9 classes in, I am going to go back to my regular schedule and take 1 or 2 (depending on the class) every 6 weeks so&nbsp; that I have more time to focus on work. My paychecks are starting to be almost non-existent.<br /><br /><strong>I am only 2 weeks in and I am already overloaded.</strong> I will see what the financial aid office has to say before I make and changes. Will have to talk to my academic advisor as well. I just think this is a good solution. It won’t free up any more of my time (well, maybe a little) but it will give me more time to work. More time to work means less time having to stay up late to work, so I guess that will give me some rest and relax time, which I have not had since the college session started.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83159821179875990432011-01-14T16:20:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.618-04:00I am NOW a Nutrisystem Blogger!!!!!!!!!!! - #NSNation<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" _mce_style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s1600/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img _mce_src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" alt="" border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ewoRZD8QKk/TVaQnQgE0bI/AAAAAAAAARY/PnGGUPatDko/s320/ImaNutrisystemBlogger.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;"><strong>Yes, it is true.</strong>&nbsp;That is my big news that has kept you all on the edge of your seats!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">Many of you were told about the recent excitement in my writing journey when one of the companies I work for started a blog network. I was picked to join, so my blog is now in syndication. &nbsp;That’s thousands upon thousands more internet traffic!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>I am very excited to be a part of the <a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/">Nutrisystem</a> Nation Blogger Program.</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">For those that do not know my back story, this is not the first time I have been on Nutrisystem, but I<strong>&nbsp;AM&nbsp;</strong>hoping to make it my<strong>&nbsp;last</strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp; My journey first began when I was a freshman in high school. My mother would drive me to the centers and wait while I was weighed in, had a meeting with my counselor, picked my food, and had a group class. I always had a lot of fun and the staff was wonderful. I was one of the youngest people at that time. I ended up losing 80 or so pounds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, I think because I was so young, I never really paid attention to the things I&nbsp;<strong>SHOULD</strong>&nbsp;have, such as how to prepare healthy meals.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Over the years my weight has gone up and down</strong>. I did attend <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/">Weight Watchers</a> meetings and lost 50 plus pounds, got to goal, then in the last 5 years, gained every pound of that back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I called on my old friend Nutrisystem a couple of time, but life always got in the way. Funny how we always go back to what we know. What we are comfortable with. Things we know work!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Not this time.&nbsp;</strong>I have been anxiously waiting to get started. My order should arrive in a week and I will start the last week of January.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">I hope&nbsp;<strong>ALL</strong>&nbsp;of you will help motivate, support, and push me along the way!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">This is good for my health (and my sanity). So please check back because I will be posting my successes and failures along with videos. &nbsp;I will be taking the time to prepare meals the right way for long term success. Maybe big M and little M will get healthier too in the process.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;"><strong>It will be quite a journey</strong>. Healthy cooking. Healthy Lifestyle. All of this while I am trying to work full time as well as going to school over full time status just so I can graduate in June. I know it won't be easy and it is going to be a lot of hard work, but I know I&nbsp;<strong>AM</strong>worth it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;"><strong>I have ordered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Harper-Kettlebell-Cardio-Shred/dp/B004EFCVP4?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Bob Harper</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B004EFCVP4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />’s DVD set.</strong>&nbsp;You all know him as the trainer from the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Loser-Cookbook-Healthy-Delicious/dp/1594865752?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank"> Biggest Loser</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1594865752" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I have tried<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank"> Jillian's 30 Day Shred</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00127RAJY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and a few others along with Biggest Loser. I may have to dust those off! My treadmill is getting cleaned off this evening, since my shoulder injury at the end of summer, it has not been touched. A little cobwebby right now!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">I have hand weights, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bowflex-100141-PR1000-Home-Gym/dp/B001AS697O?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">bowflex </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001AS697O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />type machine, an exercise ball and various types of bands. Between that and all the DVDs I have, I am ready to hit the ground running. My goal is to get through the C25k program and start running again. Another goal is to get back in to Yoga. I know my lower back (disk disease) problems will appreciate that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">Next week I will post before pic, start of my journey video, get the measurements going and for those of you who have not noticed, there is a tab on the top of my blog for my weight stats.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">You never know, &nbsp;I might be the next Marie Osmond ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">She looks great!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left;">If&nbsp; you would like to join me on my journey,&nbsp;<a _mce_href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" href="http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;or call: 1-888-853-4689</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong>Disclosure</strong>: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31080779734259221352011-01-14T16:16:00.003-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.522-05:00Chasing Elephants: Wrestling with the Gray Areas of Life by Brent Crowe<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/book-review-sacred-meal-by-nora.html"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1615211217&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>After my last book review&nbsp;</a>I was a little bit hesitant to sit down and read Chasing Elephants. The last book was a little bit too “technical” for me to really get the true meaning of the book. I did not want to disappoint myself or others by having a similar experience.<br /><br />Last week I finally decided to take the plunge and start reading. I thought I had some free time, so why not? I will just break the book up in to sections and do a little bit at a time.<br /><br />There was no need for that. I ended up staying up and reading the entire book that night. I did not do a book review right away. I wanted to think about it for a little while before I wrote my thoughts.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Elephants-Wrestling-Gray-Areas/dp/1615211217?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Chasing Elephants</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1615211217" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is a book that talks about those things you many not really *want* to talk about, but you might have questions about. For others these might be topics they have no desire or need to ask questions. &nbsp;These “gray” areas are the things in life where the Bible does not have a specific word on an ethical or behavioral issue.&nbsp; Chasing Elephants “carefully examines the biblical subject of freedom in Christ and then extracts a set of principles that will act as a theology of belief for the seemingly gray areas of life.”(NavPress)<br /><br /><br />As young children we are taught what to believe, and we are told why we are to believe what we believe. As one gets older, you stop to think, “I never learned how to believe.” Crowe mentions different gray areas in life, but talks specifically about five. Those five are homosexuality, the cyber world, social drinking, entertainment, and humanitarian efforts.<br /><br /><br />The book does not jump right in to the first topic, homosexuality, but rather it begins with a bit of humor&nbsp; and continues to go on using his own personal stories to correlate with freedom and gray areas. I found the book to be a delight to read. Too often faith based authors overload a book with so much copy/paste from the Bible, that you are wondering why you purchased that book in the first place. This was not the case. Although Crowe does give biblical examples, the book was not saturated with it.<br /><br /><br />Chasing Elephants will open your eyes and make you think about many things. It opens your eyes and your heart by giving you solid examples and quotes. The book is good for teens on up and would be good for a book group or bible study as there is much that can be discussed.<br /><br /><br /><em>Disclosure of Material Connection:</em>&nbsp;I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45867973750746884852011-01-14T16:09:00.005-05:002011-08-10T11:39:38.686-04:00What’s on My Desk Right Now<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">(update 1/24/2011 - I accidentally deleted the photos out of my photobucket. I thought they were uploaded here to WP directly so I will have to do this post again. Sorry!)<br /><br />My desk is an organized mess!<br /><br />My office used to be my finances ex wife’s son’s room. Hence the bright red walls. This space is now occupied by 2 L shaped desks in either corner. His and mine. His side of the room I won’t even show as there is stuff stacked ALL over. He is a literal mess and never picks up after himself.<br /><br />Starting on my left side of the desk:<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My wide screen monitor he bought me for Christmas. It is a real eye saver. My accounting textbook, work papers, cell phone, iPod Touch, my USB hub with my flash drive (that I keep all my current writing on) and iPod cord plugged in. Writing caddy. External hard drive where I store all my music. It is a few years old so I have quite the collection in there. &nbsp;Oh yes, and my speakers.<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the corner is my Christmas present to myself, large screen ASUS laptop, which I love. I traded in my Mini and my Desktop for this beauty. I also got this desk and matching bookcase on black Friday. It was a steal! Dayplanner....can't live without it.<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have an Irish calendar, on the wrong day! Tissues. Art project from my fiancés daughter, lotion, voice recorder, 2 pairs of eyeglasses, magazine, books I am suppose to be writing a review on, my file of tax papers, bag of almonds to snack on. This years tax papers are in a stack ready to be filed. Speech textbook, my Torrid discount card, grocery coupons and a stack of Weight Watchers magazine. At the end is my stack of writer’s books and blank journals. Hiding is a brand new 2TB external storage drive he got me for Christmas. I guess I needed more storage space.<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My bookshelf is not organized and we just threw stuff on it. Various books, kiddo’s doll, my Shinedown Nation goodies, blankets (I get cold!) and some other random stuff.<br /><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Usually Ziggy is on the desk someplace, but he seems to have taken a liking to the other desk chair at the moment.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41216614477496244822011-01-13T16:00:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.926-04:00My Dilemma<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><img _mce_src="http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad37/x0poision_ivy0x/RP%20characters%20for%20Gaia/107a.jpg" alt="" class="aligncenter" height="360" src="http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/ad37/x0poision_ivy0x/RP%20characters%20for%20Gaia/107a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Library" width="480" /></div><br /><strong>Today I was buried in textbooks and homework</strong>. Usually with my classes I can reach a point where I can get ahead of the game. This does not seem to be the case right now. If I am any slower I am going to be behind.<br /><br /><strong>This morning I was able to do some <a href="http://www.demandstudios.com/">DS TS</a> before it was time to hit the shower</strong>. It seems that the amount of homework I have is misleading when you look at it on the assignment board. When you sit down to actually do it, not only do you have to type everything out from the text, you have to answer and solve as well.<br /><br /><strong>While I am having fun with my speech class</strong>, it is not enough that we have to do a speech, but that we are also required to write a paper once a week, do a self critique once a week, and critique 3 of our peers once a week. Then there is the time spent selecting a topic and read the 3 chapters per week that are assigned. It seems like an awful lot of work and it takes quite a bit of my time.<br /><br /><strong>Accounting is killing me.</strong>&nbsp;I honestly feel like if I take one more accounting class I am going to throw myself into traffic. I take them because they are easy to me, but, it takes sooooooooooooo long to write out the problems, formulas and answers.<br /><br />It has taken me<strong>&nbsp;6 hours</strong>&nbsp;just to do the homework that was due today. Thursday and Friday I will spend all day reading chapters and cramming in the weekend homework because it is impossible for me to do anything on the weekends.<br /><br /><strong>I was an Accounting major.</strong>&nbsp;I started in the late 90s. I just went back to school in 2008 to finish. I am on the accelerated online program. My classes run 6 weeks instead of the normal 12-16. In 12-16 weeks most people take 12 credit hours, and depending on your college, that’s 4 classes. Well, in my 6 months, every 6 weeks from now until June I am taking 2 classes, and one of those I am taking 3. Then, I graduate in June.<br /><br /><strong>I will have a BA in General Studies</strong>. I switched because I was SICK of accounting. My minors are in Accounting, because I already had all the credits, and General Business.<br /><br />Last year I toyed with the idea of switching schools that offered a<strong>&nbsp;BA in English</strong>. With all of the places I have applied to, or wanted to apply to, many of them require the applicants be English majors.<br /><br />I know that many&nbsp;<strong>financial publications</strong>&nbsp;will look at my samples because I do have an accounting background, but honestly, I don’t want to write about finance, accounting, business, law, or taxes. I am sick to death of it. Smart or not, I really am not feeling it any more.<br /><br />SO……<br /><br />Here I am wondering if I should just finish up these two 6 week courses and then switch schools. I would love to edit, proofread, or even copyedit to get a break from writing. I love reading; it’s my passion in life. &nbsp;Words….love them. What more can I say?<br /><br /><strong>It seems like an easy choice</strong>. Continue forward with the stress and unhappiness and graduate in June. My work will suffer and “maybe” I can sell some pieces or write for a financial publication or website.<br /><br />OR…..<br /><br />I can cut my losses, transfer schools, take classes that I love (I took as many as I could when I switched majors) and take another year or more to graduate. With the school I am looking at, you only do 1 class at a time, every 5 weeks.<br /><br />Current school is in state, so I pay in-state tuition. Well, my loans do. Other school is out of state. I have already come to terms with the fact I will never fully pay back my student loans. So that really is not even an issue.<br /><br />With my current degree I have 9 more classes to take. They are 4 credits each, so 36 credit hours left.<br /><br /><strong>With the new school you can only transfer up to 99 credits.</strong>&nbsp;Looking at the degree program there are 10 classes I have not taken, their classes are 3 credit hours. You need 120 to graduate. So, between the 99 that could transfer and the 120, I will need another 7 classes. So, we are up to 17 classes. It could be more, and likely will be since it is not likely all 99 credits will transfer between schools. Although that would be nice! It seems that graduation will be a LONG way off.<br /><br />Part of me just wants to be done. Part of me is sick of the stress. Another part says “Why get a degree in something you aren’t going to use” and another says, “Oh suck it up!”<br /><br /><strong>Of course there is the idea that I could just finish this and get another degree.&nbsp;</strong>But trying to get financial aid for another degree can often be a giant pain in the butt from what I have heard. At this point, I have considered getting a Masters, but, I am not sure of that.<br /><br /><strong>I just don’t know what I should do.</strong></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10897663583895826092011-01-12T15:55:00.003-05:002011-08-10T11:39:38.689-04:00Letter to the Author<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div _mce_style="clear: both; text-align: center;" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1451650604&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Today’s Topic:</strong></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">Who would you write to if YOU were to write a letter to an author you admire?</div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">My thoughts:</strong></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">For as long as I could remember I have been a fan of Stephen King.</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;The first book I remember reading was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Stephen-King/dp/0385086954?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Carrie</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=0385086954" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> when I was about nine years old after raiding my mother’s book closet. Shortly after that was<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cujo-25th-Anniversary-Dee-Wallace/dp/B000T5O48U?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank"> Cujo</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000T5O48U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Since then, I have been hooked. Day after day, month after month, year after year, I wait with baited breath for a new release. When Mr. King had his accident a few years back and thought he would never publish another novel again, I was devastated. When he came out with “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Writing-10th-Anniversary-Memoir-Craft/dp/1439156816?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">On Writing</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1439156816" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />” I felt drawn to this man who for years had shared his talent, but not so much of himself.</span></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">I did not know I always wanted to be a writer.&nbsp;</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">It was just something I loved doing, writing that is. But mostly, I loved reading. I had always wished there was a way I could combine the two. It is a slow learning process, but as the days go by, I love my “career” even more.</span></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">If I could tell Mr. King anything</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;it would be a thank you, just as I am sure many would say. Thank you for not quitting. If he would have quit, who knows if I would have finally figured out how much I loved writing and that I could actually do something with it.</span></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">I have managed to collect every book he has ever written, with a handful of them being first editions. I still have my mother’s first editions of Carrie and Cujo. When there is a time I feel like quitting I look at those books and remember the little girl I used to be and how words meant something. It doesn't take long for me to pick myself up, dust myself off, and continue forward.</div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Trivia Question:</strong></span></div></strong><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><div style="text-align: left;">Do you know how many rejection letters Stephen King received before he was published? (I think the answer will shock many of you!)</div></span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75313509427331559222011-01-11T11:52:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:39:38.692-04:00Chapters<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzaEoT-Pans/TaiocDXXZyI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OgjZWwRcJVc/s1600/StairsOfSandBinding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzaEoT-Pans/TaiocDXXZyI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OgjZWwRcJVc/s320/StairsOfSandBinding.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><strong>Today’s Topic:</strong><br /><br />Be inspired by someone else's writing, for example:<br /><br />Taking a book and writing your thoughts chapter by chapter will give lots of blog posts.<br /><br /><strong>My thoughts:</strong><br /><br />I tried the whole “taking a book and writing your thoughts chapter by chapter” for blog posts last year when I was trying to understand my food addiction and dealing with the eating disorder I used to have. I did this for a few books and I would group a few chapters together. It had its ups and downs. I would certainly do it again in the future, especially for books reviews, but right now I just don’t have the time and it’s not a requirement for the companies in which I review books for. &nbsp;Darn school, takes up all of my time it seems like all I am doing is reading for school or for work and writing for school and for work. These days I am wondering if I will ever get my novel finished. Oh well, there is always NaNoWriMo again in November.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48312489850968705162011-01-10T15:41:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.346-04:00Freelancers UnionI am a member and I feel that every freelancer should take a minute to check it out!<br /><br />I have personally found some great things through their newsletters. If not for them, I would not know about co-working!<br /><br />Here is a great article I found that explains it all!<br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/surveygizmo.png"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1144" height="65" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/surveygizmo-300x65.png" title="surveygizmo" width="300" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.freelancersunion.org/">The Freelancer's Union</a>, a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, supports and represents the quickly increasing numbers of independent workers in the USA from Raleigh, North Carolina to Arvada, Colorado. It addresses the needs and desires of this diverse industry through education, service and advocacy. Approximately 30% of the entire workforce in America is made up of self-employed workers which include freelancers, contingent employees, temporary employees, consultants and self employed people. As the number of self employed grows, the Freelancer's Union endeavers to give them a voice. Many occupations are eligible for membership including Accountant, Medical Transcriptionist, Demolitionist, Gunsmith, Handyman and Shrimper.<br /><br /><strong> How it all Began</strong><br /><br />Former labor attorney, Sara Horowitz, started Working Today in 1995. This was one of the first tentative steps in the direction of meeting the needs of the self employed workforce. Working Today introduced the Portable Benefits Network (PBN) in 2001. The goal of PBN was to provide benefits to independent workers who were in New York City's Silicon Alley. PBN became Freelancer's Union in May 2003 in an effort to better convey the ideals that steer entrepreneurs as well as better reflect the multitude of services that the organization offers including benefits and advocacy.<br /><br /><strong>Benefits of Membership</strong><br /><br />The free membership to Freelancer's Union provides significant benefits to the solo business worker. Insurance is one of the main goals of the Freelancer's Union and in some cases it is being offered. Coverage varies by insurance type and there may be eligibility rules. However, the Union is working to bring insurance coverage in every state. Members also get discounts from companies such as Allworth Press, Staples, The Diner's Deck the YMCA of New York City as well as many others. <br /><br />The Freelancer's Union also facilitates training on various topics including legal, business, financial and taxes. They also encourage lobbying campaigns in an effort to promote [fair taxes, better options for insurance and increased visibility|better insurance, increased recognition and reasonable taxes|better options for insurance, reduced taxes and public relations} for independent workers.<br /><br />Members can also build a profile in the Freelancer's Union's online community and even set up their own listing in the Freelancer's Yellow Pages. They can also log on to the Gigs board to find clients and hook up with other members, other independent workers.<br /><br /><strong>Union Sponsored Events </strong><br /><br />The Freelancer's Union sponsors many helpful events that are planned to help self employed workers network and learn more about protecting themselves and operating a more streamlined business. One of the networking opportunities is through Meetup.com. Members from all over the United States can sign up and connect to each other. Other events that the Union hosts are classes on skill building on both a personal and professional level. Seminar topics can range from Preparing Your Federal Tax Return, Creating a Tool that Works For Your Business, An Overview of Sole Proprietorships, S-Corps, C-Corps, and LLCs to Simple Steps to Help You Improve Your Productivity. There is a complete list on the Union's website.<br /><br /><strong>Advocacy</strong><br /><br />The Freelancer's Union promotes awareness on policies that affect the steadily increasing number of independent workers in America. Issues such as access to health insurance, recourse for clients who don't pay, saving for retirement and employment laws are all on the forefront for the lobbying sector of the Freelancer's Union.<br /><br />The Freelancer's Union is vital for the independent worker. There are certainly benefits to membership and the value is immeasurable.<br /><br />Freelancing website owners can get a 100% unique version of this article at http://endlessfreeplr.comChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40938107115016780372011-01-09T00:02:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.349-04:00Resources<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="60" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://affiliate.godaddy.com/ad/E46CE8A86361209F3610A92AD83DC770BEA89821797704456C0D307578CD9CED" width="468"></iframe><br /><br />Today’s Topic:<br /><br /><strong>Resources List</strong>. Most online entrepreneurs are interested in how their colleagues run their businesses. Share the top resources that make your day-to-day online life easier.<br /><br />Aside from Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace and Tumblr there really is not much more that I use for writing other than Microsoft Word. &nbsp;I use a Google Chrome extension called Shareaholic that allows me to share the blog links on my social networking sites. The Work Place like Home forum is a place I visit frequently to chat with other writers. GoDaddy is where I get my hosting and domains from and word press is the blogging platform. I guess I would say my business is pretty basic.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-623534280564850912011-01-07T00:01:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:39:38.697-04:00The Spotlights OnToday’s Topic:<br /><br /><strong>Spotlight someone</strong> that you admire or someone that has helped you in life/ business/ school or&nbsp;someone who would be helpful to your readers.<br /><br />I have been thinking about this ALL day.&nbsp; There is not just one person who has helped me, especially in the last year and a half. It has been a whole group of people. This post is going to be pretty short; it is just one giant shout-out to all my writing friends at <a href="http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=126" target="_blank">Work Place like Home</a>. We laugh, we cry, we share our rants and raves. We are each other’s co-workers and the forum is our water-cooler. Just like in an office, we have good days and we have bad days. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without the shoulder some of these wonderful ladies to lean on.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63067302551324430882011-01-06T09:13:00.000-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.525-05:00Book Review: The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher & Phyllis Tickle<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/240_360_Book.290.cover_.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1123" title="_240_360_Book.290.cover" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/240_360_Book.290.cover_-195x300.jpg" alt="" width="195" height="300" /></a><br/><br/>I just got this book yesterday and was anxious to get started on it. Textbooks are about to take over my life so my books review time is going to slow down just a little bit. I picked up this little gem through a blog reading review program. I picked it myself; they did not force it on me. They have plenty of other books to choose from. I get no money, just the eBook.<br/><br/>At first I thought I had made the wrong choice. When you first begin to read you start with a Forward written by the General Editor, Phyllis Tickle. While I am all for editors making an appearance in their clients book, I was a little rattled by this one.<br/><br/>I picked this book because I wanted to learn more about Communion and The Sacred Meal. I did not grow up in a religious household, but my mother’s family was Catholic and that is how she was raised. My knowledge of the bible is limited. I picked it up over the years from friends and family, or I picked it up on those days I went to church.<br/><br/>I should have skipped this section and when right on to chapter 1. I am not a history fan and I am not one who can sit and read historical books, fiction or non. This Forward made me want to run. While I realize any subject with Jesus, the Bible and Religion are all going to take a historical turn I believe there is a way to go about doing it without making it sound like an encyclopedia or a textbook.<br/><br/>I did a speed read and went into the Introduction. I was rather amused that the author was not willing to do this book at first. After much thought and careful consideration, as well as her own quest for knowledge on the practice of Communion she accepted.<br/><br/>The book has three parts; waiting, receiving and afterward. There is a brief bit of history about Communion and the various views on it.<br/><br/>I had to giggle when I got to chapter 1, its title was “scotch tape and baling wire.” I thought it was a little odd, but I read on.  The chapter starts on a sad note of a friend’s daughter who had gone missing on a place. Having that news in her mind, and then asked to do the days Communion made Nora question herself. As people passed through the Communion line one by one, her nerves starting to fade, things started to click as she went through the process in her mind.<br/><br/>I was so eager to read more; I ended up staying up the entire night reading the book. (it was only 115 pages!)<br/><br/>Nora speaks about her experiences with Communion and goes in to great detail on her thoughts. She tells you a story that is autobiographical and historical with a bit of humor thrown in, but she tells it in a way that the everyday common person can relate to.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42477711846931411342011-01-06T02:33:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.928-04:00That’s Why I’m Not a Paid Chef<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="198" src="http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/icecarver777/Iron_Chef_America_005.jpg" title="iron chef" width="396" /><br /><br />Today’s Topic:<br /><br /><strong>Write your opinion</strong> about something you saw on television or read in an article.<br /><br />I have not really had much time to read, aside from the books I reviewed recently. Most of my reading is centered on textbooks. I have about 7-8 magazine subscriptions and the last few months worth are piled up in a basket beside my bed. I would read these magazines when I was walking on the treadmill, or right before I went to bed. It is rare that I even get a minute to watch television, but I did DVR an episode of the new season of Iron Chef. Bobby Flay and Emeril are two of my favorite chefs on The Food Network. The fun part about this show is that the chefs do not know the secret ingredient and must build their entire menu around it. I have a hard enough time trying to come up with something for dinner, let alone take ONE item and use it for a three course meal. No thank you, I will leave it up to the professionals.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26536351992049225652011-01-05T01:32:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.931-04:00Funny, ha ha..The Zigmaster<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="800" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HIMSELF/Matt/2010%20Ziggy/1b5e3075.jpg" title="Ziggy" width="600" /><br /><br />Today’s Topic:<br /><br /><strong>Write a "humorous happenings" post.</strong> For personal bloggers, you could write about funny &nbsp;things your kids say or something funny you saw today. It could even turn into a series on your &nbsp;blog. For business bloggers, it could be a video blooper or something funny from your business.<br /><br /><strong>Kids</strong>. Well, I don’t have kids of my own and Big M’s daughter is not here until the weekend. That leaves me, the kitty, and the dogs here all alone during the weekdays.<br /><br />I could tell you about how my kitty, who is about 8 months old, likes to sit in the office with me. Normally this is not a big deal and I know it does not sound like a big deal. Ziggy is my baby, I will admit that. I have been cuddling him since he was a tiny baby fitting in the palm of my hand.&nbsp; I share an office with Big M, who is no longer (thank goodness) here during the days like he used to be.<br /><br />(he finally got a job in his field, at the hospital after being unemployed for two year-minus the few hours a week he worked at best buy for a few months last fall).<br /><br /><strong>Ziggy feels the need to keep my company</strong>. Sometimes he will sit in my lap, often curl up on the desk, right in front of my screen. Usually I can move my chair around him. Until, he stands. I am sure I look rather funny twisting my neck around him to see. &nbsp;I often wonder why he has to site right THERE when I have an entire office for him to find a spot of his own.<br /><br /><strong>My favorite thing that Ziggy does is sit in Big Ms chair. </strong>He will fall asleep there and the last few days has been staying there all day. I think he does it to hide from the dogs. Ziggy will get excited when he hears the printer begin to start. The printer sits on Ms desk right next to his chair. Ziggy will place two paws up on the desk and watch the paper spit out of the printer. When it’s done, he will bat it with his paw, as if he is checking to be sure. Then, turn around, look at me and give me one meow. That’s it. And it happens pretty much every time. Just to say “mom, it printed, here you go”.<br /><br /><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2010/10/07/ultimate-blog-challenge-8-the-zigmaster/" target="_self">He was actually the subject of Day 8 Ultimate Blog Challenge for October too.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34191722713539071262011-01-04T16:10:00.000-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.529-05:00Book Review:The Jesus Inquest: The Case For and Against the Resurrection of the Christ by Charles Foster<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/225_350_Book.298.cover_.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1105" title="jesus inquest" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/225_350_Book.298.cover_-194x300.jpg" alt="" width="194" height="300" /></a>(NOTE: If you think I have excessive posts the last couple of days, you are right. This is due in part to a few things. The first being the move from Blogger to my own host. I did not write for a couple days and needed to make that up. The other thing is I joined the Ultimate Blog Challenge (again) which requires me to post once a day. THEN, I have had all these books I needed to finish and write a review for. The holidays put me behind and my school semester starts this week so I had to get it done. I SHOULD be all caught up and can blog normally.)<br/><h3>Book Description</h3><br/><em><span style="color: #ff0000;">An unbiased examination and compelling courtroom presentation revealing the undeniable facts of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.</span></em><br/><br/><em><span style="color: #ff0000;">Intelligent, fair, and remarkably compelling, The Jesus Inquest argues the case both for and against the resurrection of Christ. Point-by-point, Foster, in turn as both barrister X and Y, leaves no theological stone or dissenter's rock unturned as he digs for answers and the truth. In the end he is more convinced that Jesus is real, that He did rise again, and that He lives to offer forgiveness and hope to all who come to Him.</span></em><br/><br/>This book was extremely hard to choke down. Whether you are a believer or not makes no difference in this book. It is extremely factual, showing proof. It reads very historically and I felt like I was reading a law book from college on how to debate sides.<br/><br/>I was given this book by Sneeze Press in return for a review and there was no other compensation. I was given a few options to choose from. I picked this book because after reading the short synopsis on the website it sound like a great book for me to read.<br/><br/>I do not define myself as being a religious person in nature. I often question what I believe and I do not attend church on a regular basis.<br/><br/>I want to know. Just like everyone else. Did Jesus come back after he died on the cross? It is a pretty legitimate question that many seek the answer to.<br/><br/>I knew the book was going to be based on facts and I also knew it was going to post arguments for both sides of the debate. I figured that it would be expressed in mere layman’s terms and I would not have a problem following along.<br/><br/>I waited for this book to arrive with great anticipation.  When I finally got the download link in my email, I immediately loaded it on to my Nook and off I went to find a comfy spot to read.<br/><br/>It did not take long before I started to get bored.  I desperately wanted to get through this book. It was just so dry there was not much for me to grab on to.<br/><br/>The book was presented in such a manner that it was like a giant text copied and pasted directly off the internet and/or an encyclopedia. I was expecting more of a story as opposed to a law book. And that is what it felt like and started to read like, a law school text book. It was very dry, very matter of fact, and very straight forward.<br/><br/>Like I said, I knew this was a book based on facts and views; however I was not expecting it to be presented in the manner in which it was.<br/><br/>The book does go in great detail to show the reader what those for and against the argument do actually agree on, then points out the differences. Then it shows what they do not agree on and later points out the differences.<br/><br/>If you want a scholarly type read, this is a book for you. If you are looking to learn the answer to the question in more of a story format, this will not be a book for you. I am not saying this is a bad book or that I do not recommend it, I just prefer my books in a different written format.<br/><br/>After getting through the book I do believe that the answers you seek will be laid out right in front of you. With all the facts, you will be able to see clearly and make your own decision.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18205441506375762942011-01-04T13:05:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.933-04:00Taking a Step Back on the Weight Debate<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/BBW/My%20Name/?action=view&amp;current=gittanscamelitaTGOTWchrys.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/BBW/My%20Name/gittanscamelitaTGOTWchrys.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I realize I am a beautiful plus size girl. I am also 100% healthy.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ok, maybe 99.9%</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">When I had my last set of tests done late last year the only thing that came back not so good was the levels of (I have no idea what) in my kidney (or was it my liver) was too high, likely from all the OTC pain meds I take for my migraines and back problems. What was sad was the Doc that ran those test seemed quite shocked that there was nothing more wrong with me. Like he thought for sure I had diabetes or something. Not that all&nbsp;overweight&nbsp;people have diabetes, but it is a common ailment for&nbsp;obesity.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>So, why can't I just accept myself as is and go on with life?</strong> Why do I constantly have to push myself this way and that in effort to get back to my Weight Watchers goal weight that depression and disk disease took away from me? I will tell you why. Because one of these days Big M and I are going to get married. We have already called the wedding off once for various reasons and have yet to really plan another date. We also want to start a family. Me, sooner rather than later as I am four years older than he. I am going to be 36 this year and that is not exactly the prime years for baby making.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It makes me laugh now, thinking back to the years when I told myself I did not need kids, they were not for me, I was fine without them. I will still be fine without them. But, being with Big M and his daughter lil M changed the way I view things. I realized something. I WOULD be a great mom. I had no reason to doubt myself anymore.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Now, my age is not on my side, and neither is my weight</strong>. So, I don't need any more odds stacked against me more than I already do. I feel it is is my own best interest to lose the weight so that I am strong and healthy.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I am afraid to step on the scale</strong>. Since I feel this way, I am going to avoid it for a while because I know it will only depress me.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I just wanted to let everyone know that I am not quitting WonderSlim on purpose. Well, more or less. The only reason I made the choice to do WS is because DHS took my food benefits away. I figured if I had to buy food, I may as well buy something to help my weight.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I used coupons and codes and stocked up. I am pretty much convinced when it was all said and done I had 4 months worth of food!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I did lose 5 pounds in the 2 weeks I followed the program to a T (and who starts a diet right before the holidays anyway…lol) and I got my portion control in check. I read labels; I roamed my grocery store and checked everything! I was surprised at some things I found. I used the WS meal plan as a guide and I am trying to use it now to keep my calories in check.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">DHS gave me my food benefits back about the same time I also got my credit card statement. I guess I was not prepared for it. The food was there, but so was all the Christmas presents! I was getting nauseous just thinking about eating spicy mac or cheese steak! But,&nbsp; I LOVED just about everything I tried. Some was OK. But there wasn't anything I could say I really hated or would not order again.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">One of the girls from 3fatchick and I did a swap. I get to pay my credit card and she gets my food and I get to eat comparable items from the grocery store. It was a win-win situation.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I should be graduating college this June</strong>. After that I will be able to go back to work full time. More $$ = no food benefits, but I will be able to buy the food items I really need too.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I would DEFIANTLY recommend WS to everyone I know AND I would love to do the plan again if I needed.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lately I have been thinking about sucking up my embarrassment and just using the benefit of my lifetime membership of being a WW Lifetimer.</strong> I just don’t want to be that girl that gained her weight back. I live out in the country, and until recently did not have meetings close. Now there is one 5miles away. Better than the 40-60 the others were. But, even as a lifetime member, I have to pay since I am over my goal weight. It is a reduced fee, but it still adds up ever week. The online program is only $18 a month, so I have thought about getting hooked back up on WW. I still have a magazine subscription too! Honestly, I loved WW then and I still love it. I don’t know why I ever stopped going to meetings, other than the nasty dark depression I went through shortly after I made goal.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I have decided, in the Weight tab at the top of my blog, to post ALL of my weight stats. It makes me sad, it makes me happy and it makes me cry. But, at the same time, it is also motivational.</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I also had a TOPS membership, but I let the expiration pass</strong>. I went with my soon to be step-mother in-law. I was just about the youngest one there. Although I liked the company, the meetings seemed to be more focused on money &amp; gift games then it did talking about exercise and weight loss. It was only $20 to join and I got a year subscription to their magazine and I can always join the online program they have if I wanted to renew. I just could not get into the exchange plan. I tried. I think because I did points for so long that’s how my brain computes food.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I also see that MyPoints will offer me some points for WW through their site and eBates offers me $10 cash back. This might be just what I need to get back to goal, using the online program which also offers me etools that I can use on my iPod Touch. BONUS!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I wish I could do it the free way and count calories, measure portions, read labels</strong>. I have an account at My Fitness Pal that I use faithfully. I find counting calories even more time consuming than figuring points. &nbsp;I was doing well until my shoulder injury at the end of last summer. That put me out for months exercising and put me behind with my writing. It was extremely difficult just to keep up with school. So, really what I need is a bottle of exercise motivation!!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I have done NutriSystem </strong>in the past, when I was in High School and again when I first moved back to MI. But, the cost is a factor right now too.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, I will be checking in with you guys and letting you know the status updates as well as what I decide to do.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50592708101395552702011-01-04T09:31:00.000-05:002011-06-27T16:38:25.588-04:00My First Blog Award!!<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Stylish-Blogger.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1093" title="Stylish-Blogger" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Stylish-Blogger.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="160" /></a></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Wow. I have been blogging for 5.5 years now and never won an award. What a surprise to wait up to today!</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">A big THANK YOU to my friend, Bongo at<a href="http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong> Bongo is Me</strong></a> for honoring me with such an award.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">It is amazing how something as simple as a blog award can make all the difference to someone like me. Someone is reading, someone is listening, someone understands, but most of all, someone just gets it and cares.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>So here are the rules to getting this award.</strong></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #993366;">Thank and Link back to the person who awarded you the award.</span></em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #993366;">Share 7 things about yourself.</span></em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #993366;">Award 15 other Bloggers.</span></em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #993366;">Contact these Bloggers and tell them about the award.</span></em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><br/><h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>7 Things About Me</strong></h1><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">1. I suffer from a host of mental health problems that I have gotten very good at wearing a mask so no one sees.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">2. I'm a sexual abuse survivor</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">3. I secretly want to be a ghost hunter</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">4. I am a paranormal junkie</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">5. I dream of Ireland &amp; my friends every day</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">6. I'm afraid of going places by myself</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">7. I have to have the food labels facing me, whether it be cans or boxes, on shelves, in the fridge or the freezer and all like things have to be grouped together.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"></p><br/><br/><h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Now for my blog picks:</strong></h1><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Now, lets see if I can gather 15….. I read a lot of blogs, but sometimes I am in such a hurry that there is no time to comment, so this award may come as a surprise to some!</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Some are my friends that I have been following for years.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Some are blogs that are inspiring and important to me.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Others are those that I consider my “co-workers” in the writing world.</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">These are in NO particular order.</p><br/><strong> </strong><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;"><br/></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">1.  Angie @ <a href="http://theworkathomewife.com/" target="_blank">Work at Home Wife</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">2. Laura @ <a href="http://whenasouthernwomanrambles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">When a Southern Woman Rambles</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">3. Sarah @ <a href="http://almostthere.biz/" target="_blank">Almost There</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">4.<a href="http://msbitchcakes.blogspot.com" target="_blank"> B!tch Cakes</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">5. <a href="http://forblogs.blogspot.com" target="_blank">For the Love of Blogs</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">6. <a href="http://thefatchickweigh.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Kreating Kristen</a> </span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">7. Jeremy AKA "The Crow" @  <a href="http://jeremycrow4life.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Mental Notes and Random Musings </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">8. <a href="http://realbloggersunited.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Real Bloggers United </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">9. <a href="http://www.crazysimplelife.com" target="_blank">Crazy Simple Life </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">10. Ross @ <a href="http://painfullyoptomistic.com/" target="_blank">Painfully Optimistic </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">1.1 Daisy @ <a href="http://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Open Space Productions </a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">12. Nicole @ <a href=" http://nicoleireland.com" target="_blank">The Revolution of Nikki</a></span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">13.      <a href=" http://wahcoholicsanonymous.net" target="_blank">Wahcoholics Anonymous </a> </span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">14 .     <a href="http://freelancescribes.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Freelance Scribes </a> </span></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">15. <a href=" http://calissaleigh.com" target="_blank">Calissa Leigh </a></span></p>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56675297363987884292011-01-04T02:24:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.935-04:00Obvious<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/obvious" target="_blank"><img alt="captain obvious Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" class="aligncenter" src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj208/penguinV/thobvious.png" /></a></div><br /><strong>TODAYS TOPIC: Blog about what you think is obvious because it may not be so obvious to&nbsp;others! You take your talent for granted, and assume everyone sees what you&nbsp;do. But people who aren't as "fluent" in what you do like to have it&nbsp;spelled out for them so they don't have to wonder if they've got it right.&nbsp;It also helps to reinforce their learning, even if they've heard it before.</strong><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br />Today’s topic is a little hard for me to grasp. I am one of those people that tend to make things harder than what they really are. I am just going to run with it and see where it takes me. Something that is obvious to me is my life as an empathic as well as dealing with the mental health issues that I have. Because I have opened myself up over the last few years, I assume that everyone who reads my words knows what is wrong with me. I assume it’s obvious, spelled right out in front of everyone. Perhaps it is not. I guess that not everyone around me is going to go back through five years of posts just to try and figure out why I behave or think a certain way.<br /><br /><strong>This is the life of a writer.</strong> We pick and choose our words carefully. We do not want to harm others with our words, but at the same time we have to make sure readers understand what we are trying to say. I love what I do. I love writing, I love creating. I feel I had more talent when I was younger but I am doing the best that I can. I may take my talent for granted sometimes, but I am pushed right back in to reality when I have to pick titles and come up with content for a client.<br /><br /><strong>Writing for clients is not the same as writing a novel</strong>. I wish I could have an income that would allow me to spend more time on my novel. We all have bills to pay. For me to write the things I do I need space, quite time, and lots of privacy. Few around me have trouble with that. There is that misconception that I work at home all day I should be able to stop and do other things. This is not the case. I have assignments, clients, deadlines, and so on. Just as if I left my house to go to an office.<br /><br /><strong>I wish others could understand what it is really like to work from home</strong>. It takes a lot of out me. I have to push myself. My income is based on me, not an employer and a time clock.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43097243160447852502011-01-03T18:19:00.006-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.532-05:00Book Review: House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/87778870.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1086" height="280" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/87778870.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="dark shadow" width="185" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>This is another one of those freebies from Amazon that try to suck you in to the Kindle. </b>Since I already have a Nook I read this little gem on my also little iPod Touch. It is a little easier on the eyes if you make the font bigger; the only drawback is the constant changing of the page. I did not notice the same freebie had been posted on the Nook Books until today; I finished this book in the wee hours of the morning.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">I read the first chapter weeks ago, apparently I got lost in the holiday madness and forgot about it. That is, until last night when I was trying to finish up Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry. It’s funny how simple things can just escape your mind.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>The first chapter hooks you.</b> By the middle of the book you are reading more. Now, I have to admit I felt some of the things that were happening in the story were a bit cheesy and silly, but I read anyway. Little did I know I was reading a book for young adults. What? No wonder there is a long of weird Harry Potter type magic going on.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Click the Helium Banner (oh, pretty please?!?!?) to read the rest of the review.</b><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2056438" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #00750c; text-decoration: none;" title="View my Article at Helium.com"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="wp_search_plugin_related_posts" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em; line-height: 18px; width: 618px;"><h2 style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 27px;">Related posts</h2></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86780930447076448952011-01-03T13:19:00.000-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.536-05:00Book Review: Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry (it changed me today)<a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/80283999.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1081" title="Almost Heaven" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/80283999.jpg" alt="" width="185" height="274" /></a><br/><br/>It seems it has taken me forever to finish this book. I had so many books started I had to really buckle down and get some reading done. This book was a freebie offered through Amazon for the Kindle. I do not own a Kindle (I am a Nook user) I put the Kindle app on my iPod Touch. I was able to read it better by making the font bigger. That left me having to change the page every few seconds.<br/><br/>Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry started as a slow read. It is because of this reason that I ended up putting it on the back burner to work on some other reviews first. I had debated about even finishing this book. Not that it was badly written, it just was not capturing my attention.<br/><br/>I am a firm believer that just because I don’t like something does not mean someone else will feel the same way. I decided I should try to get through the book as best as I could and at least finish what I started.<br/><br/>I had no idea what I was in store for. When I first started this book my first impressions was “oh great, another good vs. evil, bad angel vs. good angel, lets save the world” type thing. It made me think of the movie I saw a couple of years ago.<br/><br/>Here is a little bit from the Barnes and Noble website:<br/><br/><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">Synopsis</span></strong><br/><br/><em><span style="color: #3366ff;">“I suppose you can sum up a man’s life with a few words, but I need to put this story down to fill in the missing pieces. Or perhaps I can convince the people who know me as a hermit that there was some reason for it all. But this is not really for those outside looking in. This is for me.”</span></em><br/><br/><span style="color: #3366ff;"><br/></span><br/><br/><span style="color: #3366ff;">Some people say Billy Allman has a heart of gold. Others say he’s a bit odd. The truth is, they’re all right. He’s a hillbilly genius—a collector, a radio whiz—and he can make the mandolin sing. Though he dreams of making an impact on the world beyond the hills and hollers of Dogwood, West Virginia, things just always seem to go wrong.<br/>But however insignificant Billy’s life seems, it has not gone unnoticed. Malachi is an angel sent to observe and protect Billy. Though it’s not his dream assignment, Malachi always follows orders. And as Billy’s story unfolds, Malachi slowly begins to see the bigger picture—that each step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful song that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.</span><br/><br/>I have to say that although I was not impressed with the chapters where Malachi is telling the story I did get fully absorbed with Billy’s story.  The book jumps back and forth between the point of view of Malachi and that of Billy. Malachi gives a lot of back story. Where he came from, how he came to be, where he is going and what his purpose is. He tells us the story of little Billy and how his father was killed in a flood. A flood that he also died it. Billy knew that God must have a purpose for him.<br/><br/>Billy did not have many friends growing up. He kept to himself most of the time. He was a tinker, and enjoyed building things out of nothing and trying to fix things that were broken. He loved radio and anything put in front of him that was electronic. Blue grass was calling is soul as his father had taught him how to play the mandolin.<br/><br/>The story goes through the life of Billy and the people he meets along the way. We learn of his calling, getting the word of God out to as many people as could listen, using the form of blue grass music.<br/><br/>Bad things happened to little Billy, which we find out through older Billy’s story telling. It was at this point that I felt connected to Billy, having an experience myself. I began to cry as I frantically flipped page after page finding myself living his story.<br/><br/>Billy is unable to let himself be loved due to what happened to him as a child. This mirrors my own life currently. I find myself in a relationship full of love, but find myself constantly looking for a way out. I was molested for the first 12 years of my life. I never grew like a normal child mentally. My mental well being was compromised and I had to learn to cope by other means. I have a hard time trusting people and keep them at a distance. Because the girl in love with Billy was rape, she too felt she was not worthy of love, that she would never be whole again.  I can also relate to her.<br/><br/>It is a long road to recovery. I thought I had been there once. In time, I ended up leaving my wonderful husband after 10 years because I felt he deserved better.  I was not worthy of his love. I was broken and I was not ever going to be fixed. No one should have to put up with someone like me. So, in 2007 I left him and started a new life. I find myself in a relationship just over 2 years now, and those same feelings have returned.<br/><br/>How does one love someone as broken as me?<br/><br/>I discussed these things this morning after finishing this book last night. I cried as I connected the dots about my feelings.  I was told to start in Matthew. That is on my list to do tonight. I have been on a 6 month hiatus from church, perhaps now is a good time to go back. I have never considered myself as religious, more spiritual.  I have questions and I will need answers.<br/><br/>There was a lot going on in this story, molestation, rape, sin, saints, old friends, new friends, and a simple man finding true love. Perhaps he is not so different from me. If he was able to make it through, perhaps there is hope for me yet.<br/><br/>It was not until I read the final page that I learned this was a true story. I have always wanted to write a story about my life. I think I turned out OK considering all I have been through. I know I have a story to tell. I know my words have helped people in the past when I have revealed my secrets.<br/><br/>Right now I feel called, compelled, and open-eyed.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82180406294473104192011-01-03T02:00:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.937-04:00About Self Employed Writer<b><br /></b><br /><br />What sort of questions could I answer about the Self Employed Writer? Do any of you have any questions for me?<br /><br />Sadly, I can honestly say that I have not had someone ask my things about my blog. So, I will give you a little background and we can go from there.<br /><br />I have been writing all my life. My journals go back to when I was nine years old. I know I had another one prior but I tore it apart, afraid someone would find out my secret. In 2005 I started my blogging career. It is then that my journals started to suffer; only writing occasionally, saving the rest for my blog. I shared my life, my stories, and my poetry. In that time I never thought about writing for a living or getting published. I would have loved it, but I never tried to follow that dream because it was just that, a dream. I never felt I was good enough to tell a story. My life is a story. The things I have been through. Many do not come out the same after going through life the way I have. That is a self-help book that someday I might finish.<br /><br />For now, I just tell my story as life unfolds. Sharing bits of me. I made a lot of friends in 2005 through Yahoo 360, then MySpace, Blogger and various other social networking and blog sites. I have seen people come and go, and people with far better writing skills than I. I learned that a true friend does not have to live in the same zip code.<br /><br />As the years went by, I started to blog a little less. It became more of a means of communication with friends and less about telling my story. In 2007 I moved 1000 miles across the states. I went from temp job to temp job. I finally hit rock bottom in my accounting career and realized this just wasn’t working for me anymore. I took a few texting jobs to pay the bills and scoured the internet for ideas on something I could do to make some money.<br /><br />I remembered once a class I took at Oklahoma State, telling us we should always do what we love. If we don’t love what we do we will face burn out and end up searching for something else. I enjoyed accounting and I was good at it, but it was not something I loved. I loved taxes but it was not something that was lucrative year round. What did I love? Reading. Writing. Creating.<br /><br />I found a forum of writers and learned of internet content. Granted, there is a love hate relationship with writers and content mills. I don’t have any complaints. It is a place to start and a place I still supply work for. I was able to pay my bills, take care of my family when they needed me and use the mills to build a portfolio. I moved on to higher paying content and private clients. After about a year I landed my first magazine and finally felt brave enough to start on a novel.<br /><br />That is where this blog comes from. It started five years ago as an Irish girl trying to find her way in the world and turning in to what you see now. But, even with the person I am now, I still face challenges in life. There are many goals and dreams I want to someday achieve. &nbsp;I know with my words I will make it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28712194466261848562011-01-02T09:25:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.939-04:00The Real #1<a href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/"><img alt="/" border="0" src="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/31ideas-girl.png" /></a><br /><br />(NOTE: This will be the last day that my blog has the UBC in the title, however remaining challenge blogs will be categorized and tagged as such.)<br /><br />Well, since I was having my own pity party in bed yesterday I was not able to write the blog I really wanted. So, I am going to do so right now.<br /><br />I was so bummed out about something that I caused a giant wave of depression. I am still taking my medication, but I think I need an evaluation because they don’t seem to be working. Anyway, my shoulder, back and hip have all been acting up at the same time. On top of that I have been trying to fight either a cold or a sinus infection. All of that just made me lay in bed all day. I was not a functioning individual, I can tell you that much. &nbsp;Today is a little bit better. Its past 2 in the afternoon and I am still in my jammies. I have no desire to leave my bed still, but at least I have the laptop with me this time so I can try to work on something.<br /><br />As you can see, I am participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge. This will be my 2<sup>nd</sup> time participating but it is my first time with the new blog. As most of you who have been following me for a while will see that my blog has changed. I finally took the leap to leave the blogger free hosting format with my own domain and purchase some hosting and using the word press format. The move was a giant headache, I won’t lie. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I wanted to throw in the towel more often than not. It was however, a learning experience. I did learn a lot. Sadly, I would do it all over again. I still have a few things I need to work on, but that will all come in time.<br /><br />So, here we are, starting a new year and I am starting a new blog. After 5 years I felt it was time. New Year, new journey. Not much about my blog will change. It will still be about me, my life as a writer, and my life outside of the keyboard. It all works together to make me the writer that I am. I have tried one too many times to find a niche, but I just have too many things but they all come back to the same thing, me and writing, hence the title “Self Employed Writer”.<br /><br />At the first of the year we all like to make resolutions. I have made the resolution in the past to not make resolutions. It seems like no matter what I do I never keep them. This year I am resolving to continue moving forward with my writing. I have a novel in the works and would like to finish it this year. If everything goes well this semester (meaning I am able to get in to all of my classes) then I should be done in June. I would like to go to Grad school in the fall, but that will depend on how things go this year. I might need to take a little break from school, but in the same breath it is like I have something to prove to myself.<br /><br />Other than that, I need to become healthy. My mind and my body depend on it. I seem to go back and forth on this one. I don’t know why it has been so hard for me. I did really well on Weight Watchers once. I just need to suck it up, get over the embarrassment and go. I should also go train with Matt a few nights a week just for some ex (meaning I am able to get in to all of my classes) then I should be done in June. I would like to go to Grad school in the fall, but that will depend on how things go this year. I might need to take a little break from school, but in the same breath it is like I have something to prove to myself.<br /><br />Other than that, I need to become healthy. My mind and my body depend on it. I seem to go back and forth on this one. I don’t know why it has been so hard for me. I did really well on Weight Watchers once. I just need to suck it up, get over the embarrassment and go. I should also go train with Matt a few nights a week just for some exercise. I get stuck in this trap of school, work, and taking care of others that I tend to not take care of myself. I KNOW I can lose the weight and start exercising again; I just need to get the motivation and drive to do it, and keep doing it.<br /><br />I would like to go back to Weight Watchers. It seems to be the only thing that really worked for me. I was doing great with the WonderSlim/New Lifestyle program, but it just gets too costly. I have found comparable grocery store items. I still think it’s a great program and the time I was on it I really made the effort to become aware of what I was putting in my mouth and how much.<br /><br />They have meetings, 5 minutes from my house. I just wish I could get over the anxiety of going by myself.<br /><br />Maybe that is a resolution within itself.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31176194051601367472011-01-01T14:25:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.942-04:00HelloIt has been such a long day. While most people are out enjoying the first day of the year, I have spent my day in bed.<br /><br />Just not having a good start to my year.<br /><br />I decided to leave the laptop in the office so I am using my iPod Touch to write out my first post of this months blog challenge.<br /><br />This is my second time doing the challenge but it is my first time since moving my blog. I hope it is enjoyable for you the readers as it is for me to participate.<br /><span id="BB_SIGN_BEGIN"><br /><img alt="BlogBooster-The most productive way for mobile blogging. BlogBooster is a multi-service blog editor for iPhone, Android, WebOs and your desktop" src="http://theblogbooster.com/pixel.gif" style="border: none;" /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22341192992327375602010-12-31T17:43:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.944-04:00How Was Your Christmas?<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Working on the website has put me behind in blogging. So much so that this was intended to be Monday’s blog. *shrugs* Well, better late than never, right?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">So, how was Christmas? Did Santa bring you everything you asked for?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Mine was OK. It was very rushed. We only have big M’s daughter, lil M on weekends. He’s a weekend dad and that makes it hard when holidays fall on the weekends. Lil M stayed with us Christmas Eve. We were suppose to get her LAST year for Christmas Eve (suppose to flip flop every year) and her mother would never answer her phone. Then, according to Friends of the Court rules the other parent then gets the child at NOON on Christmas Day. That did not happen either. It was about 7 or 8pm by the time her mother answered her phone so we could come pick up lil M. We ended up having a “special” visit from Santa that night so he could drop off lil M presents. She liked that.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Fast forward to this year, us being the responsible adult that we are followed the rules. We picked up M Friday night and the three of us went to my mother’s for Christmas Eve. We had a wonderful dinner and opened gifts. &nbsp;Lil M got lots of toys which makes her very happy. Big M and I got an electric fireplace. I was so excited!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">My mother also got me a very special gift. When my grandmother passed away in 2007 she had boxes and boxes of jewelry. Most of us had picked out what we wanted and there was a box left. Now, I have been through that box many times just to look and remember certain time when she wore certain things. I guess I must have forgotten the silver bracelet. It’s a wide band, really pretty, but I just CAN’T seem to place it. I did not see my grandmother very often since I lived 1000 miles away at the time, so that could be why.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Mom met a lady who makes custom jewelry. I don’t know where the idea came from or how she even thought of it, but my mother gave her this wide silver bracelet to make something out of it. What she did literally brought tears to my eyes when I opened it. She had cut out rose shapes. Roses were my grandmother’s favorite flower. It’s simply beautiful!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/fde3d1a7.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #00750c; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1057" height="300" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/fde3d1a7-225x300.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Grandmas Bracelt" width="225" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Christmas morning was really rushed. We flew through our presents. Toys, games, Tinkerbell, computer gadgets, clothes, oh my! And went to big M grandmothers where his cousin, father and step mother were waiting for us. We had lunch, opened gifts and had some laughs. Mum (as I like to call her, she’s Irish too!) and Dad got me a Pandora bracelet with my first bead, a shamrock. Again with the tears!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">M’s grandmother has Alzheimer’s and his dad and stepmom take care of her. She had a present to open. It was nice. But it is hard at the same time. &nbsp;Just a few months ago she would peak out from behind the wall (figuratively, not literally) and there she would be and know exactly who you are. Now, she does not even do that. Her body is in full working order, however her mind is not.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Big M had to take lil M home to her mother’s by 2pm. Now, for those of you new here, this part might get a little confusing. Big M has two ex step kids. When he met lil M’s mother she already had 2 kids. The son has never met his father to this day and the daughter knows her father now, and met him once a year or so ago. So, big M is pretty much the only father they know. They still call him dad. The mother has since remarried and had a baby with this guy. I might add that she got pregnant with this baby while she was still married to big M.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Can you see the drama unfold right before your eyes?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Well, it is awkward for me and it makes me uncomfortable. I don’t go there any more than I have to and since they live an hour away, its not often. I know it makes lil M sad sometimes that I do not go to her house with her dad, but when she is old enough, someday she will understand.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">You see, more information to the newbie’s, I suffer from a host of mental problems, one of them being panic attacks and anxiety. &nbsp;Sadly, it’s easier for me to not go.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">So big M took all the gifts for the older two kids and the mother “from daughter” gift and went on his way.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">When big M returned a few hours later we went to the movies and saw Gulliver’s Travels. It was great. Jack Black did a really good job.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Sunday was sort of lazy for the first half of the day, then we went and checked out some after Christmas sales. Headed back to the movie theater and saw The Fighter. Again, we saw another awesome movie.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">So, Monday until now I have been working on switching my blog. I am (so far) please with its progress.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Now tonight is New Years Eve. Lil M is going to being staying with big M’s mom (aka gremmie) who just returned from a month long vacation to Thailand and Australia. Big M has some friends in town, so we may be going out tonight to ring in the New Year.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Happy New Year….</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47479358327953613112010-12-31T17:43:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:59:51.622-04:00Reflections of 2010<h1 style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; line-height: 36px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Reflections of the Past</span></h1><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2007/02/06/reflections/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #00750c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Reflections 2006</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/17/reflections-2/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #00750c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Reflections 2007</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2008/12/31/reflections-2008/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #00750c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Reflections&nbsp;2008</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/2009/12/30/reflections-2009/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #00750c; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Reflections&nbsp;2009</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">In looking over my past “Reflections” it seems as though they all start the same, and not much has changed. I had hoped this year might be different, but something tells me it is going to be full of many similarities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m355/marian1378/reflections.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #00750c; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m355/marian1378/reflections.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 58.5pt; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-weight: normal;">1)&nbsp;</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Was 2010 a good year for you?<br /><strong>It was OK. I would not say it was the best year of my life, but it seems I have some highlights that I did not experience the last couple of year.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I am still trying to move on from the past and continue to grow as a person and move forward. This is proving to be extremely difficult, but I keep trying. It is not always easy, and often I want to give up.</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">For me, that is something to celebrate (and it seems to hold true every year). But life is constantly changing, again, that’s going to be the same from year to year as well. But, I seem to be actually living life a little better rather than waiting trying to catch up to life.</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />2) What was your favorite moment of the year?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Growing as a writer and taking the Polar Express to the North Pole<br /></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>All the pain; emotional, physical, and mental (seems to be a trend year after year)</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />4) Where were you when 2010 began?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Our house</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">5) Who were you with?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Matt</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">6) Where will you be when 2010 ends?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>I think we are going to his moms for NYE. She has been gone for a month on a Australian cruise thing, so we are doing Christmas and New Years on that night. I am sure I will be asleep way before 2010 even ends.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">7) Who will you be with when 2010 ends?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Matt</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><img alt="8)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_cool.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />&nbsp;Did you keep your new year’s resolution of 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Yes, to take charge of my health. My back depended on me losing some weight, as well as my own physical and mental well being.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">9) Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2011?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">See #8, it pretty much is the same.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2010?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I did not. I was already loving someone.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">11) If yes, with whom?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">12) If yes, do they know?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>He should, or we have problems.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">13) Are you still in love with them?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Still here aren’t I?</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />14) Do you regret it?<br /><strong>At times, I regret that we moved too fast. I think it has damaged our relationship in many ways. There are a minimal of ways that is has made us stronger.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2010?<br /><strong>No.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">16) Did you make any new friends in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Yes, a few.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?<br /><strong>They are all the best.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">18) What was your favorite month of 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Don’t really have one.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>No&nbsp;<img alt=":(" class="wp-smiley" src="http://selfemployedwriter.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">20) How many different places did you travel to in 2010?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Just cities in Michigan.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>I often feel like I have lost a lot of people just because we are all so out of touch. My best friend lost his wife, and even though her and I were not that close, I still feel the loss.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong></strong><strong></strong>22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>YES!&nbsp;all my friends back in OK.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Boondock Saints II</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">24) What was your favorite song from 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Oh I have a few: they may not be new in 2010, but they still mean something to me. Not to mention a few were on last year’s list too!</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Second Chance – Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Simple Man – Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I Dare You – Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Not Strong Enough – Apocalypitca with Brent Smith from Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />25) What was your favorite album from 2010?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I don’t even know what was really officially released this year!</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">26) How many concerts did you see in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>A few!</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Shinedown Acoustic in November</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Not really.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2010?<br /><strong>Only pain relievers for my back and when I hurt my shoulder.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2010?<br /><strong>One.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Not really.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2010?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I told myself it didn’t matter and that I did not love him anymore.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>That they did not love me anymore.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2010?<br /><strong>More like the other way around.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2010?<br /><strong>Yeah, I had my moments.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">36) How much money did you spend in 2010?<strong></strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Every penny I earned.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Can’t say I really have one</strong><strong></strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2010 and change it, what would it be?<br /><strong>I may have went ahead and moved out to save us both from the pain we went through.</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">40) What are your plans for 2011?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>To keep writing and build up my websites and portfolios. I hope to graduate in June with my BA, and maybe go on to get my MBA in the fall.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Visit my friends for sure!</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">41) What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Train Ride</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">42) Did anyone close to you give birth?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>My best friend Ron and his wife had a baby in March.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">43) What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Peace, quiet, committment and understanding.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">44) What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong></strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">November 24, the night I saw Shinedowns acoustinc concert and came up with the idea for my tattoo.</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br /><strong>Working as a writer!</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">46) What was your biggest failure?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Depression creeping back up on me, never living up to my own expectations of myself, and my wicked evil self esteem issues that mess with my head.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">47) What was the best thing you bought?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">My new laptop!</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">48) Whose behavior merited celebration?</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Kraz. He finally got his life back on track and doing what he loves.</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Matt, same thing. Finally, slowly getting his life back on track and doing what he loves.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Yikes! My own – seriously! And Matt’s. It was an up and down battle again this year.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">50) What did you get really, really, really excited about?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Working as a writer, becoming a book reviewer. I love books and writing!</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">51) Compared to this time last year, are you:</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;">i. happier or sadder?&nbsp;<strong>I am about the same as I was this time last year, just for different reasons.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />ii. thinner or fatter?&nbsp;<strong>The same as I was…but I would love to change that…</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">iii. richer or poorer?&nbsp;<strong>richer in so many ways, a little better money wise , but still poor</strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />52) What do you wish you’d done more of?<br /><strong>Exercised..LOL..well you asked</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">53) What do you wish you’d done less of?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think, living my life for others, and never putting myself first</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Wow, 51, 52, and 53 really have not changed over the years.</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br /><strong>Christmas eve me, Matt and lil M will be going to my mothers. Christmas morning will be the 3 of us, then we will go to his grandmothers to do gifts with his dad and step mom. Then, we have to take lil M home to her mothers and do gifts with her older brother and sister. I plan to sleep the rest of the day.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">55) How many one-night stands?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>None this year.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">56) What was your favorite TV program?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Sons of Anarchy, Rescue Me, Paranormal State, Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, Psych, Fringe, Good Guys</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, there will always be one person I seriously dislike and likely that will never change.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">58) What was the best book you read?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>I really did not get a chance to read much this year. The only thing that is standing out in my mind is the book I am reading right now, Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball. It is so cute.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">59) What was your greatest musical discovery?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Apocalyptica.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">60) What did you want and get?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Nothing. I am still working on getting the things I wanted this year.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">61) What did you want and not get?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>I want peace within me. I am working on that, still.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Matt and I went to dinner, and I had to buy. I was not really all that happy about it.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br /><strong>If Matt would have grown up a little sooner to help clean up the house, do chores, help out, and help with his own daughter more.</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Comfortable.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong></strong><strong></strong>65) What kept you sane?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Nothing kept me sane, I have been having insane moments on a daily basis.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><em><strong><span style="font-style: normal;">Brent Smith. Hes not a hottie, or really even that good looking. But, hes a bit southern and has a voice that sooths my soul. He has changed my world with his words.</span></strong></em></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most?<br /><strong>None</strong></span><br /><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;">68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>Things are never what they seem.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #0e0103;"><strong>69) Quote a song lyric.</strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I just saw Haley’s Comet, she waved</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Said, “Why are you always running in place?”</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Even the man in the moon disappeared</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Somewhere in the stratosphere</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Tell my mother, tell my father I’ve done the best I can</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">To make them realize this is my life, I hope they understand</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">I’m not angry, I’m just saying</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Sometimes goodbye is a second chance</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">Second Chance- Shinedown</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103;"><br /></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103;">70) Favorite discovered quote.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span class="snippet4"><strong><span style="color: windowtext;">“I’m a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That’s me.” ~Maya Angelou</span></strong></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84325024592121799772010-12-30T16:33:00.000-05:002011-06-28T20:20:52.759-04:00Moved to Wordpress<div style="text-align: center;">I just wanted to let you all know that I have moved this blog (all 900 plus posts) to self hosted Word Press. I took my custom domain with me, so that is why you are now seeing the standard .blogspot.com address.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Come visit me there <a href="http://selfemployedwriter.com/">Self Employed Writer</a></span></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60047557152826895102010-12-30T12:57:00.000-05:002011-06-28T20:20:52.762-04:00My Blog(s) DisclosureThis policy is valid from 14 December 2010<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact &nbsp;cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com.<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.<br /><br />&nbsp;This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.<br /><br />&nbsp;The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.<br /><br />&nbsp;This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.<br /><br /><br />To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org<br /><br />My poetry, my life stories, and random content is me, all me. My words, thoughts and ideas and is in no way, shape, or form influenced by any sort of compensation.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77586896474895729012010-12-29T17:40:00.001-05:002011-06-28T20:20:52.764-04:00Yes, I am now on Word Press<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">So, this is my first post on Word Press. Not free (dot com), but self hosted (free wp dot org). I decided to take the plunge to getting off the free service and actually making my site a legitimate blogging/business/portfolio site for my writing.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The merge is going to take some time as there are a lot of things that I need to update.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The posts have been imported, but it looks like I have a few missing, so I will have to go through to see which ones it is.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">For the posts that did get imported I am going to have to clean them up a little bit. Word Press smashed it all together so there are no paragraph breaks. I am not sure if I will keep this current theme either. Right now I am still in the learning curve.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Going to update my feedburner now so I can let Demand Studios know of my move. I have had my site down for half the day now and since my blog is networked with them, I know I missed out on some traffic.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">I have some posts I am working on so I will try to have those up tonight.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78605716694125863432010-12-28T16:50:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.946-04:00I Can’t Believe I am Afraid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e272/linleyj/cool3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e272/linleyj/cool3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, I said it. Me. Afraid. Not only am I afraid, I am afraid of something very silly. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am afraid to move my blog. There it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been on Blogger for about 5 year now. I have changed blog names, moved them around, gained readers, lost readers, and grew a business. The time has come where I need to be able to market myself more. Since I am my own boss, I believe it is time to move from free hosting and services to paid hosting and services so that I have the ability to generate more revenue from SEO capabilities and ad placement. Something I can’t do with free services.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is just like advertising. I need people to know I am a writer. I am available for some projects (more so after graduation) and that I have my own projects going.&nbsp; I want to blab about this, that, and the other. I have done a lot of research the last few days.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think I know what I am doing, but I keep procrastinating and I have no idea why.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think it is because I am leaving something that is familiar to me. Something I know and I am comfortable with. I don’t take to kindly to change. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I like it here in Bloggerland, so I don’t know how this move is going to affect me. But I have to do what is going to be best for me in the long run. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">School starts back up for the semester here very soon, so if I am going to do it, I need to do it now and stop being so darn scared. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">*sigh*</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I need to start packing.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88582776448856904022010-12-28T13:37:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.948-04:00Have You Ever Noticed?<div class="MsoNormal">While doing my bloghop this morning I ran across a blog <a href="http://www.generationgossip.com/">Generation Gossip: The Talk around Town&nbsp;</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The post was entitled <a href="http://www.generationgossip.com/2010/11/royal-rant-marriage-question.html">Royal Rant: The Marriage Question</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Apparently Oprah opened up a can of worms by having a woman appear on her show who had married a convict. His crime? Her murdered two innocent people in cold blood, execution style. My first thought is, why would someone even WANT to meet a person like that, let alone marry them. Does this woman have such terrible self-esteem that she had to find love through lonely convicts? Now, I don’t know this lady, but I seriously just can’t help but wonder what was going through her mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember when I was a Freshman in college, one of my papers was about the judicial system and those on death row. I read countless reports in order to gather my information before stating my case. In all of that information was countless reports of different prisons and what they offer inmates. Back then it seemed like people would commit crimes just so they could be thrown in jail. I mean think about it, yes I understand you are locked up, forced to follow someone elses rules and time schedule. However, you have your own room, even though small and lacking privacy. You have warm water to take a shower, a bed, roof over your head, and three square meals a day. Would you rather be homeless or in jail? Prisoners are provided shelter, clothing, food, the bare necessities as well as recreation. Many are allowed to be outside, some only an hour. Depending on the crime and level of security the person needs. Prisoners have access to free gym equipment. How many of us get a free gym membership? Not only that, many places are now offering free eduction, and not just GED education, college credits, to prisonsers who can/will/were/are rehabilited and need some training for life in the real world. How many of us get free education??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It would seem that life in jail, at least minimum security is not so bad for some. I guess if they are going to show signs of release and they have suffered for their crime, they I understand they need to be able to cope when they get out. But, really, get married? Especially someone who is a murderer? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is something that never will make sense to me no matter what position I take on it. In this day and age it is sad that homosexuals are not allowed to get married, but a murder can.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44295072674514105732010-12-27T17:38:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.951-04:00Let’s play catch-up, shall we?<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Let’s play catch-up, shall we?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">I know I am going to be moving my blog soon, the domain will still be the same, but when you type in selfemployedwriter.com you will be sent to a fresh new site. I am not sure of a template yet. I am going to spend some time tonight looking before I start switching all of my posts and goodies over. I am pretty sure Google will allow me to move the follow box so that it will be there and since my domain is not changing; my feeds should still be the same. But, you know how things are.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Just one more thing to add to my list of things to do. All I know is I want to write. I want to read. And, I want to write about reading. Simple enough I guess. That is my goal in life. To finish school, continue to write for the companies I currently write for while I work on my residual income at Helium as well as my blog.&nbsp; I have signed up with a few companies to do book reviews. I am hoping this turns into a long term program. That would be a dream comes true. For my blog to generate enough income from the book reviews that I can do this job for the rest of my life!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26722690486561143922010-12-24T17:41:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.620-04:00Looks Like eBay has Some Competition<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRUhSY6lGHI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Vc-GmS8JIqc/s1600/05be537fbf3cebc1c14bac83de83926d_w150_h100_cp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRUhSY6lGHI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Vc-GmS8JIqc/s1600/05be537fbf3cebc1c14bac83de83926d_w150_h100_cp.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I should have posted this sooner. I really wanted to talk about it, but I got so caught up with the Holiday madness that I did not have much time to sit and compose this blog. Now, I guess you will have to wait until next Christmas to do some shopping on <a href="http://www.bidsauce.com/okirishchik">BidSauce</a>. Kidding of course. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It looks like eBay might have a little bit of competition. &nbsp;For a while now I have been hearing about these ten cent auctions, penny auction, two centers and so on. I never really bothered to check it out because they wanted a pretty good chunk of money just to buy a bid package. I just did not want to risk losing my money.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.bidsauce.com/okirishchik">BidSauce</a> actually has a pretty good guarantee. If you buy a certain bid package and do not win, you can simply email customer service or call them and let them know and they will give you another set of bids, for free. But, they will only do it once. So I decided to give it a try. I purchased 50 bids for $49.95. I sat and watched the auctions to get a feel for how it worked. It seemed like a bit of a bidding war. Not only that, when someone bids at the last minute, the timer goes back up. So, really it is just a matter of who is going to give up first.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, I did not get any wins on my first 50 bids. So I contacted live chat immediately. I started to think that it was a bit of a scam, figuratively, not literally. &nbsp;I thought that perhaps only those that purchased larger big packages and had more bids were going to be winners. The customer service rep was very nice and in a matter of seconds I had 50 more bids in my account.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I sat and waited. Then I plotted. That same day I made my first win. 97 cents for a $50 Applebee’s gift card. I tweeted my win and they gave me 2 more bids. The next day I decided to see if I could win something with the remaining bids I had. It was at that point I decided that I would close my account after this because not only do you have to buy bids, you have to pay for the amount you bid/won and you have to pay a service change ($6.89) for them to mail you the gift card. I figured at that rate I was not going to come out even. Well, I ended up winning a $100 visa card for 91 cents, plus the $6.89 cent handling charge. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.bidsauce.com/okirishchik">I paid out of pocket $65.65 for $150 worth of items. I would say I did pretty good.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I went through the check out process and now I was going to patiently await the arrival of my cards.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A few days later I received an email from the customer service department saying they had an error in processing my information. Not really sure what happened. I checked my credit card to make sure I was not billed. I was not. So I went through the check out process again and they gave me another 50 free bids for my troubles.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that’s customer service for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRUhcUs1w2I/AAAAAAAAAN4/XGz4bFjtI7Q/s1600/fairplay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRUhcUs1w2I/AAAAAAAAAN4/XGz4bFjtI7Q/s1600/fairplay.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now because I had such good fortune there I decided to try another one, for10cents.com I purchased the smallest package they had there for $15. So far I do not really like it and it looks like I am going to be out my $15. Oh well, lesson learned, you can’t win all the time.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8659855749035023652010-12-24T14:15:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.953-04:00Now it’s Complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRTohv9eUDI/AAAAAAAAANw/_jC4scAJjZc/s1600/867ff1f8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRTohv9eUDI/AAAAAAAAANw/_jC4scAJjZc/s320/867ff1f8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">The tattoo was finished (I bet you were thinking all the website changes, huh?) last night. I am quite pleased with it and could not ask for anything better. Chad knew exactly what I wanted when I took my stack of photos and ideas in. (thanks Chad) For anyone interested in his work, check out his website, which I have posted in the upper right hand corner of my blogs homepage. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For those who may have missed the original post regarding the tattoo and its meaning <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/12/another-evening-with-shinedown-tattoo.html">– click here.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, for those who thought I was talking about all the web changes that were about to happen……well…that gave me a headache. LOL I DID merge my poetry blog and eBooksNook blog into this one. Having 3 blogs to keep up with just was too much for me. I will just tag/label them and they will be in the “Labels” list to the right of the blog. Well, I tell you where they are, but if I happen to find another template I like, that might just change. My erotic stories have to stay on their own blog because it is adult content and I have to mark it on Blogger as such. That is why you get an adult website warning when you click the links to go there. I need to spend some more time on that blog. I should not have deleted the first one. Lesson learned. Now I am building it all over. I just have not had time to get the stories posted. I also realized I should not be working for free and some of the more popular stories and any new stories from this day forward will have a paypal link. I thought about eBooks, but I don’t think my stories are long enough. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I had planned to move from being hosted on Blogger to being self hosted and using Word Press. I already have a WP blog that mirrors this blog exactly, except that is only posts part of the article with a link back to this blog. I have my own domain, so it masks the blogger address. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My blog was recently picked up for syndication through Demand Studios blog network. I am very excited about this. Yes, I know DS is a content mill, but that mill is paying my bills while I finish school, work on my novel, build my portfolio, and build my residual sites. This recent change made me want to make the move even more. So, I ended up purchasing some hosting yesterday. I went to the company where I had my domain; they gave me a better deal than what was listed. So, I went back to company A to cancel. Had to go through all of that. Now, here I am today and even more frustrated so I then canceled the hosting with company B and said forget it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is too much of a headache right before the holiday, I don’t want to mess with it right now. Blogger is not as customizable and you have to adhere to their TOS or you risk deletion. I have been here 5 years and never had a problem. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep reading that all of these people who really make money with their blogs are those who self host through word press. I am not sure why that is. Maybe more room for ads? I have been trying to figure that out because I have met a few Blogger users that do make money from their blogs. So, I am not sure what the situation is. I do make some money here, but not a lot.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9850143583331757212010-12-24T08:00:00.021-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.955-04:00A Special Christmas Eve Gift for All of YouMany years ago when we started this blogging venture, we were parked on Yahoo 360 Blogville Lane. It was there I met quite an&nbsp;eclectic&nbsp;group of writers. There was one, The Crow, who I collaberated with on a few of my Erotic Confessions and his own erotica stories. The Crow I admire. He his quick tongued and will not give up or back down. I have seen the trials and tribulations of his life, and yet he always comes out on top.<br /><br />I believe he wrote this blog in 2005, as a tribute to us on 360 who had later joined his blog group. It holds very dear to my heart as so many of my friends are mentioned. Many of these people I am still friends with, 5 years later.<br /><br />I wanted to share it with all of you as a reminder, that even though many of us only know each other in Blogland, we are still real people forming very real friendships. I am also sharing this for those of you who were around in those day as a beautiful memory of the talent we were blesses with.<br /><br />Without further ado, here is Twas the Night Before Christmas in Blogland, <a href="http://jeremycrow4life.com/">by Jeremy Crow</a>.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">'Twas the night before Christmas, and Superdaddyman Sits</span></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">All the evils’s are sleeping, and wrapping gifts is the pits;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">The stockings in thoughts for Superdaddyman’s a perv,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">In my dreams the women will wear them, it’s what I deserve!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">The evils’s were all wound up and quite lucky they ain’t dead</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Did I mention all the stockings dancing around in this head?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 14pt/normal Papyrus;"><span style="color: black;">Greektradgedius is whining and Imtoocutus is being great,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">If she thinks she’s fooled Santa, it’s just a little too damn late!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">When, out on the front my porch there arose such a clatter,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Oh Geeze, it looks like Neal, and he’s climbing a ladder?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Away to the window, to open and to holler,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Hey Neal whatcha doin, and red ain’t your color!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">That Portly Old Elf looked down upon me with despair,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“I thought, I’d peek in your neighbors window, the one over there!”,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“But dude! She’s like 80, and her son is a cop!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Dressed as Santa or not, you are bound to get SHOT!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Oh thank you so much, your advice to the masses!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">It was my fault you see the suit didn’t go with my glasses!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">More rapid than lightning his curse words they came,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">For now he has fallen off the ladder and he lays there in pain</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">"Now, &amp;^$%! And, @#$^! And, @#$% and !@*&amp;!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">I hope to god That isn’t the real Santa cuz then I am &amp;^%$#@!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">I looked up upon the rooftop and to my great surprise!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">There was Kayla dressed in a costume far more naughty than nice!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“I thought I’d show up to give you some real Christmas cheer</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Hey look at Neal laying there, I didn’t know he was here!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">So now down the street, a big old&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Lincoln</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">&nbsp;had just flew</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Damn it slammed on it’s brakes, and it’s backing up with a crew!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Now out of the car came t he passengers who knew?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Looks like Queen Lori, and <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Chrystal</span>,</b> and yes it’s Adriana too!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">So around to the back went the queen adjusting her tiara,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Then she opened the trunk, and out popped Shuai and Sancira</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Little Shuai he looked dizzy, and his hair was a mess,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“These crazy women kidnapped me, and I came under duress!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Sancira was fine she looked none the worse for wear</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">By the smile on her face tells you she’s just happy to be there!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Chrystal walks around looking at all of us in in such delight</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">She steps on poor Neal as she’s deciding who to bite!</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Her evil little mouth all drawn back to show her fangs getting wet,</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">She looks around confused and says “Hey where the hell is Brett?”</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">I stood there confused, as I didn’t even know about you all</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">I pull out my cell phone and it’s Brett I do call.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“You’ve reached my voicemail the re Hun, please leave me a shout!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Well I guess he is busy, so you’ll have to do without!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Just then up in the sky, we all heard the loudest noise</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Look it’s Santa Claus and Brett! I knew he was one of his boys!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">“Hey guys I got called out on business, but I thought you’d understand!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span style="color: black;">Me and Santa we go way back from when we both were in this band!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Up looked Lori, and <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Chrystal</span></b>, and Adriana and even Sancira</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">As the reindeer, and Santa and Brett of course came nearer</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">They threw down boxes of presents, many toys that replicated boys</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">And the girls were so delighted as most made a buzzing noise</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">The boys just looked on with a rather puzzled, and made a fuss</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span>&nbsp;</span>“Let’s get the hell out of here, before they try to use them on US!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">So as the boys that were walking ran away and dragged Neal in tow</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black;">Happy Christmas Blogaholics Anonymous from your friend The Crow!</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11970499144131838582010-12-23T16:27:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.957-04:00I’m Slimming Update<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I started the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34746&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">WonderSlim/NewLifestyle </a>journey it was due in part that DHS had taken away my food assistance. Well, reduced it from $200 to $16. I complained and sent in papers, nothing about my living situation or income has changed. So, I have no idea why they made such a change. Anyway, I figured, well if I have to pay for groceries, I may as well by some WS food. Now I have a credit card bill of about $400. Yikes! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I can use my food benefits to make the transition into grocery store foods. (yes, I am a starving artist, poor college student, whatever you want to label me)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lately, I find myself bored. Seems to be a problem I have when following any plan, aside from Weight Watchers, where I can eat whatever. I have learned a lot from the weeks I have spent on WS, so honestly, I am happy and it was not a total loss.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, I would like to get my credit card bill taken care of and it’s too late for me to return the food. I would like to offer it to some girls in the WS forums, before I put it up on eBay. Saves them from having to bid, saves me from paying eBay fees. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I AM still going to follow the guidelines of the WS plan. I took the time to roam my local grocery store to find comparable products, at least the best they offer. Protein is not really an issue for me as hunger is not the problem, emotional eating is. I am working on that too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have made a list of the items on WS I like and the nutritional info. I am sure the grocery store folks thought I was a mystery shopper or something. I went during the day when no one was there. And read, read, read all the labels of things. Some are pale in comparison, and some are close enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also have a discount store that sells open boxed, dinged canned items for 80% off retail. I got my freezer, fridge and cupboards stocked for $100. I will be glad when I am done with school and can work more so I don’t have to deal with DHS. Although, I will always shop on a budget! I prefer the more for less method. HAHAH</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>So, breakfast items I am going to use:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Skim milk</li><li>Kroger brand eggbeaters</li><li>Dozen eggs (I do egg whites; my family eats the yolks in their scrambled eggs)</li><li>All bran cereal</li><li>Fiber one cereal</li><li>Multi Grain cheerios</li><li>Fiber one pancakes (makes 3, eat 1 save 2)</li><li>Quaker oatmeal, in packets</li><li>Irish oatmeal (I have instant and slow cook)</li><li>Grits (thats the south in me)</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, while some of these are a bit higher in calories than WS, the portions are a bit bigger too. The fiber and protein are close. Fiber fills me just like protein does so I am ok there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the Pudding/Shake supplement I am going to use Jillian Michael’s brand protein powder. I think I read that on 3fatchicks. It’s easy to find and I can use my benefits on it as oppose to going to GNC.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For lunch I found some Smart Ones, Lean Pockets, Lean Cuisines and Healthy Choice that work. Again, a few more calories, but the portions are bigger too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The only thing I am not sure about is the protein bars. I loved Pria bars back in the day, but can't seem to find those. I thought maybe Luna would be good but they seem really high in calories. So I am not sure what to do about a bar. I am afraid to try the ones at the store. So I may just supplement with powder or skip the bar since the meals have more calories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dinner will be lean and green!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been using the calorie free syrups for more variety with the shakes/puddings. Even in my coffee. YUM! And I have gotten back in the habit of having hot tea when I feel the need to snack.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, if only I could get my exercise motivation back so I can put forth my plan, I would be good to go! I am thinking about doing a short walk on the treadmill in the AM, using My Break Pal during the day while I am working, then after dinner do another walk, DVD or weight train. Hopefully that will kick the losses up a notch. I am going to start Monday. I am not going to mess with it over the Christmas weekend.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, and I actually found something I really liked at Applebee’s. We go there ALOT and I can't get enough of their spinach dip and boneless wings. However, not diet friendly. My mom and I were out Tuesday and we went there for lunch. I tried the Dijon Chicken that was on their 550 menu. OMG! It was to die for. Who needs hot wings????? I think that is my new favorite item at Applebee’s. I was pretty excited about my find.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All in all I am making some changes with my diet with the hopes of being able to stick to it.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43259054396618924732010-12-23T15:30:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.959-04:00Still Working on Blog ChangesI have finally merged my eBooksNook and Poetry in Motion blogs here to Self Employed Writer. It was getting to be too much of a hassle to keep going back and forth between blogs. I am a writer, all of my writing should be in one place. ;)<br /><br />My blog got picked up by Demand Studios, one of the companies I write content for. They have a new blog network program and I am pretty excited to be proud of that.<br /><br />With more traffic I have been thinking about switching from Blogger to WordPress. I already have a free WP blog that pretty much mirrors this blog. I would like to get in to self hosting so that I do not have to worry about blogs or posts being deleted or photo hosting leaving my photos blank. I just wonder if it is worth the expense and the headache of switching. I do like that self hosting through WP and GoDaddy allows me to have more SEO tools, as well as customization.<br /><br />I am doing a little research. It seams those on WP self hosting make a lot more revenue than those we are set up on Blogger.<br /><br />So, you have to spend money to make money I guess. Sort of like advertising. I am advertising myself.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49707332975054906192010-12-23T12:51:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.351-04:00Gifts for Book LoversWith Christmas only a few days away, how many of you are actually done (be honest, raise your hand) and how many of you still have to find that little something for that one person you still have no idea what to get?<br /><br />Don't make it so hard!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span></span><br /><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">Many people think book lovers are the hardest people to buy for. They seem to love books and nothing else. You know nothing about books, other then what is nicely displayed in the local bookstore window. Never fear, plenty of items exist for any book lover on your list. So what are some gifts for people who love books?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">Keep reading for a list of the top five items suitable for the book lover in your life.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>1. All book lovers love, well, books!</b>&nbsp;So the perfect gift would be another book, right?&nbsp;&nbsp;Take note of their reading list; note things like genre and author. This will ensure you are purchasing books tailored to their interests. Some wonderful book sites are&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bn.com/">Barnes and Noble</a>&nbsp;,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.borders.com/">Borders</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bookcloseouts.com/">Book Closeouts</a>.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>2. Membership to a bookstore.</b>&nbsp;Stores such as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/membership/join.as">Barnes and Noble</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;offer a membership club. For $25 a year members receive 40% off all Hardcover Bestsellers, 20% off all Adult Hardcover's, and 10% off almost everything else. Other benefits include $50 in bonus coupons for new members and many emails containing even more coupons and deals just for members. The card can be used both in store and online. A perk for online users is the reduced rate for shipping.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>3. Bookends are the perfect gift for that book lover of any age</b>.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justbookends.com/">Just Bookends</a>&nbsp;offers a wide variety of bookends. They offer a special category just for children that contain frogs, planes, fire trucks, animals, alphabets, and sports related. For the adult they offer everything in between from plain to simple.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>4. Book lights&nbsp;</b>are a perfect book lover's gift, especially for those who read in bed or travel a lot. Book lights are small and portable, making them easy for airplane travel. Those that read in bed will love the fact they will not bother their neighbor when staying up to read that new novel.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&amp;node=1063290">Amazon.com</a>&nbsp;offers a wide variety of book lights&nbsp;sure to suit any book lover's taste.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><b>5. Audio Books.</b>&nbsp;Often book lovers do not have time to devote to reading a national bestseller. Perhaps the book lover on your list travels a lot, especially by car. Audio books offer a great alternative to those who need a portable way to enjoy their favorite books.&nbsp;&nbsp;Books are available on cassette tape, compact disc as well as downloadable in mp3 format. This is ideal for those with a long commute or even those who enjoy the outdoors with a walk or run.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.audible.com/">Audible.com</a>&nbsp;offers national best sellers to the classics.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61855066705775461942010-12-23T11:45:00.002-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.540-05:00Book Review: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRN8Vg1elUI/AAAAAAAAANY/FhH4Zs2MsvY/s1600/73246320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TRN8Vg1elUI/AAAAAAAAANY/FhH4Zs2MsvY/s320/73246320.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>12/22/2010 7:18pm</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">As of the writing of this blog I have made it through four chapters. My mark patiently awaits me on Chapter 5. I wish I could have read more, but I know if I would have stayed up longer to read, I would have been up all night and would not have gotten any sleep. It is bad enough I don’t sleep enough as it is, thank you insomnia.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The writer introduces us to Cora Crowder, young and single. Cora is on a quest to purchase a book for her uncle from a quaint little bookstore just outside of town on Sage Street.&nbsp; Simon Derrick works with Cora and the two bump into each other at the little bookstore while he is shopping for a gift. The person he is buying a book for happens to be anther co-worker whom he drew for the office party’s gift swap. What a coincidence that Cora just happened to have drawn Simons name.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It just so happens that both are given a ticket to the Wizard’s Christmas Ball. Cora, not taking it very seriously gives her ticket to Simon so that he may take his sister. Cora and Simons paths keep crossing, and a friendship is starting to develop.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I left off with Chapter 4 Simon and Cora were about to leave work. Cora got word her car was ready for her to pick up after her run in with the curb, and Simon was nice enough to drive her. The next morning Simon offers her a better position within the company. Cora is ecstatic, she is finally moving up in the company. Later that night, Simon and his sister venture off to Cora’s place to see her baby kittens that are only a few days old. Sandy, Simon’s sister begins discussing the family’s Christianity. It is there that the chapter leaves off. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am ending this post now. I will return tomorrow morning and update with what I was able to read tonight!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Goodnight Blogland! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Thursday <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">12/23/2010 11:34am</div><div class="MsoNormal">It only took me a couple of hours to finish up the book. I have to say, it was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed every last word. I am planning on looking in to more works from this author,<a href="http://www.donitakpaul.com/"> Donita K. Paul.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It would seem that Sage Street is a bit magical. With the dress shop owners, candy store owners, and the bookstore owners playing matchmaker, Cora and Simon are in for the tale of their life. The way it is played out is quite charming. In a series of events, Simon and Cora continue to cross paths. Every time it happens, one realizes something more about the other. It helps that Sandy, Simon’s sister, really enjoys Cora’s company. Not to mention, Sandy is in love with Cora’s kittens. &nbsp;We continue to read on, as the characters unfold before our eyes. The book truly is a modern day fairytale. There are a few biblical scriptures here and there, so for those who do not care for that sort of thing, you can quickly skim over it, or just pass on the book. With fairies, wizards, ball gowns, ball dances, Christmas cheer, and a few pieces of drama thrown in for good measure, it is sure to be a hit with any reader, any age. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another thing that really stood out for me was the dust jacket. It is simply beautiful. I know many readers do not give much thought to the covers, but there have been times when I have felt a cover could have been better or that there was a better suited cover for a particular story. This cover fits perfectly and the artist did a wonderful job of capturing what the reader would thing Sage Street to look like.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1814799138842492722010-12-22T13:43:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.962-04:00My Heart Breaks for Him<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A while back ago I mentioned in a status update about my friend Ron. Ron and I go all the way back to 1996. He was one of the first people I met when I moved from Tulsa, OK to Stillwater, OK. He worked with me and we went to college together at Oklahoma State. We quickly became the best of friends.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ron and I did everything together. We went to parties, movies, concerts, shows, and campus events together. It was not often you did not see the two of us together. We were best friends. We talked about everything, and shared every detail of our lives with each other. When someone needed a friend in the middle of the night, we called each other. When we hit the bars together and there was no one to hook up with, we went home together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ron and I spent many nights together. Always safe with each other and never had to speak a word. We were not dating, we were not a couple, but we DID love each other madly. I am not sure why we never took our relationship to the next level. For the most part we were young and always dating around. At the time, neither of us wanted to settle really. He watched me move from boyfriend to boyfriend, date to date, one night stand to another. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">People did not understand my relationship with Ron, and I really did not care. I felt I was special to have this wonderful person in my life. He meant the world to me, and I would have done anything for him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I know what many of you are thinking….did we kiss? Sure, once in a while. But it was the booze kissing, not us. We kissed on the cheek as friends. In the drunken nights, we would kiss, as more than just friends. We never spoke of it. Ever. We knew there were feelings, we knew the other cared, but NEITHER of us wanted to ruin this wonderful friendship we had.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or did we? I admit, there was a period in time after a few years had passed where I thought I was in love with Ron. What better person to spend the rest of your life with than your best friend. Wasn’t that how it was suppose to be? He was unsure. He was still trying to get over his high school sweetheart and really just wanted to “have fun” while in college. I respected that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well his “fun” in college caught up with him. He was placed on academic suspension. In order to graduate on time he was going to have to transfer to another school for the semester. That news struck me hard. Here it was almost Christmas and I was about to lose the one person that mattered the most to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We decided to have one last party before everyone left for the semester. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ron and I were at a hotel bar watching the karaoke people. Laughing, having a good time, when a bunch of his fraternity brothers showed up with a few of our other friends. We danced, we sang and we laughed all night long. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been years since I thought about this night. It has been even longer since I really talked about Ron. </div><div class="MsoNormal">That night, changed us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When the party ended we still had 3 pitchers of beer left to drink. They only way they would let us leave with it is if we took it to our room. Since the weather was getting bad, everyone had been drinking, we decided to book a room. Imagine this. 2 beds, 1 room, 1 girl and 8 guys. Sound like fun? Not hardly. The guys got extremely rowdy so Ron and I took off before we could let them kick us out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Back at my place we went through our usual good night routine and headed off to slumberville. While laying there I heard his drunken whisper “hey” and I rolled over to look at him. We started to talk about him leaving. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me explain, this was the first guy I had let get close to me. I had let him in to the darkness, and he was over my wall. He saw me with my mask, and without. I wore that mask, even then. We were in our early 20s. We thought we had the world all figured out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was sad he was not going to be with me the following semester. Not that I really had any choice. We decided at that moment to take our relationship to the next level. He tried anyway. Things just did not work right if you catch my drift.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The next day, and every day after that life went on as usual. I don’t know if that is what changed us, or the distance. But things were never the same. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometime later I began dating my now ex husband and Ron had met Becky. Life continued on. We went separate directions. We hung out once in a while, called when the mood striked. Once or twice their was a midnight phone call from him. Becky worked 2<sup>nd</sup> shift and he would often go out with his friends after work. By this time everyone had graduated college and had settled in on life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once I asked him why he never wanted to date me, he told me, if I had looked at him the way I looked at Marcus (my ex husband) then he would have known it was real. It took me a long time to truly understand that.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We never spoke of that day. And, we have never spoken of our past together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On March 22, 2010 Ron and Becky welcomed their first child into the world. A son, William. Just a day after his birth Becky slipped into a coma. She never woke. A week later she passed away. My heart broke for him. I cried and I packed. I had called my mother to tell her what was going on. She told me I needed to stay home. I felt horrible. What sort of friend was I if I did not go back to OK to be there for someone who had ALWAYS been there for me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Even though we drifted in and out of touch, we always stayed friends. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, I knew she was right. I should stay out of the way and let him do what he needed to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since then, we have only talked through text messages and voice mail. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am terrified of the phone. Always have been. I hide it well. Some sort of anxiety I have with it. I have lost a few friends because of this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With him, I have no idea what to say. I am going through so much darkness and depression in my own life that I have no idea what to say to Ron. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided to send him a Christmas card. He needed to know I was thinking of him and baby Will. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Ron called me last night. My phone was charging while I was in the living room. When I went into my bedroom to start reading, I saw he had called. As I listened to the voicemail the tears began to roll. His voice was shaky, but he still sounded as if I had just met him all those years ago. He said he and Will are as doing as good as can be expected; things are very hard for him right now. This will be Wills 1<sup>st</sup> Christmas, and Becky is gone. It is also Ron and Becky’s anniversary soon, and that saddened him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I get really bothered when such horrible things happen to such good people. That man had not once ounce of mean in his body. He did not deserve to lose his wife. That baby did not deserve to lose his mother.</div><div class="MsoNormal">His voicemail then went on to say that he remembered me mentioning I was getting married, how was that going? I could hear him start to shake more. Went on to say he was a lucky man and that I was a good woman.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It broke my heart. My heart breaks for him. I held my phone tight against my chest and just cried.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/24339_417093175914_569555914_5577410_1908731_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/24339_417093175914_569555914_5577410_1908731_n.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Monday March 22 @ 8:35am. 8.9 pounds, 21 in long.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">He looks just like his daddy, bald and chubby! And that is proud momma/wife Becky! Welcome to the world William Hugh!!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46771526194103175282010-12-22T13:03:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.964-04:00And You Call Yourself a Nurse?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac192/tracy_bucket_photo/big3842265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac192/tracy_bucket_photo/big3842265.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Forgive me for asking this, but aren’t nurses supposed to be kind and compassionate?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, Sunday night I was not given that treatment, and honestly, it ticked me off. I was already in the dumps and decided, per usual, to just make light of it and post something on Facebook. Anyone who really knows me and know what goes on in my brain would have gotten the idea of what I wrote.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There was one person who really rubbed me the wrong way. There is a girl who I have known since about 5<sup>th</sup> grade. Earlier this year, through a bunch of high school friends, we friended each other on Facebook. Mind you, her and I were not best friends, nor were we really close. We lived across the street from each other, rode the same bus when we were younger, had many mutual friends, and spent very little time together. I have no idea what she is doing or has done with her life other than become a nurse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, my comment of course was about depression and bipolar. She took it upon herself to go outside of her nursing duties to basically tell me that those who are depressed or bipolar do not know to think about what they are or what is wrong with them. When I told her I was diagnosed with it many years ago she proceeded to tell me that shrinks were a joke and it was all a marketing ploy for them to take your money. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WHAT?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So basically you are telling me that everything that is wrong with me, all the things that happened to me to make me this way are not real and merely a figment of my imagination?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you really just call yourself a nurse?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She then went on to tell me that everyone has a “bad” day and that’s just “life”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">STFU , TYVM.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/kristina_040/Happy_Pills.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/kristina_040/Happy_Pills.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did she just really say that?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It angered me. And then it got me to thinking about how earlier this year I did try to find some help for myself. Matt and I decided to try the new counselor at church. He basically said it was all in our heads and we needed to get over our pity parties. I was extremely angry. I know that there are religious persons who do not believe in depression or the need for medication. But, if you are going to be a counselor, and you have this girl in front of you who obviously needs help, despite the fact she is smiling (cant you see that’s her way of dealing, that is her mask?), shouldn’t you try to help her? Isn’t that what a man of God would do? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, imagine my surprise a few weeks later when the Associate Pastor at the same church posted a Facebook message about someone he knew going through depression……</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Needless to say, I have not been back to church since July. Not that I ever was really a churchgoer. I went for Matt and lil M. I don’t consider myself religious. But, that is another blog post.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You can find those <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/09/no-religion-in-which-i-follow.html">here (2007)</a> and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2009/10/defining-my-religion-again-or-lack.html">here (2009).</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was so frustrated I did not sleep well Sunday night. Monday morning I was wide awake at 4am. Around 6am I decided to check in on the Facebook world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I read her words again. I then decided to post a few on my own words about how anyone needed to walk in my shoes for so many years of my life and come back and visit the me today, then talk to me about what you think is real and what is not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just don’t understand how people can speak their words without thinking first. Especially someone who is a nurse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I will never understand people in general.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39686432203236082022010-12-22T11:54:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.966-04:00Making Some Changes in Blogland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/BoOkOfMe/Coole%20Bilder/BilderMitText/blogging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/BoOkOfMe/Coole%20Bilder/BilderMitText/blogging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last night I was writing a blog post on my iPod Touch. Since it was a book review, it went on my eBooks Nook page. It got me thinking about how I did not want to write the whole post again to post on Self Employed Writer and the copy/paste on the Touch is extremely awkward and half the time does not work. &nbsp;The last thing I want to do is sleep with my laptop in case the light bulb moment hits where I need to blog. It is bad enough I have to carry around notebooks for those moments when the light bulb flashes for an idea and I have to jot it down. Sadly, many come to me and I don’t write them down and I hope I remember and I never do! Maybe I need to keep a small recorder with me at all times so I can just speak my ideas when they hit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I am rambling again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was thinking about how I have quite a few separate blogs stemming from my main blog. When I first started I thought it was a great idea.<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/04/my-niche.html"> Everything I read about blogging stated I needed to find a niche.</a> Well, I don’t have one, I have many. The harder I try to focus on just one subject, the more scattered my blog, ideas, and my brain become.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is eBooks Nook where I am posting my ebook and book reviews. When I started this blog it was with the intention that once I was done with school in June 2011 I would have more time to devote to my reading and be able to talk about the books I love. I also had the intention of doing an online book club.&nbsp; So far I do not have a lot of action on that site. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I finally came to the conclusion that it is OK! I was posting the links here, on S.E.W. and doing a click through to my eBook blog. It occurred to me that I am sure there are people like me who hate having to click from site to site to site. I know, I am one of them. I hate reading through something only to be left hanging and finding out I have to click someplace else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For my Helium articles, it is a little bit different. I need people to click through! But, I guess I should not post a click through on S.E.W. to go to eBooks, only to make the reader go to Helium.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had another blog, I Dare You to Tell Me, which was going to be all Shinedown. I don’t think I have enough posts related to them, as it really is all about me! So I deleted that blog.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another idea I had was Bonus Mom 101, which was going to be a place about being the 2<sup>nd</sup> mom, bonus mom, weekend mom, step mom, or whatever you wanted to call it. After 2 years I have learned a lot and wanted to group together with other girls in my shoes. Honestly, seemed like a good idea, but I already talk about so much of that on S.E.W. that is seems silly to separate it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, it seems silly to separate anything. I have my poetry blog, for Poetry in Motion, something I started five years ago. When I would blog, I would give it that title in the subject, along with the title of the poem. It stuck. I keep my poetry separate for those who only want to read my poetry. But I also link it on S.E.W. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, there is the erotica. Now that, again, started five years ago, started as IrishChiks Erotic Confessions. Over the years I dropped the IC and now just call the blog Erotic Confessions. I have to keep that separate because it is adult material. Again, it is linked through S.E.W.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My landing page is chrystalmahan.info which links all of my blogs, places I work for and some links to where my content pieces are published. I need to keep that, mostly for business purposes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am trying to figure out a way to simplify things. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hang in there with my while I try to figure things out and make some changes. I *think* I will be doing a lot less linking, but still keep things separate for those who only want to read one thing. Those blogs can be left out in Blogland for those to stumble on, while I just keep promoting my main site. Might make things easier for me, and for blog readers, right? I also need to find a nice blogger template for my S.E.W. that offers a bit more in regards to tweets, and sharing on other social networking sites.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also obtained a copy of Corel Paint Shop 13 and Animation Shop. I have version 9, when it was still Jasc. So we will see how it handles for me. I used to love making my own graphics for blogs and comments. If time permits, I would like to do that again instead of searching photobucket!&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13292073651708458002010-12-21T21:18:00.000-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.545-05:00On Chapter 5!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book, so far is really cute and quite magical! I just started to read and I am already on Chapter Five!! I have to stop for the night. It's 11:16pm and I must get my beauty rest ;)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book does have a bit of romance, but thankfully does not read like a romance novel. Not something I am in the mood for. To be honest I am not much of a fan of traditional romance novels. The characters do have a deep connection to God.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I look forward to reading more. There is just something about a brand new hardcover book with a beautiful dust jacket that makes it hard for me to stay away!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">From Amazon:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"></span></span><br /><h3 class="productDescriptionSource" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 1.23em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.375em; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em;">Product Description</h3><div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?</b><br />In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.<br /><br />Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.<br /><br />This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?<br /><div class="emptyClear" style="clear: both; font-size: 0px; height: 0px;"></div></div><h3 class="productDescriptionSource" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-size: 1.23em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.375em; margin-left: -15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em;">About the Author</h3><div class="productDescriptionWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Expertly weaving together fantasy, romance and Biblical truths,&nbsp;<b>Donita K. Paul</b>&nbsp;penned the best-selling, fan-favorite DragonKeeper Chronicles series. After retiring early from teaching, she began a second career as an award-winning author and loves serving as a mentor for new writers of all ages. And when she’s not putting pen to paper, Donita makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys spending time with her grandsons, cooking, beading, stamping, and knitting.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27253670747232989242010-12-21T20:54:00.004-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.550-05:00Christmas Came Early!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">It was like Christmas for me today!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z316/bettyboop6896/Christmas/thb-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z316/bettyboop6896/Christmas/thb-1.gif" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px;">It was like Christmas for me today!<br /><br />I received a book in the mail entitled "Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball" by Donita K. Paul.<br /><br />I am REALLY excited about this little present. Will begin reading tonight even though I have not finished the ebook I started the other night. I would like to read this one since it is so close to Christmas. Keep your eyes open!</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0307458997&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6363362499345394102010-12-20T21:24:00.004-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.555-05:00Time to Read – Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1414319576&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So, I have been trying to put time aside to sit and read.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Maybe that was not such a good idea so close to the holidays.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">When I made that idea up in my head, I was just about to finish up finals with school and thought I would have a few weeks before school had to start back up again, so why not try to read a little something during my short break?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Good idea, but I have been so busy trying to get work done and get things ready for the holidays the last thing I do when I am done for the night is read. It makes me sad. I would go through so many books a month it was ridiculous. My ex husband would laugh at me because I would always be on the hunt for something new to read. It was like I had to feed my brain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">When I went back to school 2 years ago all of that changed. I just don’t have time to read for fun. And those few times that I do, I end up falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow (I like to read in bed). I used to be able to sit and read, any time, any place. Not now. It’s too loud and busy where I live now. So, I have to carve out my own quiet time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I found a couple of books on Amazon that looked good. Sadly, because they were free, they were not offered in any format other than<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;search-alias=aps&amp;field-keywords=kiindle" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">&nbsp;Kindle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: none !important; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial !important; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I am not willing to buy a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Original-Wireless-generation/dp/B000FI73MA?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kindle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000FI73MA" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: none !important; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial !important; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />&nbsp;when I have a Nook, so I ended up putting the Kindle app on my laptop and iPod Touch.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I am able to read a few pages at a time before I fall asleep. Right now, it is better than nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">So, the book I have started on is<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Almost-Heaven-Chris-Fabry/dp/1414319576?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Almost-Heaven-Chris-Fabry/dp/1414319576?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1414319576" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I have only made it to Chapter 2. I guess a chapter a night on an iPod Touch is not too bad, considering the size of the screen.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">PS. Not every book I read and write about will be faith based in nature. It just seems that is the books I have picked up on the last few weeks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">From Amazon:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Product Description<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius. People in Dogwood, West Virginia, say he was born with a second helping of brains and a gift for playing the mandolin but was cut short on social skills. Though he’d gladly give you the shirt off his back, they were right. Billy longs to use his life as an ode to God, a lyrical, beautiful bluegrass song played with a finely tuned heart. So with spare parts from a lifetime of collecting, he builds a radio station in his own home. People in town laugh. But Billy carries a brutal secret that keeps him from significance and purpose. Things always seem to go wrong for him.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=100843&amp;u=465182&amp;m=14766&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/banner120x6015.gif" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13510774499991807992010-12-20T20:53:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.974-04:00What diet? Oh, yeah....that one..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac185/roseyy_doll/OsaPZCgTrpb5vvbxLfUPdYIbo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i898.photobucket.com/albums/ac185/roseyy_doll/OsaPZCgTrpb5vvbxLfUPdYIbo1_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, I have nothing new to report really, other than I have pretty much fallen off the wagon. I really started with good intentions, but food is my drug. I prefer it over my medications. I am stressed and full of anxiety and I am sure my depression is kicking me inside somewhere. Holidays are not good for me anyway so I don’t know what I was thinking starting a diet so close to the holidays. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The sad thing is, I was doing really well up until we took off for the weekend to go to the UFC event. We ate out all weekend long. Although the food was good, after being on a diet for a few weeks, going back to food like that physically made me sick feeling.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When we got home I tried to get back on the diet. I would do really good most days and then I would have an off day. And that’s pretty much how it has been. So I have not given up completely, I am just not following the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=48673&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">Wonderslim program 100%</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After the UFC weekend it seems like we have been full of events, parties, get-togethers, dinners, and so on. So, there has been a lot of eating out, eating with others, and me not planning ahead. I got super busy with trying to finish up my semester and keep my A’s as well as overloaded with holiday work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know, that’s life. And we should be able to deal with what life throws at you. I am different. I have a different way of handling things than most people. When I was little and being abused, food was what made me feel better, it was my best friend, always there when I needed it. As an adult, old habits and the way I learned things, it is hard to break. So when things get tough, I head to the kitchen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thankfully for the most part I keep healthy snack options in the house and I do have <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36170&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">Wonderslim</a> snacks, which has helped a great deal! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, I do not want to have a holiday gain. And I am making smarter choices than I have in the past.&nbsp; Once the holidays are over, it’s back on the treadmill, dusting off the dvds, restarting my Netflix subscription, and getting back on program 100%!</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=34743&amp;u=465182&amp;m=7669&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/7669/250x250_22.gif" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11728251203178711492010-12-18T20:51:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.976-04:00Not Strong Enough<iframe frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dKDKgj98c18?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Not Strong Enough lyrics</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I’m not strong enough to stay away.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Can't run from you</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I just run back to you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Like a moth im drawn into your flame,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Say my name, but it's not the same.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">You look in my eyes I’m stripped of my pride.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And my soul surrenders</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">and you bring my heart to its knees</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And it's killin’ me when you're away,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">i wanna leave and i wanna stay</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I’m so confused,So hard to choose.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Between the pleasure and the pain</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And I know it's wrong, and I know it's right.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Even if i try to win the fight,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">my heart would overrule my mind</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And I’m not strong enough to stay away</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I'm not strong enough to stay away</div><br /><br />What can I do<br />i would die without you<br />in your presence my heart knows no shame<br />im not to blame<br />cause you bring my heart to its knees<br /><br />And it's killin’ me when you're away, <br />i wanna leave and i wanna stay<br />I’m so confused,So hard to choose.<br />Between the pleasure and the pain<br />And I know it's wrong, and I know it's right.<br />Even if i try to win the fight,<br />my heart would overrule my mind<br />And I’m not strong enough to stay away<br /><br />There's nothing I can do<br />My heart is chained to you<br />And I can't get free<br />Look what this love did to me<br /><br />And it's killin’ me when you're away, <br />i wanna leave and i wanna stay<br />I’m so confused,So hard to choose.<br />Between the pleasure and the pain<br />And I know it's wrong, and I know it's right.<br />Even if i try to win the fight, <br />my heart would overrule my mind<br />And I’m not strong enough to stay away<br /><br />not strong enough, strong enough<br />not strong enough, strong enough to stay away<br />not strong enough, strong enough <br />and im not strong enough to stay awayChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-582005457125390242010-12-18T19:15:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.979-04:00Stuck Inside this Mind of Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQ1M7i0jrZI/AAAAAAAAANI/JpDNoBKAsp8/s1600/descent_into_madness_by_synfuleve-d2yin7k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQ1M7i0jrZI/AAAAAAAAANI/JpDNoBKAsp8/s320/descent_into_madness_by_synfuleve-d2yin7k.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Every year around this time of the year I spend some time contemplating where I am going, where I am right now, and where I have been.&nbsp; For whatever the reason I feel the need to reflect. I do not know if this is really healthy or not, nor do I really care. I do it anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I was thinking to myself how I wish I could get back some of that creativity I had in 2005 when I first starting this whole writing ordeal. I think my trials and tribulations in life have literally sucked that life right out of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I see these old writings and I am wondering where that girl went. I was so creative, so open, and so true to me. These days I find myself having to be my own censor because there are too many people in his world who seems to want to have an opinion about what I have to say.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pretty sure that the last time I checked there was this freedom thing we had where I COULD say exactly what I wanted. I guess people just don’t understand. What they see is on the surface, no matter how many years they know. What they don’t know is what it is like here. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have literally&nbsp;suffered through every type of abuse you can think of, all at the hands of dirty rotten men. Now, I seem to be living in a bipolar environment that I am sure falls into some sort of its own category. Whatever, it’s not really a mentally healthy place to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have had quite a few people come to me the last couple weeks tell me how much of an inspiration I have been. Who me? For what? Just these words that I write? That is pretty amazing, honestly. But, in the same breath, I feel fake. I feel like I have not been true to myself, so how am I being true to them?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How can I give them praise and encouragement when I can’t even deal with the madness that is going on around me? Suddenly I find myself being forced to take off my mask and really search inside myself and think, how can I give advice when I can’t even follow it myself?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The last thing I want is for people to see me this way. For so long I have been that<a href="http://apoetinmotion.blogspot.com/2006/03/poetry-in-motion-little-girl-lost.html"> little girl lost</a>, confused, lonely, in a world full of darkness. All of those people that helped me get out of the darkest pits of the hell I was in are no longer with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t like the life I am living. But I don’t know how to change it. I know I have to; the alternative scares me even more. I mean once you go there, it’s no turning back. &nbsp;To be on my own terrifies me. Not because I am afraid of being alone in the sense of not having a man in my life, but in the sense that I have never lived alone. I lived with my parents, then my mother while I was in college, up until I moved in with the ex husband. Once we got divorced I moved right back in with my mom, and now here with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reflecting on my past, I read a blog from 2005, about this time. I was about to celebrate my 3<sup>rd</sup> wedding anniversary. We married on New Year’s Eve for those who have forgotten, or just did not know. I am reading the words I wrote. They echo in my head. All of those words were etched in my heart for so long. Those empty feelings I had then are the way I am feeling right now. I did not know why or how to fix it then, so how am I going to do that now?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Am I doomed to always deal with this madness in my head and be <a href="http://apoetinmotion.blogspot.com/2006/03/poetry-in-motion-little-girl-lost.html">the little girl lost</a>, or is there really an answer out there that I am just not seeing??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQ1OlWhnWpI/AAAAAAAAANM/pl7d1NNLsg4/s1600/madness_by_popohuata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQ1OlWhnWpI/AAAAAAAAANM/pl7d1NNLsg4/s320/madness_by_popohuata.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3702444510904783582010-12-17T11:20:00.001-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.117-05:00Chrome for a Cause<a href="http://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en/p/cause/#tnc">Chrome for a Cause</a><div><br /></div><div>Google Chrome has a new extension, Chrome for a Cause. Use it until December 19th and for every tab you open they will donate to the charity of your choice from the list provided.</div><div>It started 2 days ago, but I am just not hearing about it or I would have posted sooner!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9793365362491837312010-12-17T11:20:00.000-05:002011-05-23T02:17:55.088-04:00Chrome for a Cause<a href="http://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en/p/cause/#tnc">Chrome for a Cause</a><div><br /></div><div>Google Chrome has a new extension, Chrome for a Cause. Use it until December 19th and for every tab you open they will donate to the charity of your choice from the list provided.</div><div>It started 2 days ago, but I am just not hearing about it or I would have posted sooner!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24881880086571712832010-12-16T11:13:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.981-04:00This Christmas Take a Moment to Say Thank You<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letssaythanks.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Let's Say Thanks" border="0" src="http://www.letssaythanks.com/Portals/0/images/LST_Badge_3x3.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.letssaythanks.com/" target="_blank"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><b>XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you go to this web site, <a href="http://www.letssaythanks.com/">Let’s Say Thanks</a>, you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in&nbsp;Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! &nbsp;It is FREE and it only takes a second.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. &nbsp;We can never say enough thank you's.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for taking to time to support our military!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, it's never to late to send a gift basket overseas to a soldier.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=175680&amp;u=465182&amp;m=22299&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Send Gift Basket Overseas" border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/468x60_5offcopy1.jpg" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84556298229834512372010-12-15T19:12:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:15:19.982-04:00Break Pal : My New Fitness Friend<div class="MsoNormal">I’m a writer. I sit at my desk 8-10hrs or more a day.&nbsp; My home office is pretty comfortable, but the hours pass by so quickly that I often have to force myself to take a break or stop for a meal. My meal plan and exercise has fallen to the wayside ever since our UFC trip.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have these bouts where I will be on the treadmill for months, every day, with weekends off. Then, something will happen and I will not do it. Then time passes and I have to start all over again. I need consistency, and I need something easy. I still plan to enjoy my treadmill, when I actually use it, but I needed to find something to help me by being a multi-task product.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please read the rest of the review/story on my Helium Channel!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2040783" title="View my Article at Helium.com"> <img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" /> </a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66616882159320056922010-12-15T15:25:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.983-04:00All Aboard! The Polar Express to the North Pole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/file004666676877.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/file004666676877.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Sunday December 12, 2010 may very well be a day that has changed my life forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Ok, it was not that drastic. However, this day, along with other events over the weekend, may have brought back some of my Christmas spirit. Before all of you start bouncing up and down in your seats, notice I said SOME. The holidays still linger with sadness.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Sunday we got up and ready, the weather started to get really bad Saturday night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I had prayed for snow all week hoping the make the Polar Express trip to the North Pole as magical as I could. Our trip was later in the afternoon, so our trip home on the train would be in the dark. This was going to be awesome to see the snow and the way the lights sparkled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">We started on our journey in my SUV, Matt driving; we slid all over the place. There was no way I was going to drive, that’s too much anxiety for me. So we turned around after we got down to the next corner and got his car. He has rear wheel drive (or is it front wheel?) and even though I have an SUV, his car actually gets better traction then my Explorer. So, a 45min trip there ended up taking us about an hour and a half. It was blizzard snow.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/2096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/2096.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://michigansteamtrain.com/sri/">The Steam Railroad Institute is located in Owosso, MI</a>. It is there that we board the North Pole Express, otherwise known as the Polar Express. We arrive at the train station, bundled and freezing. Snow blowing, people running, excitement was in the air. Inside you give your confirmation paper and they give you your keepsake tickets. You can walk around the station where they have many model train displays. There is a bit of history scattered about as well. We had a bit of entertainment while we waited, and even had seating that looked like an old train station. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/44b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/44b3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0174.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">We did not have to wait long to board the train. We killed some of that time having a “family” photo done. We have photos of the 3 of us, but nothing professionally done. It turned out really nice if I do say so myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">When you arrive on the train there is a nice keepsake welcome booklet in your seat. In the welcome book, on the first page it states:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0175.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“We are often asked about other Christmas operations that use the name of the movie and how we are different. While other operations around the country pay for the privilege and the rights to use the name Polar Express, #1225 was the ONE and ONLY steam locomotive that was used for the sound and overall image for the movie.”</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0395389496&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I personally had no idea. I knew the movie was actually based on the book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0177.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">From page 4 of the welcome booklet:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">“In 2001, SRI was contacted by Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc. to assist with technical matters on a feature film that was in the works……………… staff responded by sending blueprints, video and still photos of 1225 along with coal samples and sever other railroad artifacts. What followed was a 3yr contract for the SRI to serve as technical advisors during the making of the film The Polar Express……Every sound from the locomotive, cars, and equipment was recorded and later used in The Polar Express.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The train ride was awesome! I mean, that’s really all I can say. The conductor came around to punch our tickets when we first got on. After we started moving, a gentleman came through each car singing Christmas songs. Each car had a volunteer to talk to us, like a guide. Ours was so nice.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f243/Lillian_Potter/RP%20pictures/polar-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f243/Lillian_Potter/RP%20pictures/polar-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/13166e85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/13166e85.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>We got hot cocoa (which was the best hot cocoa I ever had!), saw a group of deer (reindeer according to the kids) running alongside the train. It was so pretty and majestic with the snow falling. Once we got to the North Pole and Santa's Village, Santa came out to wave at us when we were docking the train.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">It is here that my tale takes on a completely different turn. You see, the holidays have not been good to me over the years. I wanted so badly for that to change. I wanted to make sure that somehow this trip was special. I never knew I was going to experience what I was about to, it was not expected. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/9907f81d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/9907f81d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Lil M was SO excited. I have seen her get excited about things, and I have seen her extremely happy. But, there was something different about this. She doesn’t really get excited about the Santa’s at other places. She is really ho hum about it and gets sort of shy and doesn’t really want to go see him. We try, and sometimes she will go just to amuse us and let us take a picture. But (OMG) she was so excited, her eyes were so big. Her little body was just shaking in her boots. I just lost it. I started to cry like a big old baby.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">&nbsp;I don’t know what came over me, or even why. But seeing her like that…Wow. I start to tear up as I write this now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/z138715955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/z138715955.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I remember when I was little; Christmas was always special for me, my mom made sure of that. And even though at the time she did not know what was happening to me, this day was MY day and no one was going to take that away from me. We were 1000 miles from our family, so most of the time we were on our own. A few years an aunt and uncle lived in OK, too. As I got older sometimes the neighborhood kids would come over so we could play with our toys. But, I was very much alone inside of my head. Christmas morning I could escape for a brief moment in time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I was about 9 when I found, honestly by accident, the “From Santa” packages. I was crushed. Somehow, Christmas did not change too much.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The past few years Christmas time just has not been good to me. And I guess that moment just got the best of me. I was so happy for her and I felt so good that I could do this for us. Words can't even express it.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;It was if at that moment I was seeing myself in her, that excitement I had when I came running down the stairs Christmas morning, that excitement in my eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Sadly I was highly embarrassed for anyone to see me cry. I can’t imagine what those people were saying. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Lil M asked me why I was crying and all I could say in between sobs was “I am SO happy!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I have questioned this relationship. Wondering if I am strong enough to be a bonus mom to lil M and whether I can handle Matt and all his faults. Questioned whether I can really let my guard down and just finally be me. Is this right for me? Right for us? Where do we go from here and what do we do? While I have been searching for the answers, looking at houses, and yet still trying to work things out, apparently there is love there. This day has changed me, in more ways than one.&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp285/lauriemlls41/santa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp285/lauriemlls41/santa2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Santa’s workshop had carnival type food, games, rides, magic shows and some craft vendors. It was really neat. Matt and I had these Italian sausages with onions and peppers that were homemade and just to die for.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">&nbsp; We followed that up with a cinnamon and sugar sprinkled elephant ear (there were no funnel cakes BOO!).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span">I have some videos posted on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/okirishchik">YouTube Channel : OkIrishChik</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/okirishchik"></a></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I guess maybe my Christmas spirit has returned.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;Maybe she will stay this time. Maybe I am finally mourning those I have lost, moving forward, and looking forward to making new memories.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0171.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">When we were leaving, Santa was leaving his chair and lil M spotted him and asked if she could go give him a hug. I said “certainly”. Matt was having a bulb made with our names on it so I walked over there with her and she told Santa she loved him and I started to cry like a big ole baby again.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Oh good grief.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br />They gave our boarding signal and back on the train we went. Once seating and starting to move, the conductor came back around to punch our tickets again. We had bells in our seats, and yes, the 3 of us could hear ours. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0173.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Every car has a “special” bell and that child gets a gift package from the gift shop. The little boy next to us was the winner and lil M was so bummed. I thought she was going to cry when she realized she was not the “special” one. Sadly, we are working with her to not be a sore loser and play fairly. She tends to get mad, quits, makes up her own rules, and/or pouts. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I did not want this to be a bad ending, so I had Matt act as if he was going potty while she was staring out the window at the lights. I told him to grab a couple packets of the Christmas and train stickers they had in the gift shop. He came back and acted like he did not know he was sitting on them the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">I told lil M that when she was hugging Santa good-bye his magic left her a special present.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">She then proceeded to wave it in front of that lil boy. *DOH* I had to giggle a bit, but Matt had to tell her to stop. *oye* Poor girl.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/letsgocampingnow/NorthPoleSnowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/letsgocampingnow/NorthPoleSnowman.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Magically we left the North Pole and arrived safely back in Owosso. We then had to leave there; drive all the way to Fenton to drop lil M off at her home and then drive back to Birch Run. Good thing Matt has been driving in this mess all his life. We would have never of made it if I was driving.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="apple-style-span">So much fun to see all the other kids (baby sister, sis, and brother), her mom, her mom’s husband and his brother, as well as Grandma (not to be confused with Grammie, Matts mom). Always a houseful over there and a headache waiting to happen. One minute there and you can understand why lil M has some of the personality characteristics that she does. Her mom did say thank you for taking her, so that was nice of her. She seemed genuinely excited for lil M.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;Sis was feeding me cookies. Baby sis was trying to get me to play dollies with her. Lil M just wanted me to see her room!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><br /><br />The train is rather expensive considering the price of things these days, Adult tickets are $70 and Kids are $40. And for us, it was worth every penny. They also have a new Cocoa Class section, the car is highly decorated, the cocoa is unlimited and they get cookies and a mug to keep. That is $85 and $55. I was going to do that since this was our first time going, but tickets were all sold out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0176.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I did <span class="apple-style-span">I buy us all souvenirs. I really wanted to remember this day. I got Matt and I coffee mugs, got him a Railroads of Michigan history book (go figure). Lil M and I got matching fuzzy kitties. Cinders is the stray that has made himself at home in the train station. The proceeds from his stuffed animal go towards his care as well as funding for the train. I plan to use mine as a Christmas decoration for memories. I got lil M a train set, and Matt a bigger train. No train for me. LOL. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0180.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0178.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0179.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/155572_10150111269115915_569555914_7961879_6073108_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/155572_10150111269115915_569555914_7961879_6073108_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/69550_10150111269155915_569555914_7961880_4290905_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/69550_10150111269155915_569555914_7961880_4290905_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/IMG_0181.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">So, all my hard work and dedication to my writing has paid off. Without the stress, backache, finger aches, headaches, and dedication I would not have been able to take my little “family” on this trip. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Matt says he would like to go again next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/PolarExpress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/PolarExpress.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Next year I am wearing my PJs and snow boots like others did </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47552869146763329932010-12-14T18:38:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.985-04:00Regaining Christmas Spirit that was Lost....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz337/rainbowella42/Christmas/holly/12905731773P4mr5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz337/rainbowella42/Christmas/holly/12905731773P4mr5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">As we grow older, somewhere along the way, our Christmas spirit is not what it used to be. We stop believing in Santa, only pretending for the sake of the children around us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Or, if you are like me, so many terrible things happen around the holidays you just give up on Christmas altogether. It is not so much being a Grinch, or Scrooge, but just that the holidays bring me so much sadness.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas got to be a smaller and smaller production as the years went on. Holidays just started to seem too Hallmark and I just did not want to deal with them. I had read this book, and it changed my view on Christmas on so many different levels.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f170/Claw8604/SkippingChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f170/Claw8604/SkippingChristmas.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I was married, the ex and I did not have a large family. We made pretty decent money and bought the things we wanted. After being together for 10 years it sort of got to the point where Christmas became a gift from each of us, nothing more and I really did not bother with decorations. Then, winter of 2005 when my Grandfather became ill, we did not celebrate Christmas at all. &nbsp;He passed away in January 2006. The year ended with the death of Lonnie, in December.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas of 2007 was my first one back in Michigan. I had no money, so no real means to purchase gifts. I had no friends, so the only person I got something for was my mother and the guy I was dating at the time. There was really no holiday cheer for me. I did it because I felt I had to. I pretty much spent Christmas in my room. It was then I had to make my peace with Terry as well as mourn my loss of Elonna. The holidays were once again not too kind to me.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y352/cherylkcseether/abstract_fantasy_300x225_58749_-_grinch_grinch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1029.photobucket.com/albums/y352/cherylkcseether/abstract_fantasy_300x225_58749_-_grinch_grinch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas 2008, I had known Matt for 3 months, little M even less than that. Because of my Bah Humbug attitude I really tried to hide from all the holiday/family related activities. It no longer interested me and gave me more anxiety than happiness. Although I did get a few things for Matt and little M, I pretty much kept to myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas 2009, by this time I had been living with Matt and (shes here on weekends) lil M for 9 months. I had a lot of anxiety about Christmas. Such a big production that made me want to crawl in to bed and just not deal with it. I spent so many nights crying myself to sleep, unable to find the words to begin to even try to explain to anyone how I was feeling.&nbsp; Somehow I managed to get through the holidays, mask on, hiding my insides from the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning alone. It was a very weird experience to actually have Christmas again. I did dig out all of my decorations and the 3 of us had a family decorating day. Lil M thought that was the best thing ever.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas shopping was a nightmare. Matt just wanted to buy more and more for everyone, yet it was my money that was being spent. It was hard on me. I had to work double the hours and then he would get upset when I had no time for him, or begged him to help me around the house. I started to feel that same feeling; people do not understand the real meaning of Christmas. It’s not about the amount of money spent, or the gifts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Anyway, Christmas morning Matt and I opened our gifts. I think we both knew pretty much what we were getting. It was fun, but still, I felt weird. As if something was missing. The Christmas spirit wasn’t there. Matt and I went to his moms for breakfast. Then her, I, him, his dad and step mom exchanged gifts. We later picked lil M up, she opened her gifts, and went to my mom’s to open her gifts. Once lil M went to bed that night, I brought a few of the “From Santa” packages out of our hiding space so we could experience a Christmas like morning with her. We told her that Santa made a special trip just for her since he knew she was at her moms the night before. She thought that was the neatest thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the course of the year I watched those toys get tossed aside. Broken. Abused. Not very well taken care of. I wondered why her parents never taught her to take care of her things. How she should cherish those gifts that others give her. She is a bit aggressive with her toys and I am not sure where she gets that from.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided that this year would be different. I was only going to pick out toys I KNEW she would play with. A few bigger things rather than a ton of little things. Things she would appreciate and things that would last. I made a list (yes, I checked it twice) and last week cleaned out her room of all the toys that she was too old for, too big for, and things that were broken or neglected. I packed the good things away neatly in the basement. There was such a huge difference in her room. I organized and separated. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When she arrived this past Friday for her weekend, she was amazed at the amount of space she now had in her room. We had a talk. Santa wanted her to keep better care of her toys, which she needed to put things back where they belonged instead of just throwing them in the toy box where they get broken. &nbsp;She had to prove to Santa that she was going to keep her room clean and her toys in order or he was not going to bring her the things she asked for on Christmas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f260/herts24/santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f260/herts24/santa.jpg" /></a></div>So, Friday night we sat down and made our Dear Santa letters, colored some Christmas pictures and placed them in our mailbox. She did not arrive at the house until 9pm since Matt had to work late. We watched Christmas movies while we colored. Poor kid did not want to go to bed. She just does not get to spend enough time with her daddy. He was suppose to go to a sleep over boy’s party, and did not.<br /><br /><br /><br />When lil M went to bed, she snuggled with him, and in the morning she said “Daddy I am glad you stayed home with us.” Then she went on to say how much she loved us and that she thought we were meant to be together and she wants us to be together forever.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/nessa6085/love%20icons/together_forever1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/nessa6085/love%20icons/together_forever1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes kids just know how to pull your heart in the right direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday we went and saw Tangled. OMG that movie was so awesome!! I loved it. Disney did a very good job with the Rapunzel story. I was a bit worried at first.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k337/crewgirl2007/Not%20Mine/Movies/Disney/Princesses/tangled012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k337/crewgirl2007/Not%20Mine/Movies/Disney/Princesses/tangled012.png" /></a><a href="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/TeRrIBLe_OnE_2007/Tangled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/TeRrIBLe_OnE_2007/Tangled.jpg" /></a></div>On the way home we checked our mail, and there was a letter to lil M from Santa!! (of course, I printed this off the PC since these days it does not seem any town gives you a letter from Santa anymore).<br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;We went home and made sugar cookies with lil M’s dough factory that she got last year for Christmas. They looked cute going in the oven, but became a jumbled mess when they cooked. Oh well, still tasted good. <o:p></o:p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/f61640c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Holidays/2010%20December/Dec%2010-12%20Polar%20Express%20Weekend/f61640c2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday night we toured the Christmas lights. Had some dinner and called it an early night. Lil M was out by 9.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/musefan00/christmaslights02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/musefan00/christmaslights02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am feeling a little different these last few days. Perhaps my Christmas spirit is slowly starting to return? Although a family friend and a great-aunt just passed away, it still seems to be poking around inside of me. I began to pray for snow…..we are going to be leaving for the North Pole soon.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/file004666676877.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/file004666676877.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday began our journey on the Polar Express for our trip to the North Pole, and that folks, is tomorrows story!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8094409020236871562010-12-14T15:57:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:51:14.887-04:00Which Christmas Trees are Better: Fake or real?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m620/patco6/Pats%20Pix/Christmas%20Beauties/christmas_tree.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m620/patco6/Pats%20Pix/Christmas%20Beauties/christmas_tree.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">When I was younger I would have told you that real Christmas trees are better. Nothing beats the smell of the pine tree filling the house through the holiday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To read what I picked please click my Helium Channel</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2039737" title="View my Article at Helium.com"> <img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" /> </a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56359041894360920142010-12-14T15:26:00.002-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.559-05:00Book Review: Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt by Todd Harra<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0806531797&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can’t quite imagine the child that thought to their self hmmmmm “I want to be a mortician when I grow up!” It makes me wonder what sort of childhood they hand. It would seem that those who have a father in the business end up taking over the family business. I can see how they get in to it, but what about those that aren’t connected by any family member?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please read the rest of the review on my Helium Channel!&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2039712" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;" title="View my Article at Helium.com"><img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76518806291868811692010-12-10T18:34:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.988-04:00Another Evening with Shinedown: The Tattoo Version<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQLf0mChMQI/AAAAAAAAANA/soJX9HgVwgs/s1600/79b25867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQLf0mChMQI/AAAAAAAAANA/soJX9HgVwgs/s320/79b25867.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQLf1ZVArAI/AAAAAAAAANE/riX11nS52uw/s1600/86ddc7cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQLf1ZVArAI/AAAAAAAAANE/riX11nS52uw/s320/86ddc7cf.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>In theory, I have spent yet another day with Shinedown. This time, there was no concert, no flashy light, and no screaming fans. Instead, it was me blaring the radio as I drove to the tattoo shop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK476T5q9I/AAAAAAAAAM8/AoVwLy7V04Q/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK476T5q9I/AAAAAAAAAM8/AoVwLy7V04Q/s320/1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have never been nervous about a tattoo. Never gotten a tattoo this size or with such a significance. Sure, all of my tattoos mean something, mostly my heritage since most of them are Irish related. I do have a tattoo that a friend helped me put together as a memorial for my grandfather, who at that time had passed a few months prior to having the tat done. It says Irish Angel in Gaelic. It became even more special to me later that year because that friend who helped me design it passed away. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the back of my left leg I have a tribal looking tattoo that was inspired by Terry (someone of great value in my life at that time) and even had a ~T~ put into the tat. Sadly, some months later he too passed away. Tattoos on my birthday, tattoos on St. Patrick’s Day, whatever the day, there was always a reason for it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This time, there is no special day but rather a special time in my life. Many of you know all the trials and tribulations life has thrown at me the last few years. Somehow, I have managed to fight my way through all of that. Even though I am still a work in process, I can see that there is some sort of a light at the end of the tunnel. Graduation is close. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember a time in my life when I was extremely depressed. No amount of love, understanding and medication could help me. As far as I knew, my life was over as I lay in bed, day after day. I never want to return to that person. Depression is a struggle with the anxiety and panic which I must live with every day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Somehow I found an outlet in Shinedown. So many words have such a profound meaning for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had been thinking about a new tattoo for quite some time. Originally I was going to get the Elonna tribute tattoo, a painting that she had purchased for me before she passed away. Due to finances I just was not able to get it done. These days I am in a bit better of a place and wanted to really do something that would signify “where I am going, where I have been” (for anyone who has been to a Shinedown show, you know this is something Brent says before a song –do you know the song???). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago Matt and I attended the acoustic tour of Shinedown. Brent sang all of my favorite songs, and there were a few times a tear came to my eye. Seeing my life a few years ago, what I had been through, where I have been and where I am going now. Bit by bit like pieces of a puzzle my story had started to unfold. Before I knew it, the tattoo had appeared before my eyes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I began to tell Matt about it, and he looked at me with a quizzical look on his face as if to way “What the f*ck?” because I just had so much going on. But, he knew just the person to call. If anyone would see my vision it would be the guy that did some of his artwork.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I printed off all the pics, took all my ideas and my own crappy drawing and had a meeting with Chad at Electric Chair Tattoo in Clio, MI (inkyshomepage.com). He too had that look when I started to talk. Or maybe it was just because I was so excited, yet nervous at the same time, I was stumbling over my words.</div><div class="MsoNormal">A week later I was sitting in his chair. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One session down, three hours later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Getting there had been a long road. A road that I wish I did not have to travel, but it retrospect, glad I did. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a long way to go to get where I want to be in life but I have no question or doubt that I will get there.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So here is a little rundown of what is going on with this piece of art.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4htU6I3I/AAAAAAAAAMs/xtW0NHaBZbI/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4htU6I3I/AAAAAAAAAMs/xtW0NHaBZbI/s320/5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>1. M.C. Escher – he is the artist I had in mind with my craziness. Google him and you will understand!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>2. Haley’s Comet – she was not done in this session but she belongs in the verse “ I just saw Haley’s Comet she waved, said why you always running in place” from the song Second Chance</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>3. Man in the Moon – the man in the moon follows Haley’s Comet in the song, and as you can see, he is up on my shoulder. His verse is “even the man in the moon disappears, somewhere in the stratosphere” from the song Second Chance.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4moAa3gI/AAAAAAAAAMw/pXwg1v701Bg/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4moAa3gI/AAAAAAAAAMw/pXwg1v701Bg/s320/4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4qgdYY3I/AAAAAAAAAM0/GftzECpPNkk/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4qgdYY3I/AAAAAAAAAM0/GftzECpPNkk/s320/6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>4. Believe – this one, as far as placement, is pretty obvious. Believe originally came from the Staind song Believe. As time went on life shifted and although that was the focal point of another tattoo I wanted to get, it went with the meaning of this one as well. The line from the Shinedown song is “The only thing I still believe in is you” from the song If You Only Knew</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>5. 4:03am – this is the time that is placed under the man in the moon. The verse is “It’s 4:03am and I can’t sleep without you next to me, I toss and turn like the sea” from the song If You Only Knew</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>6. Lightning bolts – this is another part that is not finished, but the bolt of lightning comes from the verse “Wrap me in a bolt of lightning, send me on my way still smiling” from the song Call Me</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>7. The Fly – this one to any Shinedown fan is pretty self explanatory. The verse “Long live that day that I decided to fly from the inside” from the song Fly from the Inside.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>8. The Shindown symbol – this part is not done. The symbol will be placed in the fly’s rear end. That’s why he is not all filled in. Shinedowns music has helped me through many personal and trying times these last few years. I believe without their words (it doesn’t help Brent has that southern voice that I miss so much after leaving OK) I would have fallen into a dark depression.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4wVsndkI/AAAAAAAAAM4/EDXXQmg-Sqw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQK4wVsndkI/AAAAAAAAAM4/EDXXQmg-Sqw/s320/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>9. Praying Hands – this part will go on my left shoulder, with more shading. It is also not done. This piece was influenced by a Lynyrd Skynyrd’s song Simple Man, which Shinedown redid. The line is “don’t forget that there is someone up above.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>10.&nbsp; Shooting Star – from the verse “Cause their all witness to a shooting star” from the song Energy.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>11. Using my entire chest as the canvas – from the verse “Paint me a canvas so I become what you could never be” from the song I Dare You</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, there you have it. So many songs to choose from and I had to narrow it down and create a masterpiece. Well, I didn’t create it, Chad did. I just came up with the idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6177713070073529112010-12-10T18:00:00.003-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.564-05:00Book Review: Chazown: A Different Way to See Your Life by Craig Groeschel<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1601423136&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wow, 2006. Here it is four years later and I am just now reviewing this book. I recently joined a book blogging committee and one of the books listed to review was Chazown. I have held on to this book all this time with the thought that someday I would finish my Chazown. I have read the entire book, however I have not finished it. Meaning, I have not finished the require applications.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I might be a little biased about Craig Groeschel. I was a member of his church, LifeChurch, the Stillwater, OK campus for many years. I even volunteered with their Life Kids ministry. LifeChurch is an amazing establishment and it has changed the way many view church. Craig was so excited about the release of his first book. We were able to purchase at discount rates, and LifeGroups formed to study the book together as a team. There was also a website chazown.com where you could journal and use the extra tools to help find your personal Chazown.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are not here to talk about Craig, I know this. So I am going to do my best to not talk about him on a personal level, but rather speak about the book.&nbsp;But, I did have to check the website again today to see if my information was still available. The website is completely different and sadly I am no longer registered.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The one thing I love about this book is how the author actually takes the time to talk to you as if he was sitting right next to you, telling you a story. It makes the read much more enjoyable. Chazown is the Hebrew word for Vision. And this book is about finding your vision or God’s vision for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book is broken down in to five parts, with each part having three to six sections.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sections are fairly short and very easy to read. At the end are simple thoughts, tasks and questions to help guide you on your vision quest.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first task was to write your own epitaph. I remember how I felt four years ago trying to sit down and write this, to sit and think about one’s own death is not really how I would expect to start a book. I can’t remember how mine went then, now if I was to write one it would be completely different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made it midway through Part 3. I am not sure why I never finished, I just remember being stuck and frustrated. I had a lot going on with life and I was trying to make some personal changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;I think maybe the book put me on the bath to making some of the decisions I had been holding off on, which sent me on a new path on life. I did not realize this at the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQKqt-RvNcI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Ew5Gg1oXQnc/s1600/54004291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #649900; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQKqt-RvNcI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Ew5Gg1oXQnc/s1600/54004291.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a>I took a step to make some changes in life and even those some of those steps I am still working on (I am a work in process) I did take a chance on following my dreams of becoming a professional writer. Even though I do not have a bestselling novel published, I am writing for a living and taking the steps necessary to move forward with this career. I am also about to graduate with my BA in the next semester with plans to go on to graduate school.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, in life, I am in a place where I should give this book another look. There is also a Limited Edition CD in the back of the book that I never opened.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do I recommend it to others? Yes, I do! Especially to those who are searching for guidance or direction.</div><div><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-637223204738606702010-12-10T10:49:00.002-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.568-05:00Book Review: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">Read in ebook format on my Nook.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQJKgARZC0I/AAAAAAAAAMk/A1X-HRln_w4/s1600/51456987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #649900; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQJKgARZC0I/AAAAAAAAAMk/A1X-HRln_w4/s1600/51456987.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">On September 15, 2010 I started reading this book, according to Barnes and Nobles “What I’m <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0045JK6C4&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Reading Now” section of my account. I do not remember where or when I actually received this book. Honestly, I believe it was a gift. Gift or not, life has been so busy for me it seems like an eternity before I was actually able to sit down and enjoy the book.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">To read the rest of the review:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2036381" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;" title="View my Article at Helium.com"><img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/120x60_wrote.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40681717227551160092010-12-07T21:43:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.990-04:00Why I Write<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae351/verskey/write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae351/verskey/write.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Why I Write (again)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">On September 21, 2008 I posted a blog entitled: <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/09/this-is-why-i-write.html">This is Why I Write</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Here it is 2 years later and I find that not only myself, but others are being asked that same question. While doing my usual bloghopping Blogville, USA, I hopped on a blog in the UK. WOW! I am a long way from home! The blog <a href="http://wealie.co.uk/">Wealie’s World</a> &nbsp;had a post entitled : <a href="http://wealie.co.uk/my-art/why-write/#comment-92">Why Write</a> , that made me feel right at home.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I wonder if others are asked, “why are you a teacher?” or “why are you a therapist?” in the same manner that us writers are asked “why DO you write?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">There have been times when someone has asked me that question and I have been rather snippy, saying “well why do you do (insert their profession here)?” I guess it would be the same, sort of. Many people choose their field because they love it, or it was always something they wanted to do. Others just sort of fell in to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Me? I have always loved words. I love creating them, good or bad. I like my dark poetry and I like sharing my words with the world. At times it is scary. But, when someone out of the blue sends you an email thanking you for your post, well…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">That is why I write.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Last week I received an email from a person whom I have never met, nor did I even know she was reading my blogs. This person was kind enough to take time out of her day to drop me a note thanking me for being such an inspiration.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">What?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I know my blogs, especially those back some years, tell of my life and how I became the person I am today. But she wanted to thank me for writing. It is nice that something so simple can make someone’s day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I took the time to reply. I am glad I did. She wrote me back with such wonderful words!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I can’t believe my freelance career and writing has inspired someone else. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">There is strength in numbers and if my words help anyone, well that it itself is worth it all.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79472851389299988942010-12-07T20:37:00.004-05:002011-06-28T20:15:14.632-04:00What Would You Do With $20 from CSN Stores? Tell me and you could win!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span></span></span><br /><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What Would You Do With $20 from CSN Stores? Tell me and you could win!</span></h3><div class="post-header" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 520px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello Blogland! I have a wonderful giveaway for you this month.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We all need a little something to carry our books in, right? &nbsp;Whether it is textbooks, books we read for pleasure, our e-readers or if you're like me you need a bag just for all your gadgets (laptop, Nook, iPod Touch, personal cell phone, business cell phone, all their chargers, and flash drives just to name a few things). &nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Perhaps you will use your $20 gift card (given in the form of a promotional code) for a few&nbsp;<a href="http://www.luggage.com/Messenger-Bags-C53104.html" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;">leather&nbsp;messenger bags</a>&nbsp;to give as gifts for the Holidays</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, or maybe you need a new laptop messenger bag for yourself.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about a little something for the home? They have that, too. Kids? With 200+ store I bet you will find something for even the&nbsp;funkiest&nbsp;of children. Or, you could just pamper yourself. You work hard, you deserve it!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With CSN Stores the sky’s the limit. They offer over 200+ shops for your one-stop shopping spree!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of you know I like things a little crazy and funky. Here is one I just love:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><div class="productheader" style="float: left; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 540px;"><h2 style="color: #233477; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal bold 12px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; text-transform: uppercase; width: 540px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">KARAB LAPTOP MESSENGER TOTE IN BLUE SWIRL - 407-902</span></span></h2></div><div class="productinfo" style="float: left; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 380px;"><div class="bodytext" style="color: #202020; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SKU #: KRA1003</span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.luggage.com/KaraB-407-902-KRA1003.html" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TP7fWeqJl4I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/AsNqNzqB-H0/s320/Laptop%252BMessenger%252BTote%252Bin%252BBlue%252BSwirl%25281%2529.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or this awesome leather messenger/laptop bag from Ed Hardy!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div class="productheader" style="float: left; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 540px;"><h2 style="color: #233477; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal bold 12px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; text-transform: uppercase; width: 540px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ED HARDY SAMMY TIGER LAPTOP MESSENGER BAG IN GRAY/BLACK - UTTEC12SAMTGRG - GRAY/BLACK</span></span></h2></div><div class="productinfo" style="float: left; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 380px;"><div class="bodytext" style="color: #202020; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SKU #: EDH1026</span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.luggage.com/Ed-Hardy-UTTEC12SAMTGRG-Gray-Black-EDH1026.html" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TQAT7zS-gqI/AAAAAAAAAMg/O00I-2NGkJQ/s320/Ed-Hardy-Sammy-Tiger-Laptop-Messenger-Bag-in-Gray-Black.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;">MANDATORY ENTRY:</span></b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tell me how you would spend your $20 at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csnstores.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #35c45e;">CSN Stores</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;">EXTRA ENTRIES:</span></b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Become a follower of my blog or comment if you already are &nbsp;(1 entry)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Become a fan of CSN on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/csnstores" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #35c45e;">Facebook&nbsp;</span></a>&nbsp;(1 entry)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Follow CSN on&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/csnstores" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #35c45e;">Twitter</span></a>&nbsp;(1 entry)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment with a link (3 entries)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That’s 7 chances to win!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;">Giveaway ends December 31, 2010&nbsp;</span></b><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;">at 11:59EST.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;Be sure to leave a valid email address otherwise I won't be able to contact you if you win. &nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No contact = No win!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;Winner will be chosen via a random number generator.&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;If the winner does not contact me within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have Fun and</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Good Luck!</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please Note: This was originally posted on Dec 7 on my eBooksNook blog. I am in the process of merging my blogs in to one, and this particular blog is in the deletion process. I have copy/pasted the 2 people who have already entered. They are in the comments section. Just an FYI.</span></span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43987337632762768272010-12-05T12:20:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.875-04:00Upon Deaf Ears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/Purple_darkness/Saz/ear.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y154/Purple_darkness/Saz/ear.bmp" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know why life has to be so hard. Why we are forced to make so many decisions. People around me are so predictable. I hate being an <a href="http://empathic.net/empathic.html">empathic</a>. I hate that I observe people almost to the point of being OCD. I am intrigued by people. A blessing and both a curse. While I like to “study” (for lack of a better word) a person, I also end up feeding off of them. Again, not really sure how to explain that to anyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;The thoughts and feelings they have become mine. Not on purpose. That is just part of being an <a href="http://empathic.net/empathic.html">empathic</a>. It is hard carrying this around. It is hard enough living my own life, but when you have the weight of the others around you on your shoulders and in your every thought. When someone is sad, you become sad too. When they are ill or having some other sort of problem, that all becomes yours too. You don’t ask for this, it just happens. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here I am in life, trying to live my days as best as I can and I am so bogged down with the issues of others I tend to become last on the list. I put others first, my constant need to take care of them. When they don’t put me first, it only makes things worse. I have tried to change this, tried to change the way my life process works, but I can’t do it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When Elonna was sick, I took on her pain. When Lonnie was dying in the hospital bed, I felt it. I felt the shot that killed him half way around the world. I feel for Joey and Sean every day. People that are closest to&nbsp; me I tend to feel more. I knew the exact minute that Terry was murdered because I felt it. I felt him. And I did not know until after that I was right when his lawyer contacted me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Weird to you? I am sure. I can understand that. I only wish someone around me could understand. It is tiring. Everything that Matt does affects me and I have tried to explain it to him. I just don’t think he listens. I have tried to get him to help me. Again, not listening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know how to get my words upon deaf ears.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to let out this madness in my head.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp243/nightdarknessflyer/Darkness-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp243/nightdarknessflyer/Darkness-1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25599808492226179462010-12-04T12:06:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.992-04:00What Am I Doing Here?What am I doing here? I have been trying to figure that out since the day I step foot across the threshold. If I knew the answer, I might be able to get my feet to move in another direction.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Things are not what that appear. I have tried, and failed, to figure out this jumbled mess in my head. I feel very alone and extremely stuck in this situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have reached a point where working from home is starting to piss me off. Not because I don’t love my job, but because he can’t seem to get it through his head that after two years I HAVE to be left alone or my work does not get done. Same thing with school, I have to be left alone in order to get it done. I have yelled, cried, begged and pleaded with him to give me some space. I have so much homework that’s due on the weekends, I have to cram it in two days since they don’t tell us what it is until Thursday. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have tried to take time on the weekends to do homework, even work, and it is not possible. He does not have the ability to take care of the household and keep her entertained while I work. I have to check in with school every day for participation points.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, while he is being lazy in bed with the dogs, she is running around like a mad child, and here I am trying to do my daily check in before my mother, his step mom and his dad get here to start Christmas activities. Today we are baking cookies and making candy. Tomorrow we are putting up the tree.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, I don’t even care about the tree. I have not been a fan of Christmas for a very long time for various reasons.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last night, before he left to go pick her up I explained to him he was going to have to play with her after dinner so I can finish up my homework and get a few minor work things done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am behind because of him. Because he begged and pleaded with me earlier in the week to spend some time together. He knows the consequences, but yet he STILL does not give me my space to get things done. But yet, he is the first one to want to spend my money.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So instead of playing with his daughter and spending time with her while she is here, he falls asleep. What a dad he is. These types of things happen more often than not. And then he gets angry because I am angry. If I hear one more sorry come out of his mouth I am going to scream.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I spent my morning making everyone breakfast. None of us like our items cooked the same. So I pretty much have to cook 3 separate breakfasts. Do I complain? No. But he will be the first to complain when I ask him to clean the kitchen up. Only seems fair to me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He doesn’t want me mad, but he sure does push my buttons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have company coming over, I ask him to vacuum. I take a shower, and still not done. Mind you, one of the people coming over is allergic to cats so we desperately need to suck up as much of the cat hair as we can so she can stay longer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Apparently watching cartoons and making an even bigger mess in the living room is more important.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So here I am trying to get them moving and trying to get myself ready.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Story of my life seems to happen every weekend. Quite frankly, I am sick to death of it. I should not have to be the only responsible one in this house. I am tired from having it all on my shoulders.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I find myself in a constant state of anger and disappointment. I want this relationship to work out, but I just don’t think it is going to. I keep making excuses to stay. No one wants to live alone. But I think it has just gotten to that point it is not repairable. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He has broken me one too many times. I don’t even want to try anymore. So, for everyone around me I put on a happy face and act like it is OK. I have been here before, and eventually I packed up a U-Haul and moved 1000 miles away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe a 1500 mile move is in my future. Rooming with one of my great friends in Dallas sounds really good right about now.</div><br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aX-g2U9Dxok?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aX-g2U9Dxok?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Staring at my reflection I'm becoming numb<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I barely recognize this thing that I've become<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />All alone, in the dark, feel the beating of my heart<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not seem to find my self again<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not find myself.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Buried beneath the surface, pounding in my brain<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />A desperate need for something I can not escape<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />All alone, in the dark, feel the beating of my heart<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not seem to find my self again<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not find myself.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />What is wrong here, I don't belong here<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Save me from myself.......<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />All alone, in the dark<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not seem to find my self again<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I'm fading inside, lately; I can not find myself......myself.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19188277619489684182010-12-03T16:03:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.995-04:00The Druids Thought the Mistletoe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/vrdragon12/druids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd82/vrdragon12/druids.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This piece is not my own work. Having a Celtic background I find beauty in things relating to the history of the Celts, Pagans and Druids.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apoetinmotion.blogspot.com/2010/12/druids-thought-mistletoe.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Please follow my Poetry In Motion Blog and click here for The Druids Thought the Mistletoe.</span></span></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35303999336927629412010-12-02T22:33:00.005-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.573-05:00Book Review: Writer’s Retreat By Judy Reeves<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1577315006&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Today I was thinking about a writer’s retreat. I had planned to do this quite some time ago and just kept putting it off. Yesterday late afternoon it started to snow. It kept snowing until early evening today. What a way to start December. It is a cruel reminder that winter is here. Now Christmas is just around the corner. It seems like just yesterday we were taking down the tree from the last Christmas, now here we are ready to put it back up again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This got me to thinking about the gifts I received last year. My mother (who works at a book store in the mall) gave me a boxed book set called “The Writer’s Retreat Kit: A Guide for Creative Exploration &amp; Personal Expression” By Judy Reeves.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1244083722"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">She also got me two boxed book sets on knitting and they come with projects and materials. I tried to knit last year. I made one hat. It hurt my fingers so bad that one hat took me months to make. Those two knitting books are still sitting on the shelf. Maybe if I did not type/write so much my fingers might be a little more co- operable.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe I just need to practice more. I would love to knit, and get back in to sewing. Until I finish school, I just don’t have time for those things. Sadly, I don’t even have time to read a good book. A book that is not 1000 pages of textbook material.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">You see, we finally got my office set up today. I had been using a very old Dell desktop, which was here in BFs house already when I moved in. I left mine with my mom so she could have a PC at her house. This Dell was getting bogged down, even after I did an upgrade. I could not do school papers and run multiple programs for work without it lagging. It would lock up enough to cause me to want to throw it out the window. It makes me sad. The PC is good, but not for someone like me who has to have a lot of programs running. Last year I had bought a Mini. I could not afford a laptop so a Dell Mini was a little more affordable and would allow me to work outside of my home office if I needed to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">That was my reasoning for the Mini. So, here I am with a brand new Mini, by Christmas it was a mere 4 months old, and a Writer’s Retreat Kit ready to spread my wings and fly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Sad thing is I never flew.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">I got caught in this trap. I did not want to leave during the week because BF was dealing with his own personal issues which resulted in a lot of lazy time, doing nothing, and not being helpful around the house. I felt I could not trust him to take care of the dogs and the house while I was going and I was going to come back to a giant mess.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">In the past, the few times I left for a day was a disaster when I can home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">I guess I just felt it was easier to stay home and just take care of things myself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">In time I started to build up anxiety on top of my already existing anxiety disorder and I was becoming stressed about it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">I wanted to be able to leave. And I wanted to know things would be OK.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">BF in the beginning was not very attentive to his daughter. We met when he was new to the single dad world, and had relied on his mother for a lot of help in the few months that lapsed before we met. That lasted until I moved it. When I was around on the weekends she would not brush her teeth, takes baths, he would not comb her hair, she would wear dirty clothes. It just was not a good thing. His house was dirty, nasty to the point I had to come in and clean it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">These are the things I have to go on. Past events. How could I think about leaving him alone for a weekend with her here? Her and the dogs? And now we have a cat on top of that. He can’t do it all when I am here how can I expect anything if I am gone?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">So, the anxiety built and the retreat never happened.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Black Friday rolled around and I saw a great deal on a laptop. I had to think about it, and ended up purchasing it right on the deadline. I was able to get a huge monitor, new desk and bookcase on Black Friday as well. This was to be a start of a new beginning. Larger monitor so I can see. Better computer so I can actually work. Bigger desk for school and work and bookshelves for all my books. Yes, I was excited. So, the Mini went up on eBay, the desktop will lurk for a while.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">And now here I am, sitting at my new desk, starting at my extremely large screen with this Writers Retreat box set in front of me. Snow is on the ground. Is it too late? As the BF earned enough trust to leave him alone so I can go? And when could I?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">It makes me sad that here I am a year later, still holding on to the hope that things will change, myself included.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Until that moment in time comes, I will hang on to this box set and continue to hang on to the dream that someday I will be strong and venture out into the world on my own, for my own little retreat.</span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58283879374211082622010-12-01T01:00:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.997-04:00I'm a A Prior Fat Girl, Too....But I am Back...and Writing for My Life<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once again I find myself roaming around blogville, hoping to find some sort of inspiration to find my words. It’s not that I don’t have any words; it is more that I just don’t know what to say. These days it seems like everyone has a blog that is a niche, but I have many. My niche is basically LIFE! The life of a freelance writer and all of the things I go through, including weight loss. Sitting at a desk all day does not help the process that’s for sure! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found a post this morning though a Facebook post from a page I “liked” (I also follow the blog) called: <a href="http://writeforyourlife.net/">Write for Your Life</a>. Today’s post was titled <a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/write-for-your-life/start-searching-if-you-want-to-find-your-writing-voice/10150095046339314">“Start searching if you want to find your writing voice.”</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been searching! I used to have a voice. Maybe I still do and I just lost it for a few years. Or, maybe it has been here all along and I just ignored it. We HAVE to have a voice in the writer’s world. Not just for blogging. &nbsp;My voice is a little southern, witty, and pretty sarcastic at times. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most have a niche as well. I have no niche. That is, unless you count life as a niche.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;I am: A full time writer, full time college student, pet shop owner (Cain, Casey, Ziggy, crabs and fish), cookbook collector, diet junkie, lifetime weight watcher,&nbsp; recipe queen,&nbsp; accountant, chef,&nbsp; housekeeper, weekend nanny, personal assistant, professional organizer, shopkeeper, budget wedding planner, survivor, fighter , freebie lover,&nbsp; bookworm , empathetic, tax preparer,&nbsp; bookkeeper,&nbsp; banker,&nbsp; biller, budget friendly, sometimes “green”,&nbsp; MMA fan,&nbsp; Ireland dreamer,&nbsp; music listener,&nbsp; crafter, and writer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;But most of all I am a thinker. With this entire list how could I pick just one?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, now perhaps you will understand why I am having such a hard time finding my new voice. My old voice would just write about whatever she wanted. Maybe, that voice is good enough. The voice of life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Currently, this voice has been talking a lot about weight loss. I have been following another blog for quite some time, <a href="http://www.priorfatgirl.com/">Prior Fat Girl</a>. Yes, I was a prior fat girl. Lost the weight, gained it back. Now I am a current fat girl. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The post from yesterday: <a href="http://www.priorfatgirl.com/2010/11/4332.html">Fat Chance</a>, really struck a chord with me. Not sure why. I think because I am one of the lucky so-called fat girls who has always been able to find a man who loves her no matter what her size.&nbsp; In high school I dropped a ton of weight thanks in part to NutiSytem and the other thanks goes to my mother for paying for it. Before that I was always the "fat friend" and never really had any boys like me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;After high school came college, and some pounds were added on. I was not super heavy, but I was a bit thicker than many of my classmates. Did not make one bit of difference in my dating life. &nbsp;I met my ex husband in college. &nbsp;He preferred curvy women, when we split 10 years later and I started dating again, I found one man after another that enjoyed a woman with some meat on her bones. For the past 2 years I have been in a relationship with a man who does not really want me to lose weight. He loves me just the way that I am. He is by no means fat; he works out a few times a week, a few hours a day, training MMA. He is tall, and he is solid. He would break any smaller girl. Sometimes he even breaks me without meaning to. &nbsp;And even though I am on a quest to drop some weight, for me and my health, he 100% supports me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I did start dating again, I made it a point to put in my dating profile that I was plus size and if anyone had a problem with that, they could click the back button and go visit someone else. You would be surprised at how many smart, funny, and attractive guys are out there who just want a real woman for herself, no matter what the scale says.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;A man is attracted to a woman who have a positive self image!!&nbsp;</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26419542310914902852010-11-30T19:40:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:40.999-04:00Tomorrow is World AIDS Day (RED)<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message">TURN THE WORLD (RED) FOR WORLD AIDS DAY, DEC 1.<br /><br /><a href="http://f.joinred.com/nJJ" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://f.joinred.com/nJJ</a></span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><a href="http://f.joinred.com/nJJ" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"></a><br />Last year nearly 1/2 million babies were born with HIV. By 2015, that number could be zero. Change your profile picture to a (2015)RED image and help turn Facebook, and the world, (RED) for World AIDS Day.&nbsp;</span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><a href="http://f.joinred.com/nJJ" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://f.joinred.com/nJJ</a></span></h3><div><br /></div><div>I have been a member of the Project (RED) campaign for quite some time. It really does only take something so small to make something so big. Just a small bit of help can keep the medicine going. I may not be able to do or give a lot, but I know with the support of Bono and his band U2 and millions of people world wide, we can make a difference.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29965774332686348802010-11-30T15:18:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:48:38.867-04:00Breaking in to the Blogosphere : Weight Loss Friendly<div class="MsoNormal">I am really starting to break back into the blogosphere. When I was really active on Yahoo 360 I would read and post like a madwoman. Oh, the fun times in blogland.I would like to get back in to that. I miss writing, I miss sharing, I miss reading, but most of all I miss the connection I made with others.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think perhaps when I started to have so many deaths around me during that time, friends who also blogged along side of me, blogging just was not the same. It held too many painful memories. I need to put those memories inside my heart, heal, and move forward. It is what they would have wanted. They loved my writing and would want me to continue. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been reading some blogs on blogger for quite some time now, but I do not post comments. I guess I never really thought there was still a bloggers world out there. After the multitude of changes over at MySpace it almost seemed as if my blogging life was over. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As you can see, it is not. I am fighting-kicking and screaming-for my blogging to continue as I am finding some new inspiration these days. Not only am I now writing for a living (something I would have never thought of doing when I first started blogging 6 years ago) I am almost done with school which gives me more time to create my words. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been extremely inspired as of late by a blog called <a href="http://thefatchickweigh.blogspot.com/">Kreating Kristen</a>. &nbsp;Kristen is on a weight loss journey just like me. I find her posts inspiring and the similarities likely help with my understanding of what she is going through. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In a recent post <a href="http://thefatchickweigh.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-food-disaster.html">“Holiday Food Disaster” </a>could have been transcribed through my own fingertips this week. As you may have read some posts back, I started using New Lifestyle and <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34746&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">Wonderslim</a>&nbsp;products to help get my weight loss back on track. I could not go back to Weight Watchers (lifetime member) as they are just too far away for me to drive and I am not a huge fan of the online program. So, I found Sparkpeople and later changed to My Fitness Pal, which I just love. It’s so simple. But my life is hectic and busy (full time student and full time freelance writer) so I needed some help. I did not have time to prepare three meals a day, much less think about them. I did not want to do Nutrisystem (again) or Jenny Craig because they are a little out of my budget and I wanted to be able to eat one meal with my family, at the very least. I find this plan to be very simple. In the first 2 weeks I lost 5 pounds and that’s with no exercise.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ever since the late summers shoulder injury that is just now 100% healed (despite the once in a while numbing of my fingers) I could not exercise and now that I can, I just can’t seem to get back on the treadmill. I made a post in September about the problem, by then I had been dealing with it for quite some time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/09/just-update.html">(Just an Update- Why All the Pain?)</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;I was doing a Couch to 5k program, and that ended with the injury. Makes me angry at myself. I see other people exercising and I wonder what happened to my motivation!?!?!?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Kristen, like me has a war with her inner fat chick. The chick that takes over and tells you life is easier without cooking, eat fast food. The chick that tells you, it’s ok to have one more. The chick that says, “Who needs exercise? It’s just a waste of time.” My fat chick has been visiting for about two weeks now. Once my shoulder was healed to the point of no pain while walking, I hopped right on the treadmill. I was extremely frustrated that my running was not up to par. All the work I had put in, gone. My inner fat chick says “eh, who cares. You don’t need to exercise. You need the time free to work.” There are not enough hours in my day right now, so, my healthy chick listens.&nbsp; I “could” be working, but I “should” be exercising. Taking the time for myself because I am worth it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And that is what I have to keep telling myself. I am worth it and I deserve to make time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Food has been a whole other issue. I have been eating out a lot, more for convenience. Ever since our weekend away for the UFC fights in Auburn Hills, I have been craving bad foods even though they make me feel like crap and I wake up in the AM with what I call a food hangover. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here I am, once again, trying to kick fat girl in the ass and get back on program and back on the treadmill!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/emilylovescharles/b41c8c9f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/emilylovescharles/b41c8c9f.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">&nbsp;POW!</span></b></div><o:p></o:p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Take that inner fat chick!</span></b></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54700609546371175202010-11-30T00:00:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.002-04:0011:58 PM - I Should Be Sleeping<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I should be sleeping. So many things running around in my head and so many blog posts to get caught up on. I spent time with the BF today so I will be playing catch up tomorrow. Hopefully get some of these new posts done.<br/><br/><br/>Until then....<br/><br/>Good-night<br/><span id='BB_SIGN_BEGIN'><img alt='BlogBooster-The most productive way for mobile blogging. BlogBooster is a multi-service blog editor for iPhone, Android, WebOs and your desktop' src='http://theblogbooster.com/pixel.gif' style='border:none;'/></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29441724358972244852010-11-29T13:11:00.031-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.004-04:00Ahhhh…Mexican Food : You Will Break My Diet Every time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Warning:</b> Although I am trying to lose weight and eat healthy, this may not constitute as a healthy, weight friendly blog. I am human, and I love my Mexican food. Diet or not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ever since I have moved to Michigan I have been trying to location a Mexican restaurant that reminded me of <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-tapatio-authentic-mexican-food-stillwater">El Tapito back in Stillwater</a>. You have no idea how much I miss that place. When I first got here I ventured to a place close to home in Bridgeport, MI called <a href="http://www.el-gallito.com/index.html">El-Gallito</a>&nbsp;and decided to try a burrito, I learned the hard way the huge difference between Southern style Mexican food vs. Northern style. Not to be confused with Tex-Mex, this is a whole other style. I have noticed that up here the sauces are very different and burritos are served wet, with a gravy sauce. My mother laughed; oh she forgot to tell me she says. Uh huh. Likely story. Needless to say, I was not impressed with gravy on my burrito. I did however fall in love with the guacamole, one of my all time favorite foods. The only thing I did not like was the price for such a small serving. &nbsp;I continued to eat there as there was not any place close (within a 30 minute drive) that did not include a drive through (Taco Bell). And, yanno, why is there not a Taco Bueno up here? Do you know how often I crave a Muchacos??? &nbsp;Ugh. Ok, getting off track here. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Shortly after I got here, I was able to go venture back into tax season at H&amp;R Block. There I met a girl named Kelly who took me to a place in Saginaw, MI called <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_273666903">Los&nbsp;Cuatro&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.loscuatroamigosinc.com/Home.php">Amigo</a>s.&nbsp; That place was really good and almost like home, but a bit pricey. Sorry, but I am used to getting a lot of food for less than $10 a platter. I guess MI prices are a bit different too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is another place in Saginaw that I can never remember the name of. The people that own it went to school with my mother, at least members of the family did. And when I lived in MI when I was 18, I worked with a girl whose family ran it. I think my mom went to school with her mother. That would make sense. They have a lunchtime all you can eat buffet. OH! Mexican buffet. In the three years I have been back in MI, I think I have been there 4 times. &nbsp;Cheap and good. But it’s too far away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, you can imagine my surprise when <a href="http://www.mlive.com/business/mid-michigan/index.ssf/2010/06/el_fuego_real_mexican_kitchen.html">El Fuego opened up in Frankenmuth, M</a>I which takes me all of 10 minutes to drive to. I placed my first order. They had just opened so we had great conversations with the manager, who let us sample a few menu items. Their guacamole rocked my socks. They put some cayenne pepper in it to kick it up a notch (starting to feel like Emeril now BAM!).&nbsp; The food was so good. We have been back quite a few times. It is the closest thing to home I have found. I told the owner that, and he understood exactly what I was talking about!! Yah, someone understands! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, right up the street from us is a quaint little diner which you may recognize if you ever see it. Watch the Drew Barrymore movie<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172233/"> “Whip It”</a> and you will see. That movie was filmed here in Birch Run, MI and Flint. The restaurant featured in that movie is right down the road from me. Very cool, huh? It is no longer the Oink Joint, which featured the giant pink pig, but in July it turned into a Mexican place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It took me until two weeks ago to actually stop in and give it a try. I was nervous. I felt like I was cheating on El Fuego. What would they think if they saw me and the BF there?? For shame! But, they had buy one get one tacos on the window. It was time to stop. I am now in love with this place.&nbsp; On my first visit I of course ordered guacamole. OH HEAVEN! We also get chips and salsa. We mix the mild with the super hot and add a bit of salt. OMG, I could drink vats of this! I was amazed that they had taquitos on the menu.&nbsp; Most placed don’t offer these wonderful little goodies. Might be a blessing in disguise, as I don’t really &nbsp;need to be eating them, and thankfully don’t often. I decided to give them a try since it had been so long. I also ordered on cheese enchilada, one of my favorite things.&nbsp; I was simply amazed. Simple, good, and the manager Justin was great company. &nbsp;BF ordered tacos and a steak burrito. He seemed happy enough, which is good. It can be disturbing when the BF doesn’t like the food we have eaten.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Tis%20Herself/Blog%20photos/702ff62d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Tis%20Herself/Blog%20photos/702ff62d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A couple of days later we were back again. This time we ordered cheese fries as an appetizer, and they came out with STEAK on them! WOOT! And they were very good fries. &nbsp;I got the 1 taco, 1 burrito platter (I should add does not come with gravy) and they come with rice and beans. Yummy beans, not all dry and I am not a huge rice fan, I usually give it to BF. I actually ate some of it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a feeling this place will be seeing a lot of us. At least we hope it stays open long enough for us to enjoy it. Business is rather slow for them right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, that was my shameless plug.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJIr-k24qbk">Enjoy the video of me about to eat. (click)</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The photo of BF.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Tis%20Herself/Blog%20photos/3f19a58f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Tis%20Herself/Blog%20photos/3f19a58f.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And our crazy faces photos. Sure enough to make someone laugh, or scream.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Tis%20Herself/Blog%20photos/b36afb8d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Tis%20Herself/Blog%20photos/b36afb8d.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Tis%20Herself/Blog%20photos/75a42e1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1036.photobucket.com/albums/a448/irishchikinmi/Tis%20Herself/Blog%20photos/75a42e1d.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11122614140643340302010-11-28T21:02:00.001-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.578-05:00Elevator Pitches ??? What ???<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0470616342&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>So, I just started reading this ebook called "31 Days to Build a Better Blog" by problogger.com guru Darren Rowse. I also have the other book: "Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a 6-Figure Income".<br /><br />I have not gotten very far with the 31 Days. Why is that? I am stuck on the middle of Day 1 and trying to create an elevator pitch.<br /><br />An elevator for my blog, this should be interesting.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26485322487027592602010-11-28T20:40:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.006-04:00Another Evening with Shinedown<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0045DO92I&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t believe it has taken me half the week to be able to sit down and write this post. I was so excited about it that I wanted to write it as soon as I got home, but it was Wednesday night (the night before Thanksgiving) and I got home so late that I just could not bring myself to do it. Thursday was a holiday and I just did not have time to compose a blog post, and Friday I was trying to catch up on homework and some articles.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday I did a little bit of work, and hung out with the BF. We watched the Expendables, went to the mall to brave some shopping, then to the new Mexican place I mentioned a few posts back (I plan to write a separate post about this place) and then we came home to watch the Jim Carrey A Christmas Carol. That was the strangest version of the movie I have ever seen. But, that’s not what I really want to write about.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFH2DsWHI/AAAAAAAAAMA/J0lT2f8WN6k/s1600/STRP-IP_26237_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFH2DsWHI/AAAAAAAAAMA/J0lT2f8WN6k/s320/STRP-IP_26237_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I really want to write about is my night with Shinedown. I have forgotten how many times I have seen them now. I think this is 6, in the last 2 years. And this is hands down the best I have ever seen them. Brent’s voice was top notch and he sounded well rested. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We had nosebleed seats. I kid you not we were 1 row away from being the last row. I should have opted for the next price range of tickets. I only paid $20 for them, and they were well worth it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The show was awesome. I forgot to bring my camera which has zoom and video features so I had to use my new iPod Touch which has a cam and vid on it. The video is far away and hard to see who is who, but the audio is wonderful. And I guess that’s all we need, right? To hear Brent’s angelic voice. I mean, that’s all I need! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFORAG_qI/AAAAAAAAAME/5kXJ0bcokMc/s1600/BrentSmith-Shinedown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFORAG_qI/AAAAAAAAAME/5kXJ0bcokMc/s1600/BrentSmith-Shinedown.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Click here to see the videos: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/okirishchik"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OKIRISHCHIKS YOU TUBE </span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I warn you, you can hear me sing (badly), scream (happily) and gripe. You see, we sat at the end of the row. BF and I were the last 2 seats on our end. In the middle were 6 people, all together. Meaning, they all came together. 3 couples. Well, they wanted to drink, and pee and drink, and pee some more. I had lost count of how many times BF and I had to get up to let them out. After 20 my legs and back were starting to hurt, I was missing a lot of the show, and I was starting to get cranky. They must have heard me griping to BF because they started to go to the row behind us to get out!&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Dear people,</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>When in a closed setting, please keep your drinking to a minimum so you do not have to pee so much. Please be&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">COURTEOUS</span>&nbsp;of those around you.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Thank you.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFSWwSfoI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ZZCjxfrMIRk/s1600/SPX-031988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TPMFSWwSfoI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ZZCjxfrMIRk/s320/SPX-031988.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite being an acoustic show, they were still pretty well plugged in. Instead of electric guitars they were playing acoustics. They did many of the crowd favorites; 45, Fly from the Inside, Devour, Call Me, I Dare You, and even my personal favorite Simple Man, which quite literally brought a tear to my eye. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I firmly believe their music has helped me through some of the hardest times of my life these last 3 years and has kept me from falling into that black hole of depression I once lived in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am forever grateful for Brent and his band to have given us all such a gift.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In between each song Brent has always taken the time to say hello, reach out to his audience as best as any musician could. He will tell a story, share his world. In this particular tour, “Anything and Everything” Brent goes behind the scenes to tell us the “hows” and “whys” of a particular song. He lets you in his life, and opens up his world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some of my favorite lines from the songs:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I Dare You</b> - <span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Even in madness, I know you still believe</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trade Yourself In</b> - <span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">You see me and you know I am not the same can’t pretend just to fake a smile<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>If You Only Knew </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 8pt;">-&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">It's 4:03 and I can't sleep</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Without you next to me I</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Toss and turn like the sea</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">If I drown tonight, bring me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Back to life</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Breathe your breath in me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">The only thing that I still believe</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">In is you, if you only knew</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shed Some Light</b> –</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I ’m falling apart again I can’t find a way to make amends I’m looking in both directions but it’s make believe its all pretend so<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Shed some light on me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And old me up in disbelief<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And shed some light on me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And tell me something that I’ll believe in<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Second Chance (the whole song)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">My eyes are open wide<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">By the way I made it through the day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I watch the world outside <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">By the way I’m leaving out today<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I just saw Hayley’s comet she waved<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Said “why you always running in place?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Even the man in the moon disappeared<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Somewhere in the stratosphere”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Tell my mother, tell my father<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve done the best I can<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">To make them realize<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">This is my life<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope they understand<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not angry, I’m just saying<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes goodbye is a second chance<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Please don’t try one tear for me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not afraid of what I have to say<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">This is my one and only voice<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">So listen close, it’s only for today<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is my chance<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">This is my chance<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breaking Inside: <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t wanna live<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">To waste another day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Underneath the shadows <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Of mistakes I’ve made<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Cuz I feel like I’m breaking inside<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t wanna fall<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And say I lost it all<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Cuz maybe there’s a part of me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">That hit the wall<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Leaving pieces of me behind<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">And I feel like I’m breaking inside<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Call Me:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Wrap me in a bolt of lightning<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Send me on my way still smiling<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe that’s the way I should go<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Straight into the mouth of the unknown<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve said it so many times<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I would change my ways <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">No, nevermind<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">God knows I’ve tried<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fly From the Inside<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">I am focused on what I am after <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">The key to the next open chapter<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Cause I found a way to steal the sun from the sky<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Long live that day that I decided to fly from the inside<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is more. I think their might very well be something from every Shinedown song that I apply to some portion of my life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been thinking about a new tattoo for quite some time, and even though I have wanted the photo that Elonna got for me for quite some time now, I am thinking perhaps something else is in order. I have wanted “Believe” for a while. I believe in many things. I believe life will get better. I have to believe. There is a Staind song that is “Believe” that the BF and really feel applies to us. There is also a Shindown lyric “I still believe” which I love. After the concert I had one of those ephifany moments where I just knew what I wanted to do to the “Believe.” &nbsp;I wanted something different, not like everyone else’s. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">SOOOO</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am thinking a shooting star, Haley’s comet, the man in the moon, believe, and the Shinedown symbol all painted in a pretty picture. I think it’s going to be great. Bits and pieces of all these things that mean something to me in my life right now. That’s what tattoos are, a map of life, your journey, where you have been, where you will be. A canvas of art.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Until next time.....</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18139442257866275072010-11-23T20:09:00.000-05:002011-10-31T14:04:37.581-04:00Free! List of Home Business Deductions for Schedule C<div style="text-align: center;">Original post from Business Support Group Blog</div><div style="text-align: center;">Free! List of Home Business Deductions for Schedule C</div><div style="text-align: center;">By&nbsp;Chrystal&nbsp;Mahan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>One of the many advantages to having your own home based business is the deductions you can claim for Schedule C. You will want to keep extremely accurate records of all money coming in and going out for your home business.<br /><br />1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Advertising (includes: billboards, newspaper, online, business cards)<br />2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bank Fees on Business Accounts<br />3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vehicle Expense<br />4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cost of Goods Sold<br />5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Depreciation on Office Equipment<br />6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commissions and Fees<br />7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dues for Trade Associations<br />8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dues for Trade Publications<br />9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Employee Benefits – for those with employees<br />10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Contractor Payments – for those that hire contractors<br />11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Insurance<br />12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Office Expenses<br />13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Office Supplies<br />14.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Interest<br />15.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Any Legal and Professional Services<br />16.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meals and Entertainment<br />17.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rent or Lease Expense<br />18.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Materials<br />19.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repairs and Maintenance<br />20.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pension or Profit-Sharing Plans – for self or employees<br />21.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Travel Expense – related to business<br />22.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Utilities (for home office portion)<br />23.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cell Phone (only business portion)<br />24.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Internet (only business use portion)<br />25.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some Education Tuition<br /><br /><br />As you can see the list is quite extensive. &nbsp;Keeping track of your expenses will make things easier for you or your accountant at tax time. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your business is to set up and file system. You will need one file for things such as vehicle, utilities, bank statements, advertisement, etc. Once your bill or invoice comes in, you can place it in the appropriate folder. &nbsp;Any purchases you make keep the receipt and place it in the appropriate file as well. Even with the best accounting or bookkeeping software it is best to have a hard copy for documentation.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42233658575885754122010-11-22T17:39:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.008-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 5: Dear .........<div class="MsoNormal">Dear ……..</div><div class="MsoNormal">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear kid who sat next to me,<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Hats off to you for being such a good side pal. You were nice, courteous and I loved that you were teaching your dad MMA rules as the fights went on. My hat goes off to you. Keep going forward. You will make it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear dude at the end of my isle,<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you for handling my money and beer when the beer man came past. My cup would have remained empty if not for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear real fighters, <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes you. No, not you wanna be I had a bar room brawl, but yes you, pro fighter, make your opponent bleed. We like blood. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear Joe Rogan, <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">People in the audience want to hear you. People at home should not hog you. Please share.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear people watching the pay per view, <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please share Joe Rogan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear Dana White, <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please come back to Detroit. Please share Joe Rogan with the live audience and not just the viewers at home. And thank you for taking time out for the fans. Thumbs up on all the jumbo trons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dear one million and one douchebags,<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Find a new hobby before one of the real fighters hear you talking your stupid shit and pop you in the mouth.</div><div class="MsoNormal">You have been warned. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13917619288494190772010-11-22T17:06:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.010-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 4: Dear Total Douchebag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrnTUPbrII/AAAAAAAAALw/nyhAxORBVMQ/s1600/douchebag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrnTUPbrII/AAAAAAAAALw/nyhAxORBVMQ/s320/douchebag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Dear Total Douchebag</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I have been to many fights; this however was my first UFC, and likely my last. Maybe. We shall see.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I prefer watching it on pay per view. Live is a mess, you can’t hear Joe Rogan except when he goes in to the ring to congratulate the fighters. I find much humor in some of his commentary, plus the guy actually knows what he is talking about. Watching it live there is a huge amount of dead air where we are forced to create our own commentary.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Or, for someone like me, you tend to people watch and listen to the words of others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Dear Joe Blow behind me, please keep your mouth shut when you don’t know what the hell you are talking about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Joe Blow to Joe Girl:</b> Yanno&nbsp; Dana &nbsp;White fired Rampage so he ran off to make a movie, which flopped so he went running back to Dana for his job back. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Joe Girl:</b> Really??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Me:</b> WTF? Look on my face. Really? Are you a fan or a jump on the bandwagon I am only here to look cool for my friends/girl when in reality I bought this t-shirt at Spencer’s, my hair gel at Dollar General , I spray tan twice a week, and I really look like tool, but I am trying to prove to the world I am not really a douche. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOro9xgGrBI/AAAAAAAAAL0/Vp70-CbeskE/s1600/douchebaggus-maximus-douchebag-stupid-myspace-demotivational-poster-1234404744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOro9xgGrBI/AAAAAAAAAL0/Vp70-CbeskE/s320/douchebaggus-maximus-douchebag-stupid-myspace-demotivational-poster-1234404744.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">*cough cough* I can smell a falsie a mile away. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">A REAL fan would know Dana DID NOT fire Rampage. Yanno? Dana has a pretty tight contract with his guys. Rampage was a perfect fit for Mr. T. and therefore went into “retirement” so that he could make his movie. Which I might add did not flop and made him upwards of $10 million. Not too shabby if you ask me.&nbsp; Once he was done, he entered back in to the UFC and went on with his MMA career. Didn’t Tito, Shamrock, Couture, Liddell and a handful of others “retire?” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I think it is something about testosterone and alcohol that make grown men act like total douchebags. All knowing, all powerful, and they are right, the fighter they like is the best; that is until their fighter loses. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Then all of the sudden that guy sucks and he is off to liking someone else in a blink.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Wow. What a fan. Jump on the bandwagon again why don’t you. True fans stick by the person they are a fan of through highs and lows, just like a favorite sports team.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Will someone please remind Mr. Tool Douchebag how that works. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrpKb8Z80I/AAAAAAAAAL4/ysZCLDY6dIk/s1600/dbbingoboard_v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrpKb8Z80I/AAAAAAAAAL4/ysZCLDY6dIk/s320/dbbingoboard_v1.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I know there are legitimate fans out there. The ones who live, sleep, eat, shit, breath MMA. They have their favorite fighters and they stick by them. They don’t care how many UFC, Tapout or MMA shirts they have in their closet. Hell, they may not even have any at all. Up until last night I did not own a single one, aside from an ex’s mentors training camp (who by the way happens to be Dan Severn. True MMA fans will know who that is) and an IFL try out fight shirt that the same ex got for me. I sleep in them. No one sees them, and I don’t care. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I felt I deserved a nice souvenir from the first ever show in Detroit. So, I bought one. I don’t put gel in my hair, and I can recite you a list of fighters and their stats. A poser I can assure you I am not.&nbsp; Nothing false about me. I am 100% pure MMA addicted, douchebag hater, blood loving, and pain inflicting, female.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrpZ7gmeqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/caDfg2DmQbU/s1600/Girlfight-michelle-rodriguez-609344_1024_768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrpZ7gmeqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/caDfg2DmQbU/s320/Girlfight-michelle-rodriguez-609344_1024_768.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2776052544948610682010-11-22T16:49:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.013-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 3: Palace of Auburn Hills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrkjM_KTXI/AAAAAAAAALk/gqVgAS_VyHw/s1600/I+Love+Cage+Fighters+Girls+Shirt+Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrkjM_KTXI/AAAAAAAAALk/gqVgAS_VyHw/s320/I+Love+Cage+Fighters+Girls+Shirt+Pink.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Palace of Auburn Hills</div><div class="MsoNormal">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We all know by now the UFC 123 made its debut in Detroit at the Palace of Auburn Hills and yours truly sat there proudly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>There were six of us all in a row. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you know that Michigan has one of the highest unemployment rates in the US? I guess that makes us pretty poor. Either Dana or the ticker promoters had a kind idea to reduce the prices of tickets. I am not sure what they were supposed to be, I guess about $1000 for the back part of the floor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I guess ours should have been about $500 or so. Wow, we got such a bargain. We were a section away from nose bleeds and we paid $97 per ticket. Ouch. Made quite a dent to the wallet. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">First UFC event in Michigan, first UFC event for me, I felt it was worth it. You never know if they are going to come back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">We got to see quite a few fights before the pre-fight pay per view show started. The seats were not filled, so I wondered if Michigan was in such a bad state with the economy that even with reduced prices people could not afford to come. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">As time went on a few more seats started to fill. By the time the pay per view started and we were live on air, just about every seat was full. At one point Bruce announced that it was sold out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wow! Sold out!! That is awesome. Hopefully Dana will see that and make it a point to come back to Michigan. We might be unemployed and our economy might not be what it is compared to some states, but obviously we found a way to save our money and purchase some UFC tickets. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I really don’t have too much to say in regards to the fights. I am pretty sure I mentioned that in the previous blogs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do have a few things, just random, and really quick.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">An Irish guy fought an English guy and lost. Anyone else see some irony in that?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">BJ Penn and Matt Hughes 3 – I only got one word – Mahalo.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry country boy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrlIOFfGDI/AAAAAAAAALo/pDDc9ncDBMg/s1600/rampage-jackson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrlIOFfGDI/AAAAAAAAALo/pDDc9ncDBMg/s320/rampage-jackson.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Rampage and Machida – I have only 2 words “Dog Pound!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrlMnrT0II/AAAAAAAAALs/yHdEApcp_UQ/s1600/wenn1450153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrlMnrT0II/AAAAAAAAALs/yHdEApcp_UQ/s320/wenn1450153.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7189412829194813012010-11-22T16:34:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.015-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 2: Yeah, So??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrhYlXfwNI/AAAAAAAAALg/xx02HMVUQM8/s1600/155kk786.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrhYlXfwNI/AAAAAAAAALg/xx02HMVUQM8/s320/155kk786.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, so?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now you have a bit of knowledge about me. I am not a bandwagon junkie. I have sent my dues in to Dana White and his UFC Empire every time I order a pay per view. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Every time I go to a fight show, amateur or pro I am giving money to someone, and that someone could be pushing along the next UFC star. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I have seen fighters go up, and in the blink of an eye, fall right back into the dirt. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I am clearly, not one of those girls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am however, a girl who is going to speak her mind. So, if I piss you off, too bad. That’s what the comment section is for. If you are going to whine and bitch because my opinion or thoughts don’t match yours, I really don’t care. We were not all created to be exactly the same. What a waste of the human race if we were. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and ideas. I am not going to lose any sleep over someone who thinks differently than I do. Unless, you are just a blatant idiot and it shows. In that case, you are warned, I will call your ass out on it. I am not running around with some pink bow in my hair with matching frilly underwear hoping to make peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This is not the nightly news.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a matter of fact, this really isn’t even going to be a news article. Who needs another one of those? During every UFC fight my Twitter blows up, so and so says this, that and the other. Oh, this link to this article is great; follow that link.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>OH MY GAWD it’s like the Twitter yellow fucking brick road to oz. All of the articles are the same cookie cutter chewed up and spit out spin off of another article. The internet is full of these. People out to make a few dollars off of a post of someone else’s work. Article spinners us freelancers call them. </div><div class="MsoNormal">What? You don’t have enough imagination or grammar skills to compose your own article? Maybe you should find something else to do with your time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t get me wrong, there are a few legitimate sports writers out there who actually report the good stuff, but these people who spin the article, rewrite it and call it theirs is horseshit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really, get a real job.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5726156949769408882010-11-22T16:21:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.017-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Part 1:About Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrdpU5vV-I/AAAAAAAAALc/g7tMiyF_O5o/s1600/five1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrdpU5vV-I/AAAAAAAAALc/g7tMiyF_O5o/s320/five1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Rated R for adult language.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hey, that title rhymes. Was not intentional, trust me. The last thing I want to do now is come across as being so cliché that no one is going to take the time to listen to me. This is not going to be one of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">those </i>articles. You know the ones I am talking about. Someone who jumped on the UFC bandwagon just because it is “hip, chick, popular, cool, trendy, in-the-now” or any other word you want to insert there. This also is not going to be another one of those types of newsworthy sports related articles written by *some* girl. Oh, I have heard every males point of view regarding female sports announcers. I could care less. If a girl grew up in Nebraska or Texas and lives, eats, sleeps, shits football then she should be allowed to write, announce, or talk about it just as much as a man should. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I assure you, I might be a girl, but I have something more important to say than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">those </i>girls anyway. Most of the girls you see at an MMA event only like the UFC because the guy they like/love/dating/married to/or are just simply trying to impress are in to it. And chances are many of those guys are in to it because it’s what’s cool right now, and what testosterone filled man isn’t going to want to watch even more testosterone beat the shit out of each other for pure enjoyment, and like it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A bit about me, I am 35 years old and have been in and out of the fight scene since I was, oh let’s see, in Jr. High? I am not so sure you could count junior high whip asses a fight, but certainly street fighting is how a lot of pro fighters get a taste for the thrill. I think, for me personally, it’s in my DNA. Here is where I become cliché. I am Irish. Isn’t that what everyone in the world thinks Irish people do is drink and fight? I have always enjoyed watching a good ass whipping.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember in high school I had a friend who went to another school; we would skip classes quite often and take the transit downtown. Quite often, mostly on Fridays we were able to find a group of guys standing outside a venue, looking all tough and scraggly. It was then we learned about what I will just call a tough man competition. It has been so long ago, I could not really tell you the real name, what the rules were, or how it even came to be. All I remember is guys signed up to beat the shit out of each other and they had them almost every weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>On Friday nights I would pretend to spend the night with someone and sneak off to watch these fights. The bloodier they got, the more I cheered them on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It should be no surprise that as I got older I became interested in boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, tough man competitions, wresting, and so on. Although not much blood was shed with many of those, it was still a good ass whooping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I remember the early years of Pride, WEC, TapOut, UFC, and the various others that came and went. I remember the picketers trying to tell congress this should not be allowed in state while the rest of the world immediately flipped up that middle finger.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We wanted it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;We liked it and we got it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71504018524737563602010-11-22T16:16:00.004-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.583-05:00Book Review: The Accidental Exorcist by Joshua Graham - The Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://ebooksnook.blogspot.com/2010/11/accidental-exorcist-by-joshua-graham.html" style="color: #e3ff00; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #649900;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0047DW9OG&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The Accidental Exorcist by Joshua Graham</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">My apologies for taking so long to finish up the review. If you &nbsp; have been reading along you will see that I got caught up with the weekend plans of going out of town for the UFC 123.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Here is a synopsis of the book from Barnes and Noble.com :</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 12px;">When forensic psychiatrist Abigail Lee meets a baby-killing mother who has been declared criminally insane and acquitted, she discovers something lurking beneath the surface. Something far deeper and more insidious than mere psychopathy. But can she come to terms with her own struggle with science and faith in time to confront it?</span></i></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Did you know that this book is actually listed in the Christian Fiction section? I had no idea when I first downloaded it. As of November 16, 2010 it reached #7 in the ebook downloads on bn.com</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book is a mere 31 pages and it literally took me an hour to read. I am not really sure how to even begin discussing this book. For anyone who does not like the subject of evil, exorcist, or the devil may not want to purchase this book. Although it is listed in the Christian section, there really is not a lot (in my opinion) in regards to religion other than a piece of scripture here and there and of course the plot of good vs. evil.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;Because the book is so short, I am not going to go in to detail about it. It was a good read, you already know the subject, I will leave it up to you as to whether you choose to read it or not.<br /><br />You can also read a revised review on my Helium Channel.<br /><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2039565" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;" title="View my Article at Helium.com"><img border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11219566225979178382010-11-22T14:25:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.020-04:00UFC 123: Girls Point : The UFC and Me - Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrC8MQB6PI/AAAAAAAAALU/IKoKuA8Re00/s1600/ufc-123-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOrC8MQB6PI/AAAAAAAAALU/IKoKuA8Re00/s320/ufc-123-poster.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Monday November 22, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I started working on this blog last night after I got back from the weekend trip. I was tired, and I rambled. I rambled on so long it ended up being three typed pages. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided not to publish it, instead I am going to rewrite it today and post it in installments. I wanted to talk about more than just the fights. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With the fights, there is not much left to say that someone else has not already, so instead of just reporting the news like all the sports journalists out there did, I am going to just talk about some basics and give my little bits of sarcasm and such that I am so good at. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Hopefully breaking it in to smaller chunks will make it much easier to read and follow along with.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have also uploaded some fight videos to my YouTube and you are more than welcome to watch them here:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/okirishchik"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;OKIRISHCHIK’S YouTube</span></b></span></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27392330886624377452010-11-20T12:21:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.022-04:00The Crown Plaza Hotel in Auburn Hills, MI (UFC 123 Weekend)<a href="http://www.cpauburnhills.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Crown Plaza</span> </a>in Auburn Hills, MI has to be the best hotel I have ever stayed at. (click Crown Plaza to see a slide show of where I am).<br /><br />I have stayed in quite a few hotels in my life. Some really, really gross and some have just been, well, a typical hotel.<br /><br />I am quite pleased with the Crown Plaza. It has the highest ratings and it was actually cheaper than the other hotels in the area. We are on the 8th floor. I have never even stayed at a hotel that even had an 8th floor. Only two floor hotels. The thing that really gets me are the little things. This room was cheaper for us thanks to a AAA discount so in reality it is a little more than the ones around us. This fancy room cost us the same as the Bay Resort in Tawas, which you would *think* would be much more prone to small details. But they are not. Cups are plastic, coffee is plain.<br /><br />Not here. We get real coffee cups, not those plastic ones that are wrapped in even more plastic. They even gave us travel coffee cups with lids. The coffee is not off brand like most places, instead we are being treated to Wolfgang Puck's brand of coffee which he actually grows on his own land.<br /><br />The bed is a nice plush king size bed with a feather bed topper and plenty of crisp clean sheets. Often, a single room has a queen bed. I know this because Matt and I tend to merge to the middle of the bed and there is not much room on either side of us. There are some hotels that offer single rooms with a king bed, but not too many. Most rooms are standard queen beds, either a single or double.<br /><br />I liked the bed, don't get me wrong. Its awesome to sit and relax in. I am actually writing this blog post from the comforts of this bed. I feel like I am being pampered, spoiled. And with the way life has been lately, I deserve to feel this way.<br /><br />Places that pay attention to small details get bonus points in my book. I am huge on customer&nbsp;satisfaction. Must of been all those years I had to work in retail.<br /><br />We have a flat screen TV. Right now I am watching Man on Fire. Last night I watched Avatar. I don't get to watch much TV at home, so this is a pure&nbsp;luxury. No dogs to take out to potty, no worries of work or homework. Even though technically I am working. Here I am posting a blog as well as working on my novel here. Quite and&nbsp;peaceful, not to mention relaxing is a good atmosphere for writing.<br /><br />The hotel bar, O'Malley's was your friendly, Irish Pub. We had a good time. Our waiter was awesome and the Guinness was on TAP! BONUS!! The food was pretty good too.<br /><br />Breakfast this morning was bacon and eggs for me, steak and eggs for Matt. Nothing too fancy, but again they pay attention to detail. Doilies on your plates, orange juice in wine glasses, pots of coffee, jelly, and peanut butter. I have never been anywhere that offered peanut butter packets! Everything just looks so pretty.<br /><br />I know, I am weird. But again, these small things can make all the difference in the world.<br /><br />The water glasses that every room has along with the water bucket are not typical either. The tray and bucket remind me of something that you would see in the den of someone with a lot of money, surrounded by walls of books. Brandy and whiskey bottles surrounding the glasses. These glasses are not plastic, which is what I have always had, like the coffee cups. Instead, they are glass and actually quite pretty. And there it all sits on top of the in room&nbsp;refrigerator. Very cool.<br /><br />I know there is more, but that is all I can really think of right now.<br /><br />The bed, as comfy as it is was not all that fun to sleep in. I had forgotten my pillow at home. I have a special pillow that supports my neck. Helps with all my spinal problems. These pillows, nice and fluffy and plush, and I love them, but my body does not. I woke with a bad headache, stiff neck, my hip had popped out of place where my disk problems are. So I am thinking a trip to the hot tub is in order before I do much of anything else. Not that I have much of a plan for today, except to chill. Tonight is going to be a long, and fun night, but I need to save what little energy I have on that.<br /><br />You see, I did not sleep very well. Although we tried to go to sleep around Midnight, at 3am I was still awake. Every time Matt would move, even just the slightest, the bed would bounce. A little after 3 I was pretty frustrated and he ended up sleeping on the floor. Surprisingly he actually slept pretty good. I did not, I just could not sleep or get comfortable. It was almost 10am before we got up and around. I guess I did sleep a little, Matt said I was snoring. I know I dozed, but I know I did not stay&nbsp;asleep.<br /><br />Friday we did not leave until about 11:30a or so. We stopped for some lunch at Joes Crab Shack, which was yummy per usual. We did some shopping at Old Navy, even though I did not find anything, Matt found a cute little winter hat. We checked into the hotel and hung around until dinner time. Matt forgot , his swim suit so he had to go to Wal Mart to get one while I stayed in the room to finish watching Avatar. We hung out in the Irish Pub, O'Malley's located inside our hotel, for a few hours. Good food, good drinks, and great service.<br /><br />Well, the battery is about to die on my laptop. The cord is around here, but I am thinking I would like to hit the hot tub before I do any more.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58247635288358904072010-11-19T22:00:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.024-04:00YouTube - At O'Malleys<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O9yp0u9Evg">YouTube - At O'Malleys</a><div><br /></div><div>Having food, drinks, Guinness and dessert at the O'Malley's pub inside our hotel. Good times.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1747994033742410772010-11-19T21:58:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.027-04:00YouTube - Checking out hotel<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDzJU85dNrw">YouTube - Checking out hotel</a><div><br /></div><div>Video of Matt hugging the window a little too much LOL</div><div>Checking out our fancy hotel, The Crown Plaza.</div><div>I don't want to get out of this bed, where I am typing this from.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84533881642476765392010-11-19T21:57:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.029-04:00YouTube - Joes Crab Shack<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03lOY0yQHTA">YouTube - Joes Crab Shack</a><div><br /></div><div>Here is a little video of Matt and I eating at Joes Crab Shack checking out my new iPod Touch and the video option!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91283434268048607332010-11-19T11:57:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.032-04:00Wonderslim/New Lifestyle Thanksgiving Day Recipes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="ecxBlockMargin" id="ecxcontent_LETTER.BLOCK3" style="line-height: 17px;"><tbody style="line-height: 17px;"><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td align="left" bgcolor="#D74A0F" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="background-color: #d74a0f; color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Hearty Holiday Oatmeal</span></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><img align="right" alt="NLDOatmeal" border="0" height="216" hspace="5" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs018/1100515977323/img/60.jpg" style="line-height: 17px;" vspace="5" width="151" />- 1pkt Apple n' Cinn. Oatmeal.<div style="line-height: 17px;">- 1&nbsp;Crispy Cinn. Bar</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;">Dice the Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Bar and prepare the oatmeal according to package instructions. After cooking, stir in the diced bar and serve warm.&nbsp;</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;">Makes&nbsp;2 Servings:</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;"><u style="line-height: 17px;">Nutrition Per Serving:</u><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;"><div style="line-height: 17px;">Calories: 140</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">Protein:&nbsp;12g</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">Carb: 20g</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">Fat: 3g</div></strong></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="ecxBlockMargin" id="ecxcontent_LETTER.BLOCK7" style="line-height: 17px;"><tbody style="line-height: 17px;"><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td align="left" bgcolor="#D74A0F" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="background-color: #d74a0f; color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Holiday Mushroom Stuffing</span></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><img align="right" alt="ChickenStuffing" border="0" height="240" hspace="10" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs018/1100515977323/img/61.jpg" style="line-height: 17px;" vspace="5" width="168" />- 1pkt Chicken Soup<div style="line-height: 17px;">- 2 Tbls Celery</div>- 2 Tbls Chopped Onion<div style="line-height: 17px;">- 1 tsp Onion Flakes</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">- 1/8 tsp Galic Powder</div>- 1/4 task poultry seasoning<br style="line-height: 17px;" />- 1/3 cup chopped mushroom<div style="line-height: 17px;">- 5 Tbls Water</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;">Combine celery, onion, onion flakes, garlic powder, mushrooms, and 1 teaspoon of water in a small bowl. Cover and Micowave on high (100%) for 1 minute. In a seperate bowl, combine chicken soup mix and poultry seasoning, stir in hot water. Combine selery mixture and stir to blend.</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;">Makes 1&nbsp;Serving:</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;"><u style="line-height: 17px;">Nutrition Per Serving:</u></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Calories: 134</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Protein: 15g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Carbs: 19g<div style="line-height: 17px;">Fat: 1g</div></strong></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="ecxBlockMargin" id="ecxcontent_LETTER.BLOCK8" style="line-height: 17px;"><tbody style="line-height: 17px;"><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td align="left" bgcolor="#D74A0F" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="background-color: #d74a0f; color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Creamy Chicken Gravy</span></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><img align="right" alt="NLDGravy" border="0" height="181" hspace="10" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs018/1100515977323/img/62.jpg" style="line-height: 17px;" vspace="5" width="181" />- 1pkt Chicken Soup<div style="line-height: 17px;">- 6oz Water</div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- 1/8 tsp Gravy Master<br style="line-height: 17px;" /><br style="line-height: 17px;" />Add boiling water to soup mix. Add Gravy Master and stir until dissolved.</div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;" />Makes 3 Servings:</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;"><u style="line-height: 17px;">Nutrition Per Serving:</u></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Calories: 35</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Protein: 4g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Carbs: 2g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Fat: 0.5g</strong></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="ecxBlockMargin" id="ecxcontent_LETTER.BLOCK9" style="line-height: 17px;"><tbody style="line-height: 17px;"><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td bgcolor="#D74A0F" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="background-color: #d74a0f; color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Turkey Fricassee</span></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img align="right" alt="NLDTurkey" border="0" height="113" hspace="10" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs018/1100515977323/img/63.jpg" style="line-height: 17px;" vspace="5" width="194" />- Roast Turkey (4oz)</div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Roast turkey is one of the best sources of protein you can eat. In fact, turkey is why Thanksgiving is one of&nbsp;the healthiest holidays of the year. Roast and enjoy!</div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Makes 1 Serving:</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;"><u style="line-height: 17px;">Nutrition Per Serving:</u></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Calories: 216</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Protein: 15g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Fat: 3.5g</strong></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="ecxBlockMargin" id="ecxcontent_LETTER.BLOCK11" style="line-height: 17px;"><tbody style="line-height: 17px;"><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td bgcolor="#D74A0F" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="background-color: #d74a0f; color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Chocolate Crunch Dessert</span></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><img align="right" alt="book2" border="0" height="112" hspace="10" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/381163107_9efea43539.jpg?v=0" style="line-height: 17px;" vspace="5" width="150" />- 1pkt Double Choc. Puddding<div style="line-height: 17px;">- 1pkt Cinn. Crunch Cereal</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">- 1/4 Cup Water</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" />Prepare pudding according to package directions. In a dessert dish, make alternative layers of pudding and cereal. Serve.&nbsp;<br style="line-height: 17px;" />Make&nbsp;2 Servings:&nbsp;<br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;"><u style="line-height: 17px;">Nutrition Per Serving:</u></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Calories: 85</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Protein: 10g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Carbs: 10.5g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Fat: 0.5g</strong></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="ecxBlockMargin" id="ecxcontent_LETTER.BLOCK12" style="line-height: 17px;"><tbody style="line-height: 17px;"><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td bgcolor="#D74A0F" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="background-color: #d74a0f; color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Fudgesicle&nbsp;</span></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><img align="right" alt="book2" border="0" height="112" hspace="10" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/340048079_3fa7d818fd.jpg?v=0" style="line-height: 17px;" vspace="5" width="150" />- 1pkt Chocolate Pudding/Shake<div style="line-height: 17px;">- 4oz water</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;">Combine ingredients in a bowl with wire whisk until smooth. Spoon into popsicle containers. Freeze until solid.&nbsp;</div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><em style="font-style: italic; line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">&nbsp;</strong></em></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><em style="font-style: italic; line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Warning.....Don't let&nbsp;the kids see you eating these or they will want them too!&nbsp;</strong></em></div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;">Makes 2 Servings:</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;"><u style="line-height: 17px;">Nutrition Per Serving:</u></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Calories: 40</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Protein: 6g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Carbs: 5g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Fat: 0g</strong></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="ecxBlockMargin" id="ecxcontent_LETTER.BLOCK13" style="line-height: 17px;"><tbody style="line-height: 17px;"><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td bgcolor="#D74A0F" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="background-color: #d74a0f; color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Better Then Pumpkin Pie</span></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img align="right" alt="IcedCinnamon" border="0" height="147" hspace="10" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs018/1100515977323/img/49.jpg" style="line-height: 17px;" vspace="5" width="153" />- 1pkt Iced Cinnamon Squares</div><div style="line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 17px;">We don't mean to brag, but we are going to. The Iced Cinnamon Squares taste better then any Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. In fact, open a box, heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds and put them on the table. We guarantee that they'll be more popular (and twice as healthy) as any of the pies being served.</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;">Makes&nbsp;1 Serving:</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" /><div style="line-height: 17px;"><u style="line-height: 17px;">Nutrition Per Serving:</u></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Calories: 160</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Protein: 15g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Carbs: 18g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Fat: 5g</strong></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="ecxBlockMargin" id="ecxcontent_LETTER.BLOCK18" style="line-height: 17px;"><tbody style="line-height: 17px;"><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td bgcolor="#D74A0F" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="background-color: #d74a0f; color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Brandy Cocoa</span></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><img align="right" alt="book2" border="0" height="99" hspace="10" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1102/1354377177_59de6d163f.jpg?v=0" style="line-height: 17px;" vspace="5" width="150" />- 1pkt Creamy Hot Cocoa<div style="line-height: 17px;">- 1/4 tsp Brandy Extract</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">- 8 oz Boiling Water</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">&nbsp;</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">Combine hot cocoa and water in a mug and mix until smooth. Add brandy extract, stir and serve.</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" />Makes 1 Serving:<div style="line-height: 17px;">&nbsp;</div><u style="line-height: 17px;">Nutrition Per Serving:</u><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Calories: 74</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Protein: 12g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Carbs: 8g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Fat: 0.5g</strong></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="ecxBlockMargin" id="ecxcontent_LETTER.BLOCK20" style="line-height: 17px;"><tbody style="line-height: 17px;"><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td bgcolor="#D74A0F" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="background-color: #d74a0f; color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 24px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #f5eabe; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Black Forest Cocoa</span></td></tr><tr style="line-height: 17px;"><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;" valign="top"><span style="color: #643718; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><img align="right" alt="book2" border="0" height="112" hspace="10" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/262403986_1581955b43.jpg?v=0" style="line-height: 17px;" vspace="5" width="150" />- 1pkt Creamy Hot Cocoa<div style="line-height: 17px;">- 3/4 Cup Boiling Water</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">- 1 tsp Cherry Extract</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">&nbsp;</div><div style="line-height: 17px;">Combine hot cocoa and water in mug and mix until smooth. Add Cherry extract, stir and serve.</div><br style="line-height: 17px;" />Makes 1 Serving:<div style="line-height: 17px;">&nbsp;</div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><u style="line-height: 17px;">Nutrition Per Serving:</u></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Calories: 74</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Protein: 12g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Carbs: 8g</strong></div><div style="line-height: 17px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">Fat: 0.5g</strong></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59084557157720336552010-11-19T11:53:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.034-04:00UFC 123I am getting ready to head out for the weekend. I decided that even though we only live about 45 minutes away from The Palace of Auburn Hills, we are going to spend the entire weekend down there. The dogs are with mom and Maddy will be with grammie. We should be home Sunday early enough to spend a little time with her.<br /><br />The UFC 123 is coming to Michigan. Normally we watch these fights on Pay Per View. Being an MMA fan its almost a dream to actually see it live. This is the 1st time they have come to Michigan. Won't be my first mma fight I have gone to, but it is the first <a href="http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC123/">UFC</a> one. I am really excited. Should be a lot of fun. Dan, Becky, Q and Nicci will be meeting us tomorrow night for the actual fight. We will be meeting up with them since we all sit in the same row. Today is the autograph session and later today is the weigh ins. Should be a fun filled adventurous weekend. *crosses fingers* At least I hope so.<br /><br />Last night we had a pretty bad fight, so we are trying to play nice today.<br /><br />So, I likely won't be blogging this weekend, but Monday I am going to get started on getting some things together and reading up on some blog websites like problogger.com. I would like to see residual income like some of those professional bloggers get. And with this blog and the 4 others that are linked to it, I should be able to really get my own writing off the ground instead of writing for all these other people where my work makes them more money then it does myself.<br /><br />So, see you guys later!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36434971473270725772010-11-18T20:34:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:17:13.358-04:00Kindle Publishing for Blogs<a href="https://kindlepublishing.amazon.com/gp/vendor/members/kindlepubs/common/landing-page?originatingURI=/gp/vendor/members/kindlepubs/blogs">Kindle Publishing for Blogs</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Did you know, Amazons Kindle has a "publish your blog" program? What a nifty ebook feature.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57429031458865532812010-11-18T18:02:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.036-04:00Still in the Game<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know I have not posted anything about my diet lately. I have just been so busy working on getting all my blogs and the links in order that I just keep going on the program and did not take the time to post any reviews of what I had been eating.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been busy with all the events going on, along with school and work. I will *try* be more diligent about writing. I need to. I enjoy it. I just need to write it in my schedule to make sure I do it! <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday I went shopping with my mother and my aunt. I was gone pretty much all day. Matt had taken Maddy over to his moms around 3pm. It was her birthday and they were having a birthday dinner for her.&nbsp; I got home around 6pm.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was happy when I walked in to not see a pile of doggy piddle on the floor. It does not happen often, but it does happen.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In my kitchen sits two giant boxes crammed with the New Lifestyle and Wonderslim boxes of food. I had spent some time Friday sorting and making one box to keep up in the kitchen and the rest of the food was going to be stored in the basement. I had been keeping these boxes on top of the dog cages, but they had been on the floor for a few days and the dogs did not even seem to care.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, Sunday they cared.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found the wrapper for 4 Wonderslim protein bars, 2 packages of BBQ Snack Bites and 1 Sour Cream and Onion Snack Bite. However, there were still 10 more bars unaccounted for. I did not have these things boxed; they were single, on top of everything else.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My dogs helped themselves. I was worried because they have chocolate in them. But, they seemed to be OK. Just a little gas Monday and now they are fine and my box is now back on top of the dog cages. I don’t have a lot of room in my kitchen as it is, so I have no idea where I am going to start storing my foods. I might have to take everything out of the boxes and just put a week’s worth of packets in the drawer at a time.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have not lost any weight since my last weigh in. To be expected since we have been having all of these parties and such. I have done much better than I have in the past, so that is a plus. Making better habits and changing old ones. So, I have some non scale victories. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It would help if I would get myself back on the treadmill. I think it has been about a month now. And I was so good at it. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This weekend is going to be a challenge. We are going down to Auburn Hills for the weekend. Saturday night is the UFC show at The Palace and we decided to make a weekend thing out of it. I am going to have to stick to the salads and baked fish or something.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I found myself up against the wall. I reached that dreaded "boredom" with the food. Don't know why, I love everything and I have just about every product New Lifestyle has. I am going to have to place another order with Diet Direct for some different products from their other lines aside from Wonderslim so I can have some variety. Maybe supplement with some Lean Cuisines meals or something.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=48308&amp;u=465182&amp;m=7669&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" target="_blank"><img &nbsp;border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/7669/dd_250x250-2.jpg" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69716839892381245222010-11-18T12:40:00.003-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.588-05:00Book Review: Getting Started on The Accidental Exorcist by Joshua Graham<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0047DW9OG&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>So I was going through some Nook books on BN.com when I came across their new PubIt section. These are books that have been self published through Barnes and Noble. Featured in the Horror category was this little gem for 99cents. I loaded up my bargain, got cozy on the bed and began to read.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The first line: "I had to do it. They were my babies." - Joshua Graham</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Welcome to the world of state forensic Psychatrist Abigail Lee.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book had great reviews, so I shall return to this post when I am done reading to give an update.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36975674299578531562010-11-16T12:43:00.001-05:002011-11-10T17:42:31.118-05:00Gifts for Soliders<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=204327&amp;u=465182&amp;m=22299&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas Gift Baskets- International Delivery" border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/22299/234x60.jpg" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91083088261739739172010-11-16T12:43:00.000-05:002011-05-23T02:17:55.547-04:00Gifts for Soliders<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=204327&amp;u=465182&amp;m=22299&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas Gift Baskets- International Delivery" border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/22299/234x60.jpg" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92013980578934029252010-11-16T12:38:00.000-05:002011-05-23T02:17:55.557-04:00Wonderslim - Pumpkin Spice Pudding/Shake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOLBYa_tZJI/AAAAAAAAAKw/PoF--qdcKKY/s1600/WS101_chocolatecream.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOLBYa_tZJI/AAAAAAAAAKw/PoF--qdcKKY/s320/WS101_chocolatecream.4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Yummy Pumpkin</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b> <span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=77037&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">1 packet Vanilla Pudding/Shake</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 dash of Nutmeg</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">4oz water</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I just put everything in a shaker cup, shook, and I used cold water from the fridge. It set in a little over a second!</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[endif]--></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89238050449931612852010-11-16T12:36:00.000-05:002011-05-23T02:17:55.568-04:00Wonderslim - Tuna Vegetable Creamy Alfredo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOLA40pKUhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/h4c1EZkhSsE/s1600/WS112.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOLA40pKUhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/h4c1EZkhSsE/s320/WS112.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tuna Vegetable Creamy Alfredo</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">&nbsp;</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b> <span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34695&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">2 packets Wonderslim Creamy Alfredo</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 small packet of California Style Vegetable (cauliflower, broccoli, etc)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 small pouch of Bumblebee Tuna</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Cook the Alfredo on the stove top, when the noodles are just about done, add the vegetables.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span">Cook on low until vegi's are tender. Add tuna.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Divide in 2 and save the other for the next day.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">This actually turned out pretty good. I added a little pepper for taste.</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44253685254204876492010-11-16T12:31:00.000-05:002011-05-23T02:17:55.579-04:00WonderSlim - Pumpkin Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e94/Fesenberg5000/Audrey/FOOD/pumpkin-cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e94/Fesenberg5000/Audrey/FOOD/pumpkin-cheesecake.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pumpkin Cheesecake</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1472754291"><br /></a></span></div><span class="apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34695&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">1 packet Wonderslim Cheesecake</a></span></div></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><span class="apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">Pumpkin pie spice to flavor</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">Nutmeg (optional)</span></div></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span class="apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;">mix with 2 oz water and let set according to directions</span></div><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: center;">I use the shaker cups that came with the program.</div><span class="apple-style-span"></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13057010909476587852010-11-16T12:28:00.000-05:002011-05-23T02:17:55.590-04:00WonderSlim - Strawberry Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOK-xjCqE8I/AAAAAAAAAKo/TnsDdP-XFEs/s1600/WS119.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOK-xjCqE8I/AAAAAAAAAKo/TnsDdP-XFEs/s320/WS119.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Strawberry Cheesecake</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b> <span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34695&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">1 packet Wonderslim Cheesecake</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">mix with 2 oz water and let set according to directions</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I use the shaker cups that came with the program.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Add 1 tiny drizzle of sugar free Hershey strawberry syrup</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Yum!</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33391576590167134442010-11-16T12:24:00.000-05:002011-05-23T02:17:55.602-04:00Wonderslim Recipe - Chunky Chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36172&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TOK9eW0E6xI/AAAAAAAAAKk/aGNxoMMYwzM/s320/WS123.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I cooked the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36172&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">Chili</a> in a saucepan on the stove. While it was cooking I chopped up a tomato into small diced pieces and tossed them in a bowl.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Then, I diced up some white onion and put that in the bowl.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Then, literally, took a pinch of shredded cheddar cheese and put that on top. Poured the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36172&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">chili </a>on top of it all and mixed it all up.</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Oh, it was so yummy! I like my chili very chunky so this was great. When I ate the chili alone a few weeks ago, was not all that impressed. Good, but this is so much better!</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42497118446004708972010-11-16T12:05:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.039-04:00Sharing Your Words With The World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss81/wiido/sdd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss81/wiido/sdd.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Blogging for me is easy, because I enjoy sharing my words. I have been writing in diaries and journals for as long as I can remember. There was one, my first one that I ripped up and shredded, fearful someone was going to find out my secrets. It must have been before I was about 9, because I have that one, and every single one I have written since then. These journals fill about 3 or 4 boxes that are safely tucked away at my mother’s house. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I used to go through those journals, rereading my words of the past. Now they seem to be a distant memory. I still have a diary, but in 2005 I started blogging online. Blogging gave me a way to showcase my writings as well as give me a voice to share my life. In doing so I made an excessive amount of friends. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though my hand written journal has taken the back burner, my blogging has not. It was a little slow the last few years but I think I have finally found my voice and motivation again.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I choose to share my life, my words, because I know that somewhere out there someone has gone through or is currently going through the same things that I have. This is a common bond which can bring people together and form a friendship. The way I see it, a person can never have too many friends. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am inspired by others. I know the amount of talent that is out there to be shared. I, like many, have endured a lot through life experiences. These experience I have written about it all my journals, both on and offline. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Sharing your life online to the public is very scary. I debated about reloading five years worth of blogs in to one. So many memories of my past I was not ready to revisit. It left me open and vulnerable.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;It does not matter how many people out there understand what I am going through, or how many support me for there will always be those that want to be a critic. These critics will read a passage, maybe some poetry or even a story and want to pick apart my words. Then, they will post on their own blog some sort of rebuttal and make a mockery of the words. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sharing can be hard. It could also turn around and bite you in the rear end. I am not really sharing anything here that people in my life have not already heard. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether you are a blogger or just a reader, remember this when you are in Blogland, no matter how kind, how popular, how pretty, or how talented – putting yourself out there for the world to see takes courage and one should be applauded for that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66738840810629255132010-11-11T19:28:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.041-04:00What’s Up With Chrys? November Volume 1<div class="MsoNormal">What’s Up With Chrys? November Volume 1</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">11/11/10<br /><br />First off, this is my blog and it is my freedom and my right to say whatever I want.<br /><br />Ok, continue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I need to get the ball rolling on another blog. The cat is sitting on my lap, refusing to move. Apparently dark time is momma time as well as time for the dogs to go to bed. It’s the same routine every night. So I am going to rush through this because he is really in my way!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been awake since about 5am today. I kept waking up at odd hours of the night and when I tried to go back to sleep this last time I could not. So I just lay in bed until 7am when it was time to get the trash to the corner and the dogs outside for the first potty break of the day.&nbsp; Thankfully, Matt got up to help. He has been setting the alarm clock to get up in the mornings. After over a year of us fighting about it, why now? Why now after all this time are you trying to prove to me that you can or that you will change? And how long is this going to last? It never lasted before, why should I believe this time is going to be any different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I find myself at a crossroads, yet again. It is not a very happy place to be and I just do not know what to do any more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When things are good, we make a great team. But, lately things have not been so good. I am in so much turmoil and emotional pain that I pretty much cry myself to sleep every night.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now I wonder, I can’t even remember, some of the good times because they are so far and few in-between anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is hard for me to just pick up and move, for so many reasons. Many being financial. If I do leave, I just want to get out on my own. I don’t want to live with anyone else. I just want to be my own person, free to take care of myself and not worry about everyone else. Work when I want, study when I need, turn my homework in on time. Oh, that would be so nice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, life is hard. This is not what I signed up for. I just want to be happy, and really, I don’t think that I am. Sometimes I seem that way, or I might feel that way, but it never seems to last. Always short lived and that makes me sad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been building my writing business and I bust my tail end doing the best that I can with that. I work more than 40 hours a week sometimes. I am in school full time. My days are spread thin. I have to get the cat fed in the AM, take the dogs out (he is now starting to share the AM, but still forgets the day time), I cook all of my own meals and often dinner for us both, and weekends I do the cooking, cleaning up, and so on. I start Maddy bath, give it over to Matt and then he just makes her cry and I have to finish it. I never get to rest during the week, or even on the weekends. I literally work in some way, shape, or form daily. I don’t get a break and no one is taking care of me. But there I am, helping Matt because he is only working 12-18 hours a week. Just handing over money like it is growing on trees.&nbsp; I do and pay more than my fair share. But, I should not have to. There is no reason why he can’t spend more time doing these household and fatherly things since he has more free time on his hands.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why do I have to be the one stressed to the limits daily?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here I am, a 12 hour work day. And where is he? Out shopping with his mommy. &nbsp;Been gone for hours now. He had all these things that yesterday he promised he would do today, that isn’t getting done. And by the time he gets home he will have to head straight over to jujitsu.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He wants to act like I am the bad guy. Oh I am so mean. Whatever. I am mean because I ask for and deserve help? The problem is his mother babies him so he never has to do anything and that carries over into this house. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I kid you not, if child services saw this house before I moved in, there would have been NO way they would have allowed Maddy here on the weekends. Not to mention he did not bath her or comb her hair. That was done by his mom and did not start here until after I moved in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He needs to be the responsible one. She belongs to him. I think he needs to grow up, man up, whatever up.</div><div class="MsoNormal">My job and my school are just as important as everyone else’s out there in the world. I should be treated with the same respect. If I have to work, end of story. If I have to study, end of story. I should not get a guilt trip about a child I did not give birth to. Working from home changes nothing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And don’t get me started on his mom. We can’t go through anything as adults without her holding his hand. She is nosy. Calls 4-5 times a day. Always nitpicking at him over stupid shit. She is bossy. Overbearing. &nbsp;Every time I am around them they fight. And she wonders why I don’t come around. He does not tell her what’s going on here. He has everyone believing he is the perfect man and does everything right. He does not want to admit that he is part of the problem. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is the first one to take my money, the first one to always want to go do things, and those all cost money. Which I pay for. But yet if I get a headache or just don’t want to go, or, even ask for help, I am the bad guy.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am always tired. Always stressed. I work hard. I give all that I earn. And yet I am the bad guy?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is something wrong with this picture. &nbsp;And I am really angry about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t believe he is going to change. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wish I had a lot of money so I could just pick a place, pack it up, and go.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90413974641718269792010-11-04T12:10:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.043-04:00It's a LOSS!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Just wanted to pop in and let you guys know, after 2 weeks on program, I am down 5 pounds!! I guess last weeks T.O.M. resulted in some water retention, per usual. I am going to get back on the exercise bandwagon next week.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71274225165067028002010-11-03T18:55:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.045-04:00Wonder Slim Cheat Sheet<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Breakfast:</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Pudding, Shake or Smoothie</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AND</span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 Hotcake, Cereal or Oatmeal</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>AND</b></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 Optional</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>or</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">1 Dairy (this is syrup for your pancakes or milk for your cereal.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b>AM Snack:</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Pudding, Shake or Smoothie</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AND</span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 Fruit</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Lunch:</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Lite Entrée</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">or</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soup</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AND</span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 Snack Bar</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b>PM Snack:</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Pudding, Shake</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">or</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Smoothie</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Dinner:</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Protein (4oz lean)</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AND</span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">2 Vegetables (1 cup each, and there is a lot to choose from!)</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>AND</b></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 Starch (hello potato!)</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b>AND</b></span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">1 Optional ( you can choose to use or not)</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b>Dessert:</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Chocolate Cake, Cheesecake, Pudding, Hot Drink</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">or</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fruit Drink (program food, of course)</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b>1000-1200 Total Calories<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For the Wonderslim ALL Supplements<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Breakfast</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> = WS smoothie or pudding shake <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AND</b> WS pancakes <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OR</b> oatmeal <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OR</b> crispy bar</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lunch</b> = WS entree <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AND </b>WS protein bar</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Snack </b>= WS snack <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AND </b>WS pudding shake</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dinner</b> = WS entree <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AND </b>WS pudding shake</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Snack</b> = WS dessert<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1000-1200 Total Calories<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Food Selection and Shopping Guide Cheat Sheet (Wonderslim) w/Medifast references.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fruit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 fruit serving is 60 cals or less. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Apple, small (4oz), Applesauce (1/2c), Apricots, fresh(5oz), Banana, small (4oz), Blackberries (3/4c), Cherries or Grapes(3oz), Grapefruit (1/2), Melon (1c), Orange, small(6oz), Peach, med.(4oz), Pear, small (4oz), Pineapple (3/4c), Plum, 2 small (5oz), Prunes, dried (3), Raspberries (1c), Strawberries (1 1/4c), Tangerine (8oz)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dairy/Milk</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (ONLY the Wonderslim Plan Allows This. Not New Lifestyle or Medifast)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 serving is 50 cals or less.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4oz skim milk, 4oz yogurt – nonfat fruit flavor, 3oz plain yogurt-fat free<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vegetables</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One serving is 1c raw or 1/2c cooked, 25 calories or less<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">TWO</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="color: black;">Servings Allowed (Medifast allows for 3 servings, New Lifestysle is 2 servings, but does not allow peas, potatoes, carrots, corn or beets)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Asparagus, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Eggplant, Greens, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Okra, Onions, Pea Pods, Peppers, Radishes, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Summer Squash, Tomato, Turnips, Watercress and Zucchini.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Starch<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 serving is 80 cals or less. (ONLY Wonderslim Allows This.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1/2c whole grain cereal (1/2c), Diet Bread (2slices), Whole Wheat Bread (1slice), ½ Bagel (1oz), ½ English Muffin, 1 Low Fat Waffle, ½ Pita Bread (6in), Roll (1oz), ½ oz Low Fat Crackers,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>3/4oz Pretzeles, Air Popped Popcorn (3cups), Rice Cakes (2) 4in diameter, Pasta-cooked(1/3c), Brown Rice-cooked (1/3c), Corn or Peas, frozen (1/2c), Potato or Yam –small (3oz) baked or mashed.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Protein <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 serving is 140 cals or less and less than 5g of fat (about 4oz, for Medifast users the limit is 7oz for very lean)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Very Lean<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4oz Turkey (white meat no skin), 4oz Chicken (white meat skin), 4oz Fish(cod flounder, trout, halibut, tuna in water), 4oz Shellfish (clams scallops crab lobster shrimp), 4oz cheese (fat free), 8oz Cottage Cheese (fat free or 1% nonfat lowfat), 8oz Egg Substitute (egg beaters), 8 Egg Whites (or 8oz liquid egg whites)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lean<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 serving is 170 calories or less and less than 9 grams of fat (Medifast allows 6oz)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3oz Beef (sirloin flank steak tenderloin roast or round), 3oz Veal (chop or roast), 3oz Pork (center chop tenderloin or lean ham), 3oz Seafood ( salmon or catfish), 3oz Cheese (low fat less than 3g fat per oz), 3oz Deli Meat (low fat or less than 3g fat per oz), 3 Eggs (medium and there is a limit of 3 eggs per week)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not So Lean <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Less than 5oz of the not so lean item.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Optional<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 serving is less than 20 cals per.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nonfat Cream Cheese (1tbsp), Nonfat Margarine (4tbsp), Reduced Fat Margarine (1tsp), Nonfat Sour Cream (1tbsp), Nonfat Salad Dressing (2tbsp), Salsa (1/2c), Taco Sauce (1tbsp), Catsup (1tbsp), Sugar Free Syrup (2tbsp), Low Sugar Jelly or Jam (2tsp), Artificial Sweetener (1 packet)<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Beverages<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Non Caloric!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spring Water (with or without flavor or carbonation), Bouillon (low sodium), Sugar Free Drink Mixes, Club Soda, Diet Soda, Black Coffee, Tea, Herbal Tea<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Healthy Fats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is in the Medifast materials. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1tsp olive oil or 5-10 olives<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Condiments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is in the Medifast materials.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No more than 3 a day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1/2tsp herbs, spices, catsup, BBQ sauce, cocktail sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1tbsp mustard, salsa, soy sauce, fresh herbs, lemon or lime juice, balsamic vinegar, soymilk, chopped onion<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2tbsp sugar free syrup<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 packet Splenda<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3tbsp Hot Sauce, red/white/cider vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Medifast Also Allows:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Optional Snacks:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3 celery stalks<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 fruit sugar free popsicle<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1/2c sugar free jello<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3p sugar free gum or mints<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 dill pickle spears <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One per day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18888870122935179452010-11-03T13:39:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.047-04:00Moving On<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k1bxlDAjGCo?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k1bxlDAjGCo?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">I'm movin' on</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">At last I can see life has been patiently waiting for me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">And I know there's no guarantees, but I'm not alone</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">There comes a time in everyone's life</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">When all you can see are the years passing by</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">And I have made up my mind that those days are gone</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">~ Rascal Flatts</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"></span></span><br /><div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4308040337637067" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You know, I thought we had finally reached a point where things were going to work out. A point where we had come to a mutual understanding. We had talked about and planned a future. In a matter of minutes, that was all shattered as I was once again asked about something that I have already explained more times than I can remember. I don't think the parties involved are just ever going to get it. </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4308040337637067" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4308040337637067" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just like every semester my classes always have an assignment due on Saturdays. Sometimes, even Sundays. And this semester looks to be no different. I can see my classes, just not the actual assignments. Because I am so close to graduation and in senior classes the work load is higher than it ever &nbsp;has been.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For those that don’t know, I attend college online through a local in state college. It is an accelerated program and each session last 6 weeks and each semester has 2 sessions. I usually take 4 classes in a semester, 2 each session. We end up covering 3-4 chapters a WEEK! I have to post to the online forums 5 out of 7 days. The week starts on a Thursday, and I have no idea why, but homework is plentiful.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Just like every semester I have to bust my ass on Thursday when the school week starts to get all the study/reading (2 classes means about 6 chapters) on top of working and maybe starting the weekend assignment if I have time. Fridays are the same, I bust my ass getting work done so I can start on the homework Sometime I have homework on Fridays. I HAVE to get Saturdays done by Friday night because there is NO way their will be time to work on it on Saturday and get it done before the deadline. I have too many work related deadlines during the week to try and shift my schedule around. Having Maddy on the weekends prevents any work or homework getting done. I have tried and it always turns into a nightmare.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not only is there work and school, I have a writer enrichment program for the next two months for Demand Studios. It was a huge opportunity for me to be picked, I am not going to screw that up. I have lost a lot of clients because of this living situation and Matt being home so often during the week. I can't do that anymore.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So long as I am in school I will </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NOT </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">be able to watch Madison if/when he works Friday nights and likely not on weekends either. It is not fair to me when I have my own work and school. Its not fair that just because its all online that I am the one who gets pushed. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are a couple of choices. Matt can prearrange it with Angie that any Friday night he has to work she just stays with her mom that night and we go get her Saturday morning. And prearrange any weekend things that might come up. It should first go between the two of them since they are the parents.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">OR</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Matt can have &nbsp;his mom watch her and we'll get her Saturday morn since it will be after 11p by the time he gets home. And they can work out weekends if need be.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before I moved in Matt was working 2 jobs. He has a weekend job and she was more than happy to help then. She always wants to take Maddy so why is this any different now? Just because I live here does not mean I am at their disposal. I have work as well. Everyone is so willing to work with him around his school, at least they were. So how come my school and work don’t seem to be as important?d</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My mother is not an option. She works daily, often 9-10 hours a day. It is not fair that I ask her to watch Maddy on her time to rest. More than likely, since shes in retail, she is working the same as Matt so its a mute point.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyone needs to understand that if Matt is working Friday NIGHT that generally means he will be home during the day. And since he only working 2-3 days a week, that means I have to work even harder when he is gone to make up for when he is here because &nbsp;my income and productivity drop to 1/4 of what it is when he is gone all day. I have tried everything to combat this.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have deadlines that I HAVE to meet as well as weekly quotas. Just because I work from home and my classes are online does not mean I have the freedom to do what I want. I still have to treat it as if I was going in to the office every day and driving to campus every day. It is a huge misconception that working from home is easy. It is not, by any means. You have to be productive and you have to be willing to work hard to get things done. You can’t procrastinate. You are your own boss and motivator. I have had to change my schedule around so many time in the last year, I have lost count. Why always me?? What is the fairness in that???</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IF</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- neither of these options is workable for Matt, &nbsp;then it is his responsibility as her father to find and likely pay a weekend babysitter.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another option</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is to change his availability at &nbsp;work &nbsp;to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MW</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> open to ?, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">F</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> open to 5, and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TuThur</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> open to 5. No Friday nights, Saturdays or Sundays. Legally they cannot fire him if he tells them "I have my daughter ONLY on the weekends" and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">do not </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">have a babysitter. If they do, he could sue &nbsp;them for job discrimination for having &nbsp;a child because he has &nbsp;other available hours to work. And they have other people that can work weekends. I know quite a few people who have won this type of case when they took it to the labor board. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, he does have options and things he can do. He just need to figure it out. I am tired of being the dump on person. Just like he has a work and school life, so do I. He’s her father so its &nbsp;his &nbsp;responsibility to work things out. I was in school when we met, so hecknew this coming in to the relationship. I do everything I can to make sure him and Maddy are provided for, that the bills get paid, the animals are taken care of and that we have money for other things, and I always put myself last. Not only to I have to pay for my things and our things, I have to make up for what you are lacking with less hours at work.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can't do that anymore. I can't let my career and my school suffer. I have to take care of me since no one else will. Matt gets to take off here and there on weekends to be with his friends and airsoft. Not once since I moved in here have I gone out alone on the weekends. It's not fair.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If he continues to not understand and try to work it out on his own, and this type of thing continues to happen, then I have no choice but to move out so that he has no choice but to deal with it. He has to stop pushing his stuff on me. I can't take on any more responsibilities right now. I have enough of my own.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm tired of having to feel like I always have to move out in order for him to understand whats going on but I fret that is what I am going to have to do. I have run into a brick wall with apartments because of the dogs. So, I have found a few houses that interest me and have contacted the agent as well as filled out some mortgage applications. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do not want to be kept around here for the wrong reasons and its starting to feel that way.</span></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70982428074820942412010-11-02T20:56:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.050-04:00Weight UpdateI am so far behind on a Wonderslim/ New Lifestyle update. I have some products to talk about and a few things I had been through the last week. I am not half way in to my 2nd week. I did NOT lose anything my first week. I was rather discouraged but I also know it was my T.O.M. so I could have been retaining water and I had taken some time off the treadmill because of that damn shoulder injury. Now that is healed, I completed my first week, and nooooooooooooooooow I need to get back in the groove of using my treadmill again. I had started the couch to 5k program and was doing pretty good, and now I am going to have to start over :(<br /><br />I have spent so much time revamping my other blogs and getting this one updated with ALL my blog posts since I started the blog world. I have not taken the time to update the other things that are going on!<br /><br />I will try to take some time in the next day or so to update the Food Journal and Reviews!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52249065501078107402010-11-02T12:42:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.052-04:00So many ebooks, so little time<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I have been downloading a lot of ebooks these last few weeks. Sad thing is- I don't have much time to read them right now. I think I have enough books to keep me going until I am 60.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I was thinking about starting an online book club. I could use this blog for it. That might motivate me to actually take some time out of my day to read for fun, but with school and work it is hard to say when I would actually have TIME for this!</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46075472418998144222010-11-01T16:39:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.054-04:00Oh, the Guilt!<div class="MsoNormal">Oh, the Guilt!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Digging up past blogs is giving me the need to blog again. Perhaps I have finally found my voice. Problem is, I am not going to be posting my blogs in a million different places so I won’t get feedback and comments on them like I used to. I am going to have to take the time to boost my blog ratings, but that will come later. I have a lot on my plate right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is sort of a continuation of this morning’s blog.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well we will see how long my talk to Matt last as well as his talks to his mom. I just do not want to be pushed around anymore. I don't wait to be made to feel guilty and cave in. They made their bed; they should lay in it, not me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pretty much told Matt it was on the wire as far as his making choice. Not so much that I am asking him to pick me over those two kids, but he has to choose whether he wants to stay with me knowing there is a chance I may never accept those kids as his, or even close to how I accept Maddy. That is what he needs to understand. I do like Cielo, she’s a great kid, however, not my responsibility. I think, if Matt would have helped me more in the beginning of our relationship instead of pushing me to do it and take care of Maddy so much I might not be so angry and hesitant&nbsp; or hurt about it and maybe might be more willing to have Cielo and maybe someday Ashton come out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just think the two of them (matt and his mom) are stubborn and slow to learn. Neither likes to deal with reality. The main problem with Sue is, last year when Matt’s half sister Katie came out she stayed with Sue. She also brought her 2 kids (she has 3, one lives with his dad.) Anyway, when Sue and Dean got married, Katie pretty much stayed with her mom, as well as Meredith. According to what I have been told, Sue was not very nice about them coming out on weekends and such. In time their mom moved back to Arizona and Katie went with her. By this time Meredith was in high school here and wanted to stay so she moved in with Sue and Dean and kid brother Matt. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sue has talked about some very terrible issues her and Meredith had. Matt has talked about how they would fight and how when Katie would come for the summer it was hard at times. There is one story about how Sue pulled Meredith by her hair across the room because she called her a bitch. Since then she has “found God” again. I guess.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Anyway, when Katie was here she said something to Sue about how she was not very nice to her when she was little but she was glad they were friends now. Well of course she would say that ending since Sue paid for her to fly out here for her trip AND let her and the kids stay at her house. She pretty much paid for everything. And the cat was let out of the bad, I am not supposed to know this but Dean was pissed about it. Not only that, Sue was giving Katie money to live off of while she went to nursing school and looked for another job. I guess he does not feel like it’s her place to take care of his daughter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, basically you would think Katie is using her. I don’t want to think that, Katie seems nice enough, but on the outside looking in, it could appear that way. Anyway, Sue felt guilty about being mean to the girls and now I think psychologically that guilt is what is feeding her to try to run the show in terms of Maddy and trying to be perfect as well as take on the other two. She feels its Gods work for her to take care of those kids now. Ugh, whatever. All she is doing is smothering us, smothering Maddy, refusing to let her son grow up, and being taken advantage of. Sometimes I feel bad for her. Other times I feel she deserves it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think she also has detachment issues. I know she wanted more kids, but she and Dean had so many problems and they hid it from Matt and stayed together for him. &nbsp;Of course these are just stories I have heard and puzzle pieces put together. They split as soon as he graduated. It's a little weird how she hangs out with him and Deb ALL the time. My mom thinks Sue is still in love with Dean and that’s why she became friends with Deb, so she could still be a part of his life. I also know for a fact she is not the only one who thinks this.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a messed up world I seem to have gotten involved in.<br /><br /><b>And once again I have to say:</b><br /><br />Now, before everyone starts bashing me, let me explain something to you. My own father abused me for the first 12 years of my life. I did not tell my mother until I was 16. They/we tried to &nbsp;be a family again. They ended up divorced by the time I was 19. When I was 26 I found out I was adopted by him and my biological father was floating around in Michigan somewhere. At the time I was still living in Oklahoma. I eventually found my biological father, however after 2-3 months of letters he decided he could not tell his secret and for me to never contact him again. I have had to live with this all this time. There are days when I want to meet my father, for him to just give me a chance. For me to spill the beans and just get it over with. I have a half brother and sister, only a few years younger than I. Now that I am &nbsp;back in MI I have thought many times about reaching out to them, feeling &nbsp;as if they have a right to know.<br /><br />So, I DO understand the feelings involved regarding Matt with Ashton and Cielo. So do not for one minute think I DO NOT put myself in his shoes and think of his or their feelings regarding this matter. But, I have been burned by Matt and his ways so it makes me extremely hesitant about brining other peoples children into our relationship. Especially when these kids really need to bond with their new step dad, Aaron. He deserves that.<br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21735056314789066922010-11-01T16:33:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.056-04:00Cast of Characters and Timeline<div class="MsoNormal">I have come to realize that many of you are new to my world and may not even know who the heck I am venting about. So, here is a cast of characters of the people in my life. Not just those I am venting about, but everyone in general. This is basically a list regarding those I share with Matt. I will make another list of other people as needed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Donna </b>– my mother</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I moved to Michigan July 2007.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Marcus</b> – my ex husband, divorced November 2007.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mike(aka Kraz)</b> – a guy I dated from September 2007 to about July 2009, now my ex but also one of my best friends here in MI.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt</b> – my boyfriend or fiancé, whatever you want to call him. September 2009 to present.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Madison </b>– Matt and Angie’s Biological daughter, age 5.5.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ashton</b>- Maddy’s half brother, Angie’s biological son, Matt’s ex step son, age 10.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cielo</b> – Maddy’s half sister, Angie’s biological daughter, Matt’s ex step daughter, age 9.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ava</b>- Maddy’s half sister, Angie and Aaron’s biological daughter, age 2 Born August of 2008.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Angie</b>- all 4 kids biological mother, Matt’s ex wife. Matt met her when Ashton was a little over a year old and Cielo was only a matter of month. They dated a few years, got married in 2004, got pregnant and Maddy was born in 2005. Matt moved out in 2007. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Me</b>- Matt’s new interest. We met in September of 2008, he had just moved back in to his house and Angie &amp; Aaron had moved into another house. I moved in March of 2009. His divorce was final November 2009. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Aaron</b> – Matt’s friend, had baby with Angie will she was still married; now they are married as of April 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sue</b> – Matt’s mother</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dean </b>– Matt’s father</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deb</b> – Matt’s step mother</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Meredith </b>– Matt’s half sister, Dean’s daughter. Married, 2 kids, lives in AZ.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Katie</b>- Matt’s half sister, Dean’s daughter. Divorced, 3 kids, lives in AZ.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dan &amp; Becky w/Aidan, Nicci &amp; Q w/ Lilly, Tim &amp; gf Jessica w/Noel, Mario, and Chris</b> are Matt’s friends from high school and/or airsoft. There are others, but these are the main ones.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39299753468550850242010-11-01T14:49:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.059-04:00Just Venting<div class="MsoNormal">Just Venting</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What a great way to start November, with a &nbsp;giant vent. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The weekend turned in to a giant fight fest with Matt. The whole Cielo thing (just like I said it would) got way out of control. His mom started to plan all this stuff on Friday, which pretty much resulted in Matt having to go get Cielo himself. We try to get that planned with Angie, so they were going to meet, get Cielo and go to Friends of the Court to get papers signed in order for Matt to stop paying child support since she’s not getting that money anyway. Since she gets disability money, not only for herself, but the kids as well as full state benefits for all of them, she has more than Matt. So his money goes in to a state fund and his child does not see it. So Angie, for whatever she has up her sleeve reason, thought she could say they share equal parenting time and he won’t have to pay child support. This, since his mom has Maddy quite often during the week, seems fair. Well, once again, for the 2<sup>nd</sup> or 3<sup>rd</sup> week in a row it fell through, and now she is saying she will have her lawyer draw up the papers. Uh huh. I smell a rat now. So, Matt and his mom get in to it, she ends up waiting around to get Cielo and then is calling every 5 minutes to make sure Matt is going to be there in time because she has to be at so and so’s house by 5pm.&nbsp; Great, since at 4:30p she was still in Flint. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;I got so pissed and pretty much said I was sick (which I was, headache, sinus but I stretched it a bit) and I was not going to deal with it. His step mom and Dad did not want to deal with it either; they went to Canada for the weekend. I knew they would bail out as soon as they knew Cielo was going to be coming to the family pumpkin patch. Sad, since we have all gone together for the last two years. But, can’t say I blame them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, Friday night Matt took the girls to the high school football game and I told him not to come home. &nbsp;I don’t want the pressure, the noise, or hell to even deal with it in general. It’s been ruined in my eyes. Not to mention I was not even told about the football game. So, he can just stay at his mom, who was apparently out on a date and was so bitchy about making sure we picked them up in time. I can’t stand her more and more. She’s such a hypocrite and her son acts just like her. When we ask her to watch Maddy, we are bad and when we don’t give her Maddy we are bad. It’s never right with her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So Saturday rolls around and once again, woke up for the 4th day with a sinus headache. Took some pills and lay back down. Ended up calling him since it was almost 11am and my phone has yet to ring. Of course I am still angry, so I was like fuck it. I really don't care what they think anymore. I am tired of being pushed. So, I told him he was on his own. So he, the girls and his mom went to the patch alone. Good for them. Of course he wants’ to make me feel guilty by posting pictures on his facebook of the girls at the patch and how one was missing and I was missed. I get tired of the guilt trips too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This whole thing with Cielo is so fucked up no matter how you look at it. I understand Matt raised her from the time she was a few months old until she was 6. She is now 9 and &nbsp;he has not been her dad for 3 years. Now, all of the sudden he decides he misses her and wants to be her dad again. The poor kid is already confused and now it’s’ making Maddy confused. Apparently she was being a little brat and she got in trouble. Matt spanked her and put her in a corner, to which she started yelling for grammy and she went to step in and Matt stopped her. Again, another reason why she annoys us. It’s HIS damn kid. And she is starting to piss me off even more every week. She needs to put her reality glasses on and get the point that this is HIS daughter and not hers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, he comes home Saturday night and we talk. He tells me all the stuff that happened and how he and his mom got in to it. Oh goodie, that’s always fun. I keep telling him he needs to act like a damn man, a father and stop bowing down to his mother. It’s up to him to make the changes. She needs to know that WE make the plans, NOT her and she will get Maddy when we say so. If it’s not convenient for her then that’s just too bad. Then I guess she doesn't get her that weekend. It’s ridiculous she feels she is entitled to have Maddy as much as she does. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You know, I have been around A LOT of people who have kids and are divorced or the father is just not in the picture for whatever reason. I have NEVER in my 35 years of life met a family like Matt and his mom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I told Matt if we have kids, she can forget it. I am NOT going to allow her to run my life and claim control of my child. She will get a hard dose of reality from me. I would love to stick it to her now, but since Maddy is not mine, it’s not really my place. &nbsp;And oddly enough, each and every one of Matt’s friends and even Angie warned me about his mom. She is overbearing, dominate, and nosey. It is sad to think I would break up with him because his mom is such a mess that she can’t let her son grow up and live his own life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So now, Matt wants me to start talking to his mom so that maybe she will start getting the point about making plans without telling us and inviting other children. Oh great. That just makes her go crying to Deb. Which, since she ruined that friendship, I am not worried about it anymore. I have gotten to the point where I just don’t care anymore. I have become pretty numb to all of them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, I DO &nbsp;understand Cielo and Matt and likely Ashton too all miss each other. Please don’t think I am heartless, cold and without feelings. I would be sad too. However, I am a realist and I see things for what they are. But, it is no longer Matt's place or my responsibility to take on these kids. I should not have to work twice as hard when I get so little help from Matt as is it. I tried to tell him this but it did not sink in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday night we put it all aside, I took some Benadryl and Tylenol 3 and we headed over to Dan and Becky's annual Halloween party (pics on facebook) and it was a lot of fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Sunday I actually got to sleep in, but had no desire to go to church (again). So Matt went to his moms and took the girls. Then I have no idea what they did. Apparently Angie came to get them around 4 because she decided she wanted them this year for Halloween. No big deal to me, we had Maddy last year. Of course Matt got mad because plans got changed at the last minute. So, I pointed that out to him. OK he can get mad, but when it happens to me and I get mad he says I am out of control and need to settle down. WTF? A bit hypocritical don't you think?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess Maddy got in trouble again and now he sees that with this weekend and the previous weekend Maddy behavior with Cielo around is NOT good. Hmmm and he wonders why I don't want to deal with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here &nbsp;I am in bed, trying to get rid of my headache, yet again. Thinking OK, Matt and I can spend Halloween together in bed watching stupid old scary movies. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The phone rings just as I am about to pass out and he’s calling so I can talk to Maddy. WTF? Are you kidding me? Did I not tell you this morning I had a headache? Did you not see how much pain I was in when you left? All curled up in the bed still half asleep? Surrounded by pill bottles? Could you not just tell her I am sick and sleeping instead of calling me and making me hear noise while my head hurts? Do you even stop to think? And one thing led to another and we are back into the whole Ashton and Cielo drama, to which I hung up on him twice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I should not and I will not be responsible for anyone else's kids. &nbsp;Matt really ruined that for me when I first moved in. Even ANGIE told Matt that if she were me she would not take on Ashton and Cielo. So what does that say when the kid’s own mother would not do it either?? And everyone I have talked to feel the same way. Even his own father and step mother don't care to deal with those kids! And Deb has told me more than once she has tried to talk to Sue about bringing those kids around.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;I have no problem with them coming out ONCE in a while, but not every weekend and certainly not every other weekend. We don't even have a place for them to sleep and personally I think Cielo is too old to be sleeping with Maddy. And neither him, nor his mom are going to push me into doing anything. She wants Cielo, she keeps her. And it’s on Matt to talk to her and explain to her why. And now his dumb ass is allowing her to call him Dad again which is confusing to Maddy and her. She should not be calling him Dad anymore. If she is not comfortable calling Aaron dad, then the only person she should be calling dad is her biological father. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt needed a dose of reality and I gave it to him. He was pissed, but I was like dude you have GOT to get out of la-la land. Welcome to the real world. You knew going in to the relationship they were not your kids and if something ever happened with you and their mother you run the risk of losing them. You did not raise them until they were teens or even adults. You made the choice to leave their mother and she came to you more than once to work things out.</div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;I tell you what if we have kids and my child goes without because he feels some damn guilt and obligation due to those two I will rip out his testicles and throw them in the trash!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel him and his mom are playing with fire and opening Pandora's Box. They should have just left well enough alone. Whatever guilt they feel they need to get over and I think both of them need to go to counseling. And yet he has the nerve to ask me what the big deal is about her coming to stay or about her calling him dad. Really. You really want to get in to this.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh honey, we went up one side and down the other.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And then, he has the nerve to come home and act like NOTHING is wrong.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whatever. I sat in the bedroom and watched a movie, he came in and we really didn't speak for a while. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, it just all went away, per usual. I just decided to make the best of it and have fun. When we have fun, it’s when I realize how much and why I do love him. But I tell you what, when we fight, its hell. And I have a feeling this child mess is not over. Not by a long shot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And I told him, I may never accept those two the way I accept Maddy and he’s just going to have to live with that.&nbsp; I am not trying to keep him from them, but he needs to understand they are no longer his kids. Not his responsibility and he should not be giving them false hope or the wrong idea. Nor, should he be standing in the way of Aaron bonding with them they way they should be bonded. I mean it’s been THREE years already!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I went off my diet. Trying to get back on track. Actually had a GNC shake for breakfast. Trying to finish the can off as I hate to waste anything. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, I don't know what to do. I am really confused about my life right now and stress does not help for good eating! LOL</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think if Matt and I did not fight so much about all this baggage he has I might be more inclined to think about my future and the new memories. He is such a good guy, he really is, but his baggage is what brings us down (mom, kids, ex). But I try to keep pushing forward hoping everyone is just going to have an aha moment and all will work itself out. Seems like Angie is going through hers right now, she really has not been too much of a problem lately.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, in the end I question whether or not this is the life for me. I question whether I am strong enough to continue, or whether I even want to continue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stay or go. Love or be alone. Get married, not. Have a baby, not. Too many hard choices. <br /><br />Now, before everyone starts bashing me, let me explain something to you. My own father abused me for the first 12 years of my life. I did not tell my mother until I was 16. They/we tried to &nbsp;be a family again. They ended up divorced by the time I was 19. When I was 26 I found out I was adopted by him and my biological father was floating around in Michigan somewhere. At the time I was still living in Oklahoma. I eventually found my biological father, however after 2-3 months of letters he decided he could not tell his secret and for me to never contact him again. I have had to live with this all this time. There are days when I want to meet my father, for him to just give me a chance. For me to spill the beans and just get it over with. I have a half brother and sister, only a few years younger than I. Now that I am &nbsp;back in MI I have thought many times about reaching out to them, feeling &nbsp;as if they have a right to know.<br /><br />So, I DO understand the feelings involved regarding Matt with Ashton and Cielo. So do not for one minute think I DO NOT put myself in his shoes and think of his or their feelings regarding this matter. But, I have been burned by Matt and his ways so it makes me extremely&nbsp;hesitant&nbsp;about brining other peoples children into our relationship. Especially when these kids really need to bond with their new step dad, Aaron. He deserves that.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57945262305215619172010-10-31T15:45:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.709-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 33 - Thank You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Write a blog post to your readers and thank them for reading your blog!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you to everyone who stopped by my blog during the 30 day challenge. I hope you found my blog to be entertaining and I hope you will continue to drop by now and then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I appreciate each and every one of you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I have a new blog project in the works so I would like to invite you to add me to your blog roll so you can have the first look at the new pages!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33832628269580335082010-10-31T15:40:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.711-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 32 - Three Guilty Pleasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m408/blossom61photos/Coffee/ththstarbucksaddict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m408/blossom61photos/Coffee/ththstarbucksaddict.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Three guilty pleasures you couldn't live without.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>1. My Nook.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was completely against an e-reader for the longest time. I love books. The look, the feel, the smell, and the whole process of going to the book store or library and picking out the perfect one. In 2007 I moved to a pretty small town which was a pretty remote area. The dinky library was not enough for me and the closest book store was at least a 30 minute drive. My reading suffered a great deal. The only books I read were those that were passed down to me from friends and family. I started to feel out of the loop. In July 2010 I decided to ask for an e-reader for my birthday. I loved that I could just download a book and go or I could use the wifi and pick a book right off the store website. I have found it to be extremely useful these last few months and now I can’t imagine life without my Barnes and Noble Nook.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>2. My iPod Touch</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I used to have the old iPod, click wheel style, limited edition U2 model. I loved it and we went everywhere together. It was my number one weight loss tool as I used it when I went running or walking. After my divorce in 2007 I was in desperate need for money. This was the last thing my ex husband purchased for me before we divorced. I kept it because it was my favorite band and important to me. But I had to let it go. For Christmas last year I received an iPod Touch as a gift. I use it not only for music on the treadmill, but games and work as well. I carry it around with me everywhere and has become my go-to tool for many tasks I do throughout my day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>3. Coffee.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where would life be without the wonderful aroma of fresh ground coffee beans perking in the coffee pot?&nbsp;</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84307808361380563772010-10-31T15:30:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.061-04:00Not the Life for Me<div class="MsoNormal">Not the Life for Me</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is not the life I had planned for myself. And lately I have been thinking a lot about the past. I think a lot of that is because I have been digging up past writing and such trying to get everything together. Mostly my poetry because I would like to get it printed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think a lot of my emotions right now are because Matt and I just aren’t right. I know on the surface most of the time things look fine and we don’t really discuss too many of our problems. But, there is an entire vault full of problems that never seem to get dealt with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not my fault. Matt is not one to deal with things. He just wants to pretend there is no such thing as reality and he can just go from day to day and not think about any of the things that should be dealt with. All that does is cause the files in the vault to stack higher and higher until they all come tumbling down. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I started to date after my divorce, I was very particular about dating people with kids. Honestly, I did not want to deal with baby mama drama or even daddy drama for that matter. Also, it is very hard to date a guy with kids because 99% of the time they are weekend dads which pretty much interferes with dating and building a real relationship. I did date a few guys with kids. Most of them were older kids and their was not much drama with the mom. One of them only saw their kid when it was mutual between him and the mother to set up a day. So this was not a every weekend dad. Then here comes Matt. When he met his ex wife Angie she already had two kids. One was a little over a year old (Ashton) and the girl was just a few months old (Cielo). They dated for a few years and got married in 2004. Madison was conceived on their wedding night and was born January 2005. Matt left Angie in 2007. They had not been getting along for quite some time so he moved in with his mother. Apparently, she as having an affair with Aaron before Matt even moved out. She became pregnant and in August of 2008 Ava was born. I met Matt in September. His divorce was not even final until November of 2008. Now, mind you, he has not been a dad to Ashton and Cielo for three years now. Only Maddy comes on the weekends. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Aaron is now their father figure. He and Angie got married earlier this year. Ashton has no idea who his real dad is and Cielo’s real dad is in Iowa somewhere and has nothing really to do with her aside from a few phone calls here and there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Within the last few months Matt’s mom (who is a huge problem in our relationship) has been taking the liberty upon herself to bring Cielo out with Maddy and not really bothering to discuss it with us. And that started to cause some problems.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made it very clear to Matt I was not really interested in dating someone with kids. At the time Angie was withholding Maddy from Matt so she was not even around. He made it clear to me the other kids would not be a problem, but obviously I would at some point have to get to know Maddy. I liked Matt enough to give it a shot. He lived close by so it was easier for us to spend time together during the week and Maddy was young enough that it would be a little easier to deal with than an older kid with a chip on its<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>shoulder. Maddy and I got along just fine and hit it off on our first “date.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, something many don’t know about, when Matt and I first met he was going through some police issues because Angie alleged that Ashton and Cielo were molested by Matt. So that was tough for me to have to deal with, given my own past issues with fathers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a lot of issues with these older two children. Matt hasn’t been their dad for the last three years and that family has moved on. So, why now all of the sudden does him and his mom want to disrupt that over some stupid guilt they have? Sue has this guilt about when she first met Matt’s dad Dean, he already had two girls. Katie and Meredith. Well apparently she was not very nice to them and now she feels guilty about it. So she’s trying to solve that guilt by making sure Ashton and Cielo don’t grow up all messed up. Well if they do, it’s going to be because their mom has 4 kids all with different dads, not because Matt and Angie got a divorce. And I don’t know what Matt’s guilt is about, I am starting to think its guilt over leaving their mom, even though he assures me it was rough for a long time and he was looking for a way out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not so cold and heartless that I don’t understand Matt loved those kids as if they were his own. But the reality is, when you take on someone else’s kids, that’s the risk you take. His job as a father is over and those reins have now been handed to Aaron.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel now all him and his mom are doing is standing in the way of those kids bonding correctly with Aaron’s family and confusing them, as well as Maddy even more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do not feel I should be obligated to take care of Angie’s other children when they are not Matt’s. And SHE does not even think I should. She even told Matt the other day that if she were me she would not open her door to the kids that were not his. So what does THAT tell you if their own mother is going to say that? So if she can put herself in my shoes and understand how awkward it is, then why can’t Matt??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have put myself in his shoes and I realize it’s hard to have kids you love taken away from you. But it’s been three years now. It is time to move on. It’s just life. As shitty as it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But we do not see eye to eye on this issue. I am not against Cielo coming out once in a while to be with her sister, but it’s not going to be every weekend. Our house really isn’t set up for any kids other than Maddy anyway. I have even offered to go get all the kids in Fenton and take them to dinner some night. Apparently that’s not enough for Matt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, we are at a crossroads. As if the fighting over him being lazy and not helping around the house like he should isn’t enough problems, now here is this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not comfortable playing weekend “mom” to any more kids. Certainly not kids that are not his. I should not be pushed in to it either.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are at a crossroads and I think right now, for me personally it is now just reached a point that it is best I just move out. I am not going to deal with this crap every weekend. I am tired of crying. Tired of fighting and tired of no one taking care of me or understanding me when I need it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This relationship is so far out of control I don’t think there is anything I can do to save it anymore.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57004296401557398012010-10-29T12:03:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.714-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 31 - Nook Book Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af291/syakirin_ferrari/Book_Club_logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/af291/syakirin_ferrari/Book_Club_logo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">A club you belong to or would like to belong to and why!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The only clubs I belong to currently are writing clubs, if you want to call them that. I belong to these clubs because they help me as a writer. If I had more free time I would be more inclined to maybe join a book club or something reading/writing related as those are really my only hobbies/interests. I do like to do crafts, but I do not have one set thing I like to do. For example I know many women who have scrapbooking clubs. I am not really in to scrapbooking or any other one craft enough to join a specific club for it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think it would be great to join a book club. Have the meeting at someone’s house, or mine, or perhaps a nice little coffee shop. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>We could decide as a group what to read and discuss it weekly. I think it would be a lot of fun to meet some new people, especially those with the same literary tastes as my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I also think it would be a lot of fun to start a Nook Book Club for those who have a Barnes and Noble Nook. I have one and simply adore it. I have a few friends who have them as well. It would be a good starting point for a club. With a Nook I think it would be fun to make it an online group so we could gather from all over!&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3746318998114472952010-10-28T21:07:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.877-04:00Digging Up the Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Sad/lifeishard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Sad/lifeishard.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Sad/av-black-tears-ani.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Sad/av-black-tears-ani.gif" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Digging Up the Past</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thursday October 28, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have spent the last few days going over old blogs from Yahoo 360 that is now Yahoo Pulse. I never did anything with those blogs for the longest time. Many of them had been deleted for various reasons. Mostly because my friends were being censored, having blogs deleted, and eventually many of them left. Most of us followed to MySpace where I blogged for a while. I had a Blogger, deleted it, and brought it back. So, there is this huge gap of time missing because of the lack of Yahoo 360 and Myspace Posts. I felt I was ready to relive the past and star getting those up. Many of my creative works, stories, and poems are in all of that so it was important to me to get it all up in one spot. Makes it much easier to be creative, to get your voice back, find another blog group and following as well as a place to showcase my words.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I thought I was ready. You would think after years of space away from it I would be OK with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess not. I have been feeling sort of sad the last few days. Reliving my grandparents dying, friends come and go, the dissolve of my marriage, my 1000 mile trek across the states, the murder of Lonnie, the feud with Sean, the loss of Elonna to that bitch cancer, the love and then the murder of my wonderful Terry and all the trials and tribulations Michigan held for me in the short time I have been here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So much pain and sadness.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I decided to stop at Halo burger after visiting my mom. I know, not good diet food, but sometimes (especially me) you just have to eat what you want otherwise you will continue to find something to eat in the cabinets. I was talking to him about these things and how I just think that maybe I never really took the time to heal properly. We started to talk about my ex husband and some other things, and I just started to cry. Looked at him and said “we have to go, yep let’s go now!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the way home I just let it flow. I feel like it’s my entire fault. Lonnie would still be alive if I would not have been griping to Sean about him. How Elonna would still be here if I would have taken her to the doctor myself sooner. How Terry might actually be here with me had I would not have dragged my ass and left Marcus sooner. All of these deaths I seem to blame myself for and hold so much guilt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know how to get over it. All I know is I have a giant case of the sad’s. I miss them all so much. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The task of getting all the Yahoo 360 blogs moved is over. Now, I am working on all the old MySpace stuff. It’s hard. It is constantly choking me up and I have to push back the tears. The other day I was bawling about Lonnie, last night over Terry, today over all the blame and guilt. I still have a ways to go for the MySpace move to be complete. Then, I have a few random ones on Facebook to move over and then a few on my USB flash drive that need posted as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It will be nice to have all of my writing in one place. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Blogger has this nifty print option, which is one of the reasons I decided to put everything together. I have journals of my entire life, up until I started blogging. My journals fell to the wayside. I still journal now and then, but nothing like I used to. I also want the poetry and stories printed so I can use them as works for possible publication. So, I do have reasons as to why I have to dig up the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess, in a way, a bit of me is happy, I am also aware of the good times I had and how far I have come in the last few years. I came to Michigan with nothing. Now, I am almost done with school. I have made my own business doing what I love – writing! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I, we fight. We have a lot of problems. More so, he has a lot of problems, a lot of baggage. And that’s hard for me to deal with. I try. But I question it a lot. Right now, he’s all I got so I just try to make the best of it. I love him, but most of you know how I feel about love.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30148660782731827122010-10-28T11:49:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.716-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 30 - Tony's I-75 Birch Run, MI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.travelpod.com/cache/city_maps/Birch_Run.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.travelpod.com/cache/city_maps/Birch_Run.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Write about the best thing about your town.</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I live in a very small town in Michigan, called Birch Run. Birch Run is famous for its Outlet Mall and Tony’s restaurant, which is known Nationwide. Tony’s is best known for its BLT where you literally get a pound of bacon to yourself. When you order eggs and bacon, you get a whole pound of bacon on its own plate. Their omelets use anywhere from six to a dozen eggs. Hash browns fill the plate and a banana sundae is about 2 gallons of ice cream. It is NOT a diet friendly stop, but it certainly is worth the calorie overload. When I was younger, living in Oklahoma my parents and I would travel up here to Michigan every summer to visit family. It was tradition for my grandmother to take us here. Once a year was enough for me. Now that I live here I don’t think about it much. I have been back in Michigan for a little over three years now and I think I have been to Tony’s maybe five times. Birch Run is a pretty quiet little town. There really is not much here. Where I live I am a few miles from Frankenmuth which is a quaint little German town. They always have something fun going on there over the weekends.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I found this video on YouTube, I have no idea who the people are, but at least you can get an idea of the amount of bacon they like to share with you!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6u6zw6RyzjQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6u6zw6RyzjQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />This one is of a girl eating a turkey sandwich, again enough to feed a family of four!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KtEzRTBRC_c?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KtEzRTBRC_c?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />And this video is more like a commercial, showing many of the menu items.<br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oswFTZPBZl8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oswFTZPBZl8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11983737586888031682010-10-27T21:35:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.718-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 29 - News Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af96/christinability/books/f4a569fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af96/christinability/books/f4a569fa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Take a few minutes to surf a news website and then blog about your take on one of the news articles.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I despise the news. Honest. If that makes me a bad American, then so be it. I don’t have time to watch TV and when I do, it’s going to be something that entertains me, helps me to unwind from my day. Watching the news only makes me anxious, angry, and/or bored. It seems only 5 minutes is good and the rest is bad and chocked full of boring commercials. No thanks. I will pass.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Online news articles are no different. If I can’t watch them in front of me, I am sure to not have a good time trying to read them. Sometimes I will see something that interests me on the Yahoo page when I go to check my mail. I will click and give a quick scan. I just don’t have time for news reading in between school and work. When I do have time for leisure reading, I want it to be something entertaining. I don’t want to read about who is getting a divorce in Hollywood, how many people were shot, how angry another country is, or any type of celebrity gossip. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just don’t have time for it in my life.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2650849105478012162010-10-27T21:06:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.721-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 28 - Hello Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Love%20Things%20-%20Misc%20Pics/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Love%20Things%20-%20Misc%20Pics/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What moment from childhood do you remember where you overcame a fear or accomplished a dream?&nbsp; Blog about it.&nbsp; Or blog about a challenge you've faced as an adult and how you got through it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Because of some not-so-good things that happened to me as a child, many of my childhood memories are forgotten. The things I do remember I was always a scared little girl, for the longest time. I have a fear of love, being hurt so many times in life. I have seen many that I love die in a very short period of time. I question love. Wonder if it is the right thing or I am just going to get hurt again. I don’t want to be that scared little girl anymore. I want to love openly and not worry about the things that I worry about. I have been in a relationship for two years now and I am still scared to death. Literally every day I think I should move out, to save myself from the pain later in life. So many things I am still trying to live through.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7175194154069175542010-10-26T19:24:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.063-04:00Yahoo 360 Import CompleteThe importing of what was left of the Yahoo 360 blogs is complete. I had forgotten that I deleted a LOT of them when others were getting deleting for (so they say) violating the Yahoo 360 T.O.S. I still have most of those blogs saved and will import those either later tonight or tomorrow. I am now going to start on the MySpace blog. All the other blogs I have started over the years have been deleted either by me, or the website company (Ning, ie blogs, Cherry Tap, Multiply, Hi5 and more). Most of the content was the same as my other blogs anyway. I might have a few oddballs on Facebook.<br /><br />I have also been thinking about posting the blogs from Terry, Sean and Lonnie's blogs as many of the&nbsp;correlated&nbsp;with my blogs and since they are no longer with us (with the exception of Sean and Joey) readers can not go to their blogs to read. Besides, it would take to much work to read here, then go to MySpace to read theirs.Also, perhaps a handful of Joey and Elonna's as well. Many of them will help make sense to so many of mine.<br /><br />Once I finish MySpace, Facebook and those on storage this Blogger blog will be complete with all of my writings. This is going to help me get my blogging voice back.<br /><br />Now everyone can know the whole story of me.<br /><br />Then I can continue forward with this blog and begin rebuilding my Erotic Confessions blog. The time is now for me to start being myself again. I miss that girl. I miss that girl with so many words.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30161856308515933052010-10-26T13:29:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.065-04:00Past Blogs - Learn Something NewA while back ago I made a post regarding my old Yahoo 360 blogs, that I had imported to my MySpace, which shortly after got deleted. I did make a new MySpace. All of this was in 2005. Yahoo 360 is now no longer but those blogs are still on my profile on their new Yahoo Pulse.<br /><br />I did start putting those blogs here on this Blogger. I had them all on Blogger at one time as I did Yahoo along side Blogger since Blogger was safe and the Yahoo 350 police had the habit of deleting your posts whenever they felt like it. But keeping up with MySpace, Yahoo and Blogger got to be too much for me at that time in my life.<br /><br />Now, I see that Blogger is a very useful tool and with all this website&nbsp;integration&nbsp;that is available now I can post once and share to all my other blogs and social network sites.<br /><br />Since I would really like to have all of my blogs in one place I really want to move those old blogs here.<br /><br />I debated about this for a while, thought it might confuse the new readers (what few) I have.<br /><br />Well, no need to worry now! Silly me, after years on this site I am just now learning (DUH!) that I can post date these blogs so they fall within the correct timeline and dates of when they were originally posted.<br /><br />WOOHOOO! That will make this blog look much nicer and less cluttered with old posts being new posts.<br /><br />Yes, I know, I am a dork and shame on my for not knowing that trick. And if I knew it in the past, I must have forgotten how to do it!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78147924467480182752010-10-25T22:23:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.723-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 27- Hodge Podge of a Blog(aka My Blog Needs Help)When I first started my blog I had some ideas of where I wanted it to go so I set up about 6 other Blogger blogs to keep my ideas&nbsp;separate. But, that has not happened. They sit blank. Instead I have used my Self Employed Writer for everything except my erotica, which has its own blog and I have not really touched it since Terry died. I think I had gotten a little burnt out after the whole ordeal with Sean and the passing of Lonnie. I tried to keep it up for Terry, eventually deleting the blog. I tried to make a comeback with my works as so many people enjoyed them, but I just could not bring myself to work on it. I tried. Someday I would like to move forward with that blog as well.<br /><br />Anyway, my blog is really about the life of a self employed writer, me. It is a catch all of all the things I have to go through to be a freelance writer, including working at a desk, being&nbsp;sedentary, gaining weight and now losing it. I also talk about the things that interest me as well as products that help me along the way. I might rant or rave about a company or client I work for and a time or two I write a review about books I have read. I even use it as a business tool to showcase my writing. These are all the things that make up ME! So, I have not turned my blog into a one niche only for this reason. The niche is my life.<br /><br />I am still trying to figure out a way to make my blog better. I have signed up for blog challenges and paid to post sites. It's just not doing what I would like it to do.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55673101806165528712010-10-25T22:07:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.067-04:00My First Victory. Thank You Hungry Howie's.For me this is a victory. I was sitting here thinking about dinner time, how nothing was thawed out and unsure of what I wanted to eat. I had wrote earlier that I was going to have some sausage for dinner so it did not go to waste. I really wanted a huge salad and I did not have anything left to really make a salad with.<br /><br />I live out in the country and nothing really delivers to me. Then I thought about Hungry Howie's. I got on their website (OMG you can order online) and had My Fitness Pal open in the other tab to check on calories, I ordered a large garden salad. It was HUGE. Matt and I shared it. His with ranch and I put my own fat free ranch on it. Thankfully they do not come with dressing on them. I then ordered us each a Junior pizza. Smaller than a small. Looking at it, a half is&nbsp;equivalent&nbsp;to a piece of pizza from a large. So, I consumed 2 large pieces of pizza with one Junior, which was cut into 4 small pieces. I got the veggie and it was so yummy. Original crust so I did not add more calories. His was cajun crust with meat plus. It looked gross to me. I don't like all that meat anyway. I did taste a bit of the crust, it was pretty good, but not something I would order. I was happy with my meal and I just proved to myself I do not have to eat what everyone else is eating.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMY4yobSIhI/AAAAAAAAAJs/9u45qjqfMvY/s1600/vegi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMY4yobSIhI/AAAAAAAAAJs/9u45qjqfMvY/s1600/vegi.jpg" /></a></div><br />Thank you Hungry Howie's for having such large salads and giving us the option to order a tiny, healthy pizza!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMY48KxFiTI/AAAAAAAAAJw/yctOxiIfwJU/s1600/large+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMY48KxFiTI/AAAAAAAAAJw/yctOxiIfwJU/s1600/large+garden.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />A small victory for me. I can eat out and still be under my calorie goals for the day if I do it right.<br /><br />I did have the <b>BBQ Flavor Snacks</b> which are just like last nights <b>Sour Cream and Onion</b>. They had a nice kick to them. It still makes me laugh how they look like cheerios. I like them.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74760263777752709512010-10-25T14:06:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.725-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 26 - What Do You Collect?<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you collect something?&nbsp; Write about it and why you started collecting.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMXHG_Ab_sI/AAAAAAAAAJo/1EMogMmKNCU/s1600/2007irishdance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMXHG_Ab_sI/AAAAAAAAAJo/1EMogMmKNCU/s320/2007irishdance.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was younger my grandmother gave me my first porcelain doll that played music. I think I was about 8 or 9. I collected these dolls until I was 32. I guess when you are a little girl all you really want to do is sit in your room and play with your dollies, whether it be playing Barbie’s or playing house. I had to grow up rather quickly due to events in my life and I think I hung on to that childlike quality of having an appreciation for dolls. These days, many of those dolls are packed away in the attic. I just don’t have the room or a place to display them. I do have to admit, often I miss looking at my pretty dolls. Even though I did not play with them, I did cherish them by keeping them save in a protective case. Every doll tells a story about a place I visited or an event in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At one point in my life I collected dolphins, which last about 4 years. I can’t say I really collect anything right now, except eBooks for my Nook.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22082840624463706192010-10-25T13:55:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.623-04:00Slim Down MondaySince I did not get back to my blog yesterday to finish talking about what foods I ate and give a quick review, I will do that now before I move on to today.<br /><br />I am still pretty excited at how yummy breakfast was with the Iced Cinnamon Pastry. YUMMY! I had to tell everyone about it. After breakfast came the mid-morning snack, only it was closer to lunch time since I had such a late start to my day. It was the meal replacement Chocolate Cream Pudding/Shake. For lunch I skipped eating the bar because I just was not very hungry. I did try the&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;"><strong><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34695&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">WonderSlim Diet Creamy Alfredo Pasta</a></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and I was very happy with it. I was sorry when I saw the bottom of my bowl. What I liked about this was that it was creamy, but did not have that overly heavy&nbsp;Alfredo&nbsp;sauce feeling. I know some people like it, thats what eating&nbsp;Alfredo&nbsp;is all about. Honestly, I did not miss it. Instead the sauce had a very, very, slight "cooked in chicken stock" flavor to it with a really nice, smooth, mild, creamy&nbsp;Alfredo&nbsp;sauce. I am very pleased with this. However, for 3 packets in a box for $9.99 (although you might be able to substitute in your weekly/monthly kits) I wonder if buying a frozen&nbsp;entrée&nbsp;from the supermarket by Weight Watchers, Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice would be suitable while still keeping portions in check. I know the cost would be a bit cheaper for some plain&nbsp;Alfredo&nbsp;dinner. When I was on Weight Watchers I ate a lot of the WW endorsed Smart Ones meals. I can usually find these on sale for $2. These days you can find the WW points listed on many supermarket items.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Back to the Wonderslim! Someone had mentioned using the Alfredo packet to make a tuna&nbsp;casserole, using a little less water and added some tune for a&nbsp;protein&nbsp;punch! Salt , pepper and hot sauce (if you like it). You can also add some seasoned breadcrumbs sprayed with cooking spray and baked for that homemade tuna casserole feeling.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another idea was to add some&nbsp;broccoli and some grilled chicken to make Chicken Alfredo. More options include peas, mushrooms and chives. I might have to try some of these options even though I felt it was great plain!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For those that do not really know my background, when I was in highschool 20 years ago my mother took me to NutriSystem. In those days you had to actually go to the center for your food and weight in, just like Jenny Craig. I loved the food. I had tried it again later in life when it first launched online and was not really happy with anything I purchased other than the pizza. It did not seem to change much. About 3 years ago I gave it another try. Again, I was highly disappointed. I just could not choke down the food. It had a weird taste and texture. I see now they have frozen and fresh options, but the price is ridiculous. I can shop at the supermarket cheaper than a month on NS costs.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because of that experience I was extremely&nbsp;hesitant&nbsp;to try the companies that carry these foods such as Diet Direct for Wonderslim and New Lifestyle for their label. But so far I am in love with these foods. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with the way they taste. It is good to know that their is a cheaper, better tasting option out there. I don't really have the money to throw away and even though I can still shop cheaper at the grocery store, right now I need help with portion control and losing weight. I feel my health is worth every penny.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ok...ONWARD!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last nights dinner was a bit of a repeat with the other half of my chicken breast from the previous &nbsp;night, a very tiny baked potato, some butter spray, salt, pepper and 2 small tomatoes.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My night time snack was <b><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=38715&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">Sour Cream and Onion Snack Bites</a></b>. These little gems reminded me of cheerios. Round, light, airy and just enough of the sour cream and onion flavor, with crunch, to make you get over the chip craving. I could not get over how many their were in a package. I was watching a movie thinking "I am still snacking on these?" It was great.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That was the end of my eating Sunday. According to My Fitness Pal I was about 400 under my calorie goal for them and the system gave me a warning. I can't force myself to eat when I am just not hungry!!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today was a late morning getting up, but I ate breakfast at a decent hour, about 9:30am. Today it was 4oz skim milk with<b> Berries N Chocolate Crunch Cereal.</b> When I first dumped it in the bowl I looked at it and said&nbsp;out loud&nbsp;"Thats all I get??" Matt laughed at me. I had gotten so used to just filling my bowl, I thought there was no way this little bit was going to fill me up. I was right. However, you do eat it along with a meal replacement shake/pudding, which I had chocolate again. That was enough, added some green tea and I was good until lunch time, missing my morning snack.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The cereal had some chocolate pieces, flakes, and some strawberry squares that made my milk turn pink just like it did when I ate certain cereals as a kid. It had good flavor. I am not much of a cereal eater for breakfast. I prefer to start my day with eggs or oats. I tend to keep cereal around for an evening snack to curb my addiction to ice cream.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did not have a morning snack. I moved right on to lunch where I tried the<b> Crispy Fudge and Graham</b> bar and I have to admit, so far, that is my favorite bar. I think it was meant to be a protein meal and not a lunch time snack bar. Oh well, live and learn and boy was it yummy. If you ever had a Pria bar or maybe a Luna Bar that is what it makes me think of. I paired it with the <b>Zesty Vegetable Chili with Beans</b>. So far, so good. It tastes a lot better than it looks I can tell you that much. It did overflow in the bowl in the microwave so I had a mess to clean up. I am nibbling on it now.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One thing I have always done is eat REALLY fast. I am trying to break my habit and enjoy my food a bit more.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am not sure what dinner will be. I still have some of that Chicken Sausage from the other nights dinner in the fridge. I hate for things to go to waste so I am likely going to make that with some vegetables of some sort. Maybe green beans and a potato. I have a handful of potatoes that are really close to getting that wilted look. So I need to eat them up!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thats all for now! Enjoy your day.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90583012195663559552010-10-25T12:44:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.070-04:00Gotta Love the Nook<i>This is an original post from my eBooks Nook blog. It is in the process of being merged with this blog as I am finding it too hard to keep up with multiple blogs.</i><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I can't believe it has taken me this long to get this blog started. I have had my Nook since my birthday in July and I had every intention of talking about it as well as the books I find and read.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><img alt="" border="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMVuIe9hyzI/AAAAAAAAAJc/_S57HRfHT9k/s288/My%20Uploaded%20Photos.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #222222; cursor: pointer; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; height: 300px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 400px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I can only dream of having an office or study like this some day.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12114103485324150432010-10-25T08:54:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.072-04:00Trying an AppSo here I am this morning with a terrible headache and the last thing I want to do is get the laptop, much less go into my office and sit at the desktop. I have tried other blog apps when I first got my Touch and was not impressed. I got to thinking that maybe something new and better came along. So far I like this one I am using now, but it does not allow me the option to add videos or photos. The one I did find that allowed me to do that was lacking one important thing- the ability to write a new post. It seems it only allows you to post the video and photos to existing posts. I guess I could keep them both since they are free. I tried one I had used in the past hoping it got better since earlier this year, but it had not. It seems it did not want to even update posts from the last time I used it until now. Oh well, no loss. At least I have something to use when I am away from my computers. Seems my Touch is always close by.<br/><br/><br/><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMV_MMzyhNI/AAAAAAAAAJk/QgsWOHROBZQ/s288/My%20Uploaded%20Photos.jpg" border="2" alt="" />Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65229946308017263592010-10-24T14:18:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.728-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 25 - OrganizationsIt is going to be short and sweet today.<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What causes do you care about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Pick one and blog about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have two main cause topics, Cancer and Animal Welfare. The groups/organizations I donate and try to help with are things relating to Breast Cancer Awareness, American Cancer Society, PETA, ASPCA, and USHS. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I watched Cancer take too many people I know and love. </div><div class="MsoNormal">As for the animals, I feel someone needs to speak for those that can’t speak for themselves.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67374959184877876372010-10-24T11:57:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.074-04:00Sunday's Wonderslim RecoveryI am having a late start to my Sunday. We did not get home from the UFC party last until a little after 1am this morning and it took me until after 3am to fall asleep. So, here it is almost noon EST and I have not gotten much done.<br /><br />I had a glass of water, some hot black tea and a <b>New Lifestyle Iced Cinnamon&nbsp;Breakfast&nbsp;Square.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><br />Do you like toaster strudels or pop tarts?<br /><br />I have had them, but wasn't a big eater of them.<br /><br />New Lifestyle offered a Iced Cinnamon breakfast square. Warm in in micro for 20 seconds, pair with some hot tea and its just like a coffee house breakfast. Yum! Just like a toaster strudel as far as taste, look, feel, and icing. But the consistency of a pop tart. This is something I will buy again!<br /><br />I will try to pop in later if I eat something different. I am going to do my best to journal , write reviews and chart my success and struggles. This is not only going to help me on my journey, but get me back into the blogging mode.<br /><br /><b>I wonder, should I post some pictures of my meals too?</b>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46306574989670758982010-10-24T11:33:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.076-04:00Party DietingSo, I had completed my meal plan on Saturday just perfect. I was so proud of myself for being able to start before the weekend. Going in to this I KNEW I would have days where I would eat out, or eat at other people's houses. My goal for that was just to have better control on my portions.<br /><br />When I drink, I eat. For the most part I have times where I lose track of both.<br /><br />For last nights UFC event we went to our friends house. I had 4 glasses of wine. 2 Apple, 2 Grape. Under normal circumstances I will drink liquor or beer until I have lost count. So, on one hand I was upset with myself for even drinking, but on the other hand proud because I was able to limit myself. After that I drank water.<br /><br />I had planned on taking a bag of 98% FF popcorn to pop and snack on. In trying to get lil one ready to go to her grandmothers, I left the house without it. By the time I got to my 3rd drink I had 2 pieces of cheese pizza with green olives and some cheese dip and chips. I could have eaten more, but I did not. I really tried hard not to much ALL night.<br /><br />So, even though I went over my calories yesterday, I feel I did decent.<br /><br />Today I am back on program, although having a late start.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79651390606744733302010-10-23T16:16:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.730-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 24 - Are You Scared?<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge: <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Go leave a comment on an interesting blog post then write a post on your blog about why you picked the blog post you did to comment on and link to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://killerhobbies.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Killer Hobbies</b></span></a> is a blog that is on my Google reader and a blog I am following through blogger. The writer, Betty Hechtman, had told a little story regarding reading books and letting her imagination getting the best of her. She then asked if anyone else had a similar problem or story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is my reply:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love watching shows like Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and Paranormal State. Paranormal Activity, the movie I know, it is not real but it still makes me think. The other night I decided to use my Barnes and Noble gift card to use on my Nook and purchase Ryan Buell's book Paranormal State. My imagination got the best of me and the two nights it took me to read it I became very aware of the noises and shadows around me. LOL, Needless to say, I did not sleep much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I picked this particular blog because the newest post caught my attention since my recent experience when reading my new Nook book.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71010904023935508142010-10-23T16:00:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.078-04:00"Wondersliming" the WeekendI thought it was going to be a bad choice to start a weight loss program before the weekend. It was not hard until about an hour ago when I saw the bag of chips left over from Thursday nights Mexican meal out. I really want some Nachos from those chips, but their is nothing about corn chips and cheese on my meal plan. Well, some fat free cheese, but no option for chips. So, I decided to come in here to write. I have walked into the kitchen and looked at those chips more times than I care to admit. I am actually about ready to just throw them away. No one else in this house really needs them.<br /><br />My&nbsp;fiancé&nbsp;is training MMA for a fight in January so its not like he really needs them and his daughter could do without eating them as well.<br /><br />We always have a family breakfast on the weekend. It is something I started to do to help his daughter feel like me, her and her dad are a family. I usually make pancakes or bacon and eggs. My pancakes are usually Heart Healthy Bisquick. Bacon is center cut or turkey bacon so it has less calories. They get full eggs, I have been sticking to the egg white and we use sugar free syrup.<br /><br />Today she wanted pancakes so her and dad made them today and they made some sausage patties. I decided to have the <b>BariWise Golden Pancakes from Diet Direct</b>. I really enjoyed these. They made 3 little ones, which were a little thick for me. I think maybe next time I will try a tad bit more water. I used sugar free syrup as stated on the meal plan. I also had a <b>New Lifestyle Berry Yogurt Smoothie</b> which was&nbsp;absolutely&nbsp;wonderful.<br /><br />A few hours later I made a<b> New Lifestyle Hot Drink, Cappuccino</b>. It was actually pretty good. I was a a little worried as I am very picky about my coffees. To bad this did not have real coffee in it! I also had a 1/2 cup of homemade sugar free cinnamon applesauce.<br /><br />For lunch they made Chef Boy R D Spaghetti and Meatballs (yuck) and some crackers. I decided to try the <b>New Lifestyle Cheesesteak Pasta. </b>I had to add a bit of pepper, other than that it was pretty decent. I do not know if I would order another box. It had a nice flavor, but the meat texture was a bit off for me.<br /><br />For the afternoon snack I made the <b>Wonderslim Chocolate Cake</b>. I had to make some brownies to take to a party I am going to tonight. Lil one and dad love them some brownies. I usually make the Betty Crocker Low Fat ones but was in a hurry. The store I was at did not have them so I just grabbed some box. It actually grossed me out to see the 1/2c of oil and eggs go in to the batter. I have never been a fan of brownie and cake mixes that require oil.<br /><br />I am not too sure what I am doing for dinner. Going to get started on that in about an hour. I know I am making them baked "fried" chicken with shake n bake. She loves legs and he likes the thighs. When he is not looking I peal the skin of. hahah, so I have a chicken breast thawing out for myself. Not sure what I am going to eat with in. Maybe some salad as I have my last batch of garden&nbsp;tomatoes&nbsp;to eat up.<br /><br />Later tonight is a UFC party and I am going to do my best to limit my snacks and eating. I am bringing my homemade wine as well as 99 calorie beer (the 55 calorie tastes too funky) and I am only taking a few so I have a limit. I am not sure what food will be there.<br /><br />This is life. Their are going to be parties and food situations. I believe we can eat all things in moderation. Thats something I learned in Weight Watchers that I always remembered. Of course I stopped practicing that or I would not have gained the weight back.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78295814117265908132010-10-22T11:57:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.733-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 23 - Bookworm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMG0XBjWaJI/AAAAAAAAAIw/aR33pB0MjWQ/s1600/readingicon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMG0XBjWaJI/AAAAAAAAAIw/aR33pB0MjWQ/s1600/readingicon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.9207026499789208" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today’s Challenge:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Write about your favorite hobby.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite hobby is reading. Their is nothing better to me than cuddling up in bed with a nice warm blanket, a hot cup of tea and a good book. Now that I have a Nook I have book overload, but I am in school and do not have a lot of free time to read for fun. Not much you can say about reading a book!</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41690385913855362152010-10-22T11:44:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.735-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 22 - Erie Calling<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.7633428475819528" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today’s Challenge: </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you had one day free to spend any way you wanted, how would you spend it?&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMGyKvKolFI/AAAAAAAAAIo/JpbxSiL2ibE/s1600/lonnie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMGyKvKolFI/AAAAAAAAAIo/JpbxSiL2ibE/s1600/lonnie1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMGyQeKN40I/AAAAAAAAAIs/PGJWJt2pEMM/s1600/thiwillrememeryou.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMGyQeKN40I/AAAAAAAAAIs/PGJWJt2pEMM/s1600/thiwillrememeryou.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To anyone that knows me, they are going to know the answer to this one. You see, I had a really great friend pass away a few years ago. Although I have always had a dream to travel to Ireland, once he passed away that dream became something I HAVE to do. My great friend happens to be buried in a cemetery in Dublin, Ireland. It is extremely important to me to pay my final respects to a great friend.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69616219411741274932010-10-22T09:32:00.006-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.081-04:00Day 1 - New Lifestyle / Wonderslim Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMIP2qGnxpI/AAAAAAAAAI0/MFvHDJvjuEI/s1600/logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMIP2qGnxpI/AAAAAAAAAI0/MFvHDJvjuEI/s320/logo.gif" width="320" /></a></div><b>9AM</b><br /><br />I am trying to hold myself accountable so I am hoping to try to do reviews of the new food as well as post my meals for the day. It will help me and perhaps help someone else in the blogsaphere.<br /><br />I will add to the blog through the day. I am calculating calories with<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">My Fitness Pal</span></a><br /><br /><b>Breakfast:&nbsp;</b><br />4oz Breakstone's Snack Size Fat Free Cottage Cheese<br />New Lifestyle <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=77037&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669">Mocha Cream Pudding</a><br />New Lifestyle Vegetable Cheese&nbsp;Omelet<br />1 Cup Brewed Coffee<br />1tbsp Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer<br />1tbsp Splenda<br />2tsp Benefiber<br /><u>24 oz Water</u><br /><b>309 Total Calories for Breakfast</b><br /><br />In following the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36168&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Wonderslim plan</span></a>, for breakfast you are allowed a dairy that should be less than 50 calories and they do not calculate the 35 extra calories for the coffee cream or the 15 calories for the Benefiber. The snack size cottage cheese has 70 calories, so that is 20 over.<br /><br />New Lifestyle and <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34749&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Wonderslim</span></a> are exactly the same. They are made by the same manufacturer but sent to different companies with their own labels. New Lifestyle offered me a better coupon, but <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34749&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Wonderslim</span></a> at <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=36167&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Diet Direct</span></a> has great sales and better selection. I will likely use them more often in the future. New Lifestyle does offer incentives that the other website does not. It is all a matter of preference to what you do and do not need. For me it was a matter of saving money!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="46" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMIQTK-7LUI/AAAAAAAAAJA/P2rl1njE7lw/s320/wonderslim_weightplans_topheader.png" width="320" /></div><br /><br />I am going to have to tweak it as I go but their are just SOME things that I am willing to suck up the extra calories for the small things I just can't go without.<br /><br />The <b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_934728075"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Mocha Cream </span></a></b><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=77037&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>pudding/shake</b></span></a> I have reviewed already. So far this is one of my favorite flavors. I prefer the pudding to shakes. I would rather have the sensation of eating over drinking. There is just enough of a mocha flavor to make it a nice breakfast treat to go along with the morning coffee.<br /><br />The <b>Vegetable Cheese Omelet</b> was cooked by the stove top method. Seems to me the microwave method might make them a bit rubbery and it just sounded weird to cook eggs there. Just mix with water and it takes less than a minute to prepare. They do have a weird consistency, a little thicker than a scrambled egg. These cheese and vegi's are a bit weird. Overall, it is not terrible, but not like a real scrambled egg. Personally they are doable. I would not say they are going to be my favorite thing. But I can eat them. Maybe next time I will try a dash of hot sauce. I am almost&nbsp;positive&nbsp;that would make them yummy. Or I should have added some salt and pepper. I am eating them as I type this, so one thing I have learned: DO NOT let them get cold!!!!<br /><br /><br /><b>11:20AM</b><br /><br />I just received another coupon for NL for $20 off so I ordered two more boxes of product. This time I got Chicken Soup and Vegetable Bean Soup for some more variation.<br /><br />Diet Direct sent me an email for 15% off anything in their candy section. As good as this sounds I decided to pass. If its not in the house, I don't eat it!<br /><br />Now it's snack time.<br /><br />New Lifestyle Chocolate Chip with Marshmallows Pudding<br /><u>1/2 cup homemade applesauce</u><br /><b>130 Total Calories</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />The&nbsp;<b>Chocolate Chip with Marshmallows Pudding</b> was pretty good. I think I added too much water because it was a little runny. The chocolate chips were nice but the marshmallows were a little weird when you bit down on them. Not enough to bother me. Overall I would buy this again.<br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>1PM Lunch Time</b><br /><b>Wonderslim Cheesy Mac -</b>&nbsp;I am really weird about "fake" cheese and I was praying that this was going to be edible as I did not want one of my favorite foods to be gross. I took one bite and fell in love. Good thing I bought two boxes! This is not super cheesy like Kraft, but it is not gross like off brand. I felt it had good flavor and you get a really good portion. It takes a whole 4 minutes to nuke in the microwave. I put it in a pretty bowl (maybe I will take a pic next time) and it made me really feel like I was eating "real" mac and cheese. YUM!<br /><br /><b>New Lifestyle Peanut Butter Crisp Bar - </b>this was given to me as a sample, and good thing. I could not taste any sort of peanut butter flavor, it was not a "crsip" bar like you would expect and the chocolate was really light. It was not totally yucky but I would not purchase them. Just was not enough flavor to satisfy me.<br /><br /><b>370 Total Calories</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />Because I will be eating the same things throughout my journey, I will not be posting reviews all the time. I use My Fitness Pal to keep track of my food. Trying to keep track in two places is extremely time consuming so I am going to have to find a way to fast track it!!<br /><br />About 3pm I had <b>New Lifestyle Cheesecake</b>. 2oz water, mix and presto, instant cheesecake. It was delightful. Just enough of a cheesecake taste to make it wonderful. It was really think and might be better with a few strawberry slices or maybe some blueberries or fat free cool whip.<br /><br /><b>6:19PM</b><br /><br />I just finished my dinner and I have to say it was a lot easier to figure out than I originally thought. This meal is what they call Lean and Green so their are no commercial products involved. In&nbsp;preparation, I found it very similar to my past Weight Watcher dinners.<br /><br />2oz Hillshire Farms Smoked Chicken Sausage<br />4oz Baked Potato<br />I Can't Believe It's Not Butter<br />Salt, Pepper<br />Molly McButter Cheese Flavored Sprinkles<br /><u>1 1/2 cup Spinach</u><br /><b>303 Total Calories</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br />For tonights snack/dessert I will be having New Lifestyle Cinna-Crunch N' Chocolate. They look like little cinnamon rolls, but crunchy.<br /><br />My total calories for the day will be: <b>1382</b><br />Thats 182 more than what Wonderslim would like (1200), but My Fitness Pal likes for me to stay under 1680, so today I am under my goal. YAH!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMIQI2cotWI/AAAAAAAAAI8/bBM06sf7lLQ/s1600/wonderslim_weightplans_food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TMIQI2cotWI/AAAAAAAAAI8/bBM06sf7lLQ/s320/wonderslim_weightplans_food.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41137934980137297152010-10-20T12:48:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.738-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 21 - Reality<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:</b> Review a TV show or movie you've seen recently.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is rare that I watch TV shows at the time slot that they are on. I have my DVR set to record a numerous amount of television shows. Some are just for me. Others for my finance and some are for both of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Right now I am stuck on reality shows, mostly weight loss shows such as Thintervention and The Biggest Loser. I had also watched Losing It in the past. Right now these shows are important to me because I am on my own journey to a healthier lifestyle and when I see others going through the same struggles that I go through and they are able to make it, that tends to give me a boost of confidence and motivation.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40189746437062668302010-10-19T09:27:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.740-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 20 - Magazines<b>Today's Challenge</b>:&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Write about a great article you read in a recent magazine.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Today's post is going to be rather short. Sadly, it has been quite a while since I have read any magazines. I do have a few subscriptions, but the last few months have piled up. Once school starts for the semester I have very little free time to read. I try to read while I am walking on the treadmill, but not even that seems to make a dent in my ever growing pile of magazines. So, there they sit, in the wicker basket, waiting until I can get time to dust them off and read them over before the head to the recycle bin. I should at least read the November issues that I have now, before November gets here!&nbsp;</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64935192429391652832010-10-18T10:38:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.743-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 19 - My First Time (on the Internet)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLxbw0UZ0II/AAAAAAAAAIk/43k07rUHiSw/s1600/internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLxbw0UZ0II/AAAAAAAAAIk/43k07rUHiSw/s320/internet.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:</b> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you remember the first time you accessed the internet?&nbsp; Why did you go online?&nbsp; Blog about that, or about an early internet memory.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My first taste of the internet was at Oklahoma State University my Freshman year. We had a computer lab where we could go for research if we had papers to write, and we were allowed to visit other places on the internet. This was around 1994, long before filters were placed on certain websites. I had set up my Hotmail address, which I still have and use for a catchall. I learned about IRC and met some pretty interesting people through that. About a month later I was over a friend’s house who had internet access, she showed me a live chat, I got on, started to talk, hit refresh, talk some more. I think I started about 7 at night and went until 4 am. Long after he and her boyfriend went to bed. I was so awestruck but this tool that allowed me to talk to people all over the world.&nbsp;</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73756541802309847642010-10-18T10:27:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.746-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 18 - Blogs of Three<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:</b> Pick three of your favorite blogs to read and share them with your blog readers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.thriftygrl.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">ThriftyGrl :</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">&nbsp;</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Her blog is chocked full of steals, deals and freebies. Something new daily! What more could a girl ask for?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://jeremycrow4life.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>The Crows Nest :</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>&nbsp;</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Crow’s Nest is a catch all for the blog collection of Jeremy Crow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I have known Jeremy since 2005. We met each other through the now closed, Yahoo 360 Blogging community. We are both erotica writers and have done a few collaborations. His writing ability is remarkable and I still cannot figure out why he is not published! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://everythingisbetterwithcheese.blogspot.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Everything is Better with Cheese :&nbsp;</span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do not remember how I came across this blog but I am sure glad I did. As the title states, life is much better with cheese. Meal plans and recipes are given to the reader.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9319236707095695492010-10-18T09:59:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.749-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 17 - A Dud<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Challenge:</b> Choose a product you've purchased and share your feedback about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If you purchased it from an online business (like at Etsy or Hyena Cart shop) be sure to link to the seller -- they'll appreciate it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is it sad that I do not really have a product to review? I don’t buy “things” outside of what we “need” these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The only thing I can think of to write a review about would be the weight loss products I recently purchased, but I have already reviewed the items that I have tried. I have to laugh at myself, this blog is going to be a dud. I am ok with that. haha</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13256904297118683432010-10-16T14:05:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.083-04:00Reviews : So Far....I will be reviewing them here as I try them as well as on my website. I have WS and NL products coming in, which are the same thing just different brands, but the same manufacturer makes them.<br /><br />So far I have tried:<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dietdirect.com/wonderslim-weight-loss-diet-puddingshakes.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Mocha Cream Pudding/Shake</span></a></b>. I use 1/2 c water and whisked it for a minute. I thought this was really yummy and I am quite pleased with it. It is not quite a coffee mocha, but it does have a nice light mocha flavor.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dietdirect.com/wonderslim-weight-loss-diet-puddingshakes.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Chocolate Cream Pudding/Shak</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>e</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">.</span> I make puddings as I like the "eat" instead of "drink". I used 1/2 c water, again whisked. It only takes a minute to set, and I use cold water out of the fridge. It is nice and creamy. I like that the sugar content is low in these so that it is no so sweet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dietdirect.com/wonderslim-weight-loss-diet-puddingshakes.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Vanilla Cream Pudding/Shake</b></span></a>. Made the same. It was sort of bland as vanilla so I sprinkled in some pumpkin pie spice season and some nutmeg. It make it really yummy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dietdirect.com/wonderslim-weight-loss-diet-puddingshakes.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Strawberry Cream Pudding/Shake</b></span>.</a> Was not a fan. I am not big on strawberry flavored things anyway, just fresh berries. This reminded me of the strawberry milk mixed we had as a kid. It was not awful, I could eat it, but it had a weird aftertaste. This is not one I will order again, although it might be OK as a base for a smoothie if you blend it with some berries.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dietdirect.com/wonderslim-protein-diet-bars.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Caramel Brownie Nut Bar.</b></span></a> I was quite happy with this. I was afraid that it was going to be overly sweet like a Slim Fast bar, but it wasn't. The bar was somewhat of a heavy consistency, but the chocolate was nice and creamy. No weird aftertaste, but I did have to have a sip of milk before I guzzled some water. They do make you thirsty. The texture is just heavy but not dry like some bars.<br /><br />So far thats all I have tried from my Sample Pack.<br /><br />So far I am pleased with the pudding/shakes.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1947226680508142992010-10-15T11:40:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.751-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 16 - Quote Me<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36443095887079835" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Today’s Challenge</b></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36443095887079835" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you have a favorite quote? &nbsp;Share it and why you like it.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite quote is: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” - Eleanor Roosevelt</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It has been years since I first heard this quote, but it has always stuck with me. I have a habit of taking things that people say personally and worrying too much about what others think. It consumes way to much of my time and thought process. Often I have to slow down and remember, I am the one in control of my feelings and emotions, not others.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15581398647845326832010-10-15T11:10:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.085-04:00Taking the Plunge, Placing My OrdersSo, I sat down to figure out what the cheapest route would be for me. New Lifestyle gave me a $35 off $200 coupon, and you get free shipping with $200 orders. So, I had to order $235, less the coupon to make it $200 to get the free shipping. Good thing because shipping was over $25. I decided to order the two week plan and customized it to the things I wanted and knew I would eat, especially those things that are similar to what I cook for my family. The 2 week plan was $150. I then ordered 7 extra boxes (49 meals) to bring my total up. With the discounts, free shipping I got a two week plan (12 boxes meals, 2 boxes snacks , 7 in each box) and 7 extra boxes (49 meals) for exactly $203.<br /><br />I ordered:<br /><br /><table style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 400px;" valign="top"><b>2 Week Women´s Progra</b>m - which includes the basic eggs, pastas, cereals, chocolate bars, mocha pudding, cheesecake pudding.</td><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 400px;" valign="top"><b>BBQ Snack Bites</b></td><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 400px;" valign="top"><b>Butter Toffee Bar</b></td><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 400px;" valign="top"><b>Chocolate Cinna-Crunch Snack</b></td><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 400px;" valign="top"><b>Crispy Fudge and Graham Cracker Bar</b></td><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 400px;" valign="top"><b>Iced Cinnamon Square</b></td><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><b><br /></b></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 400px;" valign="top"><b>Milk Chocolate Crunchies</b></td><td align="center" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td><td align="right" style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 400px;" valign="top"><b>Sour Cream and Onion Snack Bites<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I then used the other coupon I had to order 2 extra boxes of food. It was $2o off any amount. I did have to pay shipping on this, but it still allowed me to get two extra boxes for $20.16. I ordered another Hot Cappuccino and Vegi Cheese&nbsp;Omelet.<br /><br /><b>So, I got a total of $223.16</b> = with</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">&nbsp;discounts, free shipping I got a two week plan (12 boxes meals, 2 boxes snacks , 7 in each box) and 9 extra boxes ( 63meals). So thats what, 23 boxes? (12 meals + 2 snacks + 9 extras = 23. Making 23 X 7 in each = &nbsp;161 total meals. $223.16/23 boxes = &nbsp;roughly makes it $9.70 a box.<br /><br />I really wanted to take advantage of the coupons. Personally I think I did pretty good.<br /><br />I really want to use NL as they offer a lot of perks and incentives that DD/WS does not, like a free personal coach for a year by phone or email. This reminds me of a Jenny Craig type thing. With their home&nbsp;program&nbsp;you have a phone session. I also like that they offer Healthy Living Plan which is weekly lessons to help you retrain and relearn and offer support. Free membership to their discussion board, weight loss charts and graphs,&nbsp;Commitment&nbsp;bracelet, rewards on the website and in the mail when you lose weight. I think this is great as&nbsp;Weight&nbsp;Watchers does this and it is a great reminder and incentive for your weight loss journey. They also have a buddy program and journal. I know some people could care less about these things, but these small things really help keep me motivated. Once you get to goal, you get a 6 week Matience plan and lessons. I think this is all great for the money.<br /><br />Then, I went to DD and took advantage of the cake discounts, pancakes discounts, pastas that NL does not have, and honey mustard dressing to take out to eat with me. I had just enough for free shipping and free sample pack. Free is always good! So I got <b>10 MORE boxes of goodies for $79.92.</b>&nbsp;I love that I can pay with PayPal. &nbsp;So now I have from the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=34746&amp;U=465182&amp;M=7669"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Wonderslim</span></a> Line:<br /><br /><b>2 Golden Delicious Pancakes<br />2 Cheesecakes<br />2 Chocolate Cakes<br />1 Creamy Alfredo<br />2 Mac n Cheese<br />1 Fat Free Honey Mustard</b><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am very excited about it. I feel like I got a pretty good deal. I had planned to do the 4 week since it is cheaper per box with the bulk discount, but I felt if I could not handle it after two weeks then I would not be stuck with a bunch of extra food. Two weeks seems like a good trial period, plus I still have over half of my sample pack to use. I believe using NL but following the WS plan, which allows me more regular food, I can make all of this food last me a month. I know I will have days where I will be eating out, or eating over families, but I am prepared to make smarter choices, and they are all going to know that I am trying to lose weight. I am pretty sure they will all understand and support me.<br /><br />The only thing I am not looking forward to is Thanksgiving and Christmas. I just know I will have to do my best.<br /><br />I am not the best about exercise. I don't like gyms, and I don't really like to workout. I DO like walking so my treadmill is my best friend. I do like a few exercise DVDs I have too like yoga and Walk Away the Pounds.<br /><br />I realize I may not have got the best deals, but with free samples, free shippings, $20 off, $35 off, 15% off , I am happy with my purchases.<br /><br />Now, I sit and wait until it all arrives.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2225613445781762802010-10-14T15:44:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.087-04:00The New Lifestyle Diet - Day 1 - Mid Day Check InWS/DD = Wonderslim sold on DietDirect.com<br />MF= Medifast<br />LS = New Lifestyle Diet<br /><br />I don't know how anyone does it, but my first day did not go so well. It was a drastic cut from the 1600 calorie plan I follow with the other programs. I felt myself starting to get dizzy and light headed so I added a boiled to my morning snack. Just 30min ago I could not take any more, I ended up eating a sandwich and some &nbsp;Progresso 1 point soup.<br /><br />I wonder if it is easier when you have the eggs, hot cakes, and pastas instead of all pudding/shakes. I was thinking having these other items might help trick my mind.<br /><br />So today I had:<br /><br />1 Mocha pudding for breakfast<br />1 Vanilla pudding with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for a snack, with a boiled egg<br />1 Strawberry pudding and a meal bar for lunch<br />1 Can (2points) Progresso Light Pot Roast<br />1 Onion bagel w/ fat free cream cheese and 5 deli thin slices (50 cals) of ham<br /><br />and the day is not over, its only 3pm here.<br /><br />I think I am going to have to go back and spend some time reading over the posts on 3fat chicks and the liquiddietdiscusson to see how others handle it and/or follow a plan.<br /><br />By looking at the WS outline on their website you get a few extra items. For example the LS plan is only 1080 calories. WS is 1000-1200.<br /><br />1200 is much more doable for me than 1080. It makes me dizzy and such.<br /><br />LS has only 1 breakfast pudding/shake where WS is 1 breakfast pudding/shake AND hotcakes/oatmeal/cereal AND 1 optional/1 dairy.<br /><br />For Dinner you get lean meat, 2 vegi, 1 optional and 1 starch. On LS, there is no starch. You get lean mean and 2 cups vegis and they give you a list to choose from.<br /><br />I bet just eating those couple of extra things makes all the difference! I don't want to give up so easily, but I can tell you right now, I can't make it on all puddings and only 1080 calories. Thats not even enough for me &nbsp;have energy to exercise! And with NL their is no fruit or&nbsp;potatoes?!?!? What?? I think I will be making a list of things to order and place it tomorrow, that way I have some time to prep my fridge for its arrival.<br /><br />Lets compare the plans, shall we?<br /><br /><br />Wonder Slim sold through <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.dietdirect.com/wonderslim-womens-diet-plan.aspx">Diet Direct.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><b>Breakfast:</b> 1 Pudding, Shake or Smoothie<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1 Hotcake, Cereal or Oatmeal<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1 Optional or 1 Dairy<br /><b>AM Snack:</b> 1 Pudding, Shake or Smoothie<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1 Fruit<br /><b>Lunch</b>: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1 Lite&nbsp;Entrée&nbsp;or Soup<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1 Snack Bar<br /><b>PM Snack: </b>1 Pudding, Shake or Smoothie<br /><b>Dinner: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>1 Protein (4oz lean)<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2 Vegetables (1 cup each, and there is a lot to choose from!)<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1 Starch (hello potato!)<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1 Optional <br /><b>Dessert: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>&nbsp;1 Chocolate Cake, Cheesecake, Pudding, Hot Drink or Fruit Drink (program food, of course)<br />1000-1200 Total Calories<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://newlifestylediet.com/womensnutrition.aspx">The New Lifestyle Plan</a></span><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Breakfast:</b>&nbsp;1 Pudding/Shake, Soup or Hot Drink</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>AM Snack:</b>&nbsp;1 Pudding/Shake, Soup or Hot Drink</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Lunch</b>: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1 Pudding/Shake, Soup or Hot Drink</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1 Meal Bar</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>PM Snack:&nbsp;</b>1 Pudding/Shake, Soup or Hot Drink</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Dinner: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>1 Protein (8oz lean)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2 Vegetables (limited list)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Dessert: &nbsp; &nbsp; </b>&nbsp;1 Pudding/Shake, Soup&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1 Hot Drink</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1080 Total Calories</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, with NL you get MORE protein at dinner but you are NOT allowed Corn, Beets, Peas, Carrots, Rice, Bread or Potatoes. There is also NO mention of any fruit Diary items are part of your 8oz dinner. To me that almost seems a bit unhealthy. On WS/DD you are allowed these things as &nbsp;a fruit option, starch, and you even get a few things as optional. So, even though NL is cheaper ($230 for a month with a coupon), once I order the extra things from WS/DD ($9.99 a box for the cereals, hotcakes, chocolate cake, fruit drinks) it will cost more, so in the long run, might be better to just use WS/DD for $30 more, as their month is $260.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Honestly, I wish I did not need the help and could just go to the grocery store, and presto! instant meals, but I feel so overwhelmed with life right now.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82138334549165133352010-10-14T10:22:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.090-04:00New LifeStyle - Day 1The sample pack did take a while to get here, but it was OK. I have been counting calories for the year, and still have all my old weight watcher stuff, so I have been able to combine that with myfitnesspal. It has taken me a year to lose 15 pounds and thats just not fast enough for me. I have come to the conclusion I just do not have the time, or the patience, right now in my life to plan 3 meals a day, cook them, and try to prepare things both me and my family can make. I have done NutriSystem in the past, but it just did not appeal to me, neither did the price. I did not want to eat ALL of their food. I like that these plans allow you to eat one meal, which I can have with my family.<br /><br />I did start reading some of the book. It is refreshing to have someone talk about what it is like being overweight, some things many people do not want to talk about.<br /><br />I looked in to MediFast first since their are magazine advertisements all over, and they want $299.50 for their 4 week program. Sometimes the magazines have a $35 coupon. Separate boxes are over $15<br /><br />I then debated about WonderSlim for a LONG time. I like that DD offer more than just WS on their website which makes for great variety. I think I will be using them for hot cakes and other flavor drinks or snacks. New Lifestyle is still pretty new and they do not have all of those products in. So now, WS is $260 for a month for me. Free shipping and the bulk discount. The single products are $8.50 to $9.99 each.<br /><br />New LifeStyle offers some perks such as weight loss incentives, star pins. A free coach, website tools and message forums where their are a lot of people on the plan. I really like that I have a personal coach, it is small things like that which make me happy as I am huge on customer service. A little goes along way. The only thing I don't like is that they don't have all the products WS has. They also charge $12.50 per single box. But, I can get their 4 week program for $273, free shipping and I have a $35 coupon which they have been sending me every month. That makes it $238 for a month. That made their month a little less than $30 cheaper. Being a poor college student and freelance writer (LOL) I need to save any amount of money I can. So, even though they do not have hotcakes and as much as a variety as DD/WS it was worth it to save the extra money, and they do have a nice variety.<br /><br />Right now, today is my first day of Day1 of the sample pack. So far, I have just had breakfast - Mocha Pudding/shake - which I made into pudding. I loved that you only had to give it a quick whisk and it was done, and it was YUMMY!<br /><br />I am worried that I am not going to be able to stick to the plan. But, I know I have to do this, I have to get the weight off. I also love that NL offers a 6 week Maintenance program when you reach goal. I &nbsp;need to lose about 50 pounds to get to a healthy manageable weight for me.<br /><br />It is going to be hard because my family depends on me for meals, now it is going to have to become a group thing and not just me. Also, me and my fiancé tend to surround our events with food, so that is going to be hard too. I had to talk to him about this so he did not hinder my efforts. Hopefully he will help me and not try to entice me with food! My mom was terrible about that growing up.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19740201243907349082010-10-14T09:55:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.754-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 15 - Life in General<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8553002269472927" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Today’s Challenge</b></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8553002269472927" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Just write!</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It has always been hard for me to come up with topics to write about. There is always so much going on in my life at any given moment, but who wants to read about that boring stuff? I am not sure their are too many people out their who want to listen to me go on and on about the headaches being in college causes me, or the same old same old of my freelance writing gigs. Not only that, the ups and downs of my relationship and life in general. I tend to stick to general topics that everyone might be able to relate to. I tend to write a lot about random things because this is just my life as a freelancer. Having a desk job all these years, depression, and back problems has caused a weight gain. I have been trying to get healthy again and it has been a struggle. Because I know many out there struggle too I feel a sense of community when we can all share our experiences. I just want to talk about life and all the things in it.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13177392487533152932010-10-14T09:30:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.756-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 14 - Books Galore<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.3534447643905878" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Today’s Challenge</b></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.3534447643905878" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What books have you read recently? &nbsp;Blog about one or two and link to their Amazon pages.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Right now I have about three books in the process of being read. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B00434T8KW&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>1. On my Nook I have been reading a fun little book called Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich. I am enjoying the quirky tale of cupcake baker Lizzy and her tales of mischief and magic. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1594864667&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>2. Recently I was mailed a copy of Food Cures by Joy Bauer. I love Joy. She has such a great personality and gives a fresh twist on eating healthy with grocery store food. Unlike these other health writers who expect you to find items that only exist at far away health food stores. I have been flipping through the pages and read a few parts, but plan to sit down and really read it.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. The last book I have started to read is<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Your-Lifestyle-Hamilton-Erridge/dp/B00429EWXQ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Creating Your New Lifestyle by Hamilton C. Erridge.</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00429EWXQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I received a copy of this book, for free, with a packet of weight loss materials I had ordered. The New Lifestyle Diet has a sample package available for you to try their products, right now they are including a copy of the founders book. I have only read the first few pages and it is nice to see a author write about those things an overweight person has to deal with, but never wants to talk about.</span></div></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87564893332397252652010-10-12T16:05:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.759-04:00The Ultimate Blog Challenge - 13- My Jenna<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLS_duav0TI/AAAAAAAAAIc/NyiqAoyGQic/s1600/besties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLS_duav0TI/AAAAAAAAAIc/NyiqAoyGQic/s320/besties.jpg" width="320" /></a><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8958455750253052" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Today’s Challenge:</b></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8958455750253052" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pick a friend or family member and write a blog post about the quality you most admire in them.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of my closest, yet far away, friends is my Jenna. Her and I met shortly after I arrived in Stillwater, OK for a job relocation. She instantly took me in and showed me around the town. From that first day we have managed to build a friendship that has taken us here, there, and everywhere. The one thing I admire most about her is her ability to overcome everything that comes at her and her ability to love those, even with their faults. She is never judgemental or selfish. That is a quality I admire the most, and for that I will always love her and she will always be a part of me. Our lives have taken us in different directions, but when we are together it is as if no time has ever passed between us.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15325076979044330372010-10-12T15:52:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.092-04:00(My) The New LifeStyle Diet<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Your-Lifestyle-Hamilton-Erridge/dp/B00429EWXQ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Creating Your New Lifestyle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00429EWXQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I just wanted to pop in and let you guys know that I ordered the <a href="http://www.newlifestylediet.com/">New Lifestyle Diet</a> sample pack. It was $20. In it you get:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 shaker cup</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 $20 coupon for your next order</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Personal Weight Loss Coach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 Handbook</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 Book called Creating Your New LifeStyle (also available on Amazon)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 Caramel Brownie Nut Bar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 Peanut Butter Crisp Bar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">3 Mocha Cream Pudding/Shake</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">3 Chocolate Cream Pudding/Shake</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 Strawberry Cream Pudding/Shake</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 Vanilla Cream Pudding/Shake</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 creamy hot chocolate</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 creamy mint hot chocolate</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I thought this was a great presentation for the discovery of a new product. They email me coupons all the time, which make them cheaper for me than the popular MediFast or Wonder Slim. I like that NLD has a forum for users, an interactive website to record weight and such at and you get a coach. I like these little perks. I also like that when you order, it gives you a menu and you can pick your items yourself unlike DD where you have to call to make changes. I find this bothersome.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Just wanted to share this because it is going to be a huge lifestyle change for me. I will be eating 5-7 mini meals a day and 1 (what they call) lean and green meal. That fit my life better than other weight loss programs which require you to eat only their food. Plus this one is more economical. I figured I would try the samples to see how it tastes, if good I will order it for a month and see how it goes. I need to reprogram my thought process for portion control and such.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Will let you know how the next 2 days go for me!! I am pretty confident I will be ordering the month package before the day is over. I am ready to go for it!! No more being scared. It is time to get this weight off once and for all.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I also like the fact the program mails you rewards as you lose weight. Weight Watchers did that when I used their program. It's the small things that make a different with a company and their customer service!</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88058557117368592002010-10-11T13:24:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.761-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 12- It's a ShayTard world!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLNIEHWl__I/AAAAAAAAAIU/SA7RFHRImd4/s1600/default.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLNIEHWl__I/AAAAAAAAAIU/SA7RFHRImd4/s1600/default.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Today’s Challenge: Share one of your favorite YouTube videos and your thoughts about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t really have one favorite YouTube video as I am not on their very much. When I am, I tend to look for videos to songs I like. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Over the years I have followed a few people who produced videos that made me laugh, but those people tend to come and go. Shay Carl is not one of those. Shay Carl has the ShayTard channel, along with his children, who also follow the Tard name (babytard, princesstard) and his wife, as well as their dog. Shay has been filming videos for a few years now and it was not until last year when he put himself on the 1 video a day challenge that he really started to form a following. Basically Shay films his life (radio DJ) of work, play, and being a dad. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/SHAYTARDS"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Not really much to say about it, you will just have to watch it to understand.&nbsp;</span></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80142209676837557842010-10-11T13:13:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.763-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 11- Relaxing? Who Me?<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1400599997&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Today’s Challenge:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What do you do to relax and unwind?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Are you serious? This topic should be null and void for me. I NEVER, well not really never, but RARELY get a chance to relax and unwind. My days start as early as 6 am and I go until 9-11pm depending on just how worn out I really am. During the week I am working on school stuff, reading text, writing papers, doing homework. After that, I have even more to write because I have clients and deadlines to tend to. Having my brain in active overdrive all hours of the day is very tiring. I don’t think people realize just how exhausting being a student and worker really is. As for relaxing on the weekends? That is not going to happen with my boyfriend’s 5 year old daughter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On that rare chance I do get to relax and unwind, I do absolutely nothing. I like to lay in my bed and just sit in silence. Other times I read a book, or read a book on my Nook. That is usually when I am on break from school.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21932610535110582322010-10-11T13:04:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.766-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 10- Purses, Wallets and Bags, OH MY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLNCyDMtLWI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/iDMlPoh5FNA/s1600/il_570xN.182060618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TLNCyDMtLWI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/iDMlPoh5FNA/s320/il_570xN.182060618.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Today’s Challenge:</b> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Go window shopping at Etsy.com or Amazon.com and pick out something to blog about.&nbsp; Might be something you dream of owning, or something you'd love to give as a gift, or even something crazy you didn't know existed.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I love Etsy.com because I have a friend who knits and she has put some of her projects on there to sell. I do have to admit that I have not really visited the website to see what else it has to offer. &nbsp;I am a HUGE fan of purses, although my addiction has somehow faded in the last three years. I can still appreciate a nice bag. I decided to take a little time browsing the handbag section to see what the etsy artists can deliver. I am always looking for things that are not carbon copies of something else. Meaning, I don’t want to walk in to a place and see eight others that have the exact same bag, shoes, and glasses and so on as me. Etsy seems to fulfill that need. I only had time to glance at a few pages, and this little gem stuck with me.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58593270/small-pleated-shoulder-bag-and-organizer?ref=v1_other_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Bags By Laura has been added to my favorites list!</span></a> &nbsp;I love the colors as well as the organization. The price is even very reasonable. Looking at this site has made me want to dust off my sewing machine…well, only if I had time!&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32510682839059991822010-10-08T13:51:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.768-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 9 - The Way Life Goes<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Blog Challenge: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></b><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blog about whatever's on your mind today.&nbsp; With the thousands of thoughts that go through our heads, I'm sure you've got one or two rattling around in there that's worth sharing?&nbsp; Did something brighten your day today?&nbsp; Or do you need to rant about something?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It seems the topic that has been weighing heavily on my mind is my future. More importantly, my future with Matthew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There is a lot of love between me and Matt, but I often question whether love is really enough, whether it is the strong hold glue that is going to keep us together for the long haul.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to vent, and it is likely going to be a long one.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We were supposed to get married this month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Oddly enough, I do believe today was the day we had planned. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>We have talked about rescheduling for another time next year. The idea of it sounds great, but the actual thought of doing it really makes me say “no way!” and if I am saying that in my mind then I certainly do not need to be getting married.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To put it bluntly, Matt is lazy. For the last two years I have busted my rear end going to school and working. When I moved in here I was instantly pushed into being a weekend mom. Matt had no direction with being a single father, and he certainly needed some help. Maddy had some adjustment problems as well as Matthew. In time, it became to be that the entire world was on my shoulders. While Matt sat around playing video games, I was working, going to school, cleaning the house and taking care of all the chores and cooking as well as taking care of him and Maddy, not to mention the dogs and now a cat, fish and crabs. In time, the longer it went on, the more resentful I became. It seemed he had no desire to even find a job, and when he finally got one, he gets 3 days a week. It is hard for me to do homework, study, and work while he is here so my own income is not what it should be. I am stressed and I just do not see a way to work it all out. I try to work around his schedule, but it does not always work out to the best. I can’t really do anything on the weekends, even though I have school assignments due every Saturday, which means I have to double up on school during the week.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Due to all the stress, the resentment started to build. He wanted my attention, I pushed him away. Maddy wanted me to give her a bath, I made Matt do it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I don’t work, we don’t have extra money for household items or to be able to go out on the weekends. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel unappreciated, underpaid, overworked, and just flat out angry.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I admit it, I am angry at the world and the only reason I am not screaming right now is because I am finally back on my anti-anxiety and antidepressants. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The holidays are upon us and I already dread it. There is so much pressure from Matt and his mom to always do these things, and there are just not enough hours in my day to get everything done. On thanksgiving they are lucky I can even g o to one place, I have school, I am in the accelerated program. I DO NOT get days off for holidays. Never mind me trying to go to more than one place on Turkey day. It is not going to happen. Christmas? Why should I have to go to 4 different places just to make everyone else happy? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>All I can think about is my assignment that is due the next day and how I really should be studying or working. I loathe the holidays with a passion and have never been very fond of the Hallmark days. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I just cannot get Matt and his mom to understand me and my life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I don’t feel she should be the one dictating his life. It seems as though every weekend there is always some sort of drama, and honestly, I am about to crack. I can feel it. Last weekend was a huge ordeal and I am forced to think that this is going to go on every weekend for the next 15 years. Is this really the life that I want?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, Matt and I fight. We scream, and it all boils down to the same thing. I resent him for making me do everything around here, which makes me so run down and tired that I just don’t care if I ever leave the house. All I can think about is sleeping or what I have to do next.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In time, I feel like I am going to be a weekend mom to his ex step kids as well. I understand that he helped his ex to raise her kids. But, the reality of that is, you divorced their mom, you are no longer their step dad. She remarried, so now they have a new dad. This is something that Matt and his mom have a hard time with. The oldest son is at the age (10) where he just hates everyone, so he has no desire to come out here. But, Maddy older sister has been staying with Matt’s mom once in a while, which is becoming more and more. The bad thing is, she doesn’t bother to tell Matt that she is coming, which is causing problems for us. I don’t want to be mean to Maddy’s sister, and I don’t mind if she stays once in a while, but it is certainly not going to be an every weekend thing. Honestly, I don’t want it at all. I don’t trust the ex one bit. It is a recipe for disaster that I am sure is going to bite me in the ass in the long run. I k now Matt misses her, and she misses him, and I am not totally heartless, but it bothers me that I am going to be the one doing all the work of taking care of the girls all weekend. Yes, there is that resentment again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Due to this, I don’t feel this is a relationship made in heaven. There are just too many factors that are altering my thoughts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I often feel stuck. I could always move back home, but that is not something I really want to do. I have looked in to getting a place of my own, but it has been difficult with the dogs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We did tell Maddy a few weeks ago that I was likely going to move out and, according to Matt, she was beside herself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t let Madison be the reason why I am staying. That is no better than parents who stay together for the sake of the kids. Kids see right through that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So here I am, up against brick wall, bashing my head trying to figure out what is wrong or right. I can’t think about marrying him, or even starting a family with him because all of this other stuff is clouding my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wish I knew the next step.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41808338527392166572010-10-07T15:08:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.770-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 8- The Zigmaster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TK4arqBBUpI/AAAAAAAAAIM/9oFrJmWVH2A/s1600/use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TK4arqBBUpI/AAAAAAAAAIM/9oFrJmWVH2A/s320/use.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Today’s Blog Challenge</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Think of something cute, funny or interesting that your kid, neighbor, family member or friend has recently done and share it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is always something cute, funny, or interesting going on around here, especially if you love animals. I work from home, and a cat and two dogs join me on my daily commute to work. The five steps to the office. The cat is only a few months old, so I guess technically he is still a kitten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The dogs and him have been slow to get to know each other, however the cat knows no fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He will dart around the house, spring loaded, as if there are no other creatures roaming the floors. He will sit on top of the fish take, high out of reach of the dogs, just looking down. I wonder how long it will take him before he figures out how to get the fish, or, when he grows so big he can no longer perch on the fish tank out of the dogs reach. It is quite comical when Cain will come over and Ziggy is on my lap. Ziggy will give Cain a little pat and then lick his head as if to say Hello. When Casey comes over, the story is different. She gets batted at, claws out, and often, her ear bitten. She just looks at the cat like WHAT? What did I do?? If only the world could see the facial expressions of the Boxers that I get to see every day, especially now that a cat has been introduced to the family.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56812815262970676972010-10-06T12:55:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.773-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge -7- I wanna be a Toys R Us kid!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKyp_QCs0DI/AAAAAAAAAII/D2nBzSAjS9Q/s1600/toys_r_us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKyp_QCs0DI/AAAAAAAAAII/D2nBzSAjS9Q/s320/toys_r_us.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today’s Blog Challenge:</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> What was your first job?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My first job was opening up a brand new Toys R Us store. It was fall of my sophomore year, I had just shed 80 pounds and my parents got me a 1976 black Camaro with an Edlebrock racing engine as my first car (mind you, I graduated high school in 1993). I remember saving my lunch money in order to have money to put gas in the tank. That car was such a gas hog, but I LOVED it. To this day I was I never had to get rid of it. When I interviewed for the TRU job the weather was just starting to get chilly. I wore my best dress anyway. It being my first job, I was unsure of what I was supposed to do or say. I just answered his questions and got a call back about a week later. The building was there, but the inside of the store was empty. It was our job to put up the shelves and racks to get that store opened in time for the holidays. I worked as much as I could. I would get home from school, run home, grab a bite to eat and head out to work for a few hours. Most of the time I would have to be to work at 5 and I would go home about 9 or 10pm. One of the perks of the job, my long time crush and his best friend also got hired on. Since we already knew each other, we had instant break time friends. We would sit in the break room, talking about the cheesy job. I didn’t care; it was money in my pocket. There were a few times where I took my crush home when his ride did not show. The more time I spent with him, the more I asked myself why I even liked him. Underneath that cute face was nothing that interested me. We had nothing in common, he was nice enough, and so friendship came easy. In time he ended up getting fired and his friend quit shortly after. I spent the holidays alone at the TRU store. It made me sad. After a while they wanted me to run register on top of roaming the floors to help customers. I guess my personality was only going to get me so far. I was deathly afraid of the register, and I have no idea why. They were starting to cut down hours and lay people off. They wanted me to stay, which is why I had to pull double duty. I did not want it, and right after Christmas I was let go. I still think about that job every so often. I still have my paycheck stubs attached to my tax return. I still remember my crush and the times we had.&nbsp;</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84081891828038156812010-10-05T15:11:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.775-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge -6- East Tawas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKt4K6oJozI/AAAAAAAAAIE/b56wuiw2_N4/s1600/31111_1478966539967_1407887874_1281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKt4K6oJozI/AAAAAAAAAIE/b56wuiw2_N4/s320/31111_1478966539967_1407887874_1281.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Today’s Blog Idea:</b> Where do you like to vacation and why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been so long since I have taken a real, weeklong vacation that I have forgotten what it is like. While growing up in Oklahoma, family vacations meant drive up north to Michigan every summer and Christmas break if we could. Now that I live in Michigan, working full time and a full time student, I just do not have the time to take very many days off. The one place I like to go just to get away for a couple of days is East Tawas. It is a small, cute, little beach town about an hours’ drive away. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>The Tawas Bay resort sits right on the beach and water with the downtown area right across the street. The ice cream shop my grandmother would take us to, and the dock we would walk after still stands. Every time I go back, I think about my grandmother. It is tradition to head across the street for ice cream at the shop, fudge at another shop, and pizza for dinner. Then, at night, we head to the old town movie theater for 50 cent popcorn and a flick, followed by some night time music in the streets. We love this local shop, we can talk to the owners for hours about Celtic relics and swords. After a couple of days, you have seen it all, and you can feel ready to go home. The photo is a picture I took at the Tawas State Park. I loved it so much, I used it as my theme when redoing the bathroom.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76066450348720072062010-10-05T14:59:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.778-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge - 5- Scenery<div class="MsoNormal">Today’s blog challenge: Find an interesting photo and write about it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKt1Xe6HNWI/AAAAAAAAAIA/nT7mA2_V2Uk/s1600/IMG_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TKt1Xe6HNWI/AAAAAAAAAIA/nT7mA2_V2Uk/s320/IMG_1209.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute; margin-left:64.5pt;margin-top:111.8pt;width:165.75pt;height:244.5pt;z-index:251658240; mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text; mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text; mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg" o:title="IMG_1209"/> <w:wrap type="square"/> </v:shape><![endif]--></div><div class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute; margin-left:0;margin-top:.15pt;width:165.75pt;height:244.5pt;z-index:251660288; mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text; mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text; mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg" o:title="IMG_1209"/> <w:wrap type="square"/> </v:shape><![endif]-->Could you imagine living in a house, located at the very top of a cliff? With the waves crashing on either side of the dam boats would not be able to travel to the cliff in order to bring its residents supplies. In the distant view we can see how calm the water is, one might think there is a boat dock which we cannot see. I visualize this as an amazing writers retreat. Take a long, brisk walk across the top of the damn. Look at the ocean; listen to its wave’s crash against the rocks. Write about it. Write about the solitude and the silence. The weather looks a bit overcast, perhaps it is chilly. What are your thoughts?</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52945578388379936622010-10-03T16:17:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.780-04:00Ultimate Blog Challenge 4 - Waiting<div class="MsoNormal">The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood</div><div class="MsoNormal">What is the longest time you ever waited for someone or something? Why did you wait?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The longest I ever waiting for someone was my ex boyfriend. Here I was, 1000 miles from everything I had ever known, thrown into a world where I was forced to let others see me, let others get to know me. One of the first people I had started to date was QT Patootie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I do not know why I was so attracted to him. He was not my usual type, but he certainly made me smile and laugh. Our first date was simple enough, but yet I never laughed so hard. When we were together, we were good. When we were apart, we were not so good. There would be times when I would not hear from him for days. After a few months things really started to come unraveled. One night, we spoke on the phone and made plans to meet up the next day. He never called. He did not call me for 9 days. That is the longest I ever waited for someone, and I vow to never do it again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1582973229&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18107517045309786082010-10-01T18:21:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.783-04:00The Ultimate Blog Challenge - #3 of 30 - Joy Ride<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Like I stated in post #2 (just in case you are not reading in order) weekends are really hard for me to post. Living with my fiancés has its challenges, but on the weekend his little one lives with us and I like to give her all of my attention since we only have her for 2 days. I am doing Saturday and Sunday’s post early. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here is post #3 of 30</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Write about a long, fraught ride in a car.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">*I honestly had no idea what fraught was, I had to look it up. According to m-w.com<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>it means 1) full of or accompanied by something specified —used with with <a danger="" fraught="" href="" situation="" with=""> and 2) causing or characterized by emotional distress or tension : uneasy </a><a fraught="" href="" relationship=""></a></div><a fraught="" href="" relationship=""><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, there you go. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now all I have is the movie Joy Ride playing in my head. I might have to think about this one over the weekend and come back to edit it Sunday night. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to have to get creative because I don’t really have a personal story to relate to this.&nbsp;</div></a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60336201899505967032010-10-01T18:05:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.786-04:00The Ultimate Blog Challenge - #2 of 30 - The Key<div class="MsoNormal">Weekends are really hard for me to post. Living with my fiancés has its challenges, but on the weekend his little one lives with us and I like to give her all of my attention since we only have her for 2 days. I am doing Saturday and Sunday’s post early. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, here is post #2 of 30</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>The Pocket Muse By Monica Wood</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rescue a stray key from that junk drawer in the kitchen. Put it on the desk next to your computer. Try to remember or imagine what this key once unlocked. Start writing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">“My key is still so shiny.” I think to myself. So shiny it is just like the day I brought it home. Nice snow white in color. The first thing I was able to buy for myself after the divorce. It was mine. All mine. And I bought it myself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The 2003 Grand Am was nothing special. It drove fast, and I drove it far. I cried when I had to let it go. But that car led me on the path I am on today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Things were not going so good for me in 2007. I had just lost both my grandparents, one of my best friends was murdered accidently by another friend, another best friend was battling cancer, my favorite cat had died, and I left my husband. We were together for 10 years and to this day I am still trying to figure out why? I loved him. Had love for him. But I fell out of love. We were just different people. I wanted him to be happy and find the love he deserved. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I packed up my life and left the only home I ever knew in Oklahoma. Said good-bye to all my friends, who had become my family. I traveled 1000 miles with the belongings I entered into the marriage with and my two Boxer dogs. I left the cars, the house, and many other things behind. I tried to make it easy on him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Starting life over in MI was not fun. Work in my field was scarce. It did not help I lived in the country and was not too keen on a 30 minute commute. Within the first 6 months of being a MI resident, I went on countless interviews while battling a relapse in my depression. Life as I knew it was over and this was it for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had lost my best friend to cancer. A man I had grown to care for and love was gunned down. How could I handle so much death? I felt so alone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">By January 2008 I was able to get a part time job working for a chain company I had worked for in the past. It was only a seasonal job. I then landed at a place I like to call HELL. I cried every morning about how I did not want to go to work. I was so miserable there. I would cry every night when I got home. But I needed the money. Life was a literal hell. I worked for a man who was a pompous ass. Excuse my language. He would literally run down the hallway after people screaming the F word if something did not go his way. It was too much stress. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>When he tried to push me in to something I was never trained to do, I walked out. My panic attacks were happening too much and the anxiety was just too much for me to handle.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">During this time I was using other people’s cars. About a month before I quit I was able to save up enough money for a down payment on my own car. The first thing I bought for myself after the divorce. It was mine. I did not have to share it with anyone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My own car was the start of something new. The start of a new beginning. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Eventually I had fallen off the job path again. One temp job after another and when the last one finally ended and I could not find work, I eventually lost my car too because I could not afford the payments. I was sad to see it go. This car had become such a part of me. A part of a learning and growing experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Losing that car motivated me to find a job I would love with a passion. What is my passion? Writing. Pure and simple. So now, here I am. Holding this shiny key in my hand, remembering how that car felt when I drove it. I how independent I felt buying it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I toss the key back into the jar. I have since bought a new car, paid in cash, in full. And started the live of a writer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is not such a bad life after all.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57934127447683092052010-10-01T17:38:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:39:38.788-04:00The Ultimate Blog Challenge - #1 of 30<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">I tend to write about a lot of things. My blog is basically a place for me to talk about my life as a self employed writer. I talk about places I work for, the sort of work I like, and even share my struggles. On occasion I share some of my creative works. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Recently I started talking about my weight loss, or at least my desire to lose weight. Having a desk job and working long hours can sure take its toll on you. But I find myself not really able to keep up with posting. So, I decided for the month of October to take a 30 day blog challenge.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the next 30 days I will be posting 30 blogs. Pretty much 1 a day, unless something comes up, then there will be an extra one or two posts in a day. Because I am not sure what to write about, I decided to use the book The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood. Within its pages are hundreds of ideas to get a story, or in this case, a blog going. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1582973229&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, for the next 30 days, let the creativity flow!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Ultimate Blog Challenge</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/">http://ultimateblogchallenge.com</a> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76114512627507108792010-09-17T16:26:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.094-04:00Just an Update (Why all the Pain??)<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I know.....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel terrible that I can't write anything. Not because I don't want to, but because trying to write/type anything for any length of time causes me terrible pain. Not to mention sitting up at the desk or even trying to get comfortable with the laptop is impossible.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You guys have been so wonderful with your replies to all my status posts, tweets and mini blogs. Thank you. Sadly, I have not been able to even really explain WHAT is going on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have not been able to write for about a month now. As many of you know I suffer from <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/09/ouch-that-hurt_11.html">sciatica due to Degenerative Disc Disease.</a> My L4 and L5 are in pretty bad shape, so I have been trying to lose weight and strengthen my back to deal with the pain. I have that better controlled now, but I am supposed to be careful with my spine as any wrong movement could be painful. Leave it to me to somehow (yes, I know how, but I am not telling!!) cause an impact in my spine, at the neck and shoulder level which not only inflamed the muscles, pinched the nerves as well.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Because of this, for the last few weeks I have been unable to type for long periods of time. My left arm hurts all the time and my left hand goes numb. Pain shoots down it 24/7. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s going to take weeks to fully recover.</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been to the chiro and I am due for another round. That helped to get that spine aligned. Over time the muscle swelling has decreased, but the pain had not. A week ago I went to MedExpress for drugs, then to my primary doc to consult and get more drugs. It has been a back and forth battle since it is hard to NOT use my left arm. I seem to keep flaring it up. &nbsp;I spent a few days literally chilling out in bed, hoping that would help. All that did was put me WAY behind in work. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am looking in to voice to text programs like Dragon Naturally Speaking to help me write my things for work. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For now, I just keep trying to push forward. It really is all I can do.&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51768806244750585872010-09-03T20:27:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.096-04:00RepostingI have a lot of blogs that were from the original Yahoo 360 that got moved over to the new Yahoo Profile. 360 started long before my blogger days so I am going to repost some of them here.<br /><br />My original MySpace was hacked and deleted in 2005. I have tried to rebuild, but I think these blogs were lost from there as well. Because of this I have decided to repost the blogs on that site too.<br /><br />This might help a lot of &nbsp;you who are new to my blogs get caught up on my life from the last few years. Some of the newer blogs will&nbsp;defiantly&nbsp;make more sense.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83848013209384918782010-09-03T20:24:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.880-04:00Words, Thoughts, Feelings - Bah Humbug!<div class="MsoNormal">Lonnie’s birthday has come and gone and I made no remark in regards to it. I once though celebrating helped me to heal. &nbsp;This time it is just a painful memory. I want to remember the good times we had. The good times we all had for that matter. Now, as I embark on a weight loss journey with U2 as the prize, it has all become very real to me that I will never have a group of friends like those I lost. &nbsp;U2 was something we often shared, and knowing they are not here to share this with me breaks my heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Often, I feel myself just counting down the days until I can be with them again.&nbsp; Elonna, Lonnie, Terry….the world seemed complete with them. They were taken away from me too soon. Way too soon. With them, the world was not so big and scary and I did not feel so alone. Sean has buried himself in life, trying to forget the past. Joey is around when he can be. I do hang on to that small inkling of hope that someday Joey and I will get to share that pint, after everything. I look forward to that day when he is free to roam, I can cross the big pond, and we can visit Lonnie’s grave, together. &nbsp;Sometimes that thought is the only thing that keeps me going in life. Steven, the adopted member of the Pirate Gang, it has been so long we spoke, but I have a feeling all is well in his world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The way I see it, I don’t really have much else. &nbsp;At the rate Matt and I are going, we aren’t likely to ever get married. There are just too many “issues” at hand and quite frankly I am too old and too tired to deal with it anymore.&nbsp; I am not getting any younger, so, me having kids is pretty much a mute point as well. I guess I have come to accept that as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most of you who have known me for any length of time know how hard love is for me. I always seem to find myself with either not enough, or smack dab in the middle of a love triangle.&nbsp; All I want is for it to just all shrivel up and go away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been thinking the world is cruel. There are things about me (anxiety, panic, depression, PTSD) that just can’t be changed. I have tried. Sometimes, you just can’t kill the disease no matter what you do. I think, at this point, it would be better for everyone if I embarked on the rest of life’s journey alone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The world is big, the world is scary and I am not a fan of moving forward alone, I just see no other choice.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15224388759857153542010-09-02T13:26:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:15:19.984-04:00Chunk by Chunk<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Reposting from My Fitness Pal, this is not my work.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are ever feeling overwhelmed, stop and mentally break your problem into manageable chunks. Think through the steps to take in order to get through the problem, put the steps in order and concentrate only on one step at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Let's say you feel totally out of control and want to get back on track. Everything seems to be working against you. You can't exercise, your eating is out of control and you are just plain tired. There are days when you feel that way, and you just want to give up even trying.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Start with today and identify what you can do before lunch to manage the problem. Maybe it is walking the stairs one or two extra times. Maybe it is not going to the vending machine on your break. Maybe it is having a salad with Newman's diet Italian dressing at lunch instead of that Big Mac. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Don't yet worry about the afternoon and the evening. Start concentrating on little successes to deal with those big problems, and you will find that the big problem gets smaller and smaller, chunk by chunk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77823278921397979952010-08-31T15:59:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.099-04:00About The Apps I Use<div class="MsoNormal">I have been getting asked a lot about the iPhone/Touch apps that I use so I thought it would be useful for me to compile a list for everyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the beginning I started with Sparkpeople.com. They have an app to keep track of your weight and calories as well as a separate app for recipes. I found these extremely helpful when I first started this journey and it was initially the reason why I wanted a Touch for Christmas instead of a regular iPod. &nbsp;Both apps are free.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Currently I use<span style="color: red;"> MyFitnessPal</span> to track my activity and calories. This app is free and also syncs with the website, just as SP does. I find MFP to be much simpler, easier to use and has a cleaner interface.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">iWatchr</span> &nbsp;is 99 cents, with a 99 cent upgrade package. I purchased this program last week to keep track of my WW Points. I was having issues with the WW website syncing between my desktop, laptop and Touch so I felt it was not worth the money to spent $20 a month when it was not doing what I wanted it to do. Using iWatchr with MFP gives me a few extra steps, but for $2 it is well worth the price. It does take a bit to get used to, but so far I like it quite well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Dotti </span>is known to those is the WW world as DWLZ, or dottiesweightlosszone. She has been a standby website of mine since I started WW in 2002. Her site lists all the point values for just about every food item as well as restaurants. Her app is fairly new, and for $2.99 could stand to use a bit more work. I really like that the points are listed for the places I like to eat out at. So, for me, since canceling my WW membership it was worth the couple of dollars. The website claims there will be upgrades and the app is new.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">iTracker </span>is also 99 cents and is an app I just downloaded yesterday. After reading reviews I wanted to see if it was better to use than iWatcher. They both do the same thing, counts points. But the both do something different as well. iTracker keeps track of water, fruits/vegi where as iWatchr does not. I have not played with iTracker enough yet to really give it a good review. Between iWatchr and iTracker it really depends on what all you want to keep track of and how you like the looks of the program.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This morning I spent another 99 cents and downloaded an app called <span style="color: red;">Get Running</span> which is a couch to 25k program. I have not used it yet, however it had great reviews and it looks really fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Eat What?</span> Is another free program that will give you the nutritional value for the grocery store and for eating out. This is a great program for checking the nutritional value before you make your grocery list or go out to eat. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Those are really the only apps I use right now. I have looked at other apps for websites such as Calorie Count and for a free program, its pretty good. I just prefer MFP. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60285983101535571862010-08-26T11:58:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.101-04:00A New Outlook Thanks to U2<div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I was able to get tickets to the U2 show next June here in MI. I am SO excited as I have never been able to see them. None of my friends in OK were really fans, and of course Marcus would not go. Even so, they never came to OK so we had to go to Dallas and the one time I tried to get tickets, it sold out within the hour. Bono fell and broke his back so they had to cancel a lot of shows. To make up for it they rescheduled and added some dates for next year. They are coming to Lansing, which is about 45min away from me. I had two tickets and went to check out - $550! WHAT?? So I pouted and one of my U2 twitter pals said hey, they have cheap ones, click this and this to get them. So I did, and was able to get crap tickets for $75. I don't care, I just want to go. So, now I have a new goal to lose 50lbs by June 2011. :)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have no idea why I feel the need to get to goal by that date, I just need a goal date and that seemed like a good choice. What a better way to celebrate getting to goal! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have decided to go back to what I know, what is familiar, and what has worked for me. I have spent way too much time these last few months looking for that helpful tool that will help me. Cookbooks, weight loss programs, diet foods, and new exercise tools. I need to stop looking. The answer really is right in front of my face. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I bought a home gym to go along with the bikes, roller skates/blades, walking shoes, exercise videos, hand weight, bands, straps, and balls. Oh, and let’s not forget my treadmill. I have plenty here to work off the weight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going back to Weight Watchers. Yes, I am. I am doing it today. As soon as I post this I am entering my credit card information into the website. I am doing this for ME and no one else. My health is worth the $20 a month. I was worth it in the past, I am worth it now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a Lifetime member. &nbsp;I am PROUD of that. Not so proud that I let the weight came back.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lifetime means, I have to work the program for my entire life. Or at least be aware of my food for my life. Sounds scary, but really it is not. What is scary to me is trying to add up calories in and calories out every day. I realize that Weight Watchers is the same thing, just another way of counting calories in and calories out. I am not dumb. I am however investing my health in a program that I know works for me. We are all different; we all have different ways of dealing with things. I get that My Fitness Pal (MFP) and Spark People (SP) are free (who doesn’t love free, right?) and I love them both for different reasons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think because they are free they are not motivating me to get my rear in gear, literally. I seem to just shrug it off, “Oh I went over my calories today” or “oh, I didn’t exercise today” and I just continue on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I started to get serious about my weight in January, although it has been an up and down, constant trying, since the weight started to come back on. &nbsp;This year I have lost about 17lbs total. And I keep gaining and losing those same pounds. I can’t keep doing that. I have already wasted half the year now. If I would have done what I was supposed to do, I would be at my goal weight by now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Being a Lifetime member has its perks. One of them being you get to attend meetings for the rest of your life, for free! We like free, right? Problem is I am over my goal weight by more than 5lbs. Because of this, I would have to pay the weekly meeting fee and even though it is discounted for Lifetime members, it is still cheaper for me to do Weight Watchers Online. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You could say I am back on my Weight Watcher bender. I LOVE (didn’t I mention that?) SP and MFP, but I think because they are free, I am just very, “eh, oh well about it” (think I mentioned that, too). MFP does not have a lot of action going on in the forums (compared to other sites), especially people sharing recipes and stuff like that (at least the kind I need). I seem to find a lot of people I have nothing in common with. SP has a lot of WW groups and forums so it is a good place to be, but there is not a lot there of what I need. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need help trying to figure out how to cook for a family and I know there has to be a way! And MFP is not helping me with that. Neither was SP. I need some motivation and I think WW will help. &nbsp;Actually, I know it will since I am paying for it. Plus, all my old information is still stored on the website, so that will be helpful to see my stuff from years past (I used eTools for meeting members). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just hate the thought of having to pay for it!! (What can I say, I am poor and I am cheap!) And I think that is my problem. But when I open my cupboards it is hard for me to put things together based on calories, in the past I would just write points on all my boxes and cans so when I opened the cupboard I could add quickly to make a meal. I think that is what I am going to do this time. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It the past it was easy, all I had to do was cook for myself. My ex husband worked 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> shift for most of our relationship, and he was a health freak so when we did eat together it was not hard to whip something up. &nbsp;Now, I have a Matt and a Madison (on the weekends) and we do eat a lot of meal together. I need the help and the motivation to get us all on the healthy path.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I made a deal with Matt. He allows me to spend $20 a month less on groceries and put that towards a WW online membership. I lose 50lbs by June 2011, we go see U2 happy and healthy and I will buy us a flat panel TV for the living room. He HAS to help me and he has to sort of follow along too. He has to eat what I make, walk with me, work out with me, and help me budget/prepare meals. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I told him we needed to go to the store and get a large poster board and make a weigh in chart as well as post goals on it. WW has a 10% mark and you get a magnet or something, then so many pounds after that you got charms and stuff. We would get stars for every 5lbs that went on a bookmark. I kept all of that, and it was a good motivational tool. Since I am doing it online I won’t have that, but online is easier for me since I have the iPod Touch the online program has a free app. I already get the WW magazine and I have a lot of ebook WW Cookbooks that I can load on to my Nook. I knew I saved all this stuff for a reason! LOL <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We make this board, weigh in every week and chart the loss or gain. Glue pics of the rewards and stuff. Somehow get Maddy involved too so she doesn't feel so left out. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">They have a 3 month initial payment of $65 after the 1st week free trial. So, I figure I would give it the 3 months and see. With the recipe builder and such I think I can make it work for a family. The forums are much more active, there are more people there that I have things in common with. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So that is my plan. I am still going to log in to MFP because I don't plan to pay for WW forever. This way my losses and such will also be logged in to MFP for future reference. Once I stop paying for WW I lose a lot of the journals, recipes, and such. &nbsp;There is very little available on the site for free.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;I just think if I pay for it now I would be more inclined to use it and the weight will come off quicker. And since it worked so well for me in the past, seems like the logical choice instead of trying to figure out if this or that will work for me. And I think in 3 months I might get the hang of cooking on a budget and learning to cook for a family instead of myself, and then I can go back to doing the program on my own and using MFP. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I do think once I am closer to my goal I would go back to the meetings and have that interaction again to keep me motivated as a Lifetimer. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also signed us up for a 5K walk that our chiro is doing to raise money for the parks here in town. It is at the end of September. I can walk 3 miles no problem, but I am still going to "train" for it. Going to sign us up for a AIDS charity walk that is in October as well. We can just pull Maddy in her wagon. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I could keep talking about this forever, but my reality is that I need to get to work and make money off my words. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B003ELOQD4&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal">Will blog more later. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59507862759883867982010-08-23T11:03:00.004-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.197-04:00I’m in a Food Coma….<div class="MsoNormal">Please send help.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sending out an S.O.S.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I am going to try *cross fingers* to detox from carb and sugar overload.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have discovered that remodeling a bathroom causes stress. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Remodeling a bathroom causes me to not be able to work as I should.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, the joys of working from home.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stress causes me to eat.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eating causes me to feel gross.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, I feel gross.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today is another day of bathroom remodel.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is taking a lot longer than it should have.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Captain A.D.D. can’t seem to stay away.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is so much easier to eat junky. Junky food is cheaper too. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyone else notice that besides me?</div><div class="MsoNormal">No time to blog.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Must work.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Must focus on not stressing.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Damn that bathroom remodel!</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8541694371468322262010-08-12T08:48:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.200-04:00Chinese Buffet Horror<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was not a good day. I meant well. It started well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My home gym still lays in pieces on the basement floor. &nbsp;Matt and my mom spent yesterday ripping the walls down in our bathroom for the great remodel of 2010. Mom brought pulled pork over for lunch. It was good and that was going to be my one meal of the day. I logged it in to myfitnesspal.com and with the two ears of fresh out of the garden corn on the cob; I still had a nice amount of calories left for a snack and my Total Lean shake. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After my mom left Matt and I ventured to Kroger to pick up a few items they had on sale. We actually did really well. I had my whopping $16 of food benefits. I bought everything on sale and even used coupons. We have about 7 bags of groceries and I paid $26 out of pocket. We had a few non-food items like bleach and laundry soap. I was pretty excited about it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before we hit Kroger we decided to stop at the Panda King Chinese Buffet. Normally when I go eat there I stick to a small amount of rice, have some chicken and some sort of vegetable whether it be mushrooms or green beans, and some salad as well as baked fish and sushi. For whatever reason all of the stress of not being able to work much yesterday made me want to feed my emotions and I picked one of every fried item they had. It has been so long since I had anything fried like that. There were only 4 things, but those 4 things made me feel horrible all night. Not just the guilt of eating them, but my body did not like me eating them, not one bit. It has been that way since 2001 when I had my gallbladder surgery and then a few years after that the intestinal one. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I felt awful all night last night. Let this be a lesson learned. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I am hoping for a better day. Waiting on my mom to go do some more budget shopping and look for a few things for the bathroom while Matt and his uncle do a bit of work on it. Once I get home it will be back to work. Oh joy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;I think tonight I am going to spend a little more time looking at this book I have on my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barnes-Noble-NOOK-reader-3G/dp/1400599997?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Nook</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1400599997" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />:</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B003156AVO&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I also just recently downloaded The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. One of these days I will get around to reading it.&nbsp;<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0307454541&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15101308262705579672010-08-11T13:29:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.202-04:00Oh Taco Bell, Why Do You Taunt Me?<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.9198092091828585" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello, my name is Chrystal and I am a Mexican Food Addict. </span><br /><span id="internal-source-marker_0.9198092091828585" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been trying to be very serious about moving more and eating less. For the last few days I have been following the GNC Total Lean weight loss plan. It is the typical “replace two meals with two shakes a day” and have a couple of snacks and a lean meal. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It has been hard, I won’t lie. I love food and I love to eat. Not only that, I really enjoy cooking even though sometimes it is just a chore. I find it rather relaxing most of the time. At the same time, I like having the meals all planned out for me. It helps me obsess less about food and I don’t have to think so much about what to eat. I have also learned that their are some alternatives I can eat that have the same amount of calories as the shakes, but honestly, the shakes are easier. They don’t leave me feeling like I am starving in an hour, like most meal replacement shakes do. I have done Slim Fast many, many times in the past. I find myself constantly snacking on something because I feel like I am starving within 30 mins of drinking the shake. The snack bars have a few flavors that I really like, and the meal bars are ok. For some reason I find them way too sweet for me to eat these days so I had to find another plan that I could try. I figure it does not hurt to try, and I have nothing to lose but a few pounds. Today is Day 3. The first week seems to be the hardest. And they say it takes 21 days to keep a habit. We shall see. I have no desire to drink my meals forever. I just need a little help in the weight department right now and this plan is decently affordable. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know it won’t last, liquid diets work for some, but not for me. I get bored quickly, even with 6 flavors to choose from and hundreds of options to spruce them up. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, last night Matt comes home from work. He brings me 2 Taco Bell Meximelts. My favorite, and they were not fresco style. Oh well. I happily ate them. It was as if he read my mind as I was craving Taco Bell &nbsp;a few hours prior to his arrival. Trying to watch what I eat, I would not have asked for them. After I ate them I started to beat myself up. Why would he bring those to me when he knows I am dieting??? Ugh. And why did I just not save them for lunch today and incorporate them in to the days meal plan.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will tell you why. I am addicted to Mexican food and I have never been able to say NO to it. I can say no to a lot of things, but never Mexican food. Especially anything with avocados. I am a sucker for the creamy blended goodness of guacamole. I honestly think I would die if I did not eat one avocado a week. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So my quest continues for the ultimate scale reduction. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have not been reading any weight loss or nutrition related books. I had a few novels to finish up so &nbsp;I could pass them along to my mom. I also got the lovely<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barnes-Noble-NOOK-reader-3G/dp/1400599997?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank"> Nook </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1400599997" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />for my birthday that I have not really read anything on since I am still in paperback land. I have a low calorie, low fat nutrition book loaded on to it and I plan to post anything useful on it.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B003156AVO&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week will also begin the frugal grocery shopping. I have coupons and sales flyer's ready to go. There is also a really cool place in Bay City that sells food super cheap so I am planning a trip there to stock up on some can and boxed items. I believe there is a bread outlet on the way there. I know I can shop cheap, question is, can I feed Matt cheap? LOL</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68164495381477034632010-08-06T18:43:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:43:37.426-04:00My Week with Mahalo Half Guide Training<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now, to some that have worked with Mahalo this might seem a little silly and trivial, but for those of us who have no experience with the website and/or their writing styles it is a little bit more important.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I applied for a Guide, was told no thank you since I had no Mahalo experience. A few days later I was asked if I would like to work for Mahalo as a half guide and if I did, here were some weeks to pick from for training.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I picked my week for training, which was this week. It was a paid hourly wage ($7.50) for 5 hours a day. For me, that is WAY less (yes I know, not proper grammar and I really don't care right now) than I generally average in an hour.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our training was supposed to go a little something like this:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Monday: How to Write a Mahalo General Topic Page</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tuesday: How to Write a Mahalo General Topic Page</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wednesday: How to Write a Mahalo How to Page</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thursday: How to Perform a Complete Update</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;" /></span></span> <span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Friday: How to Answer Questions Effectively</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well, it went NOTHING like that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">First, I assumed since I had sent in a writing sample and was picked for training after sending in that sample that the job was mine and I was going through a training process to learn the ropes of the Mahalo site. It was not until a few days in to the training we were made aware of the process. This is not the case. You are given grades for your work and then they pick who they want to bring on based on this. They are having 3 other sessions for training and will pick from those as well. Not everyone gets hired.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Having suffered through the week, I am positive Mahalo and I are not a good fit. I was so irritated for so many reasons. This is my personal experience and my little vent. Of course, as with all other writing places it is different for everyone. Having said that, I expected quite a bit from training.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You have to log into a training chat every day, and stay logged in. I think of training as a way to teach us. Not send us off on a wild goose chase, which is exactly what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Monday</span></span></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> we were sent an email. In that email contained a 5 page print out. Basic guidelines of Mahalo. And when I say basic, I mean very basic. I write for Demand Studios and private clients. I am used to step by step detailed instructions being laid out right in front of you. Even Break Studios, TextBroker and Experts 123 gives you more details in their instructions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Monday I was able to write TWO of their given topic pages. I had to read the handout she sent and when that did not help me I had to search the site. I found little information. I know I was not the only one having problems. And she seemed almost irritated and made comments about how we should be able to figure this out. Trying to figure out their website and all of these little extras they want was a total nightmare and it literally gave me a headache. I am a fairly good writer, it should not have taken me so long to write something so simple, but it is hard when you are playing the guessing game. We are given a handful or topics to choose from. None of them interest me, none of them are things I really know about. As we all know, trying to force ourselves to write about something we have no desire to is like pulling teeth. It was not an enjoyable experience for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tuesday </span></span></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I was ready to start a new day. I just figured Monday was a case of the first day blues, trying to work out the kinks to a new program and system. It happens. However today the teacher had an accident and was laid up in bed with a back ache. So instead of working on more Topic pages we had to do the Question and Anwers that were scheduled for Friday. These are a lot like DS Tips. You find a question and answer it in 100 words plus a video. These were on Mahalo sister sites. We had to do 10 of them. I had these done in about an hour or so. So my training was done for the day. We were told not to work on yesterday’s items. So I just went over my questions to make sure the answers were really good. I wanted to get paid for my day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wednesday </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ended up being a giant gripe fest about how we should be able to get these things done in X amount of time and how all these mistakes were being made and blah blah. It was really starting to turn me off at this point. All I kept thinking was if we had better instructions it might help. The trainer even mentioned she did tell the higher ups that we really needed training materials (videos) to help us. Sadly, they will not have those for our training session. &nbsp;I made all the corrections she asked me to from Monday.&nbsp; They still were not good enough for her.&nbsp; I felt like I was now dealing with the nightmare CE at DS that everyone complains about. I can handle rewrites. I can handle constructive criticism. But I cannot handle telling me something is wrong when there is no rules stating what is or is not acceptable and you are left to figure it out for yourself. First there was to be no list, needed facts only. I got facts and that was now to be a list. Confused? Yes, me too. I was ready to throw in the towel at this point. And then I really started to do the math in my head. The time it has taken me to write these two simple articles was ridiculous. So, I spent more time on the Mahalo site looking for help and answers. Anything that would help me with my damn subject (Jewelry Supplies and Jewelry Making Supplies) and help me move it along. I was so frustrated with myself at this point.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thursday </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ended up being exactly like yesterday! I kid you not. Again, not good enough, complete rewrite only this time I swear she wanted me to do exactly what I had done Monday that had to be corrected. When I tried to call her out on this all she did was give me a link to the Mahalo How to Guide on writing for the company.&nbsp; I just kept saying to myself, one more day. One more day. So, I made the corrections, noted them on our Google Doc sheet, which I kept a copy of for myself in case she was makig changes and trying to say she did not ask for this and that if I decided to take her up with corporate. She was totally contradicting herself on a day to day basis and it made me wonder if she knew what she was talking about. I know some of the other girls were having a lot of problems as well, the guys in the training were not as vocal. I took my two titles and rewrote them again, as directed, for two brand new articles.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Friday</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> I was oh so happy to see an email from the trainer asking me where I was yesterday and how I would not be paid! WTF? You have got to be kidding me. Ok, so I said hello first thing in chat when we started and spent the entire time focusing on my articles and my Mahalo pages. I would check the chat and all it was were others asking for help. I had no questions and nothing to say. At 5 I logged my work and ended my day like she said to do. Apparently because I did not say goodnight I was in the wrong and apparently not working for the day. I almost did not go through training today. I was so pi**ed off that I decided it was not worth it. All the rewrites, so little guidance. &nbsp;I have never had to rewrite so much, ever!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Then, I finished my same two pages up yet again today. Same requests, same changes. I had to send an email to the trainer noting my work for Thursday. I mean she graded my evaluation how in the world can she say that I was not working.&nbsp; Today we were sent lose on a How to page. Should be easy enough, since I write them on DS. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mahalo is MUCH more technical and they want a lot more stuff added to their pages. I only had 30 minutes left of my day, so I did not get much of mine done. Again, only a handful of titles to choose from and when I asked her about how we get titles she said they do not have 1000s to choose from like DS does. I feel it is going to be more like TB where you have titles to pick from, but nothing really interests you but you do it anyway because you have to. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You know, I really wanted this to work out. I thought it would be a fun egg to have. I think they want/expect too much for way too little. So today, I did the math.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">MAHALO</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Half Guide $500 a month</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">$125 a week</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">HAVE TO write per week:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12 pages</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Do 6 updates</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Write 5 answers to questions</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">DEMAND STUDIOS</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">$420-$720 a month (based on what Mahalo wanted us to do per week, one can certainly make more)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">$105-$195 per week</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">CAN write per week (this is comparable to their topics and how to)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12 articles $7.50 OR $15 &nbsp;&nbsp;= $90 - $180</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rewrites included if you get them</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5 Tips (comparable to their Q&amp;A)&nbsp;&nbsp; $3each = $15</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, for me DS is better. I can also do titles with them for more money. So, I will just stick with them.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mahalo might be a good fit for someone else, but personally I can make more with my private clients, magazines and demand. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We should know next week whether we are hired or not. I am guessing by the amount of rewriting I was asked for, I will not be picked. And, I am ok with that.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42501459792393757292010-08-04T19:38:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.103-04:00Becoming a Foodie on a BudgetMy blog is going to take on a new theme. I will always been the Self Employed Writer. It is what pays my bills after all, and now, it will be paying for my groceries as well.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have never been too proud to ask for help when I needed it and the day I moved to Michigan, I needed it.&nbsp; No job, no unemployment, I needed something. &nbsp;My income has never exceeded the single person limit for benefits. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For whatever reason my benefits were reduced from $200 a month to a measly $16 a month. &nbsp;I don’t know why and I am not sure I even want to hear the reason. My income has not changed since my last evaluation six months ago.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What IS going to change is how, and what I eat. I have been talking for some time now about using my blog to journal my journey of weight loss on a budget. $200 was a budget when healthy food items cost twice as much as its fatty counterpart. Now, who is going to be able to budget $16 a month? Not me. But I am going to have to get creative on meals. Especially when trying to feed Matt and Madison.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While I continue to save for a video camera so I can vlog as well, I will be filling up these pages with ideas on how to eat healthy on an extreme budget. At least I am going to try. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first thing I am going to have to spend some time doing is getting organized. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need a meal plan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need a budget.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need a food price list.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Coupons, eh…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need low cost healthy meal recipes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, right now…I need dinner.<br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0764554034&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76834258238024846472010-08-03T21:29:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.105-04:00For My Cousin and Her Husband<div class="MsoNormal">For My Cousin and Her Husband</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have all heard the phrase “Life is too short” over and over again. I know you have also heard the one where things can change “in the blink of an eye.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This past weekend, both proved to be true.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">16 weeks in she began to miscarry and Conner Ryan King was still born.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My heart goes out to her.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17275323109773874672010-07-29T11:58:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.108-04:00GNC Total Lean Vanilla Bean Shake<div class="MsoNormal">I have done my time with Slim Fast. I have been using the product off and on since I was in High School. Mind you, I am now 35 years old, so that tells you how long SF has been in the picture. The only thing I still like from them is the ready to drink Cappuccino Delight shake in a can. I put them in the freezer for a few minutes and have one for breakfast. I also like one of the snack bars because it reminds me of a Butterfinger, but the name escapes me at the moment. I can’t follow the actual Slim Fast plan. I always feel like I am starving. Even when they came out with the Optima formula. Not only that, everything is SO sweet I can’t even stand to eat the bars. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am however in need of a simple plan to shed some weight. What I am not though is someone who can drink their calories. I need that psychological aspect of eating. Putting the food in my mouth and chewing. Because of this I have never really been able to stick to the liquid diet of replacing two meals a day with two shakes a day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With all of these new formulas out now days they have less sugar, more protein and more fiber giving&nbsp; you that full feeling and keeping you full much longer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe, just maybe I can try that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Years ago when the GNC line first came out, I gave it a try. The chocolate shake was thin and tasted like watered down chocolate milk. I was hungry within the hour. I never bought another canister. The other day I was in our local GNC getting some herbal supplements to help with my illnesses and noticed they had single serve packets on sale for 99cents. When I asked the girl if she had something to control my appetite while working on my weight loss, she suggested the shakes. They have no stimulants which is good because I am very sensitive to medications and supplements. She stated she had a shake every morning for breakfast. It was easy and she will still losing weight, was not hungry, still had a lot of energy. We talked for a bit and found we had a lot in common with our weight, love of food, depression and anxiety. Talking to her was godsend. She was so helpful. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided to try the Swiss Chocolate and Vanilla Bean. I had the Vanilla Bean yesterday for lunch, about 1:30p and I did not get hungry until 6ish. I was too lazy to use a blender. I used skim milk instead of water. As soon as I tore the package open I could tell it was going to at least taste good by the smell. It smelled just like cake batter. I put 8oz skim milk in a cup and stirred the powder in to it with a fork. Then I continued to stir with the fork until the powder was dissolved. It dissolved very well and I did not have any clumps. It was nice and thick. To trick my brain I used a spoon to “drink” it like soup and took my time. It was yummy and I plan to buy more. The girl at GNC said she purchased some of the sugar free flavored coffee syrups to add some flavors to the shakes for variety. I know the shakes themselves come in 3 or 4 flavors. She purchased orange to add to the vanilla to make an orange cream. Sounded yummy!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today or tomorrow I plan to try the Swiss Chocolate. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60702173424765217872010-07-29T11:37:00.005-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.593-05:00The Boring Book Blog Post<div class="MsoNormal">Boring!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Addiction-Successful-Busting-Approach/dp/1899398465?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Freedom from Addiction: The Secret behind Successful Addiction Busting (Human Givens Approach)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1899398465" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have never been so bored trying to read a book in my entire life. Not even a darn college textbook was this bad! I was really hoping for something fresh to pick my brain, but all my brain got was one giant ache. I was excited to load this on my Nook last night, clicking through page by page as I watched a DVR of America’s Got Talent. First thing this morning, I deleted it off my Nook. *two thumbs down*</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">*yawns*</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not very motivated today for a blog post. Not really sure what to write about.<br /><br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1400599997&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2066886998028465872010-07-28T13:31:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.598-05:00And now we are ready for Chapter 3. Or, are we?<div class="MsoNormal">And now we are ready for Chapter 3. Or, are we?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has taken me some time to write these reviews because although I CAN admit that I binge, overeat and/or have an addiction to food, what I CANNOT sit here and do is believe that Kay Sheppard’s book and perhaps the overall 12-Step OA program is the “plan” or way for me. &nbsp;It works for many, and that is great. I think OA and any of the 12 Step programs are wonderful for those who need that type of recovery program.</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the same breath, we are all different in our needs, wants, and desires. And this really is not it for me. I will give more explanation in a minute. Right now, I want to talk about Chapter 3 and move forward with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Addiction-Knows-Revised-Expanded/dp/155874276X?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Food Addiction: The Body Knows.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=155874276X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In Chapter 3</b>: The Progression of Food Addiction we discover the possibility that refined carbohydrates, since introduced to us at a very early age put us right in the path of destruction. Apparently these carbs are one giant trigger. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stage One of Food Addiction: Early Signs<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Preoccupation with Food</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sneaking Food</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stealing Food and Money</div><div class="MsoNormal">Discomfort in No Food Situations</div><div class="MsoNormal">Keeping Secrets</div><div class="MsoNormal">Concern about Weight</div><div class="MsoNormal">Self-Loathing</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eating After Others Stop</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stage Two<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Loss of Control and Attempts to Control</div><div class="MsoNormal">Self- Deception and the Deception of Others</div><div class="MsoNormal">Making Excuses</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lethargy, Irritability and Depression </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Final Stages<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Efforts to Control Binging Fail Repeatedly</div><div class="MsoNormal">Loss of Interest in Family, Friends, and other Pursuits</div><div class="MsoNormal">Work and Family Problems</div><div class="MsoNormal">Emotional, Physical, Moral and Mental Deterioration</div><div class="MsoNormal">Neglect of Good Nutrition</div><div class="MsoNormal">Food is the Main Source of Security</div><div class="MsoNormal">Panic: Obsession and Compulsion Take Over </div><div class="MsoNormal">Complete Defeat</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No one wants to admit they are a food addict, especially me. I have found myself going through many of these stages, many of these actions. Enough is enough. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 4</b>: The Primitive Brain-Seat of Addiction is merely a scientific breakdown of the chemicals in our brain and why food addicts crave the foods that they do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is my problem; I do not crave just one type of food. As a matter of fact, I don’t really crave anything. I just start to eat something, anything, and it can turn into a binge. I don’t binge because of the food; I binge because of the emotion I was feeling before I even started to eat something. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 5</b>: The Addictive Foods is a chapter that focuses on food. Highly refined carbohydrates, wheat and flour products are all highly addictive in nature.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 6</b>: Consequences of Food Addiction is pretty self explanatory. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 7</b>: Methods that Fail is a basic discussion as to why diets don’t work for a food addict. The last thing a food addict needs is to be told what they can and cannot eat, right? Making a food addict feel deprived is only going to make them want it more, resulting in another binge. Diet make the food addict obsess about food. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This brings me to my whole rant about <b>Chapter 8</b>: A Lifetime Eating Plan.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is why I have a serious problem with this book, in her eating plan which she recommends to all OA members (and many I know do follow) is restrictive. There is a long list of foods to keep out of your house. </div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Abstain from ALL forms of flour.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Eliminate ALL high-fat foods.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Avoid ALL forms of chocolate.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">No alcoholic beverages.</li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">She claims she is not a 12 step program, but she does recommend them, highly. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Now then, the things a food addict CAN eat are very plain and extremely simple. However, she makes sure you understand that EVERYTHING has to be planned, measured, and written down. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">So, not only are we being restricted to the foods we can eat, we have to plan, write down, talk about, measure, and follow this so called non-diet, diet plan??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="color: red;">Can you now understand why this book and program is NOT for me?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">I will NOT being following the advice in this book. I am also opting out of OA.&nbsp; Does the description of a food addict fit me? Yes, absolutely. Am I ready to go to the extremes with abstinence the way Ms. Sheppard recommends? No way! No one can be prepared for this type of extreme eating. It would completely take over my life, and I don’t need that. All this program does is simply (and quite literally) replacing on addiction for another. There is that constant worry of whether there is sugar or flour in something. Constantly wondering can I eat this? NO? Well, what about this? Or that? All this does is create more craziness and obsession.&nbsp; I have tried to do this once, when I did OA the first time back in 2005. All that did was lead me to guilt, endless frustration, and just wanting to be normal with my food.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Currently I am working to find peace with food, ALL FOOD! I will not allow any person or program brainwash me in to thinking foods are bad, or good, or some clean or dirty. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Like I said, some people might need this, and, it might just work for them. I am not one of them. &nbsp;I prefer to make peace with my past, my food, and live a normal, healthy life. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">I got a Nook eBook reader for my birthday last week. I downloaded a sample <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of Freedom from Addiction: The Chopra Center Method for Overcoming Destructive Habits, by Deepak Chopra.</i> I read it and have to say, it is more of a match for me that Food Addiction was. It is geared towards those who do not fit with the Key Sheppard or the OA 12 Step Method. &nbsp;I am a huge fan of natural healing and think this book is going to be an insightful read. I plan to add the entire book to my Nook right after I finish reading <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Addiction-Successful-Busting-Approach/dp/1899398465?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=freelan09-20&amp;link_code=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969" target="_blank">Freedom from Addiction: The Secret behind Successful Addiction Busting by Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrell.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=freelan09-20&amp;l=btl&amp;camp=213689&amp;creative=392969&amp;o=1&amp;a=1899398465" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i> What can I say? It was a freebie. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><o:p><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0757305784&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1246294628209170822010-07-26T17:32:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.110-04:00My Apologies<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message">I'm sorry I am sick. I am sorry I am one with the illness. I am sorry that it is not my fault. And yet, somehow I am sorry it ruins YOUR life.</span></h3>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53062480379113638382010-07-26T12:35:00.003-04:002011-08-10T11:48:38.873-04:00The Circle of My Life<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; white-space: normal;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8492500148713589" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Circle of My Life</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t work when Matt is here. I try. I fail. It takes me 3X as long for 1/3 of the pay.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I need money to pay bills and do things.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No money, no things.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have to make up for those days which means giving up on fun things just so I can have the house to myself to work. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Giving up on fun things is always surrounded by a huge guilt trip. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What about me? Why &nbsp;is it always about you?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't work hard enough or make enough money. I am not giving enough things. I am not doing enough. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I should be able to do it all. Work, school, all the housework, take care of Matt and Madison.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who is taking care of me? I sure don’t have time.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I try, and I get overwhelmed, run down and tired. I fall apart. I seek food for comfort.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He want’s more, more , more!</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why can’t they be happy with what they have?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I eat to mask these emotions. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I gain more weight.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Too much focus on what I don’t do or don’t give and no blessings or appreciation for what I DO!</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember the mean things people said to me over and over. Horrible. &nbsp;I want to hide all over again.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I turn back to my one friend, food.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I exercise, but its not enough. I feel its pointless. I am worthless and never going to get past this.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not good enough, I should not be in this relationship. It is too hard. He is never going to understand. I will never get the space I need to work, to make money, to buy things, to do things, to have free time. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am misunderstood. I am overworked and under appreciated. I am pushed more than I should be.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I eat more, for comfort.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hide. I don’t go places. I stay home. Safe and comfortable. Free from harm.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More guilt. More food. More mental breakdown and more hiding.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If I just lose the weight again, maybe it will all just go away.</span></div></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45901999578717627072010-07-26T11:06:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:01:39.631-04:00Memories<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.024482022039592266" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is funny how one small thing can open up a whole door to things forgotten. My mother was over the other day helping Matt with our bathroom remodel. I had taken a break from working to cook dinner. Mom and I were in the kitchen chatting. I honestly do not remember what we were talking about exactly, but I had told her about how certain people in my family used to tease and make fun of me for being the fat kid. I had forgotten about most of it. Bringing up that subject opened the door for all of these memories to come flooding back. Mean and nasty things were said to me. Things that no child should ever hear. It was bad enough I was trying to hide what was going on with me in my home life (those dad issues), it was bad enough I was trying to hide the fact food was my medication (although the weight certainly showed something), it was bad enough kids at school teased me relentlessly, I should not be hearing these things from my own family as well. </span><br /><span id="internal-source-marker_0.024482022039592266" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I lived in OK for 30 years. When I was younger we would take our family vacation, every summer, every year, for the 1000 mile drive to MI to visit family. I remember hiding from a lot of my family. The only person I really wanted to be around was my grandmother. She protected me. She always told me not to listen to them and no matter what, always thought I was beautiful.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt bad for my mom the other day, she had no idea. At the time I only remembered one certain person and all their mean comments. As the days have gone on, others have come to surface.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am having one of those light bulb moments. This, along with the dad shit, is why I have never felt comfortable around my family. I always feel like the outsider. I feel like I have nothing in common and afraid to even try for the fact someone might say something mean again. It has been unclear to me, until now, why I never felt comfortable in my own skin. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is hard growing up being the fat kid everyone made fun of. I can still hear many of those childhood comments today. Now that I have gained all of the lost weight back, and then some, all of those thoughts come back to me. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am a prisoner in my own body. I eat to cure the pain, which only makes things worse. The only place I feel safe from the mean comments and peoples stares is at home. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This has to be what causes some of my panic attacks! Starting at such an early age, being faced with all that nastiness. I have pushed it all inside to try to forget about it, but it is still there in my subconscious pushing at those panic buttons. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday night we had a birthday dinner for myself, I had such a bad panic attack that as I was cutting tomato's for the salad, I began to feel hot, flushed, my site started to fade to black and I lost my balance. I thought I was going to pass out. I grabbed the tomato so tight I squished it, and I had the knife in the other hand praying to God not to let me fall. If I fell, I would have stabbed myself. All I could think about was “I can’t let Madison see me like this!” God please help me.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t tell Matt about it until Saturday.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And now, here I am at 35 years of age and slowly starting to connect all the dots. The dots of why. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt doesn’t understand why I like to stay home, stay hidden. I have tried to explain it to him, and all he can say is to him I am beautiful and no one else matters. That may be the case, but what I think matters. And what I see in the mirror, I do not like. I do not like it when people look at me. I fear they are whispering and laughing about me. Talking about me and my weight. Saying mean and nasty things, just like those around me have always done.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He also does not understand that these thoughts and feelings I have are not going to go away over night. Quite often I think he is just better off without me.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Somehow I have to regain control over my life. Somehow I have to win. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6194425892583377942010-07-20T18:58:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.602-05:00Let’s Dive In: Chapter Two – Recognizing the Disease<div class="MsoNormal">Let’s Dive In: Chapter Two – Recognizing the Disease</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have to admit, I thought I had food addiction all figured out. You become addicted to food much in the same manner an alcoholic does alcohol or a drug addict to the drug of their choice. Food becomes the drug of your choice. &nbsp;What I really question is do all food addicts overeat? Do they binge? Do they all go hand-in-hand? </div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s dive into the DSM-III-R list of eating problems (American Psychiatric Association)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rapid Binge/Purge:</b>&nbsp; recurrent episodes if binge eating (rapid consumption of a large amount of food in a discrete time period.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">On page 14 Kay points out that “large amounts of food” vary from person to person.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Inconspicuous Eating<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Secret Eating:</b> eating in isolation</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rapid Eating:</b> the food is gobbled down quickly, with little to know chewing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fear of Loss of Control:</b> there is a feeling of lack of control over eating behavior during the binge. It is here that Kay states the binger who has lost control, or has a feeling of no control in regards to quitting the binge; the eater has crossed the line into addiction. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Purging, Fasting, Exercise:</b> laxative, extreme exercise or vomiting are used as a means to prevent weight gain. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Frequent Binging:</b> an average of two binge eating episodes a week for at least three month.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Over-concern with Body Shape and Weight<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Self-Diagnoses Checklist</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These are the questions in Kay’s book and these are my answers:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Has anyone ever told you that you have a problem with food?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>No, my psychiatrist told me I had an addiction to laxatives, never an issue with food. Odd now that I think about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you think food is a problem for you?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>I don’t think it’s the food. I think it’s my mental disorders. Food is the drug that stabilizes the chemicals in my brain when medication is unavailable.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you eat large amount of high calorie food in a short period of time?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>I have. I have done so when I was in a hurry, trying to overcome a mood swing and I have even done this on low calorie foods like carrots and celery.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you eat to overcome shyness?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>No, I am not shy. I have anxiety disorders, but I am not shy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you eat when you are disappointed, tense, or anxious?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Yes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Can you stop eating without a struggle after one or two sweets?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>I can. This question is almost like a trick question. I can eat a piece of candy and be fine. I can eat a brownie and walk away. Some days, I can’t.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Has your eating ever interfered with a any part of your life?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Yes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="8" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Has being overweight ever affected any part of your life?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l14 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Yes. &nbsp;Now I am wondering why this question is put in here when we are talking about food. We are overweight because we eat too much and move too less. It does not make me like food more or less.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l14 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="9" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you weigh yourself once or twice (or more) a day?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>No.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="10" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you eat more than you plan to eat? <o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Not really. I plan my meals during the day and because I am currently counting calories I am pretty good about staying within my calorie range. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="11" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have you hidden food so that you would have it just for yourself?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Yes. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="12" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have you felt angry when someone ate food you saved for yourself?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Not until I moved in with Matt. &nbsp;And because he eats so much, I get angry when he eats my share too, not saving any for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="13" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you worry that you can’t control how much you eat?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>I do now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="14" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have you felt frantic about your size, shape, or weight?<o:p></o:p></b></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo15; text-indent: -.25in;">A.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Ever since I put the weight back on, yes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo15; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><ol start="15" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How many of these methods of weight loss have you tried in the past?<o:p></o:p></b></li><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Self-induced vomiting?</b> I have tried, but can’t get myself to throw up.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Laxatives?</b> I was addicted to laxatives, just ask my shrink. &nbsp;I went to Weight Watchers, and I was more obsessed over stepping on the scale with a gain. I could eat a carrot and still drink the stuff as I was so worried I was going to gain.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Diuretics?</b> I pee enough as it is, I don’t need them.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fasting?</b> I like food too much.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Compulsive Exercise?</b> I hate to exercise as it is.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amphetamines?</b> Not since the speed frenzy days of high school</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cocaine?</b> Never.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Over the counter diet pills, gum, and/or caramels?</b> Yes.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sorbitol?</b> No.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chewing and spitting food.</b> Again, I like food too much.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acupuncture, Acupressure?</b> No.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hypnosis?</b> No.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Urine Shots?</b> No.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Special food, drinks and supplements?</b> No.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weight loss programs?</b> Yes</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How many?</b> 4 or so</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How often?</b> Seems all my life.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level2 lfo1;"><br /></li></ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have you ever felt so ashamed of the amount you eat that you hide your eating?</b> Yes, I have.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have you ever been so upset about the way that you eat that you wished that you would die?</b> No. No matter how bad I have ever been I have never thought I wanted to die. I have however, thought that others around me would be better off if they did not have to deal with me.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you overeat more than twice a week?</b> Sometimes.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you invent plans in order to be alone to eat?</b> No. Never really need to</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do you seek out companions who eat the way you do?</b> No.</li></ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, so there you go. Me, in a nut-shell.<br /><br />And I do not feel any closer to understanding myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Next up, Chapter Three – The Progression of Food Addiction.<br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=155874276X&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89436173434021062622010-07-20T17:52:00.003-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.607-05:00Chew on This: Something More<div class="MsoNormal">Chew on This: Something More</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">My friend Jenna has been in my life since I moved to Stillwater back in 95. On one hand it seems just like yesterday. On the other hand, it really does feel as if it has been 15 long years. So much has changed and life has taken us in different directions. We have been there through some of the worst, and some of the best. And even though we are miles apart it seems as if we still have so much in common. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">For whatever technical issue the internet tends to provide us she was unable to comment on my actual blog post and made the gesture to share it with me through Facebook. It really made me think about things from another point-of-view and I wanted to share that here. I have edited some very personal information that I am sure she would like for me to not share. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In bold is my original post, in italics is her reply. I have made my own notes in red. <br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">According to Sheppard, food addiction is – the compulsive pursuit of a mood change by engaging repeatedly in episodes of binge eating despite adverse consequences (Sheppard, pg3).</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">&nbsp;</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ok, Ms. Sheppard, but there are other addictions to food besides binge eating. I can be addicted to food and not binge eat. What if I eat 5-7 small meals a day. I am still eating all the time and like food, but look, no binge.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I have often wondered this myself. I feel very torn down the middle of this subject. There are times when I go out to eat and feel like I have to be a member of the “clean plate club” and some would view that as overeating. I just like the food, it tastes good and I hate the thought of not only wasting food, but money as well. Now, I am trying to make the sound decision to order appetizers instead of meals, or asking for a to-go box in order to enjoy my meal again, the next day, eating half at a time. My food choices are (more often than not) based on my moods. Sometimes I graze all day. I have to admit I am a but puzzled by the whole food addiction thing. However, having said that, I know (for me personally) when I get extremely emotional I feel the need to do something. Sometimes I start to clean. I have to keep my hands moving, and other times I feel the need to eat. There are times when I can easily stop, and there have been times when I get so deep in to it that I just can’t. The food gives me a high. I get high, I crash and I burn. So, is it really the food I am addicted to since it just about any food I can eat, or is it the chemicals in my food? Could it just be the actions that I am addicted to? Does that make sense to anyone? How do you know it’s actually the food itself and not the emotions, thoughts or feelings surrounding the binge?</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Those consequences? Food addiction is chronic, progressive and ultimately fatal (Sheppard, pg 3).</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">&nbsp;</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Duh! but do we really need the dramatic effect. Any addiction can be fatal because anything not done in moderation can hurt you and ultimately kill you.</i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">&nbsp;</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"instead they have a metabolic, biochemical imbalance which can cause the symptoms of food addiction."</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br /><span class="apple-style-span"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It couldn’t possibly be, I xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx because I have never seen it as anything other than something that hurts me. It can't possibly be that my food addiction is less now because God has healed many of those hurts or is healing them and for the first time. Maybe if she realized there is freedom from food addiction besides obsessing over it by tracking everything you do with it? I can finally see myself the way God does, and that helps more than her book or diet plan will. I can see myself as beautiful and desirable because He says I am.</i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I don't need her perfectionist nature or critical spirit to define my identity. My identity is in Christ so all the old stuff including my food addiction has passed away and because I believe what Jesus says about me, all things are new!</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">That is all I have to say for now, but I could say so much more!</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Love ya,</span><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Jenna<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: red; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s my Jenna! We have both struggle with food and body issues. Why do we need a book, another diet plan that claims to not be a diet plan, a way of life that tells us what we can or can’t eat? Why can’t someone just say, “you know what, bad things happened to you at such a young age you did not learn the proper way to deal. You dealt the only way you knew how. You ate. Your body became big. You hid. Bad people stayed away. You were safe. In the process the relationship with food was the love of your life.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: red; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Or something like that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80989642283948896472010-07-17T10:49:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.613-05:00I can admit: I like food.<div class="MsoNormal">I can admit: I like food. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am going to pick apart this book. It is not going to make some people happy. It may not make anyone happy. I was given the freedom to say what I want and therefore, I am going to do just that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I stated in a past blog that I had picked up a copy of Kay Sheppard’s book: “Food Addiction: The Body Knows” as a recommendation from someone who goes to Overeaters Anonymous groups meetings.&nbsp; The book itself is relatively short at a mere 176 pages including references and such. It did not take me long to read, I finished it in three days. I would read a bit on the treadmill and some before I went to bed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book is pretty short, but I have some things I want to say. Some things I have learned about myself as well. I don’t want to make the blog posts extremely long so I plan to do one or two chapters at a time. Out of respect for authors, I will not be posting entire chapters. That would just be silly. I just have some things I want to point out and comment on! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Chapter One: &nbsp;What is Food Addiction?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do you know what food addiction is? I thought I knew. I thought it was just a replacement for another addiction such as alcohol or drugs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">According to Sheppard, food addiction is – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the compulsive pursuit of a mood change by engaging repeatedly in episodes of binge eating despite adverse consequences (Sheppard, pg3).</i> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">Those consequences?&nbsp; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Food addiction is chronic, progressive and ultimately fatal (Sheppard, pg 3).</i> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">DEATH!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, you read correctly. Those with a food addiction are really killing themselves. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Great. That makes me feel so much better. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She goes on to say food addicts are not weak-willed (thank goodness for that!) or immoral, the do not have a bad habit or a behavioral problem (Say what??) instead they have a metabolic, biochemical imbalance which can cause the symptoms of food addiction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">(insert sarcasm here)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Really. Is that all?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, sarcasm over. Honestly, I figured that much. It is funny how when I was on my anti-depressants my relationship with food became a little better. The binges were not as bad, the laxative addiction went away. However, I still had a habit to eat too much (aka – overeating). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, does food addiction cause you to overeat? Would it cause you to binge as well? Eating disorders, binging, purging by whatever means, overeating, food addiction – OH MY! I feel so confused and overwhelmed by all of this.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just want to run right to Jenny Craig and have her tell me exactly what to eat and when. Don’t leave it up to me, don’t make me decide. Just tell me, and I will do it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">According to Kay, food addicts also suffer from obsession. Preoccupation with food is shown by constantly thinking about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">buying, preparing, and eating food (Sheppard, pg3)</i>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You telling me that I am not normal? I have to admit, I think about what I am going to make for lunch and dinner. I have to figure it out to take it out of the freezer. I have a set time I try to eat every day. I try to stick to a routine as it is easier to work around. I have to think about what time Matt is going to be home from work so that I know what time I should start dinner. I have to know when Maddy is going to be with us so I know what to make for her. &nbsp;I did not realize this made me obsessive. Obsessive might be someone who thinks about food 24/7. &nbsp;I actually allow other thoughts to enter my brain. So maybe I am not so obsessive after all. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">(again with the sarcasm here) Riiiiiiiight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am pointing this out because later in the book Kay seems to contradict herself in talking about how once you follow her food plan (although OA stresses they are not a diet group) you must plan you meals, make your meal, measure your meals, follow the food plan, call your sponsor, and report all your meals to your sponsor. To me, that seems a bit obsessive in nature as well. One might argue that you are just replacing one obsessive behavior with another.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We’ll talk more about that when we get to that chapter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Have you ever enjoyed something you were eating so much that you lost control and were unable to stop eating after ONE bite? If so, that is compulsion. One bite? &nbsp;Really?&nbsp; If you want to be skinny as well, there is a slimness obsession on top of the compulsion. Oh, what a partnership that makes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, I am not trying to make light of the situation, but I am not sure if I can agree with the one bite thing. &nbsp;Maybe the person did not WANT to stop. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe I am in denial. Don’t know how that could be since I have already admitted what I go through.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to be thinner. I want to be able to shop and find clothes that fit me. Plus size clothes cost more, which is so unfair! I get the fact that there is more material, but come on! A few dollars more is one thing, but I have been to stores that charge $15 more for the exact same item in a 1X compared to an XL.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the last paragraph of Chapter 1 Kay states <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Do you think your body is who you are? Food addicts become so focused on body weight, body size and shape that we begin to forget that we are the sum total of our body, mind and spirit (Sheppard, pg 12). “<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know I am overweight. I have rolls I don’t like. My arms continue to wave for 5 minutes after I have told someone goodbye. Clothes don’t fit. It feeds my depression. My depression needs medication. I eat. I feel better for a while. Then, I feel guilty. This feeds my depression. It’s a terrible circle. I don’t look at my body in mirrors. I don’t really enjoy shopping anymore. Right now, I do feel like my body is a reflection of myself. I know I am a good person, but who is going to take the time to see that when they can’t get around what my outside looks like?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll leave you with that.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;">Next up- Chapter Two: Recognizing the Disease<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reference:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Food Addiction: The Body Knows</div><div class="MsoNormal">1993. Kay Sheppard</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52091035683354866872010-07-16T18:01:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.213-04:00Why is this happening?<div class="MsoNormal">My trigger is not food, my trigger is my emotions. However, I use food as medication to feed my emotions. One step to abstinence it to remove emotions and events that cause me to overeat. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have learned that is easier said than done. It is going to take a long time for me to win this battle. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Living with Matt is one giant trigger. There are things about him that remind me of my dad. It is trigger central around here at any given moment. Not his fault, I realize that, but try to tell my brain that. Sights, sounds, smells. They are all triggers for me. It is because of this there has been a relapse in my remission of mental health. All these triggers make me want to eat. Food is my medication.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have cried. I have screamed out in anger. I have tried going back on medications.&nbsp; Because there has been a relapse in my mental health, that means a relapse in all aspects of it. So, now there is the relapse in my eating disorder as well. Obviously since food is my medication of choice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And I sit here wondering, why? Why me? Why does this have to happen now? &nbsp;All I want out of life is to be free from all of these diseases. I want to be healthy inside my brain and inside my body. I am so overwhelmed I just want to cry. The more I try to talk to Matt, the more he seems to run away. I don’t have many friends and I have not been very good at reaching out to anyone anyway. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am trying to cure myself of something I am not even sure there is a cure for. &nbsp;Looking back, there once was a time I was in remission. I was! I know I was! I went through Weight Watchers. I lost the weight. And I gained an addiction to laxatives in the process. Brilliant! I went through therapy. I went on medication. I gained weight back. Awesome! And I have continued to gain and lose. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt’s friends know; he eats a lot! I try my best to cook healthy things. But once I close up kitchen for the night, we watch some TV and I head off in to the bedroom to relax, unwind and read he goes right back into the kitchen to eat some more. It is hard having eating problems and living with someone who overeats pretty much on a daily basis. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I spend my days obsessing over food. What to buy. What to eat. What to prepare for us, and Maddy on the weekends. Are they going to like it? How many calories are in that? Then I think about the mess I am going to have to clean up. How long is that going to take? Somehow, I have to clear my brain and work in between all of this obsessiveness. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why can’t someone else do this?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know you are asking yourself the same thing I have asked myself many times. Why do you live with someone that causes you so much pain? That answer is pretty easy. It is not his fault. It is not his fault I grew up the way that I did. It is not his fault that I have these problems. Is he insensitive? Sometimes. And sometimes he causes me more problems. &nbsp;But that is another blog post. I have thought about moving out. Made plans to move out. Every time I think about it I am crippled with fear. How do I know putting myself in another environment is going to be any better?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In an honest effort to try and get a grip on my problems I started to read a book called Food Addiction: The Body Knows by Kay Sheppard. The book was written in 1989 and revised in 1993. It is a bit outdated and could probably stand to be updated again, but there is quite a bit of useful information within its pages. I have been reading it while I walk on the treadmill. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is so much in that book that is yelling at me, it is scary. Rather than make this blog post longer than it already is, I am going to break it up into smaller sections. &nbsp;It might help you understand me and someone else that is going through this and it helps me by journaling. Even if it is in public, I am a writer after all. </div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the first things I had to do is remove myself from triggers, and remove the triggers from my environment. Not only do I have to remove the triggers, but I have to remove the bad foods out of the house. Not fun, and not easy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A few blog posts back I had made the announcement that I was going to have to do this. I made the call that there would be times I would not be able to eat with you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For too long I have worried about others, taken care of others, and neglected myself. Matthew is selfish enough; I can’t be surrounded by any more selfish people. So, if my steps to recovery do not fit into your plan of life, then perhaps you need to be rethink being in my life. Right now I need friends who are willing to understand and if not, take the time to understand. Friends who are willing to come down to my level and hang out with me in an environment that is safe. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is that you? If so, then, THANK YOU!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If that is not you, then, I am sorry to see you go. I understand. But this has to be about me now. I have to take care of me.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66578152984138131382010-07-13T13:07:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:48:38.875-04:00A Small Step Forward<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We had Madison Saturday night and I kept her on Sunday while Matt went off to work. For those of you who know what we go through, you know this is a big deal. I love to teach her things that my mother taught me, and one of those things is baking.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;I have done a very good job over the years of replacing sugar with Splenda, oil with applesauce and things like that (thank you Weight Watchers for teaching me that).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Matt and I had bought a Betty Crocker Low Fat Brownie about 2 months ago. It had been a while since Maddy and I baked so I thought it would be OK. Of course, she licked up half the batter. LOL. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We made it as healthy as you can make a brownie mix. I added a bit of Benefiber, used Splenda and applesauce. It turned out pretty good. While the brownie was cooking we also made some banana bread, replacing the same ingredients. It turned out really yummy as well. Although I have to say, she fell asleep shortly after! Too much fun makes for a tired five year old.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDydNSAwpVI/AAAAAAAAAHs/qHvHMt0Uwik/s1600/34338_454136080914_569555914_6525300_174695_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDydNSAwpVI/AAAAAAAAAHs/qHvHMt0Uwik/s320/34338_454136080914_569555914_6525300_174695_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I have not binged on it. I am thankful for that. I enjoyed one piece on Sunday, one yesterday and one today. Same with the bread. A small slice with breakfast. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Well, today, it was too strong. Calling at me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>EAT ME! You know you want me. EAT ME!</b> (does your food talk to you???)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I tossed that banana bread in the trash. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I cut out one piece of brownie so Matt could enjoy another piece when he gets home from work, and I took my own piece. I ate it. And I ate it quickly. I felt that feeling return, I proceeded to eat another, and I stuck my fork in the pan, ate a bite, and said NO! I threw the rest in the trash.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">DIE BROWNIE! DIE!</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I feel so much better. Of course I feel guilty that I had to throw it away. We are on food benefits and just cannot afford to toss out food, but I can't have it in my house.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>NO! NO! NO!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So, I requested a small cup cake pan for my birthday. One that only holds 4 cupcakes. I will make smaller batches, cook 4 for our treat that day, and freeze the rest of the batter for the next weekend she comes. That way, it’s not in the house, she still gets the joy of baking and we can all enjoy a taste.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lesson learned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">At this moment, I was almost powerless over food, but I WON!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thanks for letting me share.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8240189666041955122010-07-13T10:09:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.471-04:00Restaurant chain reviews: Applebees - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1890119-weight-watchers-applebees">Restaurant chain reviews: Applebees - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Applebee's has always been one of my all-time favorite restaurants. I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers so I am always looking for <a class="iAs" classname="iAs" href="http://www.helium.com/items/1890119-weight-watchers-applebees#" itxtdid="22748814" style="background-color: transparent !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 0.075em !important; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit !important; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal !important; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static !important; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto;" target="_blank">healthy</a>&nbsp;alternatives. </span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21582086307837507262010-07-07T16:37:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.113-04:002010 American Cancer Society Hair Donation<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2008/04/american-cancer-society-got-10-inches.html">2008 Donation</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2009/10/american-cancer-society-haircut.html">2009 Donation</a></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br />This is the 3rd year in a row I have donated my hair to the Pantene Great Lengths/ American Cancer Society campaign. It takes 6 pony tails to make one wig for those who have lost their hair to cancer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTk_xjEOlI/AAAAAAAAAHM/7jDBmqOLwV0/s1600/DSCI0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTk_xjEOlI/AAAAAAAAAHM/7jDBmqOLwV0/s320/DSCI0132.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTlC8f5kWI/AAAAAAAAAHU/CJiNL08TuCc/s1600/DSCI0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTlC8f5kWI/AAAAAAAAAHU/CJiNL08TuCc/s320/DSCI0134.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTlF0QtRnI/AAAAAAAAAHc/TNgXxwsR_34/s1600/DSCI0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTlF0QtRnI/AAAAAAAAAHc/TNgXxwsR_34/s320/DSCI0136.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTlIsruS4I/AAAAAAAAAHk/RscFQ-Vxq3I/s1600/DSCI0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTlIsruS4I/AAAAAAAAAHk/RscFQ-Vxq3I/s320/DSCI0138.JPG" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34192734411898338112010-07-07T16:33:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:53:05.119-04:00Shake N Bake Chicken Thigh (no skin)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">7/6 Lunch - Green beans, peaches, 1/2c cajun chicken rice, and 1 chicken thigh, no skin, with shake n bake.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTjP9n3R1I/AAAAAAAAAHE/iW03Cn94fb8/s1600/DSCI0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDTjP9n3R1I/AAAAAAAAAHE/iW03Cn94fb8/s320/DSCI0129.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78137705808897927032010-07-06T09:46:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.215-04:00I Keep Trying<div class="MsoNormal">July 6, 2010 7am</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday did not go as well as planned. It was not a total wash either. I knew what I was going to make for each meal (Lunch and Dinner) but I was trying to eat a bit healthier. I should learn to just eat what I want (in moderation) instead of trying to derail the craving with something else. All it does is make me crave the food more making it harder to resist.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">MyFitnessPal has my calories set at 1700 calories per day to lose 1/lb per week. Some days I am under, some days right on target, and some days I go over. Some days I exercise, some days I don’t. It just depends on the day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt was home yesterday morning, he did not have to go to work until 2:30p. I had thawed out a nice steak for us to have for lunch. I broiled the steak, some seasoning, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Beautiful steak, with hardly any fat, which I don’t eat anyway. &nbsp;I broiled it in the oven in a cast iron skillet. Matt decided to tend to the potatoes (sliced, out of a can) and the green beans (French style, no salt added, out of a can). Seems pretty healthy, right? Well, Matt being Matt loves to add his spices. Which is fine, however I am trying to watch my salt-intake.&nbsp; Not a big deal. We have light margarine and are almost out of butter spray. I was not able to watch how much light margarine Matt was putting in the green beans and potatoes. &nbsp;I felt bad as I know he was just trying to help. He served up my plate. It was so pretty. On my plate were lots and lots of green beans (1c), some slices of potato with cayenne pepper (1/2c), and a few small bites of steak (roughly about 3oz). Because the light margarine is 1tbsp = 50 calorie and I know he was putting it in by the spoonfuls, I sort of had to guess what my nice healthy meal turned in to. It did put me over my count for lunch. I tend to eat more later in the day, so I try to save my calories for those times. I try to limit breakfast and lunch to 400 cals. or less. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was yummy and I was very appreciative that he was helping. He did help clean the oven while I cleaned out the refrigerator. &nbsp;So I figured I would just try to get by on a really light dinner and make some air popped popcorn to snack on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dinner time rolls around. We have not done our grocery shopping yet. Because we are on food benefits we have to wait until our monthly allowance comes. I started to search for something low in calories. I did have chicken legs and thighs thawing since I had originally planned to make those for dinner. I decided to go ahead and make them as planned so Matt could have dinner when he got home from work and I could make myself a plate to have ready for lunch today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found a can of Healthy Selections from Campbell’s. The minestrone soup had 160 calories for the whole can. I thought a grilled cheese (light bread, ff cheese) would be good with it but I opted for peaches instead. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I prepared the chicken with some Meijer brand shake and bake. It was baking away in the oven, making the entire house smell like KFC Fried Chicken (I kid you not!) and I just kept thinking, “I should have just at the chicken!” I did take the skin off the thigh that I had planned to eat for lunch today. Taking the skin off saves SO many calories. I also prepared some Cajun Chicken rice. I set aside 1/2c for today (160cals). The house smelled wonderful.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I ate my peaches, which were very sweet and yummy. Went to eat my soup and could not eat anything after the first bite. GROSS! Tell me again why I just did not eat the chicken? So what if I was a few calories over for my day. &nbsp;I resorted to a Lipton Cup of Soup-Chicken Noodle (60cals). It was good, but was not really what I wanted. I was trying so hard to stay within my calories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was so angry that my soup tasted like crap I immediately went into the kitchen, got 2 slices of Kraft Fat Free cheese singles, 3 slices of Meijer brand light bread and the light margarine and made myself a double grilled cheese. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fine. I ate it. I am over the whole nasty soup ordeal, time to move on. I went back to work to keep myself busy. I started to get tired. I started to get weak.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I got myself a little plate, grabbed a chicken leg (about 184 cals) that had some shake and bake coating (30 cals) and ¼ cup of Cajun chicken rice. I enjoyed every bite of it. I am not a huge fan of chicken legs. Many years ago I became semi-vegetarian. I only ate chicken breast, cheese, fish, and eggs. I had a bad experience with a chicken leg and that pretty much ruined it for me.&nbsp; Madison and Matt love chicken legs and thighs. I have tried so many recipes, which they all love, but I have not been able to get past the leg ordeal &nbsp;(Hot chicken wings are different; we will talk about that another time). I don’t know why I picked a leg last night, I guess because it was the smallest piece of chicken on the tray. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For the first time in a long time I actually slowed down and enjoyed every bite. The chicken was nice and crispy (I will be removing skin in the future) and I have a new respect for baked “friend” chicken legs. </div><div class="MsoNormal">So, despite the fact I was about 150 cals over my total yesterday, something good came out of it. I was able to stop a binge. I was able to recognize some behavior. And, I was able to respect the chicken leg again. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I meant to take a photo, but forgot. I will take one of today’s lunch and post it later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not sure what the day has in store for me today, but I am ready. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8086820647264408482010-07-05T07:02:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.218-04:00I survived the weekend, binge free!<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just a short check-in this morning to welcome you (and me) to Monday morning (7am). &nbsp;As I write this I am enjoying my breakfast of 2 pineapple slices, 1c skim milk and 1 fiber one bar. One this has been posted I will be heading downstairs to visit my BFF, the treadmill. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Friday, Saturday and Sunday I survived each day/night binge free. I attended 4 (I think) online OA meetings. I ordered the 12 Steps of OA book and Food Addiction: The Body Knows: Revised &amp; Expanded Edit 1993 by Kay Shepherd. She comes highly recommended in the OA world. </div><div class="MsoNormal">FYI – Higher Power can be any God/HP that you believe in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDG7p5HcTSI/AAAAAAAAAG8/uqx5pTZB1uA/s1600/logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDG7p5HcTSI/AAAAAAAAAG8/uqx5pTZB1uA/s320/logo.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pretty much have completed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over food — that our lives had become unmanageable.<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. <o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I put in to acceptance over the weekend. I was not able to make it to church yesterday (New Convenant www.cliochurch.com) but thankfully my old church back in OK (LifeChucrch) has church online(www.lifechurch.tv). It was just what a needed. The topic was "You are good enough" and it really spoke to me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">After that, I followed through with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last night I began <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.</u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">as well as 5-7</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So this is where I am starting today:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Step 8: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am finding it difficult to know who I hurt, aside from my ex-husband. I hid it from everyone else. I hurt myself. And right now, it could be hurting Matt. I have gotten really good in my life at putting on a mask and pretending everything is alright so no one worries about me. This step might be harder than it sounds.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0960989862&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=155874276X&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66840215220213715842010-07-04T14:18:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:05.121-04:00Homemade Buffalo Style Baked Chicken Salad<div class="MsoNormal">In my quest to make restaurant style favorites at home, this is one of my many attempts, but the first in my new journey.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, I used 5 pieces of diced buffalo style chicken that was leftover from our Homemade Applebee’s Style Boneless Buffalo Wings.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Applebee’s Style Boneless Buffalo Wings<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">4- 6 chicken breasts</div><div class="MsoNormal">Light margarine</div><div class="MsoNormal">Red Hot (or your favorite hot sauce)</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 packet of hot and spicy shake N bake</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cut up the chicken into cubes. Each breast should yield about 6 pieces. Take the chicken pieces and put them in the bag with the shake n bake mixture. Shake, and bake according to the box instructions. While they are cooking, in a skillet mix 1 cup hot sauce with ¼ c of light margarine. You can adjust this according to your own tastes and depending on how wet or dry you like your wings. Melt the butter and mix with the hot sauce. Once the chicken pieces are done baking put them in the skillet to coat them with the sauce.&nbsp; That’s all there is to it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This was the first time I made this, and I did not get it from a recipe book so you can modify it to your tastes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We had quite a bit leftover so I put them in a Ziploc freezer bag and put in the freezer for another time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now , let’s get on to the salad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Homemade Buffalo Style Baked Chicken Salad<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">5pcs of diced buffalo style baked chicken</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 cups shredded lettuce</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 boiled egg, sliced or diced</div><div class="MsoNormal">1/3 c 2% Reduced Fat Shredded Cheese</div><div class="MsoNormal">8 black olives, sliced</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 TBSP Fat Free Ranch dressing</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDQZ0AJxBI/AAAAAAAAAGs/fL6Lhk6k0Iw/s1600/DSCI0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDQZ0AJxBI/AAAAAAAAAGs/fL6Lhk6k0Iw/s320/DSCI0127.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDQfpNiGcI/AAAAAAAAAG0/7XhZygBngIY/s1600/DSCI0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDQfpNiGcI/AAAAAAAAAG0/7XhZygBngIY/s320/DSCI0128.JPG" /></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84637709267381684692010-07-04T13:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.220-04:00The Beginning of a New MeThe other day I declared it to be a new day, the new day of the rest of my life.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have ditched all of the weight loss programs lurking in my house. Bye-bye TOPS, see ya later Weight Watchers. It’s going to be alright Special K and Slim Fast. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the last three days I have attended five Overeater’s Anonymous meetings, online. I take a break from writing, log in, read/listen and share. I have already made some friendly connections and soon I will start looking for a sponsor. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just like Alcoholics’ Anonymous members have a sponsor to help them stay on track and not go back to drinking, OA members have sponsors to help keep them from overeating/binging which helps them to break the food addiction. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am doing this journey publicly because I need to. I want to. If my words can reach out to someone and help them in some way with their own journey, then that is my purpose in life. God gave me the gift of words for a reason. This could be my reason. To share my world, share my life, and help or touch someone along the way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am only human, I am real. I am going to fall and I am going to make mistakes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite that hard road I am about to follow, I will mend. I will heal. I will begin to feel comfortable in my own skin.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These photos I want to share are just some photos of my home gym. You do not need a lot of money to get moving. I do not have any money to spare. I am not going to let that stop me from regaining my health, mentally and physically.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Things I will be using along the way:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pedometer.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Treadmill (MY BFF).</div><div class="MsoNormal">Exercise Ball (also serves as my desk chair on occasion).</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ab Lounge (also serves as my inversion table for my back problems).</div><div class="MsoNormal">Old TV to help pass the time on the treadmill.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Good pair of shoes.</div><div class="MsoNormal">iPod Touch for games and music , again to pass treadmill time.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Various exercise videos.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wii and various games.</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 Dogs </div><div class="MsoNormal">Yoga Mat.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hand weights.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Various resistance bands.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have to eat on a budge. I will be blogging about some low cost, low calorie foods. I am going to prove to myself that I can do this. I do not need to spend a lot of money to do so. I can achieve anything with what God has already given me. That is my goal. This is my mantra, if I can do it, so can you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t have a video camera so digital photos will have to do for now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If&nbsp; you follow my blog, I will return the favor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKjXnPq0I/AAAAAAAAAGE/q2yQB9fkQIU/s1600/DSCI0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKjXnPq0I/AAAAAAAAAGE/q2yQB9fkQIU/s320/DSCI0119.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKpFV-_2I/AAAAAAAAAGM/nR2YiXZtJ5U/s1600/DSCI0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKpFV-_2I/AAAAAAAAAGM/nR2YiXZtJ5U/s320/DSCI0123.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKv8AOBsI/AAAAAAAAAGU/ObeNeREf-8s/s1600/DSCI0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDKv8AOBsI/AAAAAAAAAGU/ObeNeREf-8s/s320/DSCI0124.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>Me on the treadmill today!</o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDK14ouReI/AAAAAAAAAGc/QoXw5MrnrFE/s1600/DSCI0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDK14ouReI/AAAAAAAAAGc/QoXw5MrnrFE/s320/DSCI0125.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>Yeap, I look rough in the morning!</o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDK6-T6BjI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7feVX7g9x24/s1600/DSCI0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDK6-T6BjI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7feVX7g9x24/s320/DSCI0126.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>But at least I am doing it!!</o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26294074080244924222010-07-04T13:21:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.223-04:00The Doll Restoration Project<div class="MsoNormal">Many (oh so many) years ago I got on this kick to restore old cabbage patch kids. I had so much fun and I ended up donating over 100 to the children’s burn unit and the Children’s Medical Center and various other originations. Many went to children who lost all their toys in that year’s&nbsp;tornado's.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Packed away at my mom’s is an entire scrapbook full of the Cabbage Patch Kids I restored. I will have to get that book and scan some of the photo's in as well as add to it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While trying to think of a hobby I could do to keep myself busy at night when I do not want to work and am caught up with school, I thought of reading! I simply adore immersing myself into a great novel, and that works. However, after I have been reading/writing online all day for work, sometimes it is hard for me to read. I try to save that for the last few hours before I go to bed. So, I need something to do after work ends and before rest/read time starts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Becky, bless her heart tried to teach me knitting. I made it through my first hat. My hands hurt way too bad for that after typing all day. Next on our list is tatting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There has to be something else. And then it hit me after looking at a doll I had given to Madison from my own collection. I had a cabbage patch look-a-like that was in desperate need of restoration that I had never gotten around to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And so, the doll restoration begins.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">She is getting new hair. She originally had brown hair in pony tail that had been cut off so short no rubber band would hold it together. She is now going to be blonde. I think I rescued her from Goodwill many years ago. She has traveled all the way from Oklahoma. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I plan to document my journey. I also have an American Girl look-a-like doll that I purchased for a few dollars that is going to get restored as well. She will make her debut later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This will keep me busy and I will be less likely to use my hands to pick up food.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCc-EZMKI/AAAAAAAAAFU/OWfiBSOA-ng/s1600/DSCI0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCc-EZMKI/AAAAAAAAAFU/OWfiBSOA-ng/s320/DSCI0111.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCe-KbnXI/AAAAAAAAAFc/HtdgU_d7xiQ/s1600/DSCI0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCe-KbnXI/AAAAAAAAAFc/HtdgU_d7xiQ/s320/DSCI0112.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCg2uU4TI/AAAAAAAAAFk/DqGxef57pGU/s1600/DSCI0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCg2uU4TI/AAAAAAAAAFk/DqGxef57pGU/s320/DSCI0113.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCnSDNV3I/AAAAAAAAAFs/Eptft2diYZo/s1600/DSCI0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCnSDNV3I/AAAAAAAAAFs/Eptft2diYZo/s320/DSCI0122.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCtFQIe_I/AAAAAAAAAF0/tYz2vgJKh2Q/s1600/DSCI0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCtFQIe_I/AAAAAAAAAF0/tYz2vgJKh2Q/s320/DSCI0120.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCxWIc_4I/AAAAAAAAAF8/UmrMriOpe6A/s1600/DSCI0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TDDCxWIc_4I/AAAAAAAAAF8/UmrMriOpe6A/s320/DSCI0121.JPG" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67806171095329584652010-07-03T21:42:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.633-04:00The Great Weight Debate<div class="MsoNormal">The Great Weight Debate <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The great debate has been all in my head. Filling my head more and more every day until I finally just crashed. Yes, I can admit I am overweight. Yes, I can admit I have lost it twice. Yes, I can admit I fell off the wagon and gained it all back, and then some. No, I refuse to admit I am lazy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Depression is strong, but I refuse to let it tie me to the bed again. So I push myself, daily. I force myself out of bed, telling myself “the dogs need me” and forward I go. I keep my nose stuck in my textbooks, online classes to finish my degree, or my writing career.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep busy because I HAVE to, not because I want to. Oh, how I would love to lounge around in bed all day. I do have a laptop; I could if I wanted to. But then I do not feel very productive.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Being depressive I find it hard to live with, take care of, and love myself. If I cannot do this, then who is going to do it for me?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have never hid my emotions and for the last five years my life has been an open book to many of you. I have nothing to hide. I am embarrassed, but at the same time I know it’s not my fault.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, NutriSystem worked once. Yes, Weight Watchers worked for a long time.&nbsp; Calorie counting works, this works- that works. The problem is not me following any program. I can follow a program. The problem is I have an addiction. My addiction, my drug of choice is not alcohol (despite being Irish lol). My drug is food. Food was my best friend growing up. Most of you know my troubles as a child, the things that happened to me. So there is no need for me to repeat it. But those bad things affected my outlook on food. I ate for all of the wrong reasons.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can remember so many times the abuse would happen, after I would run to the kitchen, hoping to find something to save me. I always did. I ate to feed my emotions. Subconsciously, I ate to keep people away. At least that is what my therapist told me many years later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can also remember being 7 or 8 and making HUGE (talking salad bowl size) bowls of macaroni and cheese. I would stand there with that huge bowl and spoon and eat it all. I would take huge spoons of peanut butter and mix it in a bowl with gobs of jelly, and just eat it. Bread never even crossed my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always been bigger than everyone else. That is nothing new.&nbsp; By high school my mother had enough, and we welcomed NutriSystem. It worked. I got skinny, and I got a life. Then came college, the parties, the boys, and the best friends a girl could ever have (I love you guys and miss you so much). I was at a pretty comfortable stage in my life. I was having so much fun living in the present; I had no time to think about the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t get me wrong, I still struggled with my weight and self esteem. And that followed me right into marriage, which eventually landed me in a psychiatrist’s office. I learned a lot in the years that followed. I went on Weight Watchers, I went to weekly meetings, I walked the dogs, I ran, and I was active. Life was ok.&nbsp; Did I mention I was also medicated? Or, perhaps did I ever mention I became so obsessed with staying thin, I went the opposite direction and instead of just overeating and dealing, I overate/binged and since I could not get myself to throw up, I became addicted to laxatives?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once I went off the medication, things fell apart. My marriage, my life, my eating. I gained weight, I stopped running, and I realized I have a food addiction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In 2005 I attended online Overeaters Anonymous meetings. I really began to see all the underlying problems. With depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress and an eating disorder it’s no wonder why I always turn to food for comfort.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This not something TOPS, Weight Watchers, Calorie Counting, The Best Life Diet, or any other program is going to help me with. This is something I have to find help for elsewhere.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hello, my name is Chrystal, and I am addicted to food. I overeat/binge. I seek comfort in food, it is my drug. I have an addiction. I am visiting Overeaters Anonymous again. I am tossing aside all my other weight loss materials. Dieting is not the problem, food is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Laxatives are not kept in my house for this reason. Alcohol is not kept in my house because it only provides me with more ammo to eat.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is an addiction I cannot hide anymore. My body, my health, my self-esteem, my life, and my relationships depend on it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, why am I telling you this? Because most of you have watched me struggle for so long that now I feel some sense of relief knowing OA might just be the answer I have been looking for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am also telling you this so you can understand some of the things that go on in my brain. I also want you to know that if we go out to eat, we may have to share. If I come to your house for a dinner party, I may not eat. Or I will eat very little. Does not mean I do not like your food, it only means I am trying to control my addiction. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need you to watch me; I need you to help me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My mental health is a mess. Medications are in order, Dr. visits are needed and thankfully I know where to go this time. Yes, I was on meds, but the ones the doc put me on made me agitated, angry and suicidal. For those of you who missed that, will tell you about it later. I had to wait for all of that to clear my system before I could be put back on the one that works for me, the one I was on while still in OK.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Life, it is a battle. Mine, is a battlefield.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I could just have everyone’s support rather than pity, it would mean a great deal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Journaling is part of recovery. I will be writing much more. Here, blog, video diary, things like that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a lot going on around me, but until I can accept and love myself, how can I expect anyone else to love and accept me?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please, take my hand and walk this journey with me. Please, do not walk away. I need all the friendship and support I can get right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">~Chrys~</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Step 1. &nbsp;We admitted that we were powerless over food - that our lives had become unmanageable.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21118746533052787792010-07-03T21:11:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.115-04:00Moving OnIt's time to move on..Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11796149879308217332010-07-03T21:06:00.003-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.228-04:00Wonderful Quote<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="UIStory_Message">"Food is Wonderful! In fact, food is my best friend, but lately I'm aware that my friend is hurting me, making me uncomfortable, sabotaging my goals, causing me grief and guilt, possibly destroying my life. Today I made a decision-it's time to get a new friend."<br />-Linda Spangle</span></h3><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><br /></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1401603734&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0895261456&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86898944827409704902010-07-03T13:37:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:15:19.988-04:00Mixed Berry Crumble<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">4 points per serving /</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Prep: 7 Min</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cook: 40 min</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Serves 8</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 cups blueberries</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 cups raspberries</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">3/4 cup all-purpose flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2/3 cup unpacked light brown sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1/4 lb butter (1 stick), melted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Place berries in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, combine flour</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">and sugar. Remove 3 tablespoons of flour mixture and gently toss with</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">berries. Place berries in an 8-inch square pan.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To make topping, add melted butter to remaining flour mixture; combine</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">well. Crumble little bits of topping over berries. Bake until berries just</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">start to bubble, about 35 to 40 minutes. Cut into 8 pieces; serve warm or</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">at room temperature. Yields 1 piece per serving.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Again, I used strawberry (2 cups) and blackberries (2 cups). Everything</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">else I did exactly as the recipe stated.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53635086271473468032010-07-03T13:28:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:15:19.991-04:00Pizza-bellas<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Pizza-bellas</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">PER SERVING (1 pizza-bella, 1/2 of recipe): 118 calories, 4.75g fat, 487mg</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">sodium, 7.5g carbs, 1.75g fiber, 3g sugars, 11.5g protein -- POINTS® value</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2*</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A mushroom dressed up like a pizza? It's so beautiful, it brings tears to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">our eyes...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Ingredients:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 large portabella mushrooms</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 sticks light string cheese</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1/2 tsp. chopped garlic</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Dash Italian seasoning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">8 slices turkey pepperoni (like the kind by Hormel), chopped</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 tbsp. canned sliced black olives</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Directions:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Remove mushroom stems, chop, and set aside. Place mushroom caps on a baking</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">sheet sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Meanwhile, break each stick of string cheese into thirds and place in a food</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">processor or blender -- blend at high speed until cheese takes on a shredded</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">or grated consistency. (Or just tear string cheese into pieces and roughly</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">chop.) Set aside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Remove sheet from the oven but leave oven on. Blot excess liquid from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">mushroom caps and set aside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In a small bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Mix well and equally distribute between mushroom caps; spread until smooth</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">and even. Sprinkle shredded/grated cheese over the saucy layer on each cap.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Top with chopped mushroom stems, pepperoni, and olives.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Bake in the oven for 8 - 10 minutes, until cheese has melted. Eat as soon as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">you can without burning your mouth!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">MAKES 2 SERVINGS</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">HG Alternative! Don't like olives? Not into turkey pepperoni? Don't use 'em!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Each standard saucy 'n cheesy mushroom "pizza" has 89 calories and 2.75g fat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(POINTS® value 2*), so feel free to pick your own toppings and add their</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">stats to those numbers.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">www.hungrygirl.com</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0312556179&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90876293700633492392010-07-03T13:23:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:15:19.993-04:00Lowfat Turtle Custard Cake<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Lowfat Turtle Custard Cake</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">source: unknown</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">a.. 2 (14 ounce) cans fat free sweetened condensed milk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">b.. egg substitute equivalent to 5 eggs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">c.. ½ cup skim milk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">d.. ½ cup sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">e.. ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">f.. ¼ cup nonfat chocolate syrup</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In a small saucepan, place 1 can of condensed milk, label removed, and cover with water. Boil for 4 hours in the can, replacing any water that evaporates out.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;This must be done often so as not to create a dangerous situation. When the 4 hours are up, let cool to room temperature before opening the can to reveal a rich caramel sauce. While the caramel is boiling, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Spray an 8-inch nonstick round cake pan with vegetable oil spray. Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;In a large bowl, whisk together 1 can condensed milk, egg substitute, milk, sugar, cocoa and chocolate syrup. Pour into prepared pan.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;Place the pan in the middle of a larger baking pan and fill baking pan with 1 inch of water. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cake comes out clean.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Remove cake pan from water and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a plate and remove paper. Let cool for 15 minutes.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Top the cake with drizzles of the fat-free caramel sauce, nonfat whipped topping and pecan halves or pieces to create this wonderful Turtle Custard Cake.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74850847194278371522010-07-03T13:20:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:15:19.996-04:00Fat-Free Hummus<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">a splash of fat-free chicken or veggie broth</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 drained 14oz can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 Tbs. lemon juice</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2 cloves garlic</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">sprinkle of paprika</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">salt and pepper to taste..</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">First... add all ingredients except the paprika in the tall cup...and I guess for those who don't have one use a blender..</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Next... twist on cross blade and blend until smooth..</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Then...salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with paprika..</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hummus is best served cold with warm triangles of pita bread..</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24212863743166565962010-07-03T13:05:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:15:19.999-04:00Chocolate Strawberry Ice Pop<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">From: Prevention</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Think of these as frozen chocolate-covered strawberries on a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">stick--just as decadent but longer lasting. These pops are</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">full of flavonoids and other health-promoting nutrients--a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">triple-whammy's worth from strawberries, chocolate, and soy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You can find molds at most kitchenware stores.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Serves: 6</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Prep: 10 min</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cook: 4 hr 0 min</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Total: 4 hr 10 min</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 cup thinly sliced fresh strawberries</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1/2 cup premium semisweet chocolate chips</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 1/2 cup</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">chocolate soymilk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1. Fill 6 ice pop molds evenly with strawberries, then chocolate</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">chips, then soymilk. (Note: There should be about 1/2" of space</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">at the top of each mold to allow for expansion during freezing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Adjust soymilk accordingly.) Insert handles/sticks into molds.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2. Freeze at least 4 hours.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Serves: 6</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nutrition per Serving:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">150.5 Calories, 6.3g Fat, 3.3g Saturated Fat, 0mg Cholesterol,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">19mg Sodium, 21.2g Carbs, 0.6g Dietary Fiber, 6.1g Total Sugar,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">2.8g Protein</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37935467465202784872010-06-30T10:03:00.003-04:002011-08-10T11:38:39.141-04:00And People Wonder Why I Just Can't "give away" My Dogs<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs507.ash1/29951_440807385914_569555914_6164063_7183816_n.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, before everyone jumps my case and asks me "Why are you getting rid of Cain and Casey?" The answer is "I AM NOT!" &nbsp;I have had Cain since he was 6 months old, and I rescued Casey when she was less than 5 months old.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cain was purchased by a friend of mine through a registered AKC breeder.&nbsp;Him and some friends rented a house who later said - NO DOGS. Cain went to live with my mom and our two dogs. Lady and Big Girl. Big Girl is now 13 years old, and still living with my mom, although her days are numbered. Interesting fact, Cains daddy name is Zeus. Anyway, Casey I got from the Stillwater Humane Society. They found her on the side of the road, left for dead. It was obvious someone dumped her in the woods to fend for her life. It is also likely that she spend quite a few months out there before the summer heat kicked in, making it harder for her to find food and water. I can remember how she looked the day I picked her up. Fly strikes all over her skin. Nothing but a bag of bones. No nutrition, making her brittle. She shows no signs of this today, other than her teeth never grew in completely. Now, why would I take on these dogs, loving them as if they were my children only to get rid of them? If I was going to do that why didn't I just leave them with my ex-husband?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life is hard with two dogs. They have to go outside every few hours for exercise and potty breaks. Since we do not have a fenced in yard, I can't just leave them out there. They have to have water all day and they get fed twice a day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, as most of you know Matt and I have been having some problems and I have contemplated moving out. My wonderful cousin and her husband have offered more than once to take the dogs if I needed to find them a new home. That is comforting to me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A friend of mine once said I needed to just get rid of the dogs. With them in tow I was never going to be able to find a place to rent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That friend was wrong, I have found places to rent, they just cost more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Matt has offered to keep the dogs here. I would rather they stay with me.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I first moved to Michigan and had such a hard time finding work, I could not afford to keep them. I went through the Michigan Rescue for Boxers and they found them a new family. I thought it would be perfect. The boxer they had just passed away. They did not understand Cain and Casey knew no other parents but me. I was their momma. The only other person they had spent the night with was my mom, and a friend of my ex-husbands that was their babysitter when we would travel up here to MI. Cain and Casey were scared and confused and these people had no patience. They called me the next morning and asked me to come get the dogs because they went potty on their floor and cried all night, they had no patience for that. Obviously the husband had no patience. I called the rescue and told them what happened and they apologized for not doing a better job of screen applicants.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well I should say so!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only was I traumatized, so were Cain and Casey. I just do not think I could put them through that again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, if things do not work out with me and Matt, me and the dogs will be a packaged deal, or they will stay with someone they already know and trust.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please read the following article, it will change your view on a lot of things.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs421.snc3/24339_414868930914_569555914_5528097_7302035_n.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">LETTER FROM A SHELTER MANAGER: "I think our society needs a huge "Wake-up" call. ...As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will. First off, all of you people who have ever surrendered a pet to a shelter or humane society should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would stop flagging the ads on craigslist and help these animals find homes. That puppy you just bought will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. Just so you know there's a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it’s dumped at? Purebred or not! About 25% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays", that come into a shelter are purebred dogs.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />The most common excuses: "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving too that doesn't allow pets? Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get? "We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog".<br /><br />Odds are your pet won't get adopted &amp; how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose. If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door. Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are.<br /><br />If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long . Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment. If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because the shelter gets paid a fee to euthanize each animal and making money is better than spending money to take this animal to the vet.<br /><br />Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down". First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room", every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them. Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 shelter workers depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a shelter worker who we call a euthanasia tech (not a vet) find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff". Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves. You see shelters are trying to make money to pay employee pay checks and don’t forget the board of directors needs to be paid too, so we don’t spend our funds to tranquilize the animal before injecting them with the lethal drug, we just put the burning lethal drug in the vein and let them suffer until dead. If it were not a “making money issue” and we had to have a licensed vet do this procedure, the animal would be sedated or tranquilized and then euthanized, but to do this procedure correctly would cost more money so we do not follow what is right for the animal, we just follow what is the fastest way we can make a dollar. Shelters do not have to have a vet perform their euthanasia’s so even if it takes our employee 50 pokes with a needle and 3 hours to get the vein that is what we do. Making money is the issue here not loosing money.<br /><br />When it all ends, your pets corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? Or used for the schools to dissect and experiment on? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right!<br /><br />I hope that those of you who still have a beating heart and have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head, I deal with this everyday. I hate my job, I hate that it exists &amp; I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and start educating the public. Do research, do your homework, and know exactly what you are getting into before getting a pet. These shelters and humane societies exist because people just do not care about animals anymore. Animals were not intended to be disposable but somehow that is what they are these days. Animal shelters are an easy way out when you get tired of your dog (or cat), and breeders are the ones blamed for this. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are making a hefty profit by keeping this misconception going.<br /><br />Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you - as a pet owner can stop it. I just hope I maybe changed one persons mind about taking their dog to a shelter, a humane society, or buying a dog without researching.<br /><br />For those of you that care--- please repost this to at least one other craiglist in another city/state. Let's see if we can get this all around the US and have an impact.<br /><br />PROMISE A FUTURE - and DON'T FAIL THEM! PETS ARE FOR A LIFETIME!!!<br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19641926802750789182010-06-28T21:08:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.506-04:00A Girl Can Dream Right?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TClHYXS5IRI/AAAAAAAAAFM/m8VLjzz5iGY/s1600/4343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/TClHYXS5IRI/AAAAAAAAAFM/m8VLjzz5iGY/s320/4343.jpg" /></a></div>The shores of Ireland - If only I could make this dream real. <span class="more">..</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62119667655817603012010-06-26T15:23:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.117-04:00So embarrassed! American Literature and Plagiarism, seriously?<div style="background-color: white; color: black; counter-reset: __goog_page__ 0; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 6px; margin-right: 6px; margin-top: 6px; min-height: 1100px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">American Literature and Plagiarism, seriously?<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For those of you who do not know, I attend Baker College. I am finishing my degree online. I hate winter weather and I hate driving in it even more. There are no colleges close &nbsp;enough to me, so that was a huge factor when trying to decide where to go to school. I initially wanted to finish my BA in Accounting since I started it so long ago at Oklahoma State. Now, I want to finish my Liberal Arts degree that I later transferred to and started at the University of Oklahoma Online. Baker did not offer that. Since I was working at H&amp;R Block after I got here to MI it seemed like a good choice to finish up my Accounting degree. I quickly became bored of it, school and work. As the years went by, so did the job market here in MI. I ended up creating a career for myself doing my hobby, something that I love - Writing. This led me to change my degree at Baker to a BA in General Studies with majors in Accounting and General Business so that I was able to take more general classes and less accounting classes.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have been filling those spots with more English and Writing related classes.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The online college system at Baker runs in regular tradition semesters since they do have on-campus programs. For those of us in the online world instead of taking 4 classes in a 12-16 week semester, we take 2 classes in a 6 week session to be full time. So, every 6 weeks we take classes. This is my first summer break since I went back to school. I decided I needed a break. I have about 8-10 more classes to go, depending on what I take and how many credits they are. I am enrolled for fall.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">However, I am looking at the possibility of being kicked out of Baker and losing my financial aid.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Why?</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For plagarism.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Yes, you heard me right.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This last session I took American Literature 1. I have taken Lit classes in the past and have found them to be extremely interesting and fun. This class however started off with a bad taste in my mouth due to it taking a huge historical perspective. Blah. I am NOT a fan of History and if I wanted to take it I would have been a History major. Being the good student that I am, decided to take on the challenge and push through it.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I struggled and it sucked. The writing was not the problem, it was the amount of reading that was crammed into 6 weeks that I had a hard time keeping up with as I was so terrible bored with it. I really felt like I was in a history class based on writers. In the past classes have been about reading works of art and critiquing them.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B002IKKINE&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>For my final paper, worth 1/3 of my grade I had to write about Americanism and how it is seen in Willa Cather's novel My Antonia. Easy enough, the novel was good and I got great reviews on the rough draft I had turned in the week before. What was missing what the direct quotations as proof from the novel. I always write my papers first, then find the information in the book/text to cite. We also had a textbook that had some of Cathers other works that I used.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My reference list contained these two books as well as various internet sites.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I got a email today from my professor saying she could not give me ANY credit for the paper due to plagiarism. That means I have flunked the class. So now I will either be out of school due to loss of financial aid, or for the college kicking me out.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I DO plan to go down to the school in Flint and talk to my Dean. However, its hard as my professor doesn't live in the state of Michigan. Oh the joys of online college.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyone who knows me knows I would NOT plagarize.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If anything I may have accidentally forgot to cite a reference that had something similar to what I wrote in my paper, but it was not intentional.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Doesn't she know writing is my life, my career? I know what it feels like to have your work stolen and its pointless for me to do it when I am fully capable I writing my own stuff!&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Not only that, I cannot help the fact that this novel is assigned to millions of college students yearly, of course there are going to be similarities when we all have to write on the same book!</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">THIS IS EXTREMELY EMBARASSING FOR ME! I debated about even mentioning it at all, but it has me extremely p@ssed off and it pretty much has ruined my whole day. It is messing with my head, making me question my ability as a writer.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Funny thing, she not once mentioned to me that my paper was plagiarized when I submitted the rough draft. As a matter of fact the only thing she had bad to say was that my quotations were missing, which I added before I turned in the final.</div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So now instead of enjoying my little summer break, I will be fighting through it wondering what is going to happen in regards to my career and educational status.<br /><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33098030493062918112010-06-15T13:59:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.617-05:00The Best Life Diet by Bob Greene<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B002PJ4I52&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />I know this book is a few years old. I bought it, read it, followed Oprah on all her journeys and about six months ago someone close to me gave me another copy of the book. Good thing, mine was long gone. In those months it has been in my possession I picked it up and started, or re-read it more times than I care to remember. Shame on me, I know. These last few weeks I have been looking for something a bit more structured for me. I do not want to pay for Weight Watchers (lifetimer over goal) or another year of TOPS (I never go to meetings) as I prefer the online support since it suits my busy life much better. I love that the Best Life incorporates so many of the foods I love and that they are readily available to me at my local market. I also am a huge fan of Slim Fast since it is super easy, and sometimes I just need a break from cooking. Another plus about SF is I can put a meal bar in my purse to save me when we have our "family" outings to McD or BK for the kids playground feature. She plays, he eats whatever, and I am good with a diet pop and my meal bar.<br /><br />&nbsp;I am bound and determined to find something that works for me, that is free, and I can use my food benefits on! Don't forget, I am the starving artist(writer)/college student!!!!<br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B001PPWSHW&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Not to mention, the powders are awesome for making summer time smoothies!<br /><br />So, for those of you who like SF and a lot of the foods you already have at home have the Best Life label ( I was shocked at how many I had), the book might be good for you to pick up. There is a lot of useful meal plans and recipes! The internet is a great tool for finding a ton of free information as well. Might be just want I need to kick start my program again.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36974111749839700792010-06-14T11:22:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.232-04:00My Julie and Julia Moment<div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B002RSDW80&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>My Julie and Julia Moment</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We all have them, those aha moments that make you wonder “Why am I not doing that???” I am a little behind on the J&amp;J wagon as I just saw this movie about a month ago. Yes people, I am behind in the time and even slower at putting together a blog. I write for a living, and school is just one constant writing project, the last thing I want to really do in what little free time I have is write more. Not really, that last part was just a bad attempt at my typical sarcasm. Truth is, I LOVE to write and I love to share and tell stories. The problem is I am just too busy to really sit down and pound the keyboard for a wonderful, fun-filled blog post.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have tried to put together a J&amp;J blog, but really had no idea where to take it. I told Matt long before I watched the movie that we needed to invest in a decent, nothing too fancy, digital camera so we could be like Shaytards and youtube our every move. However, Shaytard is pretty funny, I am not. I can however write, and I can cook. I love to do both. So what can I do? I want to blog and to vlog, I want to be part of this fun world too! Who would watch me? I am sure no one, but it sure as heck would be fun.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I decide after watching countless hours in the middle of the night while faced with insomnia – cooking shows- and realizing that those of us who live in smaller towns with limited access to fresh markets, corner markets, and big fancy grocery stores – needed a show that was better suited for us normal folks. Nothing fancy, nothing out of the ordinary, but with all the fun ooey gooy goodness of any recipe out there. So, that has been in the back of my brain for the last couple of months. Once I saw Julie and Julia that idea pushed from the back of my brain in the dusty idea corner to the front of my brain where it keeps nagging at me day after day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step &nbsp;1.</b> I need to buy a video camera.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, so I am looking. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While clicking through my countless emails I noticed a blog where a blogger is doing her version of J&amp;J by making the entire book of recipes vegetarian! Good for her. Today I found a blog that just finished. The blogger did her version of J&amp;J by making all of the recipes from “The Best Life Diet” by Bob Greene. I found myself clicking through, one after another. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B003JC18CA&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>One reason for my obsession? FOOD! Well, that and most of you know I am trying to get my weight back down. Last year Deb (Matt’s step mom) gave me the book. I love it. There is so much truth to it. This morning I dusted it off as I want to incorporate some of the meal plans and recipes in to my weight loss menu. I was searching around the internet for more recipes and message boards on this diet and that is what let me to the blog, which reminded me of the J&amp;J movie and related blogs. Perhaps it is a sign? It could be a sign for my weight loss journey, a sign for a video blog idea and a sign for my regular blog, who knows. But I do know it sure sounds like a lot of fun to cook and write; my two favorite things. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 2 - ?</b> I already have a blog, &nbsp;got a youtube account, I have a million cook books that are for healthy living, I already live on a budget for food and I already have a personal blog. I got it all. I have the workings of a comical, budget friendly, healthy cooking show for normal people. Now, I just need to get a camera and a theme to start. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76583044349541029502010-06-11T21:13:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.119-04:00Welcome to Tawas : The Story<div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0024ZA87E&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Welcome to Tawas </div><div class="MsoNormal">The Story</div><div class="MsoNormal">June 11, 2010</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a dream and I have had this dream for as long as I could remember. When my friends would talk about whom they are going to marry, where they are going to live and who their neighbors would be, I always talked about how I did not need a man or a child to make me happy. All I needed was a house on stilts, built in the sand with the beach as my backyard. I had plans to go to Miami University to study Marine Biology. I am a fish in water and all I ever wanted to do was swim with the dolphins as well as have a job that allowed me to be outside.&nbsp; I love being outside (however well all know that with Oklahoma summers that is next to impossible). Even more so, I love being in the water. I want to jump in to it -feet first, dive- head first, slam in to it -butt first; however my method, I want in it. I want it warm, and I never want to come out. I want the sun to penetrate every strand of my hair causing it to turn its funky Irish shade of dark red. I want…I want, I want. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Seems to be perhaps I want a lot these days. When I go to Florida, I never want to leave. When I would visit the Texas lakes, I never wanted to come home. When the ex-spouse and I would take Cain and Casey to the lake across the street from our house, it was an all day event. There are never enough words to describe how I feel when I am surrounded by water.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Life, it has not been so pleasant since I landed in Michigan. It has been hard. Long gone are the easy, laid-back, carefree days of living in Stillwater. Instead, I am faced with an uphill battle on a daily basis, and honestly, I have had enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite the fact I lived in Oklahoma, when we made our yearly treks up here to the great white north, the trip was never complete without a trip to Tawas. I can remember my grandmother always telling us if we could finish our ice cream cone by the time we reached the end of the dock, we could have another. I know I never did, by the time you got halfway there you were so sick of that honest to goodness overly sweet treat, or you were tired of it melting all over you that you ended up throwing it in the trashcan.&nbsp; I have so many wonderful memories of Tawas and visiting my family in Oscoda. Nothing makes me happier than being surrounded by the people and the things I love, with a body of water.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last year for my birthday I made a request to go to Tawas for two days. We stayed one night and being up there on the beach, surrounded by all those things that made me happy, made me realize two things. Dreams never die and this is the life I have to have.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Problem is, at that point I wondered how I would get there. I am pretty good at squashing my own dreams, telling myself it will never happen. &nbsp;I will pick apart everything that is wrong with the situation and make myself believe it so that I never have to think about my dreams again. They are after all, just dreams.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How could anyone say no to a nice house with the beach as your backyard? I doubt I am ever going to be able to live in Florida. The thought is nice and I do have family there, the downfall is that the cost of living is a great deal higher than it is here. &nbsp;I would love to be able to stick my toes in the sand year round, but I would be willing to compromise for Michigan summers (see, I know what a compromise is). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I sat on the beach, looking across the water. This is my moment, the moment where that great American (or perhaps worldwide best seller) novel starts to stir. There is money waiting for me in Tawas. I thrive off the sun, the sand, the beach, the water, the quaint little town. This is my Zen, my Om. This is where a writer needs to write. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had so many ideas swirling around in my head for things that I could write. I took no notes. I was on vacation after all. And now I have a bit of resentment for not bringing a notebook down to the beach with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal">During one of our walks in town we stuck our head in the little book shop. There was an entire section devoted to Michigan writers and even a section on Michigan writers who wrote stories based in Tawas. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0033GN2IK&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;I am not sure of where I am going yet, but I do know where I have been and I know I do not want to go back there. And while I am trying to figure that out, I will continue to tap away on the keyboard with the hopes of turning out that national best seller. As for life, I am going to continue to stand my ground and walk on my own two feet to see where they lead me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">PS - I do know that there is a nice little writer community there!<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1933272066&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12391460426613976352010-06-08T13:09:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.122-04:00My first magazine article was accepted and getting ready to be published. My editor as well as the owner of the mag. are extremely pleased!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45627613068130503752010-06-05T16:58:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.124-04:00I think the magazine article is finally finished. Me and the dogs are just kickin' it now. Wonder what I should make for dinner....Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45130253256045719362010-06-04T19:18:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.126-04:00Just tweaked my magazine article for the final edit. About to have some dinner, then back to finish up some work.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14453938210854845202010-06-04T13:35:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.128-04:00About to start on homework, then tweak the magazine article a bit.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60802427298859345812010-06-03T20:14:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.130-04:00Just finished my rough draft of my 1st magazine article. It goes quick when you write about things you are passionate about!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31644793537549610882010-06-03T13:06:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.361-04:00100 Hacks to Help you Become a Better Writer<a href="http://www.onlinedegree.net/100-hacks-to-help-you-become-a-better-writer/">http://www.onlinedegree.net/100-hacks-to-help-you-become-a-better-writer/</a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Real writing, no matter its form or intended audience, honestly reflects the passions and ideologies of the author. Any nuggets of advice that flit about on the internet, in books and newspapers and magazines, through conferences and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.onlinedegree.net/" style="color: #666699; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">classrooms</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">only help tighten technicalities. Students or aspiring professionals wanting to galvanize their writing abilities should certainly explore the follow hacks in order to gain a much broader knowledge of the craft’s mechanical elements. They cannot teach creativity or lessen its subjectivity, however.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">By:&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Anna Miller, blogged by me (Chrystal Mahan) at her request.&nbsp;</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29087984960997054432010-06-02T18:18:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.132-04:00All my hard work has paid off. I just landed my FIRST MAGAZINE deal! And it Christian based. Woot!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86941279955502971652010-06-02T11:56:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.894-04:00How to save money on computer software - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1849938-save-money-on-computer-software">How to save money on computer software - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; ">It is very easy to save money on computer <a class="iAs" classname="iAs" href="http://www.helium.com/items/1849938-save-money-on-computer-software#" target="_blank" itxtdid="22187691" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; float: none; left: auto; right: auto; top: auto; bottom: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-color: transparent !important; line-height: normal; text-align: left; position: static !important; display: inline; font-family: inherit !important; color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; text-decoration: underline !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-size: 14px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; border-bottom-width: 0.075em !important; ">software</a> if you just know what you want and where to look for it. Just about every popular brand name software program has a freeware equivalent program. It may not be brand name, but it looks the same, works the same, but it sure does not cost the same.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80838904072812951702010-06-02T11:45:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.896-04:00The meaning of dying with dignity - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1849927-right-to-die-with-dignity">The meaning of dying with dignity - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; ">What would you do if you were faced with a terminally ill situation? If it were a loved one it could be true that your thoughts were differ from those thoughts on your own. That is said because it is human nature to be a bit selfish and want to hold on to those that we love and hold dear to us. Watching someone die is not glamorous, and it is nothing like they show on television. It is wicked, and it is cruel. A patient is given so much morphine just to be content; it would make a well person high for a month. Having watched both of my grandparents and my best friend all die slow painful deaths, all within a two year span changed my views on feelings regarding the right to die. I have always believed it is a persons right to choose, but it becomes a different story when the person may not be of able mind to choose. Over time I had written two published articles regarding the choice, one entitled “The Right to Die: Shouldn’t It Be My Choice?” and the other “Should Doctor-Assisted Suicides Be Legalized for the Terminally Ill?” For the purpose of this paper, both will be elaborated on, and I will also go on to discuss other aspects of being able to make this decision. Shouldn’t I be able to choose my own right to die, or to live? However, it should also be discussed what happens if one is not able to make that choice and whether either decision is an ethical one.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31024159092045187192010-05-28T13:08:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.135-04:00Now Playing: At the Movies<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B003DTEFW4&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Now Playing: At the Movies</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyone who has ever been to a movie with me knows I absolutely HATE talkers. I am not talking about those who try to whisper here and there regarding what they just saw, I am talking about those that do not use an inside voice and want to talk about everything unrelated to the movie they can possibly think of. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have one thing to say, save your money and stay home.&nbsp; You are only ruining the movie for the rest of us, and chances are someone like me is going to call you out in front of the entire theater and embarrass you’re a@#. Seriously. If you cannot refrain from talking then the movie theater is not a place for you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is however a exception to this rule. Allow me to explain. I have this friend, and we have gone to see a few movies together. We tend to have a drink (for those who do not know, Birch Run movie theater has a BAR, YES! A bar inside the theater, allowing you to enjoy a beverage of your choice while watching a movie) and we tend to speak out about the movie and laugh hysterically. To some we would seem annoying, and if I was in a packed theater with someone such as myself, I would call them out. Point blank, no questions asked. However, this changes when 1) you are the only two in the theater or 2) there are no more people in the theater than you have fingers on one hand AND 3) they are laughing and talking just as much as you and your co-hart. Translation: It is OK to have a good time in the theater if there is not a large amount of people and those people that are there are having the same good time you are. This can become even more fun when you make “friends” with those who are also enjoying a beverage of their choice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is NOT ok to speak out loud during a movie where there are a ton of people packed in like sardines trying to listen and enjoy a much more serious movie.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just you wait, I have examples for you. You are going to love this.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">About two weeks ago above said mentioned friend, me, and another friend had girls night, which includes dinner and a movie. The movie of choice was Date Night. In the theater you have the three of us and two other couples. For those that need math help, that’s four people, for seven total. That movie was stupid funny and we laughed all the way through it. We made comments, we laughed some more. Best part? The others laughed with us and provided their own commentary to the movie as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is when it is OK.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every time Matt and I go to see a movie, it has more than seven people in it. We also tend to see a bit more serious movies, so not a complete two hours of laughing. Matt will get angry about the talkers, but it is usually me that speaks up about it.&nbsp; I have done this at midnight showings, daytime movies, nighttime movies, and sadly (or maybe not) at kids movie (I am sorry, but parents this is not a free pass to let your children run amuck, scream, yell, run, throw things). &nbsp;Not one movie has gone by where we did not have some talker drama. Honestly, I am tired of spending $11-$15 to get in to the movie, another $15 on goodies just to have some loud mouth ruin it for me. I should have just stayed home, downloaded something, made my own popcorn and called it good. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I witnessed something I have never seen before.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I went to see the 4 o’clock showing of Robin Hood. I was a little bit hesitant about seeing such a long movie at that time, knowing someone is bound to be a chatter box and ruin it for me. Always happens without fail. We see that there are maybe 10 people in the theater total. Not too. We pick our seats, which happened to be in the middle of a single guy the row in front of us, and an older couple behind us and over a few seats. A few rows behind them there was another couple.&nbsp; The others were scattered about. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I arrived right when the commercials were over and the previews started. We did see a few commercials as well as heard quite the chatter box behind us. I tried not to focus on it, but it did not look promising.&nbsp; Previews started, which are much louder than commercials. Well, she got louder too. So, leave it to me to say something about people using their inside voice. I wanted to get loud, but Matt told me it was just the previews, not the movie.&nbsp; Here we sit through all those minutes of previews, and there she sat continuing to tell some guy all her gossip. There was no whispering. I knew more about that girl than I cared to ever know about a stranger. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The movie starts, I am getting excited. She doesn’t even stop to blink. Really?? Could your conversation not have waiting until the movie was over? Matt, under his breath does his infamous “shuuuut upppp” and although she did not hear him, the guy in front of us did and apparently he was equally annoyed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And do you know what he did? Instead of turning around and telling them to shut up like I do, or something equally rude and sarcastic to get my point across (the days of asking nicely are over, it does not work) he gets up out of his seat walks up to where they are and says “will you shut up, you are ruining my movie” to which she started to talk to him. Or at least she tried. He was having none of that and went right back down to his row and his chair. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No big deal. He said what he needed to say and went on with life. Good for him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This girl was not going to let things die. About five minutes later she comes walking down to his row, and starts talking to him while she is standing in the isle, he is in his seat, and we are right behind him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Seriously? Some man just told you to be quiet and you are going to come down and try to talk to him about it? All he kept saying was for her to go away and stop talking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">By this point I am annoyed as well as Matt, so he steps in saying that’s enough from the both of them as now they are both ruining the movie for not just us, but everyone else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Never have I seen someone confront someone else in a movie theater like that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had to laugh.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a matter of fact, I am still laughing. I had to share that with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Moral of the story: Please DO NOT talk in a movie theater, especially around me ;).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90332020549190082662010-05-21T11:28:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.898-04:00Where to store your digital pictures - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1839394-photo-storage-online">Where to store your digital pictures - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; ">Every website owner needs stock photos to use, but once you find them where do you store them for use?</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24767180213192547942010-05-21T11:09:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.901-04:00About web site content - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1839378-free-website-content">About web site content - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; ">Sometimes writing content is the easy part. Sometime one suffers from writers block or one just can not find that perfect photo to go with the written content. In today’s Free Resource <a class="iAs" classname="iAs" href="http://www.helium.com/items/1839378-free-website-content#" target="_blank" itxtdid="20160912" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; float: none; left: auto; right: auto; top: auto; bottom: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-color: transparent !important; line-height: normal; text-align: left; position: static !important; display: inline; font-family: inherit !important; color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; text-decoration: underline !important; font-weight: normal !important; font-size: 14px; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 100, 0) !important; border-bottom-width: 0.075em !important; ">blog</a> we are going to take a look at a few places you can find good quality content, for free! You no longer have to worry about finding that perfect content for your website. Best of all, you aren't going to break the bank!</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8622185071795467642010-05-18T15:26:00.002-04:002011-06-27T16:38:25.647-04:00"All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know."<br />—Ernest HemingwayChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69229046465183113592010-05-14T15:16:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.903-04:00Website reviews: Myfitnesspal.com - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1833120-myfitnesspal-nutritional-website">Website reviews: Myfitnesspal.com - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33769917029262445302010-05-14T14:45:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.906-04:00How to get email alerts<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1833093-get-email-alerts-reminders">How to get email alerts - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13186262950932451782010-05-03T12:56:00.002-04:002011-06-27T16:38:25.651-04:00One man's creativity is another's brain damage.<br />- Roland FischerChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8901121271694138692010-04-30T14:07:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.621-05:00The Spark by Chris Downie<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1401926452&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I finished reading The Spark book. I was so excited to get it, counting down the days for my Amazon gift certificate. Once that arrived I patiently checked my mailbox daily for the book to arrive. I literally did a happy dance in my kitchen when it did.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I gave up on those weight loss miracles a long time ago. In high school I went on NutriSystem and lost over eighty pounds. Back then, NS actually had a center for you to go in, just like Jenny Craig.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Weight Watchers was a program that worked for me when I reached my mid -twenties. I know many just teach themselves how to cheat the system, basically learning how to still eat junk food for low points. Yes, I still have a few of those recipes, but I learned so much more than that. I learned that I liked and actually enjoyed fruits and vegetables over red meat. That is the girl I am trying to get back to, and I am doing a pretty good job so far.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I have been a member of SparkPeople since the early days. Free, then paid, then back to being free again. Having said that, I have seen it all and learned it all in regards to the website and all it has to offer. I know how things work, I know great recipes, I use my SparkPage and blog, and I even chat on the forums and groups. I have witness thousands of success stories; I have tried the meal plans, and read the Fast Break. Now, here I am in my mid-thirties.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Before I ordered the book, I read every review I could find. I asked questions. Since just about everyone had something great to say about it so I made the choice to buy it.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I am not one to fall for gimmicks. I know you need to eat less and move more.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>What I did not want was another book telling me what to eat, keeping me from the foods I loved. What I did not want was another book telling me I have to do their exercises and only their exercises in order to make my body look like a super model. I am a real woman with real curves and logical expectations. I also did not want a get thin quick book. The SparkPeople website bragged that this book was a great inspiration and tool for people who were already on the SparkPeople site and using the tools offered. Because of this, I decided to give it a go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I dove right in to it, reading chapters, taking notes. I just kept thinking to myself any minute now something “new” and refreshing is going to happen.<span>&nbsp;</span>Any minute now I am going to have my “aha” moment and everything was just going to click.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Page after page, chapter after chapter, there was nothing in it for me. I have heard it all and seen it all when it comes to knowing what you are supposed to do and not do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I am bummed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I feel like my Amazon gift certificate would have been better spent on a recipe book like Hungry Girl.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Here is why; every bit of the book I already knew and I am going to bet most people out there are going to know. Perhaps you found something new in it (or are going to), but I did not. I tried following the chapters, making the goals and the lists. I had already done that before. I know what they are, what I am trying to do. I know what I need to do to get there. The last thing I needed to do was make another list.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book itself is not bad by any means, but I think it is a bit misleading to try to push it towards those who have been on SparkPeople for quite some time. It is clearly meant to get new people to try out SparkPeople and all it has to offer.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Which is not a bad thing. I just do not think it should have been pushed towards those already on the site.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I feel like SparkPeople is starting to become a popular commercial diet plan. The website itself is starting to become another social media networking site.<span>&nbsp;</span>I think it has overload now. I find myself spending way too much time on the site. Not because I want to be, but because it just takes a long time to do simple tasks like find things in forums or groups, as well as log the food. As much as I love the site and the iPhone app, I have been using MyFitnessPal website and app much more. Clean, simple, and has just what I need and nothing I don't. I will stay with SparkPeople for the resources and the friendships.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I would recommend the book to someone who wants to learn calorie counting and does not know where to start. But I would not recommend it to those who have been around the block a time or two.</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13847438133514045632010-04-29T19:55:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.624-05:00The Spark - Final Book Review<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1401926452&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I wish I had something good to say, but right now I don’t. Not that what I have to say is bad, but it just makes me unhappy and a bit disappointed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I finished reading The Spark book. I was so excited to get it, counting down the days for my Amazon gift certificate. Once that arrived I patiently checked my mailbox daily for the book to arrive. I literally did a happy dance in my kitchen when it did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I gave up on those weight loss miracles a long time ago. Weight Watchers was a program that worked for me. I know many just teach themselves how to cheat the system, basically learning how to still eat junk food for low points. Yes, I still have a few of those recipes, but I learned so much more than that. I learned that I liked, and actually enjoyed fruits and vegetables over red meat. That is the girl I am trying to get back to, and I am doing a pretty good job so far.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been a member of SparkPeople since the early days. Free, then paid, then back to being free again. Having said that, I have seen it all and learned it all in regards to the website and all it has to offer. I know how things work, I know great recipes, I use my sparkpage and blog, and I even chat on the forums and groups. I have witness thousands of success stories; I have tried the meal plans, and read the Fast Break. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before I ordered the book, I read every review I could find. I asked questions. Since just about everyone had something great to say about it so I made the choice to buy it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I am not one to fall for gimmicks. I know you need to eat less and move more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>What I did not want was another book telling me what to eat, keeping me from the foods I loved. What I did not want was another book telling me I have to do their exercises and only their exercises in order to make my body look like a super model. I am a real woman with real curves and logical expectations. I also did not want a get thin quick book. The SparkPeople website bragged that this book was a great inspiration and tool for people who were already on the SparkPeople site and using the tools offered. Because of this, I decided to give it a go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I dove right in to it, reading chapters, taking notes. I just kept thinking to myself any minute now something “new” and refreshing is going to happen. Page after page, chapter after chapter, there was nothing in it for me. I have heard it all and seen it all when it comes to knowing what you are supposed to do and not do. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am bummed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel like my Amazon gift certificate would have been better spent on a recipe book like Hungry Girl. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is why; every bit of the book I already knew. Perhaps you found something new in it (or are going to), but I did not. I tried following the chapters, making the goals and the lists. I had already done that before. I know what they are, what I am trying to do. I know what I need to do to get there. The last thing I needed to do was make another list.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The book itself is not bad by any means, but I think it is a bit misleading to try to push it towards those who have been on SP for quite some time. It is clearly meant to get new people to try out SparkPeople and all it has to offer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I feel like SparkPeople is starting to become a popular commercial diet plan. The website itself is starting to become another social media networking site. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I think it has overload now. I find myself spending way too much time on the site. Not because I want to be, but because it just takes a long time to do simple tasks like find things in forums or groups, as well as log the food. As much as I love the site and the iPhone app, I have been using MyFitnessPal website and app much more. Clean, simple, and has just what I need and nothing I don’t. I will stay with SparkPeople for the resources and the friendships. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I would recommend the book to someone who wants to learn calorie counting and does not know where to start. But I would not recommend it to those who have been around the block a time or two.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72508546653515400732010-04-22T15:11:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.628-05:00The Spark, book notes<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1401926452&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Spark book</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a little behind in my blog notes for the book, so here we go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Chapter 2</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Goals</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Long-term:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Have a strong family.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Build a better relationship with my soon to be mother in law.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Obtain higher paying writing contracts.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Purchase a new house.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Less stress and drama in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Overcome my anxiety by learning how to better manage it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Be healthy and fit.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Control my binge eating better.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Action steps:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Save money.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Invest money.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Start to put money in retirement account again.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Exercise 3 to 5 times a week.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eat out less.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eat less meat.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eat more fresh food.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Chapter 3</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fitness</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Find alternatives when eating out. Baked, grilled, not friend. Vegi’s not pasta or rice for a side.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do you consider Weight Watchers to be a fad diet?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Start taking measurements, just because the scale does not move does not mean other things aren’t happening.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Need to get increased and better sleep.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Less stress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Chapter 4</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fire</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Things to work on:<br />Accountability (for food. You bite, you write)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Faith</div><div class="MsoNormal">Patience</div><div class="MsoNormal">Commitment (do not give up just because the scale does not move)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Courage (to try new things)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Flexibility (exercise does not always have to be in the AM, or first thing)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Enthusiasm (I am getting healthy!)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Joyfulness (I am happy to be alive!)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Optimism (I will lose the weight!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Slow and steady wins the race.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">pg 56, the spiral.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Affirmations:</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a survivor.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am on a healthy path that will change my life.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40434550641546943602010-04-21T13:07:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.635-04:00Hungry Girl & Shirataki Noodles<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0312556187&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always been a fan of Hungry Girl, and I can remember the very early days of Lisa Lillien and her HG newsletter. I was a follower of WW at the time and her emails were packed with tidbits of WW related information. The she had hundreds of followers and a limited website, now she has hundreds of thousands of followers and a few books up her sleeve. For quite some time she has raved about this low cal (20) shirataki noodles, which are basically tofu. I lived in Oklahoma at the time and could not track these down. Once I moved to Michigan, I had forgotten about these little gems. Now, here I am, still in Michigan, almost three years later and have finally found my ‘spark’ to get my health back on track. I got reacquainted with Hungry Girl and become more of a consistent user of SparkPeople. <br /><br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1401926452&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last week while checking out the produce, organic, and soy section of a newer market in town (I got tired of driving to the cheaper market 20 minutes away) I looked in the middle of all the blocks of tofu and there to my amazement were these little bags of noodles ($2.50 a bag!). &nbsp;I was pretty excited but I have to tell you, I had NO idea what to do with them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One week later, I finally decided to try them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reading the package directions one will see that it tells you to rinse and par boil to get rid of the “authentic” smell. Whatever the heck that is. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I opened the package (oh! That is what that smell is! Ew, sort of fishy, and fish doesn’t bother me, but this was weird), drained; put them in a pot of water with a chicken bullion cube hoping they would retain some of that flavor. One thing about tofu, there is no flavor. Cubed or noodle, it is pretty plain. I let them boil for a few minutes and drained them again. Thinking about how much I like elbow macaroni with a bit of spray butter, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, I thought that would be the way to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was not in the mood for stir fry, and the sun is shining too nicely for me to want soup.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made the wrong choice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I put one bight in my mouth, chewed, swallowed, and got a faint fishy smell. It made me a bit funny feeling so I just chucked it all in the trash.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps it was not a good day for buttered noodles after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do not want to give up on these almost calorie free gems, but I cannot afford to throw away $2.50 on another package with the hopes another recipe will be better. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will have to think about this one for a while. I am pretty happy with 2 ounces of spaghetti with a can of spinach and a can of diced tomatoes for a nice pasta meal. Tofu noodles may not be the way to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51676315482037183532010-04-19T10:01:00.003-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.638-04:00Ping.FMTesting out ping.fm to update my status on all websites at once, gives me something to do while on treadmill.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28025438834890166232010-04-15T16:27:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.137-04:00My Niche<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z275/lolorocker/write.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z275/lolorocker/write.jpg" /></a></div>My niche is what?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been stated that every blog needs a niche in order to grow and survive. We all want followers, we aim for comments, but I just want readers. I want someone who is actually going to want to read my words and give me proper feedback. I want someone who will share their words with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For me to pick one topic to write about daily is impossible. I have a lot going on in my life, many interests, and a bottomless pile of ideas. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My niche would be: LIFE</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am:</div><div class="MsoNormal">A full time writer</div><div class="MsoNormal">Full time college student</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pet shop owner</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cookbook collector</div><div class="MsoNormal">Diet junkie</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lifetime weight watcher</div><div class="MsoNormal">Recipe queen</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chef</div><div class="MsoNormal">Housekeeper</div><div class="MsoNormal">Weekend nanny</div><div class="MsoNormal">Personal assistant</div><div class="MsoNormal">Professional organizer</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shopkeeper</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wedding planner</div><div class="MsoNormal">Survivor</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fighter</div><div class="MsoNormal">Freebie lover</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bookworm</div><div class="MsoNormal">Empathetic</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bookkeeper</div><div class="MsoNormal">Banker</div><div class="MsoNormal">Biller</div><div class="MsoNormal">Budget friendly</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Green”</div><div class="MsoNormal">MMA Fan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ireland Dreamer</div><div class="MsoNormal">Music listener</div><div class="MsoNormal">Crafter</div><div class="MsoNormal">Writer</div><div class="MsoNormal">But most of all, I am a thinker.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">With all of these, how could I pick just one?</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72737973222294111102010-04-15T14:29:00.001-04:002011-11-10T17:42:31.120-05:00Accounting: Options for your small business - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1805492-bookkeeping-for-free">Accounting: Options for your small business - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67201767587389148472010-04-15T14:29:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.910-04:00Accounting: Options for your small business - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1805492-bookkeeping-for-free">Accounting: Options for your small business - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80821155814522864012010-04-15T13:32:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.139-04:00Poetry In Motion- Creative Writing 101: Two Poems, Rough DraftThis week our assignment was to write two poems, and submit the rough draft.<br />Here are mine:<br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Consumption<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate you<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">This anger consumes me<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate you<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Want to be rid of you<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate you<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">GO!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Go away!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate you<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was you that went astray<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate you<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">HATE!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, despite all that<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Deep down<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I still love you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;(C)C.M.</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lost<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am so LOST<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Can not find my way<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Can you help me<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;HELP ME PLEASE<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need out<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ~OUT~<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; out from these grips<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; controlling grips<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; grips you have on me<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Can you just not see<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just wont leave<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Leave me<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Let me out.</div><div class="MsoNormal">(C) C.M.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15021778980407372932010-04-14T22:35:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.913-04:00Online event and party planning - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1804951-online-party-rooms">Online event and party planning - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31615478292256524472010-04-14T22:31:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.915-04:00Get faxes in your home and office without paying for the machine - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1804932-free-faxes-and-voicemails">Get faxes in your home and office without paying for the machine - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65465852727912749352010-04-09T17:48:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.918-04:00Free software for business functions - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1799539-free-office-software">Free software for business functions - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8082904001280786532010-04-08T20:36:00.002-04:002011-06-28T18:37:09.612-04:00Read, Rate - Get Paid!<a href="http://www.readbud.com/?ref=4119128"><img alt="readbud - get paid to read and rate articles" border="0" src="http://www.readbud.com/images/728_90_banner.jpg" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10029844907888263292010-04-02T19:57:00.003-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.640-04:00iPod Touch App TestI downloaded this free app for my Touch so I could update my blog with all my useless thoughts when I am away from my desktop and too lazy to deal with the laptop! So here is my first test post.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58238357669086246632010-04-02T15:31:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.141-04:00Creative Writing Journal: April 2, 2010<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers</i> by Christopher Vogler, we are introduced to a concept called “Hero’s Journey” where it is an observation that all stories follow these set principles of story telling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Vogler states that all stories consist of common structural elements. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Here is that list; I am posting it here as this will be the basis for much of my writing in this class.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">Hero’s Journey<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">1. Heros are introduced in the ORDINARY WORLD, where<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">2. they receive the CALL TO ADVENTURE.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">3. They are RELUCTANT at first or REFUSE THE CALL, but<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">4. are encouraged by a MENTOR to<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">5. CROSS THE FIRST THRESHOLD and enter the Special World, where<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">6. they encounter TESTS, ALLIES, AND ENIMIES.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">7. They APPROACH THE INMOST CAVE, crossing a second threshold<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">8. where they endure the ORDEAL.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">9. They take possession of their REWARD and<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">10. are pursued on THE ROAD BACK to the Ordinary World.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">11. They cross the third threshold, experience a RESURRECTION, and are transformed by the experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="fnt0"><span style="color: black;">12. They RETURN WITH THE ELIXER, a boon or treasure to benefit the Ordinary World. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Reference<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: black;">Vogler, Christopher. (2008). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers </i>(3<sup>rd</sup> Ed). Studio City, California: Michael Wise Productions.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70513487735239554872010-04-02T15:21:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.144-04:00Creative Writing 101: April 2, 2010<div class="MsoNormal">I am taking a creative writing class this term, and one of the three books has suggested that we writers do what we do best, and that is write. For those who do not already keep a journal (I do!) should start. And we should start writing down whatever we feel like. This journal does not have to be about the day’s events, it can be about any sort of thought or idea that might flood your brain. It can be quotes you like, story ideas, something you saw outside of your home, anything.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I used to be very good about keeping a journal. I wrote every day in one until 2005. Since the introduction to blogging, I have not been very good about keeping a handwritten journal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matthew was nice enough to buy me a very nice green leather one for Christmas, which I have been trying very hard to get back in the habit of writing in it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since I am back in school, my daily blogging is no longer. As time goes on, I hope to be able to write for a living (even more so than I am now), blog consistently, and finish up school. That is the plan for the year. During this time I am also on a lifestyle change journey. I do not wish to call it a diet, as they do not last. I am doing it on my own, without the help of Weight Watchers or NutriSystem, as I have done in the past. I am now a member of TOPS for the meetings, which I have not gone to (shame on me!). It really has been me, my determination, the treadmill, and sparkpeople.com. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to start blogging again. I want to start sharing my journey in life. I want to use this as my creative writing outlet for class, separate from the personal journal, which currently seems to just be used as a venting machine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sharing with everyone not only helps hone my writing craft, but it keeps me accountable for my creative writing class, and my lifestyle change.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27155077088906717202010-04-02T12:47:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.146-04:00Olivia Update<div>Olivia was sent home yesterday, her surgery was Tuesday night. &nbsp;The Doctor thinks she would get more sleep and it would be quieter at home.The hospital was overloaded, they didn't have enough beds and it's a holiday weekend.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>She is in more pain this time because they had to go through scar tissue and she is really mad at everybody but that's okay ,she has every right to be mad.</div><div><br /></div><div>If anyone would like to send Olivia &nbsp;a card (she loves them) PM me and I will give you her address.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, Matt and I thought it would be good to try to do the benefit concert for her this year that we were not able to get done last year. Matt would return to Downseed for the shows, so him and Nate are going to work on that, with Billy as well. Hopefully at Hamilton St Pub in Saginaw and Machine Shop in Flint.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The tumor was larger this time, growing much faster. They had to lift the cerebellum to get as much of it as they could. Only time will tell whether she is going to have to go through chem/radiation again, as well as how much damage was done. She will need a lot of love, a lot of rest!</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8852650026328797872010-03-24T18:16:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.148-04:00Olivia's Prayer Chain<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div style="clear: none; line-height: 14px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For those of you who do not know the story:<br /><br />My cousin Tim's oldest daughter Olivia just turned 6 this past Monday. On her 4th birthday she spent the day in surgery removing tumors around her brain and spine. They removed what they could, chemo and radiation took care of the rest. Last year, for her 5th birthday, and 1 year in remission, the Make a Wish Foundation sent my family to Disney world. Olivia and her sister Ava were such cute princesses and what a great thing for Olivia to be able to experience. It was a long road to recovery for Olivia, as one can only imagine what it does when the brain is operated on.<br /><br />Fast forward. Olivia's tumors have grown back, and my mother says they are growing very fast this time, hence the surgery on Monday. However, she had a fever and was sent home. Now rescheduled for next Tuesday.<br /><br />My mother has some wonderful neighbors, and Anne started this prayer chain.<br /><br />It started Sunday the 21st of March and will continue until the end of April.<br /><br />My mother gave me a copy and I am sending it to all of you.I hope you will help.Send to everyone you know and ask them to say the prayer, even if you only say it once, I will be grateful.<br /><br />Thanks to all!<br /><br />God we pray for Olivia Maxine Morse, God hear our prayers.<br />God we ask that you guide the hands of the surgeon who will operate on Olivia,God hear our prayers.<br />God we ask that all of the tumor be removed, God hear our prayers.<br />God we ask that Olivia will recover swiftly and completely, God hear our prayers.<br />God we ask that her parents and sister stay strong during this difficult time, God hear our prayers.<br />We Thank you God for all that you do, Amen.</div><div class="photo photo_none" style="clear: both; line-height: 14px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="photo_img" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: none; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4486654&amp;op=1&amp;view=all&amp;subj=383650033887&amp;aid=-1&amp;auser=0&amp;oid=383650033887&amp;id=569555914" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><img class=" " onload="var img = this; onloadRegister(function() { adjustImage(img); });" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs021.snc3/10835_202119350914_569555914_4486654_2834339_n.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 460px;" /></a></div><div class="caption" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: none; color: #666666; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px; text-align: left;">My little peepers, Ava, Madison and Olivia</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45089871035512445922010-03-16T07:57:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:52:20.514-04:00Wedding Invite<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">HEAR YE! HEAR YE!</span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lady Chrystal Tina Mahan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sir Matthew Cameron McConnell<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">request the honour of thy presence<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">at their marriage<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">on Saturday, the second of October<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">in the year of our Lord Two thousand and ten.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />The ceremony will begin at</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">four o’clock in the afternoon at<br /><br />Curwood Castle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />Celtic/Renaissance style attire is recommended</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but not required.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Feasting and merriment will follow the ceremony</span><br />at six o'clock in the eve,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sacred Heart Church.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />Please respond by May 1, 2010</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">M______________________________</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Number of People Attending ____</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_______ accepts ______ regrets</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84113913758814386932010-03-05T06:55:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:52:20.517-04:00The Wedding - An Update<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lindisfarne_StJohn_Knot2_3.svg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Design influenced by illustration in the Lindi..." height="261" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Lindisfarne_StJohn_Knot2_3.svg/300px-Lindisfarne_StJohn_Knot2_3.svg.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lindisfarne_StJohn_Knot2_3.svg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span>Things are slowly in the works. Monday we drove to Owosso to meet with Diane who is basically a wedding planner of sorts. We are getting the dresses and kilts from her for the wedding party. She is also doing the set up and the take down of the wedding. She is also available to do our reception (if we have one) as well since we really would like the king and queen thrones along with the round table. She has given us a really good deal on her service and the rentals, so we are not going to complain too much.<br /><br /><br /><br />We had planned on stopping at the castle to get our date booked and paid for; however after spending over three hours at Diane’s house, we missed the castle. So we will have to go back again. We are going to take Maddy with us and go Saturday. She will have fun with that, as she loves to go on outings. On the way home my Explorer started to have issues and I had to take it to the shop. $200 later, it is fine.<br /><br /><br /><br />Matt and I are just hoping everything will work out for us. We are not sure how many people we can invite to the wedding, and we are still unsure of the reception details. I guess we just have to go one day at a time and pray for the best. Everything always seems to have a way of working itself out just the way we want it. Since this is a 2nd wedding for both of us, some of these details just do not matter.<br /><br /><br /><br />We have (well mostly me) decided that the other set of rings I originally wanted has been nagging at me in the back of my mind. The set did not come with an engagement ring, which is why we did not choose it at first. However, I have my grandmothers that I would love to just take to have cleaned and use it. Our rings we originally got are sterling silver, however they are CZ. That is fine by me as I am really not a materialistic person, so those things do not matter to me at all. But the ring itself is really big and bulky. Not to mention all 3 rings will have to be sized, which will cost just as much as I paid for them. So, we have decided to go ahead and get the other set of rings we really wanted in the first place since they are much more our personality (the Celtic knot work with the Claddagh), and I will either send this set back where I got them, or just resell them myself. Either way, we will have Celtic rings. Lesson learned; always go with your first choice.<br /><br /><br /><br />Funny story: And this is in no way meant to be mean. Sue (Matt’s mom) saw my ring for the first time last week. She thought it was very pretty, inspected it and then said “Be sure to take it off before you shower.” At first I did not think much of it, and I thought it was odd. Perhaps she thought it would fall off and go down the drain. But then I thought I bet she thinks its just fake costume jewelry and it will start to peel?? When we were at Diane’s she called Matt. She was someplace and saw a $1000 wedding set on clearance for $199 and they were real gold and so many carat diamonds. He had her on speaker phone. I giggled. Nice of her to let us know, but now I really feel like she thinks our rings are fake. LOL! Anyway, I have had my grandmother’s engagement ring for a while now and it is just begging to be worn! It’s beautiful and I am excited to be able to bring it back to life again. I loved my grandmother very much, she taught me so much in life even though we lived thousands miles apart. It is nice to have a piece of her with me all the time.<br /><br /><br /><br />I posted a picture of the rings. I can’t wait to get them. I also posted some more pictures on some cake ideas, which I know is going to take me forever to decide on.<br /><br /><br /><br />I did post a picture of myself in the emerald green dress. The black overlay will be replaced by navy blue; the weird crown she stuck on my head won’t be there. My hair will not look like a curly mess! The green and blue plaid sash will be replaced by Matt’s family tartan. Also, thanks to sparkpeople.com I am slowly coming down in weight. I had planned to lose 60 pounds by October 2011, but since it has been pushed to this year, I would like to lose it all in the next 8 months, but I know that is not going to happen. I would be happy with at least 40. As most of you know, this is not about my wedding, but more about my back and my health. The wedding just became the motivator, and after seeing myself in this photo….well lets just say I don’t really care to look at it.<br /><br /><br /><br />As we work out the details, I will keep you posted. And for those of you who live so far away, I will post as many blogs and photos as I can!!<br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=5e3f7940-9bc4-4ea1-92d7-a1f2c8d3ae2b" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53449513380185201932010-02-25T21:27:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.150-04:00Poetry In Motion: Darkness<div class="MsoNormal">Darkness</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I carry darkness inside </div><div class="MsoNormal">something I always try to hide</div><div class="MsoNormal">although I don’t know why</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">‘Tis a beautiful thing,</div><div class="MsoNormal">you see</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Provides me with warmth and comfort</div><div class="MsoNormal">shelters me from the storms</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No need for alarm</div><div class="MsoNormal">I means me no harm</div><div class="MsoNormal">I welcome it with open arms</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It engulfs me</div><div class="MsoNormal">swells my heart</div><div class="MsoNormal">some time so overbearing</div><div class="MsoNormal">I fall apart</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">screaming, please</div><div class="MsoNormal">why must you pain me so?</div><div class="MsoNormal">(C)C.M.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7258355468180413542010-02-24T21:12:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.153-04:00Poetry In Motion: Agony<div class="MsoNormal">Agony</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a new muse</div><div class="MsoNormal">don’t you know</div><div class="MsoNormal">listen to me rattle</div><div class="MsoNormal">or is that ebb &amp; flow</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That old familiar feeling</div><div class="MsoNormal">has perched outside my door</div><div class="MsoNormal">leaving me bound &amp; twisted</div><div class="MsoNormal">agony on the floor</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why have you come back to me</div><div class="MsoNormal">I ask over and over again</div><div class="MsoNormal">Were all the other times not enough for you</div><div class="MsoNormal">All I get is a twisted grin</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That feeling</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have seen too many times before</div><div class="MsoNormal">I just want to run</div><div class="MsoNormal">Run so fast, right out that door</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please stop coming for me</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just let me live my life</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t want any more worries</div><div class="MsoNormal">or all the constant strife</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In my ear is chanting</div><div class="MsoNormal">Run. Run free my girl</div><div class="MsoNormal">You will never be allowed</div><div class="MsoNormal">to live in a normal world</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is your destiny</div><div class="MsoNormal">Can’t you see</div><div class="MsoNormal">Confusion, despair</div><div class="MsoNormal">agony.</div><div class="MsoNormal">(C)C.M.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57600831238937962572010-02-24T06:51:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:52:20.520-04:00The Wedding ~ Celtic Style<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Curwood_castle.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Curwood Castle in Owosso, Michigan, built by a..." height="230" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Curwood_castle.jpg/300px-Curwood_castle.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Curwood_castle.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><div>The Wedding<br /><br /></div>Nothing is set in stone, but we are planning for a Fall Wedding in 2010. Hopefully around the first weekend of October. The place will be Curwood Castle in Owosso, Michigan.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>All of you in Oklahoma have that long to save some money, charter a plane, a bus, get the group discount, whatever you got to do to get here !!! LOL</div><div><br /><br />This is how we have planned, so far. Dean (the king, matt dad) will walk out with the sword, followed by the bagpipes playing Scotland the Brave. Matt (soon to be king) will come out next. Once he gets up to his dad he will kneel as the couples in the wedding will start to line up. The first ones in the line will carry the Scotland flag for the boys’ side and the flag of Ireland for the girls’ side.<br /><br /><br />My cousin Chrissy and her husband Kevin will be last in line. Chrissy will be walking Casey, and Kevin will walk Cain. For those that don’t know, those are my Boxer dogs. Well they are ours now. The dogs are going to have sashes made of Matt's family tartan (same as kilts) as a symbol of being brought into his family (since they were mine to start with).<br /><br /></div><br /><div>(The boys will all be in kilts, the girls will have Renaissance style dresses. It is a traditional Celtic wedding after all.)</div><div><br /><br />Once the girls and boys are all in place, Matt will rise, and his dad will basically "knight" him (for lack of a better term) and he will then take his place at the alter. This will then make him King<br /><br />&nbsp;The person who is going to marry us is our pastor at our church. He is about the same age as us and SUPER excited to get to wear a kilt. LOL<br /><br /><br />Ok, once the boys are girls are all lined up, the bags will stop playing and switch to Irish Eyes are Smiling. Deb (Matt’s step mom) will then walk in front (she’s Irish so that worked out well) sort of paving the way for me. Behind her will be Madison (throwing shamrocks of course, and she is Matt's Princess) and then behind her, will be me.<br /><br /><br />I think Matt is having his dad make some sort of a speech.<br /><br /><br />Wedding takes place.<br /><br />&nbsp;One tradition we are thinking of doing is the tying of the wrists, it’s a Celtic thing.<br /><br />&nbsp;We are thinking about having the reception at Albee Township all, since that is where all my family things seem to end up, and its easy for everyone to get to since most of them all live around these parts.<br /><br />&nbsp;There will be a dinner reception with a DJ, then, an after party for adults only after about 8, with drinking and Matt wants an Irish Punk Band...This of course is all subject to change.<br /><br /><br />So that's about all we have going now....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em;"></h6><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=b78ddbad-74cd-4e96-8d5c-3dff7fd5cb9e" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44786488744885595462010-02-24T06:50:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:52:20.522-04:00The Proposal<div>I find it is easy to write about things (I mean, I am a writer after all) then it is for me to pick up the phone and call you all individually. As most of you know, I am not a huge fan of talking on the phone anyway. Text me all day long, that’s fine. But I have never been very good about picking up the phone and calling someone. I think it is from all those years of having to answer the phone at work. It tends to take the fun out of it.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Besides, I am not going to pass up a good opportunity to write about something.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>As I mentioned in the last blog, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2010/02/engagement.html">The Engagement,</a> Matt and I had picked out rings together. So I knew at some point, I was going to get a ring. Every day I had asked him if they had come yet, and “no” was the answer I had always gotten. Last Friday night Matt took Madison over to his moms to spend the night. I was in bed, watching TV when he came home. He came over and knelt beside me, and just sort of rested there for a minute. I honestly thought nothing of it, until my little light bulb went off. He started to speak at the exact moment I said “You got the rings!” *doh* that pretty much killed the moment. *sigh* So, he asked me to marry him. I of course said “YES!”</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Saturday night after Matt came home from Airsoft and his mom dropped Madison off, he took my ring and showed it to Madison. She was all excited (they were sitting on the bed with me) and they both turned around, her face was all smiles and her eyes were huge, as they both said “will you marry us?” and she threw herself on me for the biggest hug ever. I said “oh if I have to” she started to laugh and told me I did. I gave her and Matt a hug and said I would spend the rest of my life with them. It was so cute.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I did not get some big fancy proposal, no fireworks, no candles, no romantic dinner, no party, nothing of that sort. But when I did get was a proposal that was special to us all.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2140961126704482802010-02-23T06:45:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:52:20.525-04:00The Engagement<div>Yes, it is true. I am getting married.<br /><br /><br /><br />I mentioned a week or so ago that I had some news to tell you soon….we had picked out our rings that day. So, I knew ..but I also knew he wanted to actually propose. Me, the one who does not like surprised begged that he not do it while we were out in public someplace. I had hoped he would listen. That was all I needed was to have a panic attack while my boyfriend proposed to me.<br /><br /><br /><br />As some of you may know, Matt and I are not without problems. Many couples face hiccups in their relationships, and it seems Matt and I had to face all of ours at once. There were more times than I care to remember that I began to pack my stuff and make arrangement to move out. But something always held me back. I really started to search inside myself, and think about all of the reasons why I was staying, as well as why it was I wanted to leave.<br /><br /><br /><br />To often, in the past, I have ran away. During the worst of it all, night after night of countless fighting and tears, that ex BF that you all so love to hate (he actually ended up being one of my best friends here) decided that enough was enough and tried to get me to leave Matt and come back to him. And, when things hit rock bottom, there was a moment (oh, so brief moment) where I felt Matt and I were not going to work out and perhaps the ex deserved a second chance. I had seen him grow so much in the last year and maybe, it was better for a us both.<br /><br /><br /><br />While I started to soul search, I remembered a book we had gotten for Christmas from his Dad and his wife Deb. It was called The Love Dare. A 40 day book for couples. Although it took us a month to actually sit down and do it, I have to say it truly has been a relationship saver. Shortly after we started the book I had found the movie Fireproof, which the book was based off of. I watched it, and it changed my life. When Matt got home that day, I made him watch it. It was then he decided that HE was the one that needed to change, and he is now doing the book on his own.<br /><br /><br /><br />For too long I felt that I was doing everything for him and getting nothing in return. When I moved in I instantly became a mother, a maid, a chef, and a drycleaner. I did this while Matt slept in late and sat around on the computer, watched TV or played video games. It was not until this book did he start to get serious about finding a job, being productive and helpful, as well as finding the strength within himself to realize that losing a job is not the end of the world, nor is it a reflection of your true self. What is? It is how you handle yourself when you are faced with these life challenges.<br /><br /><br /><br />We are now confident that our relationship has finally broke free from the mean and hurtful sayings, broke free from the lack of communication and compromise. We are now confident we have the tools necessary to be able to move forward, handle all of life’s obstacles, and spend the rest of our life together.<br /><br /><br /><br />The road has been hard. I wanted to give up. I had been tempted by the fruit of another, and for the first time in my life, I resisted.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was then I knew, I was truly in love with this man and no one or nothing else mattered.<br /><br /><br /><br />He is still working on the book, and I find myself journaling again. The realization is, life is not always easy. It has been a long road for me, but finally, I am seeing some peace with it. Matt is kind, he is loving, and he is extremely caring. Not only that, but I get a Madison out of the whole deal. Seeing her smile when I teach her how to cook things, well, there is nothing more beautiful that that. We may only be a weekend family, but they are my family, and I plan to love them for the rest of my life.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, there you have it. How we went from almost breaking up and moving out, to finding our way back to why we fell in love in the first place.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40378006887725359612010-02-10T21:43:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:43:37.428-04:00Freelance WritingBefore You Start to Write for Demand Studios (or any other company for that matter!)<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1738751-freelance-writing-demand-studios">Freelance writing for Demand Studios - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71878437700530915432010-02-05T18:52:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:51:14.920-04:00Avoiding underemploymentHow not to waste your talent - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1733297-underemployment">Avoiding underemployment: How not to waste your talent - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18356399429032036962010-02-05T13:54:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.124-04:00Medication Costs Too High?There is Help.<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2010m2d5-Medication-Costs-Too-High-There-is-Help">Medication Costs Too High? There is Help.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71756994083885505892010-02-05T12:48:00.002-05:002011-06-28T18:32:43.799-04:00Places to Find Free Content Online<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">From Business Support Group Blog</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">Free Resource Friday&nbsp;</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">Places to Find Free Content Online</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">By Chrystal Mahan</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Sometimes writing content is the easy part. Sometime one suffers from writers block or one just can not find that perfect photo to go with the written content. In today's Free Resource blog we are going to take a look at a few places you can find good quality content, for free!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://morguefile.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Morgue File</span></b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;not exactly the most pleasant name, and for the record it is not a site devoted to things that you would find in a morgue. Rather, it is a collection of photos placed on the site by users for one to use, royalty free. You can search for an image by keyword, or just browse. Clicking the photo you like will allow you to download it, as well as provide you with a link. All they ask is when using the photo that you please site the link.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://photorogue.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Photo Rouge</span></b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;puts a new twist on the royalty free photo option. Can't find what you are looking for? Stop by the Rouge and place your request. They also offer a gallery for you to browse, just in case they already have what you seek. Volunteers fill the request, and it is all free of charge.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Are you searching for some</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>eBooks?</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">There are plenty of free eBooks on the net, however going from site to site can be quite time consuming.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/50-places-free-books-online.htm)" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b>Gizmo's Freeware</b></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;offers a list of 250 plus places to find free eBooks. The books are legal for download. It's your one stop shop, and sure to have something you are looking for.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b>Article Base</b></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;is a website directory which offers free articles and content for use on websites, such as blogs. The website offers over 1.5 million articles to choose from. The site also offers writers the chance to submit their own work for recognition and syndication. Sign up and use of the site is free. &nbsp;Categories include: Advertising, Business, Careers, Computers, Finance, Law, Marketing, and just about anything Health, Home and Hobby related.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.articlecity.com/" style="color: #649900; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Article City</span></b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;is another website devoted to free content. Even the best writers and bloggers get a case of writers block. With sites like Article City, your website does not have to go empty on a blocked day. Article City offers a plethora of articles for reprint. The site is simple and not full of fancy fluff so users will have an easy time moving around. The only obstacle one might face are the advertisements, but for free content, we are not going to complain about a few ads, they are what pays for the website after all.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50149216440390627012010-02-05T11:40:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.127-04:00Suicide and Depression PreventionTo Write Love on Her Arms and IMAlive<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2010m2d5-Suicide-and-Depression-Prevention-To-Write-Love-on-Her-Arms-and-IMAlive">Suicide and Depression Prevention: To Write Love on Her Arms and IMAlive</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81423504268454548172010-02-05T09:15:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.129-04:00Miley Cyrus shows Joaquin Phoenix and Liv Tyler how to vote for TWLOHA and Suicide Prevention.<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2010m2d5-Miley-Cyrus-shows-Joaquin-Phoenix-and-Liv-Tyler-how-to-vote-for-TWLOHA-and-Suicide-Prevention">Miley Cyrus shows Joaquin Phoenix and Liv Tyler how to vote for TWLOHA and Suicide Prevention.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-516464985592501662010-02-05T08:54:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.155-04:00Christmas Videos are Finally Up!Me, Matt, Maddy, his mom Sue, his dad Dean and wife Deb as well as my mom Donna, celebrated many days worth of Christmas!<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Voiceoftheseed">YouTube - Voiceoftheseed's Channel</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38327901626933580772010-01-27T20:09:00.001-05:002011-06-28T18:31:39.891-04:00You Can Work From Home<div style="text-align: center;">Posted at Business Resource Group</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moms(and anyone else) Can Work from Home</div><div style="text-align: center;">By Chrystal Mahan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Commuting costs and daycare make it hard for any mom to decide whether working outside the home is really worth it. Working from home can reduce the cost of commuting as well as the cost of child care if you can work around your child, or just place them in care a few hours a day instead of all day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few ideas for you to consider.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1. Homemade Goods, Gift Baskets &amp; Crafts</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a good started business for anyone who sews, crochets, or knits. Etsy.com is the perfect place for homemade goods such as these. If candles, soap, or gift jars are more your style, ebay.com as well as craigslist.com are a perfect started point. If you like food baskets or candy bouquets, putting advertisements in your local paper can be the perfect starting point. One thing to remember, business cards, flyers and word of mouth will always get your business up and running. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2. Bookkeeping</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are savvy with numbers and exceptional in math, then a at home bookkeeping service is a great business for you. Many smaller companies do not want to do the work themselves and are willing to outsource with independent companies.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>3. Virtual Assistant</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have office or administrative assistant experience then you could benefit from working at home as a virtual assistant. There are many websites with clients looking to hire a VA, Vip Desk, eLance, Guru, Live Works, and oDesk are the best places to start. Most will require a quiet space, high speed internet, fax and separate telephone line.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>4. Graphic and Web Design</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Web businesses are constantly growing and so is the need for graphic designers and web designers. You do not need a college education, but it is helpful. Many certification programs are available and can assist you as well. What one really needs is a stocked portfolio and clients. Again, freelance sites such as oDesk and Guru are full of opportunities in this field.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>5. Medical Transcription, Biller, or Coder</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">All of these medical opportunities can be based at home, so long as the employer is willing to allow it, and you have the right equipment. Most will want educational training as well as some experience. Freelance sites are the best places to get a start if you have the education and certification but need a bit more experience.</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55859505469073177202010-01-14T14:20:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:51:14.922-04:00Dogs: Cleaning urine stains and odors<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1711340-pet-smells-stains">Dogs: Cleaning urine stains and os - by Chrystal Mahan - Heliumdors - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68088612117836914982010-01-12T16:08:00.003-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.631-05:00The Spark (and you can help me win!)As you may know, I am an active member of the popular healthy-living website, SparkPeople.com. In an effort to help SparkPeople live out their mission of helping millions of people reach their goals and live healthier lives, I have joined a contest they're holding called "The Spark Free Chapter Challenge." If you have one minute to spare, I could use your help, because I REALLY want to win!<br /><br />So here's the deal with the challenge…<br /><br />Chris Downie, SparkPeople's CEO and founder, recently published a book called "The Spark" that offers a proven new approach to improving your health, transforming your life and reaching your goals (for example, real people have lost over 10 million pounds using their free online program)!<br /><br />People like me who are helping them "Spread The Spark" through The Spark Free Chapter Challenge are encouraging our friends and family to download a FREE chapter of "The Spark" book. And for every person I can encourage to download the chapter, I will get an additional chance to win a $500 weekend getaway and other prizes, as well as something they offer called "SparkPoints," which also help motivate me to reach my goals.<br /><br />All you have to do to help is download a free chapter from The Spark book. Nothing else. To do so, simply go to http://book.sparkpeople.com/book.asp?u=okirishchik and click the button to download your free chapter.<br /><br />If you would be willing to help me with this, I would truly appreciate it, and I also think you will enjoy reading this free chapter from "The Spark". I know I did!<br /><br />Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it.<br /><br />~Chrys~Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73745332452560725812010-01-07T16:36:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.131-04:00Is Depression Heredity or Learned?<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2010m1d7-Is-Depression-Heredity-or-Learned">Is Depression Heredity or Learned?</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24959617370507685382010-01-01T10:04:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.157-04:00How I Long for Sleep.Oh, how I long for some sleep. Dreams. To awaken refreshed and ready to start my day.<br /><br />For those that are asking - No, I still have not been able to get any sleep. I have tried all of the things you all have mentioned in the past, with no luck. There are things that I have also tried now, that just are not working. Problem is this is getting worse. I have come to the sad conclusion that perhaps they only way I am going to get back to a good nights sleep (whatever that is as I have struggled often with bouts of insomnia) is too not sleep with Matt. Sad as that sounds, perhaps us living together is no longer in the stars. Who wants to give up a relationship because of sleep problems??? <br /><br />Not me. But this lack of sleep is affecting my entire life. I worked so hard with this job that I have and I am finally making something of my life and the fact that I can not get a decent amount of sleep night after night is starting to cause me problems. Not only that, but it is causing problems in my relationship(s) as well. Lack of sleep makes me tired and much more sensitive (panic) to my surroundings. I always feel like I am on edge (anxiety), and I cry (perhaps I am bipolar?) at the damnedest things. We fight way too much (too tired = lack of patience), and it just is not a good situation any more. I really do not know what to do, but this is not how I wanted to start the New Year. Having said that, this is beyond my control. <br /><br />Right now, I have to put myself first and stop taking care of others before me. I need to stop doing everything. I need help. I need to be the one being taken care of. Problem is no one is going to do that but me. So if that means I have to move out, then so be it. I have to think about my health and all this lack of sleep is doing is making things worse; mentally, physically, and emotionally. I just see my little world spiraling out of control.<br /><br />The hardest part is, people <b>do not</b> understand. I constantly feel sick (depressed, migraines, upset stomach), which is making me stress out, which causes my back/sciatica to flair up. It is hard to be around people and fake my way through happiness when I am nothing but miserable inside. I feel like I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat, constantly groggy. But the fact is I can not sleep. And when I do finally fall asleep, I am always, somehow, being woke up. So there I lay for hours and hours. I just can not do this any more. I am tried of telling people I just “cant” do this or do that. Knowing if I even tried I would get irritated and grumpy. I feel it is just safer for me to stay home, and for others to stay away. <br /><br />One of my New Years resolutions was to take some time to start blogging again. It is after all, how I really got my start in internet writing. Only difference is, now I am getting paid for it. Because I work so much, the last thing on my mind has been to blog. Between work and school, who has time for leisure writing? But I was going to make it a point to start. At least try. And this was not how I wanted my first blog post of the year to go. <br /><br />But, this is my life right now. Perhaps I am thinking irrational because even I can not comprehend just how tired, worn out and run down I really am. It makes my anxiety disorder/ level at an all time high. It gives me more panic attacks. It really is ruining my life.<br /><br />So there you have it. Perhaps this will make sense to some of you as far as why some certain things have happened, or maybe not happened depending on the situation. And for that I am very sorry. But please understand just how difficult this is for me. <br /><br />This isn’t about whether I love Matt or not. You all know the answer to that question. I love him with all that I have to love someone with. Do I want to give up? Absolutely not and I am willing to keep trying. But I do not think there is anything else left for me to try.<br /><br />Whatever happens, just know that I appreciate those who do understand and have been there for me.<br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br />P.S. I have a feeling someone is going to mentin seperate rooms and/or seperate beds rather then seperate houses. And that is something I think we may have to look in to. As I see it, there would be no future for Matt and I if we were to live in seperate houses. We have talked about marriage and kids someday, so how would that happen if we can not even sleep in the same bed/live together? At the advice of his step-mom we have talked about getting 2 twin beds for the master bedroom, and as she stated "push them together when you need to get yours!" LOL which still makes me giggle. I know there are a lot of people out there who love their significant others and for whatever reason do not sleep in the same bed. It is just hard to admit that I might have to be one of those people. <br /><br />Have I always had this problem? No. I have been able to sleep in the same bed with others. Problem here is I am a VERY light sleeper. I sleep with earplugs in because Matt snores from time to time, the dogs snore, and random noises will wake me. In the past, earplugs have always been enough. I have suffered with insomnia for about 10 years now. I have tried all medications and nothing really works. When insomnia strikes, I just deal with it and let it run its course. <br /><br />This however, is not insomnia. This is just not being able to get any sleep. Matt is a hard sleeper. He has restless legs and moves around a lot. He is a big boy and not very graceful when he does move. Often I am kicked with flying legs or hit with flying arms. I have a wall of pillows between us because of this, but then I get pushed, practially off the bed. I sleep on top of the covers with my own blanket. If I do not, he steals them all. <br /><br />So, as you can see, we have tried various things. We are just not in a finincial posistion where we can buy new beds, or even a good matress (which could help) for the bed we have now. <br /><br />When you think about it, if I can not afford a new bed set, then how am I suppose to be able to afford to live on my own?Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15150138936970823002009-12-30T20:58:00.004-05:002011-08-10T11:59:51.624-04:00Reflections 2009<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 58.5pt; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">1)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was 2009 a good year for you?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It had some ups and downs, but in the end I am finally starting to pick up the last of the pieces that needed put back together. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;I had to overcome many things, and I did. At least I am trying to. I am trying to move on from the past and continue to grow as a person and move forward. It is not always easy, and often I want to give up. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, that is something to celebrate. But life is constantly changing. No longer standing still and waiting for me to catch up. </span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />2) What was your favorite moment of the year? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Becoming a published and paid write was at the top of the list. I am not famous, and I am not on the NY Time National Best Sellers List, but I am doing what I love and that is all that matters.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></b><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />3) What was your least favorite moment of the year? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the pain; emotional, physical, and mental </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />4) Where were you when 2009 began?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matt’s house (before I moved in)</span></strong><br /><br />5) Who were you with?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matt&nbsp; </span></strong><br /><br />6) Where will you be when 2009 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be where ever he is.&nbsp; </span></strong><br /><br />7) Who will you be with when 2009 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matt</span></strong><br /><br />8) Did you keep your new years resolution of 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn’t make any. I know I won’t keep them, so I didn’t bother.</span></strong><br /><br />9) Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2010?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, to take charge of my health. My back depends on me losing some weight, as well as my own physical and mental well being.</span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2009?<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I did.</b><br /><br />11) If yes, with whom?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that.</span></strong><br /><br />12) If yes, do they know?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course he knows, for he loves me just the same. </span></strong><br /><br />13) Are you still in love with them?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Absolutely, and looking forward to a lifetime of it if we can make it through the obstacles. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />14) Do you regret it?<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">At times, I regret that we moved too fast. But nothing I can do about it now, so I try not to dwell on it too much.<br /></b><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I broke a friendship.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong><br /><br />16) Did you make any new friends in 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sure as heck did. LOTS of them! *blows a kiss to you all*</span></strong><br /><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ALL of them.... how can I pick just one?</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />18) What was your favorite month of 2009?<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">July</b><br /><br />19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2009?<br /><b>No :( </b><br /><br />20) How many different places did you travel to in 2009?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Michigan ….what a bore</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2009? <br /><b>I often feel like I have lost a lot of people,&nbsp; no so much to another world, but more so just because we are all so out of touch.<br /><br /></b>22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YES! &nbsp;all my friends and loved ones back in OK.</span></strong><br /><br />23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw so many wonderful movies this year.</span></strong><br /><br />24) What was your favorite song from 2009?<br /><b>Oh I have a few: they may not be new in 2009, but they still mean something to me. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second Chance – Shinedown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simple Man – Shinedown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Believe – Staind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celtic Pride – The Mahones<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haunted – Shane McGowan and Sinead O’Connor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok and really this list could go on and on and on, but there is a reason why I have an attachment to these songs this year. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />25) What was your favorite album from 2009?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can’t say I really have a fave from the releases this year.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />26) How many concerts did you see in 2009?<br /><b>A LOT!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2009?<br /><b>Shinedown</b><br /><br />28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No more then usual… Guinness anyone??</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only pain relievers for my back.</span></strong><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One.</span></strong><br /><br />31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not really. </span></strong><br /><br />32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2009?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No need to.</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2009?<br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Didn’t.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More like the other way around. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah, I had my moments. </span></strong><br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2009?<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every penny I earned. </span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh! Let’s see........ Just call me Grace LOLOL</span></strong><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009 and change it, what would it be? <br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I would not have moved in with Matt when I did.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2010? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To just keep plugging away at life one day at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit my friends for sure! </span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />41) What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can’t think of anything. </span></strong><br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My good friend Steve and his wife Tara welcome TWINS! Matt’s friends Q and Nicci welcomed baby girl Lilly. &nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Respect and understanding.</span></strong><br /><br />44) What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pass.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Working as a writer!</span></strong><br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Depression creeping back up on me, never living up to my own expectations of myself, and my wicked evil self esteem issues that mess with my head. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MY OWN CAR!!</b><br /><br />48) Whose behavior merited celebration?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me get back to you on that one.</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br />49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yikes! My own – seriously! And Matt’s.</span></strong><br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a job again.&nbsp; Living through another semester of school.</span></strong><br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />i. happier or sadder? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I am about the same as I was this time last year, just for different reasons.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />ii. thinner or fatter? <b>The same as I was…but I would love to change that…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">iii. richer or poorer? <strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">richer in so many ways, a little better money wise , but still poor</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exercised..LOL..well you asked</span></strong><br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?<br /><b>Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think, living my life for others, and never putting myself first</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br /><b>Christmas has already passed and I spent it with Matt and his family.</b><br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">didn’t I already shed some light on this?</span></strong><br /><br />56) What was your favorite TV program?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sons of Anarchy, Man vs. Food, anything ghost and paranormal related.</span></strong><br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, there will always be one person I seriously dislike and likely that will never change.</span></strong><br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh gosh, I read so many I don’t really know where to start. But my fave is Needful Things by Stephen King; I read it just about every year. </span></strong><br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing really new this year.</span></strong><br /><br />60) What did you want and get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted someone to love me just as I am, and accept me and all my faults. Someone to understand me, and give a little sympathy when needed.&nbsp; </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want peace within me. I am working on that.</span></strong><br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br /><b>Matt and I went to Tawas.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really have no way of knowing. Cause if these things did not happen that I went through this year, whose to say something else would not have. </span></strong><br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? <br /><b>I’m just me. I don’t follow trends. I like what I like. Comfort. Cool. Calm. Dressed up or down, I am pretty simple. <br /><br /></b>65) What kept you sane?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing kept me sane, I have been having insane moments on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br /><em><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">Gerald Butler. Scottish yum.<o:p></o:p></span></b></em></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most? <br /><b>None </b><br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things are never what they seem.</span></strong><br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">Believe in me<br />I know you've waited for so long<br />Believe in me<br />Sometimes the weak become the strong<br />Believe in me<br />This life is not always what it seems<br />Believe in me<br />Cause I was made for chasing dreams</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">70) Favorite discovered quote.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span class="snippet4"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That's me." ~Maya Angelou<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20296309313828954792009-12-28T12:04:00.005-05:002011-08-10T11:58:28.642-04:00The House Removals Company (UK Based)Brought to you by your friends at <a href="http://www.blogsvertise.com/"> Blogsvertise.</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thehouseremovalscompany.co.uk/"> The House Removals Company </a>is a website geared at connecting the mover with a removing company in the UK. Save time and money with comparisons. The website is quick, easy to navigate, and easy to use. No hassle and no long forms to fill out.<br /><br />Get quotes fast from local removal companies. Website allows you to compare services and fees between several companies to locate the best deal for you. Save time and money by using <a href="http://www.thehouseremovalscompany.co.uk/"> The House Removals Company. </a> The service only takes a few moments to use.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thehouseremovalscompany.co.uk/"> The House Removals Company </a>has almost full coverage of the UK; the company also has a database of commercial removers to help your company with an office or warehouse move, and offers international shipping.<br /><br />So, whether you are in need of a UK removal company for residential or commercial, The House Removal Company is sure to be your one stop shop for all the help you need. HRC will also assist those who are moving abroad. HRC specialized in matching you to a company which assists in all your needs.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71913805701275964002009-12-26T20:35:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.159-04:00Christmas List of Presents<div class="MsoNormal">Christmas List 2009</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a243/xhannahbethx/strasmaxmastree4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a243/xhannahbethx/strasmaxmastree4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Black Pea Coat</div><div class="MsoNormal">Black Hat, Scarf, Mittens</div><div class="MsoNormal">Black Converse (matching Madison’s)</div><div class="MsoNormal">iPod Touch</div><div class="MsoNormal">Digital Photo Key Chain</div><div class="MsoNormal">Digital Photo Frame</div><div class="MsoNormal">3 Bottles Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Shower Gel</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 Bath and Body Works Vanilla Candles</div><div class="MsoNormal">Green leather journal</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bible cover</div><div class="MsoNormal">Boxed Irish Music CD set </div><div class="MsoNormal">Sticky pad for my car that keeps cell phone and iPod in place</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Madison, Cielo and Ashton (these are Matt’s step kids)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The girls made me a key chain for my new car, it has pretty beads and a Celtic knot with a cameo and mirror. Super cute, they did a good job. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Ink Stamps, small paw for Casey and big paw for Cain.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Small box for keychain with the letter C on it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sue (Matt’s Mom)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Digital Camera (mine was so old it was lacking zoom, and matt’s got stolen when our house was broke in to over the summer)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Memory Card</div><div class="MsoNormal">Green candle set (for next years Irish Christmas)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shamrock tree ornament (for the Irish Christmas tree)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Gold Bracelet</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deb (Matt’s Step Mom)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dan Brown – The Lost Symbol, hardcover</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deb and Dean (Matt’s Dad)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fire Proof, leather bound book for couples and how strengthen their relationship</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Mom<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Calligraphy book, ink and pens</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 Knitting Books and supplies</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 huge photo (coffee table style) books on Ireland</div><div class="MsoNormal">Writers Retreat boxed book set</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pen and Pencil Set</div><div class="MsoNormal">50s style napkin holder and matching salt/pepper shakers</div><div class="MsoNormal">Griddle for stove (for both of us)</div><div class="MsoNormal">New measuring cups (for both of us)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Electronic Dictionary that is so thin it is a bookmark too!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69728017998877547152009-12-21T15:46:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.133-04:00Was Britney Murphy severely depressed?What a sad, sad, thing to happen.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d21-Was-Britney-Murphy-severely-depressed">Was Britney Murphy severely depressed?</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11059746233825695152009-12-21T11:28:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.136-04:00What Can Cause Depression?"Is it all in your head?"<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d21-What-Can-Cause-Depression">What Can Cause Depression?</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85594248592928665392009-12-18T09:11:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.138-04:00Depression and the Swine FluDepression sufferers do not have to hide.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d18-Depression-and-the-Swine-Flu">Depression and the Swine Flu</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57937476853635047292009-12-16T13:20:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:43:37.430-04:00Freelance Writing - Moral of the StoryI began this Freelance career earlier this year after having many job issues. It may not have been a good idea for me to move 1000 miles to the middle of nowhere to a state with the highest unemployment rate. But I did. For 2 years I did temp jobs, going from one to the next. Not liking any of them. Finally I had enough and began my quest to work from home. I lived in a small town, and taking the 30 minute to 1 hour long commute to a decent paying job just did not sound like a lot of fun to me. I had some ups and downs, as you saw from previous posts. Bad times, good time. Things I am not proud of. But, I wanted to share that experience so if others are out there, doubting that they can make it in the writing world, I am here to tell you, that you can. I may not be a million dollar novelist, and I many not always get to write what I want, but I have gotten myself out of corporate America and doing something that I love to do. Life has to go on, and I have to make the best of it.<br /><br />Good luck to those seeking the way on their own journey.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52233911041301352092009-12-16T13:16:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:43:37.432-04:00On 12/7/2009 I Gave This UpdateI just wanted to update:<br /><br />I was able to pay cash for a car ($2000) for a Ford Explorer. Pretty red. And it was a great moment for me. I still have a long way to go with getting out of debt, as I am now saving to pay a lawyer for bankruptcy (thank goodness for income tax time) to start over.<br /><br />I have been able to buy all new things to decorate our house with for Christmas. This is my 2nd Christmas with BF and lil one, but it is my first living in the same house. I wanted lil one to have the best Christmas she can have (she is having 4 of them, lucky girl!) as well as giving back to those that have given to me the last couple years in helping me get back on my feet after my divorce. I have spent at LEAST $1000 on Christmas decorations and presents for BF, lil one, his mom, my mom, his dad and step mom, and one of my best friends.<br /><br />Good things can happen, if you do not give up!<br />If a procrastinator like me can make it work, so can you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14332118403067602882009-12-16T13:15:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:43:37.434-04:00On 11/25/2009 I Gave an Update to My Freelance StoryI have saved up enough money to pay cash for a decent car. Going to go look at some today. Like I said, I am no where near out of the woods yet. I can not file for Bankruptcy until next year because I already filed some years ago do to medical expenses that my insurance did not pay for. It sucks because I was just now getting my credit back on track, only to lose my job, then my car and all my credit accounts were closed and being sent to collections. It sucks, I wont lie. And it adds to my depression, but at least I know that with time it will "all be over soon" so to speak and I can continue on the path I am going.<br /><br />We just can not continue to share a car. BF is gone all day at school and now he is looking for a job since his unemployment is about to run out. Since we have his daughter on the weekends, if he has to work I do not want to be here without a car. For one, we might want to go someplace and for two, I would hate to be stranded if something happened to her or the dogs and we needed to go to the Dr/Vet.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46761968342742310552009-12-16T13:13:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:43:37.437-04:00On 11/20/2009 I Shared My Story on Freelancing to Fellow WritersI am not generally one to brag, but I set my own personal goal some time ago. I wanted to prove to myself that I could sit down and write all day and make just as much money doing it as if I was to go back out into corporate America (mind you I have never been paid more then $12hr.). I have some days I do not do well, and some days I go over. In the end it has averaged out. This last week has been the best week ever. (amazing what you can do when you stop playing on Facebook so much LOL) Mind you I am not rich by any means.<br /><br />I had my car repossessed a few months ago and I have been out of work since Nov. 2008. I do get unemployment, but it is not much because I did not work much, I only lived in MI since 2007 and did not get my first job until Jan 2008. Unemployment will eventually run out, but by the time I got it, I had already gotten behind on bills and the car was just too much. I have been saving my money because I am so far behind I may have to file Bankruptcy.<br /><br />I tried phone work, West, LiveOps and I technically still work for West, just do not have a line. I do not really care for phone work.<br /><br />I even did adult texting, which is how I found this forum when looking for more at home work. I no longer do it, but it did give me a lot of stories to write.<br /><br />Having said all that, I have a better outlook. I have been very depressed (http://www.workplacelikehome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231935) and having a hard time dealing with that. I have been putting money away and I am very close to having enough money to pay cash for a car. I did purchase one with the help of my mom, who I am paying back. But BF car blew a head gasket and its not worth repairing. So he has taken over the car. And that is OK, he needs it more then me. He goes to school. My school and work is online.<br /><br />I don't mean to babble, but I wanted to share my story. I am not out of the woods and I have a long way to go to get back on my feet. And I still have a long way to go as far as writing and income.<br /><br />I wanted to let other writers know, especially those who are just starting out, to hang in there. When I first started I was only seeing $20 here, $50 there. Rev share was a whopping 50 cents. But I stuck with it. And the money is there now.<br /><br />I just wanted to share that with you guys. When a reject or rewrite gets you down, don't take it personal. It is the name of the game. I wanted to quit with my first one, but I am glad I did not.<br /><br />Good luck to you all.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34202440561510078122009-12-16T12:47:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.140-04:00Physical Pains of DepressionDepression is not just emotional, it is physical as well.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d16-Physical-Pains-of-Depression">Physical Pains of Depression</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-525559609551896292009-12-15T17:33:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:48:12.310-04:00Holiday 101: Today's Feel Good MomentIt will cost you nothing to do something good, and feel good in the process.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d15-Holiday-101-Todays-Feel-Good-Moment">Holiday 101: Today&#39;s Feel Good Moment</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79908614000651749382009-12-07T18:18:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:51:14.925-04:00Top artistic schools in the Southwest - by Chrystal Mahan - HeliumA sample I had to write for one of my clients, per a given topic. Once written and submitted for review I placed my work on my Helium site.<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1675390-art-schools">Top artistic schools in the Southwest - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20380671318950206962009-12-03T14:41:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:15:20.008-04:00T.O.P.S.As a writer we are faced with many challenges, and my weight happens to be one of my biggest ones. Sitting down at a desk all day, as we all know, does not help. So, I have started a new journey, another tale to tell if you will.<br /><br />November 25,2009<br />Yesterday I decided to join TOPS with my boyfriends step mom. They have a meeting at my church. I really enjoyed it and it seems like they have a lot of fun. I think I will be more accountable for my actions when I have face to face meetings and scale visits instead of just trying to do it on my own. I know many think I am crazy for starting just before the holidays, but with my back situation and overall health it was do or die time. I knew if I waited I would just keep putting it off. Thankfully she will be around on the holidays so we can hold each other accountable. :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53004530297128543592009-12-03T11:46:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.144-04:00Lifting Depression: Holiday Christmas Letter from Jesus<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m12d3-Lifting-Depression-Holiday-Christmas-Letter-from-Jesus#">Lifting Depression: Holiday Christmas Letter from Jesus</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53846512301490813892009-11-21T17:11:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.147-04:00What NOT to say to someone who is depressed<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d21-What-NOT-to-say-to-someone-who-is-depressed">What NOT to say to someone who is depressed</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34691187710067982482009-11-21T16:41:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.149-04:00Today is national survivors of suicide day<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d21-Today-is-national-survivors-of-suicide-day">Today is national survivors of suicide day</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23332626504861935412009-11-19T16:42:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.151-04:00Depression 101: Where can I go for help?<a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d19-Depression-101-Where-can-I-go-for-help">Depression 101: Where can I go for help?</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42862013555376832762009-11-17T21:01:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.162-04:00Trying to Get Help<div class="MsoNormal">theTrying to get help 11 17 2009</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is a little bit about my situation:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />I have been living here in MI for two years, I moved here after my divorce from OK. My family is all here, that is why the choice.<br /><br />Once the divorce was final, I lost my insurance. No insurance, not able to pay for medication.<br /><br />I saw a psychiatrist for about 5 years, was in remission and my GP took over to prescribe my medication.<br /><br />I went off my medication two years ago cold turkey.<br /><br />In those two years I have had some temp, odd jobs. But nothing I could stay at because my depression, stress, anxiety and panic attacks had come back. I have managed to get by.<br /><br />Now, I am a freelance writer and do make some money from that. I am a full time student and I was able to collect some unemployment.<br /><br />I have relapsed, and I feel worse then I ever have.<br /><br />I called the community city health center and they can not accept me because I am not suicidal. I have tried free clinics and such only to run into a brick wall. The problem basically is I can not afford treatments or medication or DR visits. I am trying to make enough money to cover these expenses. I know there is free stuff available, but it seems only if I am suicidal or I voluntarily check myself in to a 3 day treatment program.<br /><br />I do not consider myself a religious person. I only started going to church about 5 years ago, and then took a 2 year break when I moved here. I just started going back a few months ago with my BF(who I live with). The church got a new counselor, who used to be a psychologist. We decided to make an appt. with him, hoping he would be able to help my BF understand my depression, eating disorders, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and panic attacks.<br /><br />This was not the case.<br /><br />Instead, he berated us for living together. Yes, I am aware of what the Bible says about people living together and having sex before marriage. But at the same time, the Bible does say and I was taught in church that we will be forgiven for all our sins, all we have to do is pray and ask. Which, I do. Again, mind you, I am not a religious person by any means. I started to go to church to find some inner peace as part of my own treatment to deal with some of the mess I live with.<br /><br />Then, after he was done with his lecture, he asked me what I had to be depressed about. I told him. He said it was in the past, get over it. He told me that I and my BF were just having a pity party for ourselves and we needed to get over it. He then proceeded to tell me that all these disorders where in my head, medication was a farce and God would heal me.<br /><br />Ok, now before anyone gets on me about this, again let me say, I am not religious. But I know how those that are can be about issues like this. I know many Christians do not believe in medications for the mind.<br /><br />But shouldn't he at least of asked me for more information about my docs and issues and medication before he just gave me that answer?<br /><br />Even after I told him the medication helped me to focus and concentrate, and basically not feel like crap, he still would not recommend any other places for me to go to seek help, aside from the church and God.<br /><br />I was hoping he would be a little more open minded and helpful. I walked away feeling very bitter, upset and misunderstood.<br /><br />Now, I am at the brick wall again, unsure of where to go next.<br /><br />Thank you for letting me share and vent.<br /><br />Chrys</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4465698666285219382009-11-17T10:01:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.153-04:00Keeping holiday depression at baySome easy tips to help cope with the Holidays.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d17-Keeping-holiday-depression-at-bay">Keeping holiday depression at bay</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24522354704820895112009-11-11T16:43:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.155-04:00A glimpse into male depression vs. female<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d11-A-glimpse-into-male-depression-vs-female">A glimpse into male depression vs. female</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89767155591685936002009-11-10T10:29:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.157-04:00Girl’s sports eases depression boy’s linked to bad behaviorWhy do they always seem to link depression to girls.<br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d10-Girls-sports-eases-depression-boys-linked-to-bad-behavior">Girl’s sports eases depression boy’s linked to bad behavior</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51001416380358672182009-11-09T14:41:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.160-04:00Exercising to ease depressionJust a little a day keeps the blues away.<a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d9-Exercising-to-ease-depression">Exercising to ease depression</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50670658173205765742009-11-07T22:41:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:47:36.162-04:00How to know if you're depressed<a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-29389-Detroit-Depression-Examiner~y2009m11d6-How-to-Know-if-Youre-Depressed">How to know if you&#39;re depressed</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>How many times have you overheard in conversation, “I am so sad, I must be depressed”? With statements like these is it hard to get past the stereo type that Depression is a Mental Illness. People who are depressed are sick. The first step in getting help is knowing if you are just sad, have the blues or are really depressed.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38724253537456619782009-11-05T12:49:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:51:14.927-04:00History of Saint Patricks Day - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1640650-st-patricks-day">History of Saint Patricks Day - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1700884155967633932009-11-03T10:10:00.001-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.635-05:00Gideons Trumpet, by Anthony Lewis<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1638206-gideons-trumpet-anthony-lewis">Book reviews: Gideons Trumpet, by Anthony Lewis - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><br />Is it really controversial?Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50384038691814721902009-11-02T14:50:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:51:14.931-04:00Wildlife population control: Money wasted or good cause? - by Chrystal Mahan - HeliumWhat are your thoughts?<br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1637194-wildlife-population-control">Wildlife population control: Money wasted or good cause? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44319327894612158002009-11-02T14:49:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:51:14.934-04:00Women in the Face of War - by Chrystal Mahan - HeliumWomen have made a mark in the face of war, paving the way for combat fighters today.<br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1637122-women-of-war">Women in the Face of War - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70533865820808654252009-11-01T19:16:00.000-05:002011-11-10T18:12:34.638-05:00'Twas the Night Before NaNo - C. A. Dubois'Twas the Night Before NaNo - C. A. Dubois<br /><br />'Twas the night before NaNo, when all through the house<br />Not a keyboard was typing, not a click of a mouse.<br />The stickers were hung by the writer with care,<br />In Hopes that a Novel, soon would be there.<br /><br />The Editors were nestled, all snug in their beds,<br />While visions of red pens, danced in their heads.<br />with Chris Baty in his viking hat and I in my shirt,<br />All the wrimo's world wide, sat waiting to work.<br /><br />When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter,<br />I sprang from my writing spot, to see what was the matter.<br />Away to the window, I flew like a flash,<br />Tore open the window, threw up the sash.<br /><br />The moon was big, with a very bright glow<br />and it looked like a screen that had something to show.<br />When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,<br />But a story and eight characters.<br /><br />With a little plot arc ,so lively and round,<br />I knew in a moment, "My Novel - I've found!"<br />More rapid then eagles the chapters they came<br />and the story whistled and shouted and called things by name,<br /><br />"Now characters, Now plot arcs, now storylines and more,<br />"On conflict, On turmoil, On plot twists galore.<br />To the top of the plot line, to November's 50 K<br />Now write away, write away, write away today."<br /><br />As dead words before the wild month fly,<br />When they meet with a Muse and mount to the sky<br />So up to my desk top these coursers, they flew<br />with a slew full of ideas, and my muse too.<br /><br />And then in a twinkling I heard on my desk<br />The smattering of words, taking one last rest.<br />As I drew in my hand and was turning around<br />Appeared, did my muse, in one single bound.<br /><br />It was dressed in all words, from it's head to it's foot<br />and it's clothes were all with erasure gook.<br />It's bundle of stories were flung on it's back<br />And it looked like Chris Baty - What's up with that?<br /><br />It's eyes how they shimmered, It's dimples how scary,<br />It's cheeks were all blustery, it's smile so merry.<br />It's droll little mouth was drawn up like an "oh"<br />And not a beard on it's chin, that'd be freaky, ya know?<br /><br />The stump of a pencil it held tight in it's teeth,<br />And punctuation encircled it it's head like a wreath.<br />It had a bright face and a round cuppa coffee<br />That shook when it laughed, without ever sloshing.<br /><br />He was awkward and lumpy, a right crazy old elf<br />And I laughed when I saw it, inspite of myself.<br />A wink of Its eye and a twist of Its head,<br />Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.<br /><br />It spoke not a word, but went straight to my desk<br />And he looked at my blank page then said, "Surely you Jest"<br />Laying its fingers aside of my keys, He winked at me once,<br />And slid inward with ease.<br /><br />It sprang on my screen, to the words It gave whistle<br />and away they all flew to him, like the down of a thistle<br />But I heard It exclaim, err it faded into the night<br />"Happy NaNo to all, tonight you shall write!"Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56544082056828934782009-10-28T15:38:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.936-04:00Tips for avoiding divorce - by Chrystal Mahan - HeliumNo one ever said it was easy to stay married.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1625201-marriage-tips-avoiding-divorce-marriage-help">Tips for avoiding divorce - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80098425587419663422009-10-27T20:49:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.164-04:00Dear Diary<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary October 27, 2009</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, lets see if I can throw this all out there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am having a relapse and I know it. I have been dealing with it since I moved here. The divorce, deaths, the move, all of that is playing a part in it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Living with Matt has triggered much as well. Then manic episodes are in full force and they are worse then they have ever been.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I cry, I scream, I yell. I put my fist into the wall; I kick the walls, whatever. I keep razor blades out of eyesight for fear of cutting. I have thrown things, although not in a while. I break dishes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt has terrible anger issues. So we tend to not help each other at all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am NOT that girl, and I stopped being that girl a LONG time ago. But, like I said, my moods are worse then ever.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, so Saturday I got us (me, matt, maddy) all up for breakfast together. By this time I had already showered and gotten ready. After breakfast Matt went to my moms to work on tearing up the floor in the back room. And I mean carpet, padding, and all the wood under that, it had become so rotten there was no telling when someone was going to fall through. His friend Mario picked him up. I had Maddy. His mom "could not" be bothered with her. Matt said his Airsoft did not start till 4, so she was not taking Maddy any time before that. So, I got her in the bath and dressed. I took her to the movies to see Snookly the Pumpkin. My friend Tanya and her daughter met us there and then we went to Applebees for some lunch. It was pretty fun. Maddy had a good time. And she and I had a very nice bonding time together. We came home and she and I lay in the big bed with some TV and color books. I was hoping she would fall asleep. I could tell she wanted to. But I think she was having too much fun. We don't get to have girl time. About 3:30 Matt calls to tell me Mario left him alone at 12:30 and his friend Tim that was to show about 1:30 never did. So I loaded up Maddy and drove to Moms to get him. On the way there I just started to cry as soon as I hit Burt rd. I was thinking about grandparents and how I was on the way to "their" house even though it is moms now. How I missed them. I shed some light tears, no one saw me. Matt was finishing up so Maddy and I walked to the cemetery so she could "meet" my grandparents. She saw the shamrocks on their headstone and made a comment about how it matched my necklace. I told her it was so I would always be able to find them if I was lost. She smiled. She told me she wished she could have met them. I agreed. We talked a bit. All day she kept (b4 the cemetary even) talking about how the top of my necklace was for me and the back was for her. Weird how kids say stuff and you really don't think about it until later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, we tell Matt how much fun we had as soon as we get in the car. He is happy. Maddy is telling her stories. It was cute. We dropped her off at his moms and head home. His mom was being weird, and he started to get bossy so it was good we did not have to stay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once we got to our house his Airsoft friends were waiting and I literally got pushed aside. He didn't bother to help with the dogs. Typical. Again, he is thinking of himself and Airsoft. It’s like a daily occurrence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We had talked about what time he was going to be home. Early was all I got. He mentioned it would be around 9 or so because everyone would start getting tired and need to go home for whatever reason. I figured more like 11:30 since that is usually when he gets home unless it is an event super far away.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I met a couple of the airsoft widows LOL for dinner at Applebees (2 times in one day) and then we went to see Paranormal Activity. I got home and waited for Matt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As soon as I walked in the door, it was 5 after 10. My mom calls and she does not even say hello. She’s started with what the fuck is going on? And she is fuck this and fuck that and blah blah blah cursed me for 20min over her damn floor. Instead of being thankful that someone is fixing her floor for free and that I paid for most of it because I owe her money still for the car, she is bitching at me because she cannot get back there and how is she suppose to take to a bath with no&nbsp; hot water tank hooked up. I told her to just come over here in the morning. Well my bathroom I guess is not good enough for her so she just said she would go to aunt sues. I told mom Matt did not have any help past 12:30 and that he is trying to do his best alone. There is a lot to do. No matter what I tried to say to her, she did not want to hear it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So that pretty much set me off.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried to call Matt from 10:30 until 1AM. He never answered his phone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He got home at 1:30. I tried to not be mad. I heard some excuse as to why his phone was not on, then why he could not use someone else's. Why he was home so late. I told him what mom did, and then he goes off on me. Then he walks way, does not want to talk and goes to maddy room. This happens a lot, him walking away, never wanted to talk, he’s tired, he’s this, and he doesn't have time. Like a dumb ass I follow him. Well he won't let me in. I keep trying to push the door in; he is pushing to shut it. Finally he gets pissed off and slams it open and it puts a hole in maddy's wall. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Great. Something else to deal with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate this house. I want to move out. It is all tied to him and his marriage and HER.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to buy a new house. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I start crying and screaming and he’s falling asleep. Again, been there, done that. It is now about 3am.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Me and the dogs go in the bedroom to my bed and I was up till 5am.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday, I woke up at 7am to take the dogs out. I hear him get up a little after 8 and he comes in. I don't speak and just act like I am sleeping. About 9 I get up to make myself some tea. My head is pounding, I can’t stop crying. He jumps in the shower at 9:20 and I just lost it. I was crying so hard I could not breathe. He comes in after the shower and I am shaking and dry heaving trying to get air. I cried so hard my eyeballs were going to pop out. We are talking about my illness. Of course, here his mom calls 10:15 wants to know why he’s not there to get maddy when we told her 10:30. So he leaves. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I literally stay in bed and cry all day. He takes maddy to my mom’s so he can work on floor, then to his moms so they can have dinner and take her home. He comes home a little after 8. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried to talk. He asks me if I am feeling better. WTF. I cannot take a nap, lay in bed all day, take 2 aspirin and POOF it just goes away. It is frustrating because despite the fact he has anger issues which he was medicated for, he does not really have a clear understanding of mental illnesses. I am trying to get him to understand, but it is just not clicking. I try to explain how I feel, how I feel inside my head, how my thought process works.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I worked from 7 until 8 last night. He got home from class at 3 we had dinner together then he took off to moms. I went right back to writing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why do I have to be the only one worried about the car situation and trying to do something about it? And even if I can get help, how am I supposed to get there when he always has the car? It is just a viscous circle. I eat because I am depressed. I hurt because of the same. I am depressed because I am fat. And it just goes round and round. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can't get him to understand that, yes I realize there are people worse than me. But it is still depressing to me. That there are surface factors such as day to day life stress, but there are underlying factors as well stemming from the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, he gets home from moms, showers, and makes food and then about 9 want to watch a movie. A movie that is going to keep me up past 11. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sleep is another issue. I do not get enough of it. I don’t sleep well to begin with. Then he expects me to stay up all night with him, and yet I am the one getting up in the AM and don’t really go back to sleep like he does on those days he helps with the dogs. So he has no idea about sleep deprivation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just when you think we are ok, I realize he forgot my milk. Yes, it is just milk. But I needed that milk. Stupid shit I have to deal with.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This AM he heads out the door for class, I look up at him, about to say something and he apparently does not like my look and goes off on me. Glaring at him, he says. Not off to a good start he mumbles. Then when I try to explain to him I was not glaring, I was just about to say something, and he tells me I need to change my face. He walks out the door and I scream, well maybe I will just ask God to give me a new one!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I ended up calling him while he was driving to school and told him he HAS to be more open and understanding, he HAS to be here for me, he HAS to help me and he HAS to stop with the snotty ass comments. It is about ME now and not about him. He can either accept it and help me or let me move on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know if I could find a place to get some help, he could go. And that person could explain to him, just like we had to do with Marcus. Yeah it sucks to admit your woman is broken, but fucking be a man and own up to it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I told him if it was too much for him I would go, I would understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter what we go through, the end result is he just does not want me to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I cannot continue to live in an environment where I am not understood.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I have gone on and on. I need to get some work done. I hope this gives you some insight to what I have been dealing with. I know it’s a little hard to follow.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71526356704782269812009-10-27T16:57:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.939-04:00How to choose a Caribbean charter yacht - by Chrystal Mahan - HeliumA beautiful place for a sunny getaway!<br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1631351-choosing-a-caribbean-charter-yacht-to-visit-the-virgin-islands">How to choose a Caribbean charter yacht - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79204441751337399932009-10-21T18:57:00.012-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.941-04:00What are the disadvantages of working from home?<div class="MsoNormal">I have said it before and I will say it again, working from home is <b>NOT</b> all it is cracked up to be. You should weight the pros and cons before deciding whether you would like to work from home. Be sure to list all your advantages, and disadvantages. For most, this will be different from person to person. Some people can work with a little bit of background noise, others can not. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have written another Helium title: <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1448657-organizing-work-from-home">How to make sure you actually work when you work from home</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And be sure to check out all the work at home titles Helium has to offer for many views and opinions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here are some disadvantages that have surfaced recently for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>1. People think that just because you work from home you can do whatever you want.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have bills to pay just like everyone else; therefore we need to work just like everyone else. Our income is generally based on the amount of work we do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>2. You are home, so you must not be doing anything so I can just stop by.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our homes are our offices; therefore just like any other place of business you must respect our space during office hours and find something else to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>3. You have freedom.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes and No.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have the freedom to work when we want, however as a freelancer who has to deal with deadlines, we do have to get our work done on time just like any other job. Not only that, there are days when&nbsp; we put in twice as many hours in one day then the average worker.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>4. As a freelancer we have no boss.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Many of us that work from home are freelancers of some sort. We tend to be our own bosses. We make the rules and our own schedules. We choose to work regular business hours, but many put in 10-12 hours on any given day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>5. Since you are home you can also take out the dogs (if you have them), clean the house, do the laundry, watch the children, and cook the meals (or any other household chore).</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many work from home people will agree, we simply can not do these things while we are working. We might be able to multi task from time to time, but this is not the norm.<br /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>6. I must have a lot of time to spend on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter (or any other social networking site.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">When working from home, we are usually in business for ourselves. Social networking is an alternative to not only say a quick hello, but also to promote ourselves. We are also allowed breaks, so it is ok if we stop to play a game once in a while. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>7. If the phone rings, we have to answer it.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">If we do not answer, we are BUSY. You do not have to call us every five minutes. We will talk to you when we have time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;If you have people in your life that just do not understand the work from home lifestyle, it is best to just let the phone go directly to voicemail. Will caller ID so readily available, you will know who is calling.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>8. Distractions are a part of life.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG! </div><div class="MsoNormal">They are just some figment of your imagination. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, that is not really true. Distractions are there for everyone. We all have them, some different then others.&nbsp; Once you find out what distracts you, work to get that out of your office area.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>9. You do not have to work weekends.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many of us have to work when ever we are needed. Example for freelance writers would be: Newspapers are published 7 days a week, right? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>10.&nbsp; You get a lot of ME time</b>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WHAT???</div><div class="MsoNormal">Me time?? What is that???</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When you work from home, a lot of your time is spent thinking about working from home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Working from home can be very rewarding. But, it is not for everyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23151723821596429982009-10-20T10:22:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.943-04:00Who is most responsible for the creation of the humanities? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1622554-changes-in-humanities-michelangelo">Who is most responsible for the creation of the humanities? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6882985986710539232009-10-18T13:29:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.166-04:00Poetry In Motion: Just Some Words, They Sort of RhymeOctober 18, 2009<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">(Note: this is not a poem. If it rhymes it is purely accidental.)<br />I feel the four walls closing in.<br />The heater has a slow hum in the background.<br />The dogs lie restless on the bed, and here I sit. Alone.<br />There is never enough time in the day, to say all that I need to say.<br />The darkness rears its ugly head and I do not care.<br />I have my arms out, stretched open wide.<br />I have always embraced the darkness. No stranger to this place.<br />It is there I am welcomed and understood.<br />If only you could get inside my head and see, what it is really like to be me.<br />Maybe then you would really understand.<br />The darkness is the only friend I have.<br />Listens to my words when I speak.<br />That will never happen, this I see.<br />We are completely different, you and me.<br />Many people can make things work.<br />This requires compromise, communication, and attention.<br />None of this is here.<br />I smile on the outside, so others don’t ask.<br />Inside I am dying from wearing this mask.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74404117101434297522009-10-17T20:55:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.168-04:00For Matthew<div class="MsoNormal">Letter to Matthew</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Sweetest Day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had hoped you might realize that it was today, but then again, nothing takes the place of Airsoft when it’s etched in your mind for the day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, I decided I was going to come here to say good-bye.</div><div class="MsoNormal">But all that did was make me cry.</div><div class="MsoNormal">All I want is to love you, but yet it seems to be an impossible task. </div><div class="MsoNormal">To truly love someone. Anyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is hard to love someone with everything you have when they are not there for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And I am constantly reminded of that.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I give you everything I have to give you, every little part of me. I am always there when you need me.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I feel, you do not reciprocate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please read the rest with an honest, open heart and mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You do not communicate well with your mom, with Angie, or anyone else for that matter unless it is airsoft related then you can speak and be spoken to.&nbsp; So why would I ever start to think I would be any different? When it comes to the rest of us, you only hear what you want to hear. You pick and choose parts and you miss the whole thing entirely. And when you make plans and it starts to fall apart (i.e. your mom cant watch Madison so you can go airsoft like at the bday party) then you get upset, mad and angry. So why is it that I am not allowed to have those same emotions when I make plans and they get wrecked?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I type it, there is no room for error. It is all right here in front of you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You do not want to listen to me when I speak. You have told me time and time again you would much rather play on the computer then do anything when you are not playing airsoft. I told you Monday then perhaps I should just start emailing you. This way, you do not have to listen to me speak and you can be on the computer. It’s a win-win situation. Maybe it is for the best anyway. I am better at writing then I am speaking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I found out my friends dad passed away yesterday. I found out about 10 minutes before you cam home. All I had wished for was that you were there for me to share that with you. By the time you got home I was so angry you were home so late and it was apparent that you have not been listening to me in regards to the shower curtain, your time coming home, and Madison.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Already in emotional turmoil I became bitter and angry. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You DID tell me you would be home when Madison fell asleep. You DID tell me you would not be home late because you had to get up at 5am. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You and I are never going to see eye to eye on Airsoft. I tried to compromise with you. But that compromise repeatedly gets broken. I am tired of watching you cry and feel guilty because you don’t spend that time with Madison. I am tired of you weighing in on all this guilt because you miss her and you have to prove to yourself that the time you do spend with her is quality time.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Relationships are supposed to be about compromise and working things out. But funny thing is Airsoft is right back where it started from despite the fact you told me repeatedly it would change. And I have a feeling next year is going to be another battle. Everything has some said importance to you. But what about the things that are important to me? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I find myself drifting farther and father away from you and this family life you want us to have because every time I try, I get pushed away.&nbsp; I will always be somewhat in reserve because I never know when something is going to change. I do not want to get all excited about something, only to be shot down. It has just happened too many times.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I made a commitment to you, which falls to Madison. But, I do not feel the same commitment from you. Your commitment lies with BJJ, Airsoft, and Madison.&nbsp; It is like I am thrown in to the mix to be there when you are not doing these other things. You come to me with things, ask me things, but yet you always do what you want, despite what I say. So I often wonder why I even bother.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Church was starting to be such a good thing. I was really enjoying spending that time with you. Bonding with you. I was really starting to cherish that. And we were doing so much better. Now, it’s been taken away from me. All you want to do is play music. I know you miss the band. I knew it the day you said you quit. As time went on you started to say I was the reason you quit. &nbsp;This really is about you and how you miss playing. It is no longer about us, sharing church. I then started to feel the pressure. Which is why I talked to Phil. But, the truth is, I don’t want to be there for 3 hours and I am going to bet Madison is not going to want to either. I don’t want that rush around every Sunday morning to make sure we all make it on time. It is now starting to feel like a chore. More like work and less about finding my way with God, less about sharing something beautiful with you. Something that was actually bringing us closer together, helping us to be strong and work through our things. &nbsp;Something that was calm and peaceful to me, even if for an hour or so, has now turned into something opposite of that.&nbsp; Maybe it is best you continue forward since you love it so much.&nbsp; Me, not so much. I will find my own way.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I pulled myself away this week for a reason. I told you that on Monday that I had to take some time. &nbsp;Like I said I am sorry it had to happen the week Meredith is here. It was not planned out on purpose. But, it is long overdue. Too often I put you first. Making sure the house is cleaned and picked up when you get home. Making sure you have clean clothes, especially underwear. To make sure food is on the table, waiting for you when you get home from school. Packing a lunch for you, and just generally making sure you are taken care of. Sadly, you have not noticed I have loosened up on the whole cleaning thing, despite your promise to adhere to a Mon, Wed, schedule for certain things. I ask you to do things because they need to be done, and quite frankly, I do it so often that at that particular moment in time, I just do not want to bother with it. I see no reason why you can not take a turn. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to take care of me. I need to find my direction in life. I need to make some money. I am going to have to file bankruptcy and that is going to cost money. I need to be able to study for school and for real estate. I need to be able to write. &nbsp;I need all these things, and the bottom line is I have to start putting myself first because no one else is. No one is taken care of me, so I have to do it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need you to listen to me when I speak. Every time you go to an airsoft event you are gone until 11ish. I assumed this one would be no different. You even told me you would be home very late. We talked about Madison and this weekend for two weeks. I asked you every day to make sure everything was still a go. We talked all week about her spending the weekend with your mom. I made plans to work, to take advantage of that time. See my family. And get some much needed rest. Then, at the last minute things get sprung on me. And this happens all the time. I am fully aware that Madison is your daughter, that you love her, you miss her, you cry over her. I am made aware of this on a daily basis. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can only dream that some day you would love me like that, show me that sort of attention.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It will never be. I also know “Blood is thicker then water.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I will not allow you to make me feel guilty about anything any more. I am entitled to have my time. I am entitled to make plans based on your schedule and be able to stick to them despite your changes. I always put your needs before my own. And I always schedule my life around yours.&nbsp; I am entitled to a lot of things. I give you everything, the least you can do is give me a break when I ask for it. If things would have just stayed as planned, we would not even have this discussion. If you would have just talked to your mom like I repeatedly asked you to, we would not be having this issue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Your mom wants her all the time, then when she gets her she changes her mind. You say she needs time with grammie, needs time with Meredith and the girls, now you are changing your mind. I made the plans that I made for a reason. I made them based on your words and our discussions. Making me change my plans is not fair to me. It is not my fault you do not communicate. I communicated to you all week about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Writing is MY dream. It is ALL I want to do. And I am willing to make sacrifices to achieve my dream. I know I have a long way to go to get where I want to be. This real estate thing, this isn’t my dream. I am doing it because it’s what others want me to do. What others think is good for me. And you know, I thought, just maybe it would be a good thing for us to do together. We could study, work, make some money and spend time together. Maybe it’s a last ditch effort for us both. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because you are not here a lot I have had to find support elsewhere. I have sought out others in similar situations as I am.&nbsp; Bio Moms, Step Moms, Adoptive Moms,&nbsp; Child Free “Moms” – all who share in the fact we are all in different situations and yet, all face parenting time on the weekends.&nbsp; My situation seems to be a lot more different then most, but at least I have found a place where I can go to ask questions and perhaps get advice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The bio moms are quick to remind me that I am not a mother because I did not birth the child. Not only that, I do not have any children of my own. The step moms are quick to remind me that you and I are not married. The adoptive moms are there to let me know Madison has a mom and therefore I do not fall into the adoption moms. However, I am biologically child free, yes thank you for reminding me of that. And that despite the true definition of a mom, I am not one. I am told the child is not my responsibility, that she is solely yours. I am told all these things, which makes me feel like everything I am doing in regards to you and Madison is wrong. And yet, I thought it was the right thing to do. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, where exactly do I fit in? And what am I suppose to be doing?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Problem with those questions, I don’t think either of us knows the answer to them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You think I am not happy. With you, I am happy. I am happy being here with you. It is the situation we are in that frustrates me.&nbsp; I stay because I feel like this is something worth holding on to. That all this shit we go through only makes us stronger. At the same time, I have always taken the easy way out of things. I never bother to stick around to write my own final chapter and I am trying very hard to see this one through until the end. But I need a little help on your end. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need you to communicate and listen. Bottom line. The cleaning, it boils down to your listening. Madison, same thing. Your mom, the same. Angie, likewise. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe you should check your Facebook once in a while too, just a thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If it is easier for you to communicate this way, then feel free to continue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All I know is I do love you and I am sorry.</div><div class="MsoNormal">But at the same time, I am changing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry this was so long, I just really needed to get things off my chest. You need to know how I feel.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32809984832931879032009-10-15T15:40:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.170-04:00What is Degenerative Disc Disease? And why am I writing about it?Well a few years ago I found out I had it. Began treatments, but since my divorce and moving to Michigan it has gotten worse. Not only that, I have not been exercising, put on more weight and I throw around a 4 year old on the weekends.<br /><br />None of these are helpful and add to it the life stress and it was bound to “break.” This is not the first time this has happened since living in Michigan. Earlier this year before moving in with Matt, and another time after moving here in 2007 I was literally laid up in bed for a week because the pain was so severe , I was unable to move around. I had to crawl to the potty.<br /><br />In all the time I have been here I have been unable to go to the chiropractor. That has changed. About three weeks ago I was stepping out of the shower and just stepped wrong. I did not slip or fall so it really does not make sense to me, but I could feel it go through my spine the moment I stepped down on the cold floor. After that, I was walking crooked , leaning to my left, sliding me feet to walk,and it got worse as the days went on. Soon I was walking around hunched about like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. <br /><br />I could not stand up straight, walk around, and even going potty was an issue. After a week Matt had enough and called the chiropractor here in town which we found out was very reasonable for cash paying patients. <br /><br />I have gone to see her about 5 times now. I can walk straight now, but there is still a very dull pain in my lower back/hip area on my right side.<br /><br />For those of you new to my world, my DDD was diagnosed in my 4th and 5th Lumbar in the Fall of 2006.<br /><br />This is an excerpt from the blog I wrote in Oct of 2006:<br /><i>I have DDD. Degenerative Disk Disease. My bottom two disk/vertebrae are practically on top of each other. No space that should be there. He said it was not good for someone my age. And it is in a progressive stage. To make things worse, my right leg is shorter so my hips are crooked which is why all my pain is on my right side. So, we talked about all my treatments. Basically we are opting to do what we can without having to have any type of spinal surgery.</i><br /><br /><br />The good thing, I did all my treatments as directed until I moved here. Bad thing, I went two years with no treatment and only made myself go backwards and make things worse. The treatments I am getting now are a little different. They are not as aggressive. I am also going to be doing treatments with an exercise ball to strengthen my core as well as use a ball to sit on at my desk so I am forced to sit correctly.<br /><br />She was able to get my records from my old chiropractor so at least I know she knows what is going on. I feel like I am in good hands. I know she has helped quite a few people.<br /><br />Sadly, despite treatments I am still in a lot of pain. She said it would take up to 6 months for me to notice improvement due to my damage.<br /><br />All I know is I have to lose weight get strong and feel better because I do not want to have to go in for spinal fusion surgery. That alone is hard because just about any type of movement hurts me right now.<br /><br />It sucks. I am uncomfortable, unable to sleep (worse then ever!), in constant pain and sucks not being able to really play with Madison and the dogs. Matt has to be super careful with me now too.<br /><br />Not a life I like to live one bit.<br /><br />My blogs have slacked because of this. I sit only to write when I am getting paid. And I have to take a lot of breaks and sit with a heating pad. No fun!!<br /><br />I am hoping, and praying the pain goes away and the numbness goes away that often shoots down my legs.<br />We shall see.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63266882001322535632009-10-13T13:03:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.642-05:00Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="yshortcuts"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0061229776&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I freely admit as a writer I tend to be much less critical of others work then my own. I get lost in others words losing hours of my day. When I picked up Vampire, Interrupted a few weeks ago I had never heard of Lynsay Sands or the Argeneau series. And here I thought I was a&nbsp;</span>connoisseur<span class="yshortcuts">&nbsp;of all things vampire. Guess I was wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Vampire, Interrupted is book nine out of a twelve book series. This bit of information was known to me after I had already purchased and read the book. Do not let that stop you from reading it yourself. The author gives you just enough background information to keep you informed and the story line gives you all the new juice for a novel that could stand all on its own. Now that I have read it I want to devour more and have plans to read all of the others in the series just as soon as I can get my hands on them and find the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Marguerite Argeneau is seven hundred years old and just discovering herself.<span>&nbsp;</span>She has been freed from her abusive life mate and has embarked on a new adventure and a new career. Marguerite is training to be a private investigator, helping to find an immortals mother.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Seems like an easy enough job for any private investigator to handle, even an immortal until she finds herself waking up to a silver sword and a cloaked being.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Searching for a long lost mother might be more then what she bargained for. Should she stop, or keep looking?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The immortals father, Julius Notte wished to protect Marguerite, if only she would let him. While he is trying to protect her, he is also trying to win her heart as he knows she is his life mate. Marguerite has a different story. She was with her life mate before he was beheaded. So how could Julius be hers? Let’s not forget an immortal can have more then one life mate in their time. Sands gives us an interesting twist on Marguerites life mate situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Julius wonders, being as old as he is and having had such a long period without a life mate if he can still woo with the best of them. Starting over again is never easy and leaved him feeling a little out of touch.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The books has many plot changes, turns and twists making it a must read mystery combined with all the immortal dialect a vampire enthusiast could want.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span>There is murder, mystery, thrills, and vampires, OH MY!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Despite the fact this is a vampire series, the books also read a bit like a Harlequin romance.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>There is romance, there is wooing and there is a little bit of adult business going on. This vampire series is not recommended for teens.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">This is defiantly one of those books that if you spill too much of the story, it tends to spoil the end. If you are vampire fan, romance or not, this is a must read, especially on a chilly night.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53825365065600735762009-10-13T12:54:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.645-05:00The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0061229687&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="yshortcuts">I freely admit as a writer I tend to be much less critical of others work then my own. I get lost in others words losing hours of my day. When I picked up The Accidental Vampire a few weeks ago I had never heard of Lynsay Sands or the Argeneau series. And here I thought I was a&nbsp;</span>connoisseur<span class="yshortcuts">&nbsp;of all things vampire. Guess I was wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The Accidental Vampire is book seven out of a twelve book series. This bit of information was known to me after I had already purchased and read the book. Do not let that stop you from reading it yourself. The author gives you just enough background information to keep you informed and the story line gives you all the new juice for a novel that could stand all on its own. Now that I have read it I want to devour more and have plans to read all of the others in the series just as soon as I can get my hands on them and find the time. I read this book after I read Vampire, Interrupted which I have also written a review on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Elvi Black lost her family in a horrible accident five years ago while vacationing in Mexico. To make things worse much of the time spent there she does not remember. What she does remember is turning into a vampire.&nbsp;Whoever turned Elvi was not kind enough to stick around, dubbing her the accidental vampire. With no one to teach her Elvi had to learn the ways on her own through movies and books. Elvi sleeps in a coffin, doesn’t go out in sunlight, stays away from garlic, and the local townspeople let her feed off their blood through annual blood drives. Elvi is a strange occurrence to many. How many towns do you know have a resident vampire?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Elvi has let it be known she is a vampire and does not hide it from others. In the immortal world one is not to draw attention to oneself, it is a law which she is breaking.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Victor Argeneau has been sent by the council to investigate the outspoken vampire. Victor Argeneau wants to know whether she is indeed a real immortal or just a wannabe seeking a gothic lifestyle partner.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Little does he know he is about to meet his life mate.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The books has many plot changes, turns and twists making it a must read mystery combined with all the immortal dialect a vampire enthusiast could want.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is attempted murder, blood, mystery, thrills, and vampires, OH MY!&nbsp;&nbsp;All thrown about with a bit of humor.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Despite the fact this is a vampire series, the books also read a bit like a Harlequin romance.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is romance, there is wooing and there is a little bit of adult business going on. This vampire series is not recommended for teens.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">This is defiantly one of those books that if you spill too much of the story, it tends to spoil the end. If you are vampire fan, romance or not, this is a must read, especially on a chilly night.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69344075335572053172009-10-13T09:46:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.946-04:00Roles and the battle of the sexes - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614869-sex-roles-men-women-battle-of-the-sexes">Roles and the battle of the sexes - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56780301613128301402009-10-13T09:39:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.948-04:00Is physician-assisted euthanasia a patients right? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614861-euthanasia-suicide-doctor-assisted-life-death">Is physician-assisted euthanasia a patients right? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69825316068707114582009-10-13T09:32:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.951-04:00Early germ theory of disease: Contributions of Leeuwenhoek, Semmelweiss and Snow - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614817-germ-theory-disease-paradigm-shifts-kuhn-pasteur-koch-leeuwenhoek">Early germ theory of disease: Contributions of Leeuwenhoek, Semmelweiss and Snow - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43177928146342277102009-10-13T09:31:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.953-04:00Does big business unduly influence government? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614851-domhoff-rules-america-big-business-government">Does big business unduly influence government? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8671402399168594322009-10-13T08:49:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.956-04:00How communications have advanced - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614790-gutenberg-printing-press-communcations-change-paradigm-shifts">How communications have advanced - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77081373355147885322009-10-12T21:04:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.172-04:00(A Rant) Working from Home<div class="MsoNormal">I have said it before and I will say it again, working from home is NOT all it is cracked up to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">1. People think that just because you work from home you can do whatever you want.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have bills to pay just like everyone else; therefore I need to work just like everyone else. My income is based on the amount of work I turn in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">2. You are home, so you must not be doing anything so I can just stop by.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">My home is my office; therefore just like any other place of business you must respect me and my space during my office hours and find something else to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">3. You have freedom.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes and No.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have the freedom to work when I want, however as a writer who has to deal with deadlines, I do have to get my work done on time just like any other job. Not only that, there are days when I put in twice as many hours in one day then the average worker.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">4. As a freelance writer I have no boss.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am my own boss. I make the rules and my own schedule. I choose to work regular business hours unless I have a deadline or am on the writing rampage. Then I tend to put in 8-12 hours.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">5. Since you are home you can also take out the dogs, clean the house, do the laundry and cook the meals.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!<br />I am a work from home freelance writer who is in charge of her own business. I am NOT Superwoman. I do not have eight arms. &nbsp;I have to work and make money. I do not have time during the day to be your chef, babysitter, maid and dry cleaners. If I am in my office working and it needs done, do it yourself. I am sure you are not doing anything anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">6. I must have a lot of time to spend on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">I use my time wisely. Most of you know I do not sleep well and I am up at the crack of dawn. I write all day, and just like any other job, I require a break. While on break I tend to visit these sites. My writing is also linked to these sites, it is all about networking. Not to mention often these sites give me ideas for things to write.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">7. If the phone rings, I have to answer it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I do not answer, I am BUSY. You do not have to call me every five minutes. I will talk to you when I have time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">8. Distractions are a part of life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG! </div><div class="MsoNormal">They are just some figment of your imagination. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, that is not really true. Distractions are there for everyone. We all have them, some different then others.&nbsp; Mine is a rather large, 30 year old. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">9. You do not have to work weekends.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WRONG!</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have to work when ever I am needed if I am going to make it during hard times as a freelance writer. Newspapers are published 7 days a week, right? Ok then.&nbsp; However with a 4 year old, 30 year old and two dogs running around it is rather impossible to work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">10.&nbsp; You get a lot of ME time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WHAT???</div><div class="MsoNormal">Me time?? What is that???</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A lot of people think it is great that I am writing these days. I would have to agree. I have so much potential to make great money, however because it seems that I have to play house so often that I am not allowed to take care of me and do the things that I need to do. I have my own bills to pay. I have my own needs and wants. Writing is my dream and it gets crapped on every day. I am sick of it. I am tired of putting everyone else’s needs before my own. I can not do it anymore, and I can no do it all by myself.&nbsp; If people can not start respecting me, my dream and my own needs then I am going to have to make some serious changes in my life. Writing is my job and it should be respected as such even though I do not have to leave my house to go to work. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need my time, I need my space and I need to be allowed to follow my dream with out sacrificing who I am. I have to vent. These are my words, this is my voice. I can no longer put others before me. I can no longer put off what I should be doing today until tomorrow. I can no longer be pushed into taking time off to do things with others when I have to make money. I already lost my car; I can not lose my self worth too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can no longer try to force you to understand that I WORK from HOME.&nbsp; I am done wasting my time and energy trying to explain it. Instead, the word “NO” will be a regular in my vocabulary. I will not give up my dream because you are lazy, selfish, and not understanding. I no longer care what you think of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you see a sign that says “Do Not Disturb” please do exactly what it says and leave me be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The End.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13550397627332883652009-10-12T19:24:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:01:39.634-04:00What is Child Sexual Abuse<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614232-childhood-sexual-abuse-sexual-abuse-molestation-child-molestation">What is child sexual abuse? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few semesters ago I had to write a paper on something that was near and dear to our hearts. This was mine.</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is Childhood Sexual Abuse</span><br /><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span _mce_style="line-height: 21px;" style="line-height: 21px;"><span _mce_style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every time you turn around, it seems there is more scandal in the headlines about sexual abuse and children. What is causing this trend? And why is it all coming out now?</span></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><span _mce_style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><a _mce_href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614232" href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614232" title="View my Article at Helium.com"><img _mce_src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" alt="" border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43935790240286391952009-10-12T19:23:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.961-04:00The future of love and marriage in the United States - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614258-marriage-future-inequality">The future of love and marriage in the United States - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34131376177314505332009-10-12T19:23:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.963-04:00What is poverty? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614264-povert">What is poverty? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24627177761327439342009-10-12T19:22:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.965-04:00Differences between men and women explored - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614267-men-and-woman-differences-gender-roles-men-woman-women">Differences between men and women explored - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68675332784272609262009-10-12T19:20:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.968-04:00Bible study: Creation, the origin story in Genesis - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1614281-bible-genesis">Bible study: Creation, the origin story in Genesis - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22672893689342753222009-10-09T19:17:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.175-04:00American Cancer Society Haircut Donation ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Losing someone to cancer is never fun. Last March I donated 15 inches of my hair to the Pantene Great Lengths/ American Cancer Society ponytail drive. It takes 3 tails to make one wig. This year I donated about 10 inches in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are some after pics. You can see my before over there &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; in the about me section.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it is not curly it just about touches my rear end! Curly is is just past my mid back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Ss_EPNWGzKI/AAAAAAAAAD0/h-pg4dHBVr8/s1600-h/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Ss_EPNWGzKI/AAAAAAAAAD0/h-pg4dHBVr8/s320/3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All gone! Nice thinned out pretty layers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Ss_EWMacfaI/AAAAAAAAAD8/JFkFsRWM7_M/s1600-h/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Ss_EWMacfaI/AAAAAAAAAD8/JFkFsRWM7_M/s320/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The new me! It has been a LONG time since my hair has been this short and I am LOVING it!! </div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28883991546270642002009-10-02T20:50:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.177-04:00Defining my religion (again), or lack there of.<div class="MsoNormal">Defining my religion, or lack there of.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have talked about it numerous times and now that I am going to church again, I feel the need to yet again clarify my actions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I follow no religious path. I never have.&nbsp; I have never been in to the whole organized religion. I always felt if their was a Higher Power such as God or Jesus then he/she would not care where or when I honored such Higher Power. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My mother was born and raised Catholic. Irish Catholic to boot. The dad that raised me was born and raised Baptist, or something, although I am not sure he personally ever practiced. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was never forced to go to church. When I would visit my family over summer breaks I would attend with my grandmother if she was going. As a child/teen I think I attended church maybe five times. It was so far and few in between that I can not even remember. My mother always believed I should make my own decisions and learn from the accordingly. She was not going to push religion or the church on me. Growing up, not many of the friends I kept went to church, so therefore, neither did I.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It wasn’t until about 2005 when I was introduced to a girl named Mandy.&nbsp; Mandy, like many of us had a story to tell. Here she was, a single mom making the best life she could for her and her daughter. Beautiful and full of life, Madisyn soon became my best little friend. Upon hearing Mandy’s story I became intrigued in the church world. My marriage on the rocks, I felt this was a last resort to find what was missing in life and perhaps work things out. You see, when Mandy was pregnant with Madisyn her doctors told her she was going to be born with downs syndrome. Not wanting to give up on a child she had never met, but had already fallen in love with, she found a church. Livechurch.tv. I listened to her tale, making new friends, following the path she had fallen off of, praying and even more praying. After many moths of this Mandy went back to her doctor for a check up and much to her surprise, a miracle happened. Madisyn was no longer going to be born with downs syndrome. Now I know many are thinking, well maybe there was a mix up in the medical records. That is possible; however Mandy went to three separate doctors for alternative opinions. A miracle? Could be. The power of prayer? Very well so.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At the age of 3 ½&nbsp; Madisyn was about to have her dedication ceremony for the church. She had invited me and my then husband, and we went. At this time Madisyn and I were pals. I would go to Mandy’s house once a week to watch her while Mandy went to group bible study. We always had a good time and I looked forward to our weekly visits.&nbsp; She would tell me about school and all the things a three year old could imagine to tell you. She would play games with me, dance with me and curl up on the couch and watch movies with me. It was a no-brainer that I would attend her dedication.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Her dedication was the beginning of my journey with LifeChurch.&nbsp; The topic that day was adultery. Those of you who have been around all this time, you know my marriage had these issues. So, that day, it was like God was calling us home. I literally poured my heart into LifeChurch. I made new friends, I attended weekly, I joined LifeGroups, I gave, I went to Missions, I volunteered, I fed the homeless, I built houses, I tithed, and I even learned how to pray. Best thing, I learned to accept myself and my past. I learned the power of forgiveness. It was then I forgave my dad for being a child molester, my mother for lying to me my whole life and my father for not wanting me, not once, but twice. I made a lot of peace. I was even given the opportunity to teach toddlers, 3-4 year olds. That alone was worth</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I struggled with God. In high school English the Bible was taught to us as a work of fiction. This was long before church and God was taken out of high school. Noah’s Ark was just a story, a man, a boat and some animals. There was nothing religious about it. In Science we talked about monkeys and cave men. College science was even more evolution, as we had to do almost a whole semester on the study of the Galalopos islands and how all those creatures evolved over time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Who do you believe? In my world, it does not really matter. The truth is, I believe a little bit of both.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe everyone wants to have something to believe in. &nbsp;And if you choose to believe in God or if you choose to believe in Gods/Goddesses’ or something else, then just believe. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Me, I believe in many things. And that is ok. I am comfortable in my own skin. I have piercings, I have tattoos, and I like Vampires. I think boys and girls are equally as beautiful. We are who we are and no one should have to explain that. Gay, Straight, BiSexual, we love who we love. And I believe that there is something out there worth believing in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I like church because it makes me feel good. I take what I can from it and apply it to my life as best as I can. I like church because I feel some peace.&nbsp; I like church because it is positive in my life. I just feel good about myself, my relationship and my world. Maybe that in itself is a sign.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt and I have been going to church, bringing Maddy along with us. New Covenent is located in Clio and even though I have only been a couple of time, they have more then made me feel welcome. I feel a calling to help with the kids. Matt wants to do music and help in the audio department. Our relationship has found some peace and it is brining us closer together. When you see positive things going on all around you and you are surrounded by all these wonderful positive people, you want to be there. You want to share your life with people who share in your thoughts and ideas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My knowledge of the Bible is poor. I have not been to church since leaving OK. I feel lost and a bit out of place. And that is okay. I want to read. I want to learn. I want to believe in something stronger then myself. I want to believe that everything terrible that happened to me in my life did not happen in vain, but rather to put me on a path to share my story and help others along the way. I have a voice. These are my words. I have a story to tell. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82744551442074517332009-10-02T15:57:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:14.970-04:00How to get a credit card fee waived - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1604020-waive-credit-card-fees-credit-card-late-fees-credit-care-over-the-limit-fees">How to get a credit card fee waived - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9208428175532139812009-09-15T20:16:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.645-04:00Natural Medicine Talk <a href="http://www.natmedtalk.com">(http://www.natmedtalk.com)</a> or NatMedTalk is a new health forum geared towards those that want to treat illnesses the natural way instead of by manmade medicines. Whether you consider yourself holistic, herbal, all natural, alternative or homeopathic you are sure to find a vast of knowledge here. By providing a very modest amount of information one can easily register with the site to post and read forum messages. Whatever your passion, share and learn from other likeminded souls. There is always something new to be learned every day. Find out what works for one, read about what did not work for someone or some other ailment, perhaps you hold the key for success! Registration is free and honestly only takes a minute! Discuss health, illness, insurance, mental health, cancer and more.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90330260630584547452009-09-15T13:32:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:15:20.010-04:00Checking in – starting week 3 of weight watchers at homeMy WI this week I was up a pound (Making my net loss 5 pounds), but I knew that was going to happen. I fell off the wagon. However, it was not bad as it had been in the past. I am a recovering binger. I was never able to purge by normal means, so I became addicted to laxatives, this happened when I was on WW the first time, which is why I have to do things at my own pace this time. I do not keep those types on medicines in my house for this reason. One night after a fight with Matt I began to fidget like I was going to go on a binge. I paced, I opened and close the fridge and I made some French bread pizza and had ONE instead of BOTH and I drank only ONE bud light instead of a Guinness (for me this is a small NSV).<br /><br />Not perfect but at least I was able to get it under control before too much damage was done. That was Saturday night. Sunday I went to breakfast with a friend, and did not order WW friendly. I was so full I did not eat anything until late and which point I ended up eating the other pizza. Yesterday I did really well until Matt and I decided to make up and have a date night. We went to Applebee’s because they have a WW friendly menu. However, I just ate what I wanted. We went to the movies after, and I was able to pass on the popcorn (NSV for me!) I have also been preparing more home cooked meals that are healthy for me, Matt and Madison. I am feeling very good about this.<br /><br />I have recorded everything I ate in my journal for WW, but I was not good about placing it online @ sparkpeople.com<br /><br />Lastly, I wanted to share a couple of (new to me) finds for those of you on WW and just trying to eat right. <br /><br />I generally eat a smart ones or healthy choice for lunch, but I like to try new things, so I went on a hunt ;)<br /><br />Campbell’s Select has revamped their lineup. I found many that were about 3 points per serving or 6 for the whole can and found light and low fat that went 0 to 2pt per serving or 1 to 4 per can. <br /><br />Today I am trying 98% Fat Free Clam Chowder, 2pts per serving and 2 servings in a can, so about 4pt. That is good for chowder. Most I see are high in points.<br /><br />The Light Southwestern Style Vegetable is 0pt per serving, or 1pt for the whole can. If you like Mexican southwestern flavor food, then you will love this. YUMMY!<br /><br />My next find was Lenders 100 Calorie Bagels. With so many companies jumping on the 100 calorie size bandwagon and costing us twice as much as out counterpart I was impressed by this little gem. When I was on WW the first time, the smallest bagels were bites and too small. The normal bagels were too high in points so I would have to cut them in half. That was not much fun to me. These 100 calorie ones are only 2 points and it’s nice to trick your mind into thinking you get to eat the WHOLE thing.<br /><br />Cream cheese as we know is also high in points. I have tried the fat free kinds only to be felt like I was missing out on something. No matter what I did to it, it had a funny taste so I would try different flavors and brands of light. Even those are generally a little more points then I want to spend so I gave up bagels for a while. Hard for me because my fave treat at the coffee shop was an everything bagel with ham and cream cheese. I spotted the new Weight Watcher Cream Cheese in 1 point packages, you get 8, for a few cents more than Philadelphia Cream Cheese so I thought I would give it a go and I got some very thin sliced ham that is not even a point for a couple pieces. I happily at my bagel this AM with a banana and it really made me smile. Silly I know, but it was nice to enjoy. The WW brand cream cheese is awesome! It does not have that weird aftertaste that I have noticed with other brands. It is light, not FF. And it goes on nice and creamy. It more then covered my bagel and it kept me full until about 11 and I ate about 7:30, so I had a special K bar.<br /><br />Ok, off to test the Clam Chowder.<br /><br />Congrats to all the losers, NSV, and even the non losers because you are treating your body better! We ALL win!<br /><br />Chrys<br /><br />PS – another new find for me are the Laughing Cow cheese wedges. I have tried the French Onion and the Garlic &amp; Herb. I divide one wedge (1 pt) in half and spread each half on two (1 pt) Wasa rye crisps for a nice snack. I LOVE cheese and would just slice and eat a chunk when ever. So it is nice to find something to give me that cheese taste without a lot of points.<br /><br />Update: the 98% FF Clam Chowder was….yuck …Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77928702083297272482009-09-15T08:06:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.179-04:00How to Sew a KiltThis is one of my favorite "How-To" articles that I have ever done! I hope you enjoy it, too.<br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a kilt custom made can cost $170 or more. Buying an authentic kilt already made can cost $10 or more. Whether you want the kilt for Halloween, to celebrate with the Irish on St. Patrick's Day, to show your Celtic heritage, a traditional family wedding, or just because, that amount of</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span id="itxthook0w0" style="color: darkgreen; font-family: inherit;">money</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;">can really put a damper on the old pocketbook. Learning how to sew your own will cost you roughly half that amount and might make you that much more proud to being wearing a kilt.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;">For instructions:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1587383" title="View my Article at Helium.com"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://corp.helium.com/images/af/468x60_wrote.gif" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57904188171896691302009-09-08T15:15:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.649-05:00The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=0451188454" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />Movie review based on the book by the same name. Still pertains to the book.<br /><br /><br />This review was written in 2000 and every word still remains the same in regards to how I feel about this movie. I have updated and edited where necessary in order to publish here, <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1580357-the-bone-collector-denzel-washington-angelina-jolie">click.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73582855982746649732009-09-07T13:58:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.654-05:00Gap Creek by Robert Morgan<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0743203631&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>&nbsp;I was on a mission to get caught up on some good reading, so I picked a few of Oprah's picks. And I was very pleased with this pick. It took me a little while to get into it.<br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>It started off pretty good, and then sort of went downhill for a little while. Usually I give up on books like this. But something told me to keep reading, and I am glad I did. The story&nbsp;was very heartfelt. When you read about how the main character, Julie, was brought up to&nbsp;live, it will make you value your own life much more. It teaches us to be thankful for what we have and don't worry so much about what we don't.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;Julie Harmon and her family Mama, Papa, one baby brother Masenier, older sister Lou, younger sister Rosie, and baby sister Carolyn, all live in Flat Rock. Mesenier being the only boy, he was spoiled by the entire family. To finish reading the book review, <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1579274-book-reviews-gap-creek-by-robert-morgan">please click.</a><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90906828580419607672009-09-07T13:39:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.659-05:00Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1579261-where-the-heart-is"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0446672211&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Book reviews: Where the Heart Is, by Billie Letts - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">You would never know just what was going on in your Wal-Mart. Living in Oklahoma for 90% of my life; I can truly understand the warm heartedness shown in this book. It is nice to see a wonderful author from Oklahoma finally get recognized!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">I also have to tell you, if you have not seen the movie, see it. The movie is also great. And while you are reading the book all the characters will seem so real.&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">This is truly a book for all ages.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Novalee is a seventeen year old girl who is seven months pregnant and heading to California with her boyfriend,&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Willie Jack Pickens</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">. Both of them are in search of a better life and the American dream. Funny thing is, they never make it. You see Novalee being pregnant has to pee and so&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Willie Jack</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">pull into a local Wal-Mart in&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Sequoyah, Oklahoma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span>Novalee figures while she is there, she should get some slippers she does have ten dollars to her name after all. Willie Jack takes off and leaves her. Best part of the story, Novalee doesn't leave the Wal-Mart until she goes into labor. The words are humorous, describing Novalee living in the Wal-Mart, you can actually visualize the scene the author is trying to portray and you are left with no choice but to giggle a bit to yourself in the process. I found my thoughts wandering, wondering what I would do if I was locked inside a Wal-Mart with no place to go. Would I find the value in life the way that Novalee did.&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">You just have to read this book. It is so fast paced you won't want to put it down. It will make you laugh, and make you cry.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span>The book is full of tales of love and friendship. Novalee will make you look at life with a whole new definition and purpose. You will see a strong girl, which just won't give up no matter what devastation she must endure. You will put that in your memory bank allowing you to pull it out when the time is right. Even though Novalee is a fictional character, there are many who will be able to relate. Being left high and dry while pregnant happens more often than it should and the author found a humorous way to tell a tale. In the end Novalee comes out better than she was before and better off. Willie Jack leaving was the best thing that could have happened to her and her baby. She was able to find friendship, love and a family.</span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48705614955825505282009-09-06T16:45:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.663-05:00Product reviews: Slim Fast Optima snack bars - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578408-slim-fast-snack-bars">Product reviews: Slim Fast Optima snack bars - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27781009985610651452009-09-06T15:46:00.003-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.667-05:00Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578337-vinegar-hill-a-manette-ansay-oprah-book-club"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0060897848&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Book Review: Vinegar Hill, by A. Manette Ansay - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I read Vinegar Hill sometime in 2000 as a recommendation from Oprah’s Book Club. At the time I belonged to a few of my own book clubs and one had a recommendation for this book. Although it was voted against, I decided to take the liberty upon myself to give it a read.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">At the time of reading I was not married, nor did I have children. At the time of writing this review, I have since been married and divorced, but still no children. Aside from the boyfriends four year old that lives with us on the weekend.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I tell you this because how a person related to a story will generally tell you how the review of the story will go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">At that time I had no idea what it was like to have that "trapped" feeling or the "in-laws from hell". But I did know that those book feelings are very real. Every day families are faced with so many of these problems. Not to mention how many people have those skeletons hanging in the closets.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I admit this was not one of Oprah's best picks. But the story is short, and to the point. You are able to get it read in one night. I didn't hate it, and since it was hard for me to relate to, I didn't much like it either. But, it was very well written and it left me with so many emotions. It left me thinking “Man, what if that was me and my family someday?"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Funny thing is, thinking about that “trapped” feeling now, and towards the end of my marriage I certainly felt it. As for the “in-laws from hell” well I never had those feelings. My in-laws were wonderful people and I miss them a great deal. Now that I live with my true love, I do have those in-law feelings and we are not even married. At times it makes me laugh how you can read something and it still sticks with you all these years later.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="rkr">If you are looking for a nice relaxing, sitting outside in the shade, sipping on lemonade summer novel, then this would be a good pick. If you are looking for a nice relaxing, curl up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of hot tea cold weather novel, then this would be a good pick. The story is great and it does not bog you down with a lot of detail. Words are well written, short and to the point. You almost start to feel the characters. Most of you will be able to relate, and feel it even better than I did when I read it for the first time.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Ellen Grier and her husband, James has moved back to the town they grew up in.&nbsp;</span>James<span class="rkr">&nbsp;has lost his job, and can only afford to move them and the 2 kids back to Vinegar Hill (</span>Holly's Field, Wisconsin)<span class="rkr">&nbsp;into his parent’s house until he is able to get onto his feet. So many things happen while they are there. Ellen is not liked by her in-laws Fritz and Mary-Margaret. To make matters worse, James’s parents do not like each other. When James does find a job, it takes him away for weeks at a time leaving Ellen to deal with his abusive parents. This is a story of that tale. After reading, the title will seem so clear.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29928677505109546952009-09-06T15:46:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.672-05:00Anita Shreve: Recommended reads - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578317-the-pilots-wife-anita-shreve-oprah-book-club">Anita Shreve: Recommended reads - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10819670591939807192009-09-06T15:44:00.003-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.676-05:00Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578262-fight-club-edward-norton-brad-pitt-helena-bonham-carter"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0393327345&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Movie reviews: Fight Club - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Movie based on a book.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Rule Number One; you cannot talk about fight club. So, over 500 million of us have broken the number one rule.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">But you know what they say, "Some rules where just meant to be broken."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Generally I like to read the book before I see the movie. Books always offer more of the story then the movie does. When you are forced to take a novel and shrink it down to a two hour movie, generally bits and pieces get lost in the mix. With this movie I did not do that, and to this day I have not read the book. I have no intention of doing so. The movie is forever etched in my mind just the way it is. This once I do not need those extra bits and pieces.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I really enjoy violence. There is no need for it, I know.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Not in today's society. But there is some sort of instant gratification I get watching another person beat up another human being and seeing someone bleed. I personally am not a fighter, truth be told I would if I could. I am too old to try now, so I will just let someone else do it.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I have dated MMA fighters and trainers in the past. Fighting is nothing new to me. Could be why I am much more immune to it than others. In my house, we live, sleep, breathe mixed martial arts and we seek out films that showcase any sort of fighting style.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">So, the reason I picked this movie should be obvious, but it is not.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span>You see I rented this movie the day it was released. In those days I was not going to the theater much and there was not much online content for watching movies the way it is now. I was getting this movie for one reason. One name. And no, it is not Brad Pitt. Oh, I know I am so un-American to be a woman and not have a thing for Brad Pitt. Shame on me. Don’t get me wrong Brad Pit is an exceptional actor who models every character he has ever played and played them well. But for this movie I wanted to see it because of Edward Norton. He's not the all around good-looking actor (although he does seem to be like a fine wine and get better with age) but, he is good at what he does. I just wanted to see his performance in this movie. I have always watched Edward Norton movies with an open mind. Early in his career his roles went unnoticed due to being out shined by the movies leading character. Many of the movies were of low grade and not well known. Not a single role disappointed me; the movie itself may have but not Edwards performance. He has the ability to take a role and make it his own.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I watched this movie, and was taken away by it. It can be summed up in one word. Violent. Not recommended for someone with a low pain tolerance, because you will be able to feel the pain running through your bones as you watch, see, and hear the sound of flesh ripping and bones cracking. It is not recommended for kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Another great addition to the movie is&nbsp;</span><span class="binding">Helena Bonham Carter. She always provides us with a stellar role and I love how she can be so beautiful, yet so dark, quirky, and mysterious in so many roles.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">All actors deliver a wonderful performance. Brads role seems to be something out of 12 Monkeys. I can sum that movie up in one word: Weird.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Watch this movie, and in the end, you will be surprised. Just remember: you are not suppose to talk about it.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62883607753578784972009-09-06T15:44:00.002-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.680-05:00The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578212-the-perfect-storm-fishing-boats"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0393337014&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Book reviews: The Perfect Storm, by Sebastian Junger - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Have a tissue handy. You will need it for this book. I picked this book from a book club flyer. It had a very brief description. A pretty basic paragraph stating that a woman loses her son, only to have him appear years later. It sounded interesting. This was long before the movie, and long before Oprah had decided to add it to her book club list. Lucky for me, I read the book before I watched the movie. Don't get me wrong, the movie is really good, but it is only a slight comparison to the book. I highly recommend reading this book. You will begin reading and get hooked before the third chapter, and before you know it you've gone through a box of tissues. Never judge a book by its cover, or its title.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">The Deep End of the Ocean begins in June of 1985 with our husband and wife Beth and Pat. Beth is trying to make arrangements for her fifteen year high school reunion. She wants to take the three children Ben, Vincent and Kerry to Chicago for this reunion. Pat thinks this is the extreme, but he will keep this to himself. He is looking forward to having forty-eight hours to himself, to do as he pleases.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Beth arrives at the hotel to check in, with all three children in tow. She becomes overwhelmed with excitement when she begins to run in to old friends. Just within the first chapter, the author has sucked you in. You the reader can begin to imagine the chaos going around all the excitement from the reunion as if you were there yourself. There are bellboys all over getting and bringing in bags. There are people running around trying to figure out where they are to go.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span>There are old classmates screaming with excitement at the site of seeing old friends. Beth is getting frustrated, and has yet to check in. She then asks Vincent to please watch Ben while she goes to the counter to check in. He doesn't really want to, and you are already under the impression he wanted to just stay home with dad. Beth is gone ten minutes at the max. When she returns Vincent is standing alone. He never even noticed Ben's departure.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">The next chapter jumps right in to tracking Ben. And for pages and pages, we have no luck. Hours go by. Days go by turning into months, then years. Vincent begins to get pushed aside. And as he gets older, he can't seem to keep himself out of trouble. He spends his entire life thinking it was his fault Ben was lost. Pat blames only Beth, and the marriage begins to take a turn for the worst. Beth, tries to go on with life, and only blames herself. She must also live with the fact that everyone deep down blames her as well.&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Life has gone on, without Ben. The hope is still there, but it has been ten years. Statistically kids are not found, dead or alive, after a few years. Beth has poured herself into her photography, just to deal with life. She has developed a wonderful eye. This is a key element in the finding of Ben.&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">One day, out of nowhere, this boy shows up and wants to cut the grass. You know she sees something in the boy’s eyes. You can feel exactly what she is feeling. Is it possible? Is this Ben? She tells the kid to come back, and she begins asking where he came from. He's not so new in town, and lives right down the road. He comes back to mow the lawn and she is sneaking pictures of him, comparing him. She contacts the law...and off they go.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">We learn the boy from down the street is her missing son, Ben. How can we all deal with the fact that he was right under our noses all along? To know how this all came about- you have to read the book. In real life, this is a million to one chance of ever happening. That is one crucial point to keep you interested. Ben comes home. Ten years later. Says good-bye to the life he knew, and hello to one he does not. Everything happens so fast, no one can catch up.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">The remainder of the book tries to catch up. It details everyone's life now that Ben is back. Life has changed and is turned upside down, just as it was ten years ago when he vanished.&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">You have to read the book for the rest!! A definite page turner.</span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78500004703712744472009-09-06T15:42:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.684-05:00Stop the Insanity by Susan Powter<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578174-susan-powter-stop-the-insanity-diet-weight-loss"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=1451607563&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Book reviews: Stop the Insanity, by Susan Powter - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">In 1995 my Uncle and his new wife Susan (Ironic huh?) came from Michigan down here to Oklahoma visit me as well as my mother. I have always struggled with my weight; my family has seen the battle even from a 1000 mile distance. After losing 85 pounds as a teenager on NutriSystem, I found approaching my 20's it was harder to get rid of some of the weight I had re-gained. In 1995 Susan gave me this book to read. I read it, and loved it. I found it hard to put down as I read and reread each page absorbing all the information that was there. Here was this woman, who understood what it was like to be over 200 pounds.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I myself had been there as a teen. She had so much honesty and truth, that I just had to try it.&nbsp; I found the book motivational and inspirational. So I began to follow the plan, used her exercise videos and lost 20 pounds. The book since went back to Michigan, and I have since, here in the year 2009, gained back those 20 pounds and then some. But that is another story.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">One day, I was out and about, went to a used book store. And there, for $1 was my old friend, Susan Powter. So, I bought it, and now I am back on the plan, moving, eating, breathing, and just feeling so much better about life. It has been a wonderful motivational tool to help me move forward on the Weight Watcher plan and WANT to take control of my health.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Today, this book is a little outdated, but she is a wonderful motivational tool. Susan now has her own website susanpowteronline.com. where she is still motivating women to take care of their bodies and lose weight.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The book starts a little slow giving background in to Susan's personal life. Chapter one starts off with a picture of Susan at about 160lbs or so, oddly the picture resembles a Marilyn Monroe bathing suit scene. &nbsp;In these pages she talks about how after giving birth she gained a considerable amount of weight. Her highest weight recorded at 260lbs. Susan was with a man that was abusive and inattentive. She broke down and realized she needed to take care of herself. She got out of that marriage, stopped feeling sorry for herself, moved on from the past to emerge better than ever. Susan is loud and she is in your face. With her there is no excuse, no whining and no one is going to feel sorry for you. Welcome to Susan's boot camp. The plan is nothing new: eat less fat, eat more good stuff, find balance and exercise more. But her method of attack is a bit more real. No sugar coating going on here. You have the choice, do it or don't. But no whining if you don't.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>From the Publisher</b><br />Take control of your life and stop the insanity! You've seen Susan Powter on the&nbsp;<i>Home Show</i>&nbsp;and on her&nbsp;<i>Stop the Insanity</i>&nbsp;infomercial, explaining health and wellness to millions of viewers. Taken from the "insanity" she experienced with the diet and fitness industries, Susan's step-by-step motivational book, now read by Susan herself on audio tape, will empower women everywhere to take control of their lives. In&nbsp;<i>Stop the Insanity!</i>, Susan tells you how you can get lean, strong, and healthy without starvation and deprivation. Her practical, proven program designed for women of all ages, weights, and fitness levels can change the way you look and feel just like it did for Susan. Funny, poignant and powerful,&nbsp;<i>Stop the Insanity!</i>&nbsp;is more than Susan's encouraging success story of how she went from fat to fit-- and stayed there. It is a message of hope for women everywhere.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52010912969195645482009-09-06T14:26:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.688-05:00Shaft by Ernest Tidyman<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=0747537771" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />Book review based on movie. Movie based on the book. To read the entire review: <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578481-shaft-richard-roundtree-private-dick-samuel-l-jackson">click.</a><br /><br /><br />Shaft. The all infamous Private Dick. You know him. You love him or you hate him. People of all ages have had the pleasure of hearing about Shaft, at least once in your life. Mr. Richard Roundtree was a household name no matter what your race. He was smooth, slick, and sexy for those times. <br /><br />Now, director John Singleton had the privilege of remaking this movie. Update and modernize were the two key elements. And who did he get to play Shaft? He couldn't have picked a better leading character. Between Laurence Fishburn and Samuel L. Jackson, it was hard to pick. Both are excellent actors who have played all types of rolls. But, since Laurence was in the Matrix, I was glad to see Samuel play Shaft.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22168507600467464392009-09-06T14:23:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.692-05:00The Reader by Bernhard Schlink<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=0753801728" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">Basically I can sum it up like this. I was disappointed. I wished I skipped this book. And </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">what was Oprah thinking? She knew millions of people would read this book.&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to know how </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">many of us actually understood it. Or even liked it? I wouldn't waste your money on this </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">one. Borrow it from someone or get it from the library. Or better yet, just skip it altogether.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">The book was written in German, and translated to English. Maybe things got lost during </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">translation. There are no emotions in the book, it is all very cold. The pages are a little hard to follow</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">and a lot on the boring side. It is a short book, so it won't take but a few hours of</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">reading time to get through it. The story is sad and heartbreaking; you might need a tissue if you can get to those parts.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">If you would like to read the rest of my review, there is a little more to it. <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578375-book-review-the-reader-by-bernhard-schlink">Please click. </a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58326731890719877682009-09-06T13:39:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.696-05:00The Pilots Wife by Anita Shreve<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=B000FDFWHS" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />This is another of those books. We read it because Oprah's Book Club told us too.&nbsp; For many thats how it was. Someone suggests a title, hundreds agree and we bite. I do not remember how I came across this novel. I was a member of a book club in 2000, the year I read it. The book hits close to home. Not for me personally, at that time. I was not married, nor did I have kids. <br /><br /><br /><br />Too many people today are committing adultery. And this is the basic topic for this novel. <br /><br /><br /><br />Kathryn Lyon has the perfect life. She has a wonderful husband Jack, a trans-Atlantic pilot as well as a fifteen year old daughter Mattie. They live in the house she spent so much time dreaming about. To read more about Kathryn and The Pilot's Wife: <a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578317-the-pilots-wife-anita-shreve-oprah-book-club">Click.</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4256891358800963042009-09-06T12:23:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.700-05:00Double Jeopardy by Bob Hill<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1578124-double-jeopardy-ashley-judd"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0380721929&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Movie review: Double Jeopardy - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Movie review based on the book.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">I am not really an Ashley Judd fan. She is cute and she is quirky and she is one of those women who get better with age. It seems like she has a great personality, but not one movie I have ever watched her in left me breathless. Sorry folks, she is just Ashley. Nothing more, nothing less. Her behind the scenes work gives me more pleasure then here theatrical performances.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><span>&nbsp;</span>I am not a big Tommy Lee Jones fan, either. I get the fact he has been around forever and has done countless movies, however I cannot remember a single one. That should tell you something. Again he is one that does not leave a lasting impression in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Let it be known that I did not choose this movie. I didn't go to the theaters. Nor would I have picked it when it was my turn at the video</span>&nbsp;<span class="rkr">store. My then boyfriend and rented this movie in 2000. It has been on television a few times since then and in passing the clicker pauses on this movie. I am not sure while, likely because there is nothing else on and when I am writing I like to have a little something on for noise to block out the city traffic outside my living room window.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I remember standing at the video store looking at all the new movie releases. I had seen the previews for thus movie, and that was all I needed to decide I was not really interested in it. The title of the movie explains it all it two words. Double</span>&nbsp;<span class="rkr">Jeopardy. A person cannot be put on trial for the same crime twice. Enough said. We</span>&nbsp;<span class="rkr">already know the whole plot of the story. I gave it the benefit of the doubt as I do love crime, murder, mystery type movies and was willing to give it a shot.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">So, its movie night, and this is what has been popped into the VCR. Funny, thinking back to my technology household now versus how it used to be VCR tapes almost seem so obsolete.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><span>&nbsp;</span>I do have to admit it wasn't all</span>&nbsp;<span class="rkr">too bad. It was not as much torture as I thought it would be. But I felt like it was a CBS made for TV movie. I kept waiting for commercials.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">It is picture perfect. A rich, well known family. Wife (Ashley Judd), husband and son. There is a boating accident. Nothing new there, how many movies have we seen over the years where there is a boating accident? Husband</span>&nbsp;<span class="rkr">has set up his own killing to make it look like his wife killed him. Again, nothing really new here.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span>Wife goes to prison.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Wife spends the entire time in prison being angry and searching for revenge. Isn’t that the basis for all prison scenes? It always goes one of two ways. Either they learn from their mistake become saved and go on to do right or they spend the time angry and finding a way to get revenge.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">She does get her revenge. Putting all the pieces together, learning the truth and taking care of that truth. I won’t go in to much more detail in case there are those out there who still have not seen the movie. I do not want to spoil it for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="rkr">The title pretty much gives it away for you. That's pretty much the whole movie. If you saw the previews, you saw the</span>&nbsp;<span class="rkr">movie. If you never saw the previews I would almost bet a place like youtube.com has bits and pieces on there. Enough for you to form an opinion on the flick.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I say, don't waste your time paying for it. If it comes on pay stations or cable, then maybe</span><br /><span class="rkr">give it a view.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60472539399399951742009-09-05T17:40:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.007-04:00Fast track to losing weight: Finding the quickest way to shed pounds - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1577556-lose-weight-fast-detox-diet-juice-fast">Fast track to losing weight: Finding the quickest way to shed pounds - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25135946396519883552009-09-05T17:18:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.009-04:00Online surveys: Pinecone Research.com - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1577537-pinecone-research-online-survey">Online surveys: Pinecone Research.com - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71458232993357661862009-09-05T16:29:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.012-04:00Evaluating the nutrisystem program - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1577511-nutrisystem">Evaluating the nutrisystem program - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44717779076242848962009-09-05T13:26:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.014-04:00Freebies online and what you can find - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1523399-freebies-free-samples-free-site-free-websites-free-stuff">Freebies online and what you can find - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56004490127391022912009-09-05T13:25:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.017-04:00Best music to accompany Christmas festivities - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1567029-free-online-christmas-music-free-christmas-festivities-mp3-midi">Best music to accompany Christmas festivities - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41389746172775251492009-09-05T13:23:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:15:41.473-04:00Weight Watchers Magazine<a href="http://www.helium.com/knowledge/272218-weight-watchers-magazine"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B002PXVYXC&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Magazine reviews: Weight Watchers - Diet Programs - Helium</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Many, many years ago, well Ok maybe not THAT many years ago, but I would say about 3-4 years ago I had a free subscription to Weight Watchers magazine. I was not on the program then, nor did I really know much about it other than it was some sort of a "diet" that people followed. I did enjoy the magazine. There were some good tips, general articles not related to food, and some nice recipes. But, I was in my early 20's at that time, and those types of things did not hold my interest for long. At that time I was more into fashion, love, advice, things like that. My magazine collection included things like People, Glamour, Cosmo, and Marie Claire. My subscription ran out and I never gave it much thought.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Flash forward to 2002. I am not in my late 20's. Ok 27 to be exact. Earlier this year my employer brought in the Weight Watchers at Work Program. At first I was a little skeptical about it. But, I had surgery a few months prior to that which left me with a huge weight gain. The employer offered a health benefit meant for gym memberships, but allowed us this one time to use it on WW if we decided to join their at work. That was all the incentive I needed. Joined for less than half price was a great motivational tool. I went to my first meeting, and I was so excited. I was going to make this work for me if it was the last thing I ever did.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I came home that night, hungry for more information. I had to get more. Where was I going to get it? I looked on eBay. Boy, there was a TON of stuff. Then, there it was, right there in front of me. My old friend had called out to me. The first line: Weight Watchers Magazine 3 year subscription. I began to remember my days flipping through the older issues. Boy had those pages changed. So, I bid. I waited.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Few days later, I was informed I had WON!! I got this magazine for less than $7!!!!!! How could you go wrong with that? Time went by, and no magazine. I thought for sure I had just had my first dealings with a scam artist. But, a few days later, there it was. I picked it up, feeling its nice glossy cover. I read that issue at LEAST 6 times. Hungry for all of that new information that would help push me along.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">Now, I can't wait for each issue to arrive. It has been about 6 months since I joined Weight Watchers. Although the work program is over, I still enjoy traditional weekly meetings. I have lost 39 pounds, and if it were not for the support, tips, and motivation I get from the magazine, I may have given up a long time ago.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"></span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I feel that the magazine SHOULD be published every month as we only get it every other. This magazine is not for someone who is looking for fashion, beauty, or other "female" type articles. There is usually less than 2 pages on that type of information. The articles are more based on health, weight, and the issues that can arise as a result of these things.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="rkr">It is possible for someone who is not on Weight Watchers to enjoy the magazine. The tips for weight loss, articles on member losses, and recipes provide lots of inspiration and motivation. Recipes provide healthy nutrition for your body. However, I feel that a person not on Weight Watchers may find all the articles and advertisements a little boring, as it ALL relates to WW and their products. Few other products are mentioned, and if they are there is sure to be a related POINT value printed on it. There are POINT values and related material throughout the entire magazine.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="rkr">For someone who is on Weight Watchers, you have to get the magazine. Whether you are like me, and searched out a good bargain on eBay, or you buy it directly from the Weight Watchers web site, this magazine supplements your meetings. When you need a new recipe, it is there. If you are going through some physical or mental pain with exercise and weight loss, it is there. Motivation, Inspiration, Tips, Tricks, it is all there too!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><b>UPDATE: 2009</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">As I look back on many things in life, one thing I regret the most – letting the weight creep back on until it became a huge problem. We all know life gets in the way and we face challenges. I am now back on the Weight Watchers program for guidance and support.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Going back on the program for me means I need my trusty friend. I will be searching for the best deal on the magazine so that I am able to have that trusted friend back by my side.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Weight Watchers magazine is very easy to read. The layout is pretty much the same as any other magazine; although I am sure things have changed since I have read an issue. Every month there are success stories from other members and often times there is a one for extreme motivation from a meeting leader. Every issue also included MANY great recipes, motivational stories, relationship advice (although not a lot like other woman's magazines), advice on how to dress while losing weight, and generally a personal story from members. The only drawback to the magazine was the advertisements. There are a lot of them and 90% of them are Weight Watcher product related. I guess that is to be expected, but it would be nice if the magazine had more substance and less advertising.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><o:p>UPDATE 2010</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><o:p>I still have a subscription and it's going strong. I love the tips and recipes as I follow along with WW and the Points as I have done in the past, but I am using Wonderslim products as a tool to retrain my portion and nutritional value.</o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11169683930021195282009-09-05T13:20:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.022-04:00Product reviews: Avon Cracked Heal relief cream - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1577309-avon-cracked-heal-relief-cream">Product reviews: Avon Cracked Heal relief cream - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60332985633542616522009-09-05T13:16:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.704-05:00Making Peace With Your Past, The Six Essential Steps to Enjoying a Great Future, by Harold Bloomfield M.D.<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1577313-making-peace-with-your-past"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=0060933143&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Book reviews: Making Peace With Your Past, The Six Essential Steps to Enjoying a Great Future, by Harold Bloomfield M.D. - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">If there is ANYTHING at all in your past that you are still mad about, holding on to, or grieving over then this book is for you. There is so much in life that has happened to me as a result of things that happened to me as a child. And I hold a grudge.&nbsp; At the time of reading this book I could not afford modern therapy, so I read lots of self-help books. I have, for the most part, come to terms with the things that I had no control over and cannot change. With this book, I learned so much more then what friends, family or the internet could ever provide me.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">I highly recommend this book to ANYONE of any age that is dealing with something from their past that causes problems today, in everyday life.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">As a child, I was molested by my father. That ended when I was about twelve. When I was in high school, I spent all four years dating a boy that was verbally abusive, and had a problem with anger. He would get in my face and yell. Although he never hit me, he would hit the wall behind me. These things have scared me. Tore at my insides and messed with my mind. When I reached college, I learned how easy it was to fall into the trap of too many parties, and being woke up in the morning at a place you did not know by a person you did not remember. I knew I had to stop the cycle.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">During that time, I fell in love with a wonderful man. This man was kind, patient, understanding, sincere, and very polite. I was very scared. No one had ever treated me so good. There would be times when I would try to cause drama, because it was such a simple life. I was not used to anything like that. I became angry for no reason. I knew if this relationship was going to turn into marriage, I was going to have to get some sort of help, to come to terms with things. I blamed myself for the things in my life. That self blame would spill into my relationship.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">When you don't have insurance, and you don't have a lot of money, there is not a real option for someone like me in this town in which I lived. I tried the library, bookstores, thrift stores, etc in search for that self help book that would just jump out at me and change my life. For years I was on this search.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">While on my search it came out that I was adopted. My father, the molester, was not my biological father. Just when I felt life could not get any worse for me, I found this book. Long ago I came to terms with what my father had done. It was done to him. I cannot forget, but I can forgive. Life is too short for anger. But, once I found out he was not my real father, a lot of anger came back. Not only for him but for my mother as well.</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">This book has lots of great advice. It was god send for me to happen upon it the way&nbsp; that I did. There are writing exercises. The same exercises therapy patients pay for in sessions. This book has helped me in so many ways. Ways that words cannot describe.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span class="rkr">If you are struggling with anything in your life, anger, resentment, scared, distrust, etc then I encourage you to get this book. This book is not something you can sit and read in a night. I did that. But then I had to go back, and really READ it, do the exercises, think about it. It could change your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="rkr">Since finding the book I did seek out therapy and was on medication for quite some time. Despite the talk therapy, the book helped me break barriers that my medication and psychiatrist could not. The book will not change you overnight and you will have to dig deep inside of yourself for the answer. But it will work, and it can happen if you just let it.</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62442766125721912602009-08-25T20:14:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.363-04:00A Six Word StoryWhile seeking some inspiration for some topics to write about and submit to some various companies, I can across this page: <a href="http://blog.worderella.com/2008/11/a-six-word-story/">Six Word Story</a><br /><br /><br />and it gave me a little inspiration to see if I could come up with some 6 word stories. <br /><br />Here is a popular and well-known writing exercise… Hemingway was once given a challenge to write an entire story in only six words. <br /><br /><b>His answer:</b><br /><br />For sale: baby shoes, never worn.<br /><br />Apparently, he thought it was his greatest literary work ever. It speaks to the audience, and pulls them in. We know the ending to the story, and can surmise how it began. Most importantly, we care.<br /><br />There are many writers who practice this sort of flash fiction through their Twitter accounts, where each update can only be 140 characters long. Can you tell a story in a sentence? What is your six word story? Do you even count these micro-narratives as stories?Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10709286164875458282009-08-18T18:00:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.182-04:00Standing At the PlateAugust 18, 2009<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I’m standing at the plate ready to take the first swing.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Everyone reaches a point in their life when they question who they are and what they are about. Not only that, they question all of the things that surround them. I have reached that point in my life MANY times. I still sit like I am today and think about each and every event in my life that has led me to where I am today. Whether my choices were right or wrong does not matter. Nothing I can do to change them now. I can change today and maybe I can change tomorrow, but I cannot change my past.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Right now, I do not like my life. I have no direction and now idea what I want to do besides write. Unless I get a bestselling novel published (meaning I would have to actually write one based on all the ideas stored in my head) this avenue is not going to pay the bills. I do not have much choice in the matter right now. Without my degree I can’t get the jobs I am qualified for due to the job market here being so tight. Unemployment is at an all time high and we are highest rated in the states. Employers want someone with a degree and pay them minimum wage because they know they can. Those who are not worried about degrees will not hire me because I am over qualified and figure I will be bored and just quit any way. Maybe they are right, but they should at least give me a chance before they make the choice for me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I struggle with unemployment, I struggle with DHS and many times it just does not seem as if the struggle is worth it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This is not how I imagined life would be when I left everything I cared about 1000 miles behind to start life over.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I have been spending my days trying to figure out life. I make changes only to have them backfire in my face. I go three steps forward only to get knocked two steps back.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There is too much drama around me. I like my life quiet and simple. I don’t like to make plans (they never work out anyway); I would rather just come and go as I please. But I can’t. Every move I make, every breath I take is monitored some way or another.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Life these days is pretty dysfunctional.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Crossroads.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Standing at another crossroads. Facing each day with new questions about the direction I should be going. I am standing at home plate. Looking across the field. Ready to take that first swing.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Comment from Yahoo:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span></div><div class="user" style="color: #a0a1a2; float: left; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a class="user-link" href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GMCJ4DT6HENPXR5WN2DWG4B4AA" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; color: #4f93df; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.2; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Christina King</a>&nbsp;commented</div><div class="time" style="color: #a0a1a2; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: right;">08/19/2009 06:00 pm</div><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">We all go through this... At least its normal. But... What you do with your life is YOUR call.... You need to take a good inventory of your life and see what works and what don't. My best to you in your inventory.... its hard to do and hard to face the reality of some of it and to be quite honest being honest with yourSELF is sometimes the hardest part of it all.... It can be life altering, it was for me. Hugs....</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36919243765448251722009-08-14T22:31:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.184-04:00And So We Meet AgainAnd so we meet again. It has been far too long since I have written a blog and it has been a while since I have written anything for work. I seem to have found myself in this hole again. You know that hole, well on the outside bad on the inside. This is a typical “things are not what they appear”. In my life I have gotten really good at putting on appearances. Actually, I should have a degree in it since I have been practicing it my whole life.<br /><br />Generally I am very open about my world. Always have been. Here lately I find myself hiding in my shell really unsure of what I should share. I have so many in my world these days that may not understand why I write and blog. And because of this I would not want them to get the wrong idea about things. I spend my days walking on eggshells and holding in my words.<br /><br />I find that rather amusing because I was never one to care what others think. Truth is I still don’t. However I don’t want people to take it out on someone else. So, I just let it go hoping it will all pass anyway.<br /><br />This is not me and how I usually behave. Writing is my life and I choose to share it. <br /><br />I am tired of being pushed aside and being talked down.<br /><br />I am tired of never being good enough.<br /><br />I am tired of being uncomfortable in my own skin.<br /><br />I am tired of always feeling alone.<br /><br />I am tired of being last on the list.<br /><br />And quite frankly I am tired of being tired.<br /><br />Life has had its ups and downs. I find myself searching for the answers and even a way out.<br /><br />I get stressed, I eat. I seek food out for comfort.<br /><br />Earlier this week Matt and I went to Detroit to celebrate being together one year. <br /><br />The irony in that is we were also celebrating his divorce being final.<br /><br />In such a hurry to pack, we forgot our bathing suits. Not wanting to miss out on the awesome indoor pool and hot tub we decided to try our luck across the street at Meijer. Shopping is no fun for me anymore. In the last 2 years I can count how many times I have gone shopping on one hand (I can hear you Shan and Stace). My weight keeps creeping up so shopping becomes more of a nightmare instead of something fun I used to share with my friends. <br /><br />Honestly I tried to get out of it. Matt was not having any of that. I found 2 suits in my size and went and cried in the fitting room. I had no choice but to look at myself. It has been months since I have looked at my whole body in the mirror. And there I was nothing left to the imagination.<br /><br />Matt, loves me just the way that I am. I am ok with that. But he is not as supportive as I would like him to be. I need help and I have asked him, but I just do not think he really understands. I on the other hand am embarrassed that I let myself get this fat and I am disgusted with myself that I cannot get my life back on track. Once upon a time weight loss was so easy for me. Weight Watchers was my life. These days I really do not have the money to dish out on weight loss programs so I am trying to come up with a plan that I can work on for myself.<br /><br />I saw my bestie while we were in Detroit. It had been a good many years since we saw each other and a few years since we had spoken due to a fallen out we had (funny, due to a blog I wrote) and I was seriously thinking about canceling because I was so ashamed of how I looked.<br /><br />I did not even want to go to my own family reunion last month because I just did not want to hear the whispers about my weight. <br /><br />I feel lost, like I really do not know what to do anymore.<br /><br />I know I need to, but am finding it so hard. I blame all the stressors in my life. I try to make a schedule and stick to it, only to have something thrown at me. <br /><br />I am tired of being pushed around. I am tired of having this voice and no one around me listens.<br /><br />Now it is time to take care of me. To live life for me. To find my path in life and start walking it.<br /><br />If someone does not like how I am taking care of me, then they probably do not need to be in my life anyway.<br /><br />No longer will I put up appearances and act as if everything is alright.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36506928973146493452009-07-27T09:06:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.187-04:00Finally..An Update - What's Up with Chrys? The Birthday Edition(and then some)Finally have some time to write, well not really I should be upstairs working on the kitchen but I need a nice break this morning before I start. I have not written in some time so I wanted to give an update on what has been going on the last few days.<br /><br />Monday July 20 – for those of you who do not know, my mom had a terrible infection in her gums that was making her very ill and worse yet, making her teeth brittle. Because she had moved up here some years ago to take care of her parents until they passed, she was not working an unable to take care of herself. Most of you know the whole ordeal so I won’t go rattling on about it. Long story short, she got the rest of her teeth yanked out and all the infection sucked and scraped out. She has been given temporary dentures, which do not fit her small face, so you know me; I have to pick on her. My mom is a tough lady. Where I would have laid my ass in bed all week, this woman went right back to work the next day. <br /><br />Tuesday July 21 – Matt and I headed to Tawas to celebrate my birthday. This was also a mini vacation for the both of us to get away and reconnect with each other. Many think because Matt and I work from home that we spend a lot of time together. Sure, we see each other, but we do not spend quality time together. And with jujitsu, air soft, at the time the band, and Madison, we really do not get a lot of time to be alone and have a date night. So, we traveled up north and shut off the cell phones and left the laptops behind. And it was great. As soon as we got there (11am) we made use of the huge Jacuzzi. Not that everyone wants to get in my private life (or maybe some of you do ;) ) Matt and I are pretty big people and we have never been able to take a bubble bath together as we just can not fit in the bath tub that is currently in this house. (the bathroom remodel is next on the list) After we hung out in our room Jacuzzi for a while we took a walk across the street through downtown. We visited all the shops and spent quite a bit of time in this neat little shop that had a ton of knives. I even bought myself a Celtic one. We then had pizza at the famous G’s pizzeria and then next door for Marion’s homemade waffle cones. Cone in hand we walked the dock. It was so nice to just walk around outside and enjoy the sun and each other. We hung around town for a while and then back to the room. Later that night we walked back in to town to watch a movie at an old town theater, Family Theater and saw Harry Potter. Now as you know there is always some adventure that awaits Matt and I and it was only a matter of time before something was about to happen. <br /><br />This theater is SMALL compared to those built today. And the rows are all even with each other, meaning you have to sit behind someone short to see well. It was not completely packed and against the back wall was a church pew, meant for those with small children who might have to leave the theater. A couple of teens sat behind us, with their entire row of friend behind them. Next to the teens is an older lady , I assume she was the grandma as next to her was a couple in their early 20s, but after thinking about it perhaps they were 17 or 18 and the older brother or sister of the teen couple on the other side of the grandma. Anyway, the baby started to cry so the mom took her out. The two teens started to talk to a guy in the row behind them. I hate people to talk consistently in a theater, and it is even worse in a theater like this where it is hard to hear anyway because the sound system is rather old and outdated. So I turned around and asked them if they planned to talk through the whole movie because I did not pay to listen to them and they are ruining the movie could they please shut up. And I turned back around. Well the grandma did not like her people being scolding to so she got right up between Matt and I and screamed in our ears “we have a baby back here” and to which Matt replies “you don’t bring a baby to a movie theater!” They pretty much kept to themselves the rest of the movie. When they didn’t I would turn around and give them a dirty look.<br /><br />Anyway, after the movie we hung around a bit as there was a band playing in the street. Getting sort of tired so we went back to the hotel and went swimming and hit the hot tub. We ordered some food and drinks and sat poolside. A little after 11, spending twelve hours on the town I was ready to call it a night. So we headed back to the room, flipped through the whole 10 channels we had and fell asleep.<br /><br />Wednesday July 22 –Happy Birthday to me! We got up pretty early and headed down the Mulligan’s Irish Pub for the famous 99 cent breakfast. Which I got, and Matt ended up with the $4.95 one. But the amount of food you get was great for the price. We talked to the owner a bit and then scooted on out of there. We walked the town again, and then headed over the beach and walked it for a while. The car was packed and our room was set to be cleaned. We were to be checked out by 11. For $30 we could of extended checkout to 6pm but we had already done all there was to do there and did everything we wanted to do. The weather was starting to get rainy so we opted to just head out. We hit the Tawas Museum, which was pretty interesting. I learned more then I ever wanted to know about that little water front town. We ate a fish lunch at Bills Tabernacle, which was really good, and then the hotel was nice enough to let us use the pool area again before we left. We got home about 4 and the first thing we did was lay down and take a nap. We slept for a couple hours. Matt wanted to take me out since it was my birthday, but we had done so much the last two days all I wanted to do was stay home. So, we had a movie marathon in bed and watched three movies. All in all it was a great birthday and even better for us to get away. The pics of the trip are posted.<br /><br />Thursday July 23 – today was my grandmother’s birthday. So my mom and I were hoping her spirit would follow us and make us lucky. We headed to Standish to gamble. We won, we lost, we won, we lost, we won and I should have walked away when I was up, but I wanted to play more. I went home with $6 left of my original money and we were their about 8 hours. We stopped at the cheese houses in Pinconning and ate dinner at some place my mom and grandparents used to always eat at, I think it was called Purcell’s. The food was really good. <br /><br />Friday July 24 – I had planned to work and get caught up on some things, but Matt and I ended up going and buying his cousins car. We had made the choice that it would be best for me to get out from under my car. I owe $9000 on it, but its only worth $5000. This is sad because it’s a great car. But living with Matt, being a student and trying to scrape by on a writers salary I just can not afford the car payment and insurance. So we thought it best to buy this car. It is hard for me to let my car go. That was the first thing I was able to buy for myself after my divorce, not to mention it’s pretty. We got this car really cheap and it needs some things done to it. It has been in Matt’s family all this time and very well taken care of so he is pretty confident we will get good use out of it. So we had to get a battery and get it over to the tire center to replace a tire. Next comes 3 more tires, mirrors replaced and some other items taken care of. It’s making me feel a little uneasy, being in limbo with two cars right now and trying to transfer stuff over and dealing with my car. But in the end, it will all be worth it as I am tired of stressing about bills and my car stuff.<br /><br />Saturday July 25 – My family reunion. (once I get the rest of the pics I will post them)Took Matt and Madison and Maddy played and played and played. She won 2nd place in a game for the kids, got loaded up with toys and candy. By the end of the day she was a giant mud ball. I won $250, so now the parts for the car can be paid for. YEAH! Matt took Madison over to his moms and tossed her in the pool. She was spending the night. Matt came home and we left for the movies at 9:30. We were going to go to Hamilton to see Know Lyfe but Alfonzo called and said they were not going to be doing the show. So Matt and I headed to see The Ugly Truth. And again, I can not tell you enough about our adventures. Once again I had to yell at people behind me to be quiet. High school kids. One kept whining about having to be home at 12:30 and the other giving a play by play of the entire movie. I had asked them if they planned on talking to through the whole movie. He gave me a smirk and I told him I saw nothing amusing about this. He either whispers quietly so we can’t hear or I will go get management to escort them out then they will be sure to be home by 12:30. At one point he kept asking the others “oh did you hear that?” “NO” was the reply and he would repeat it. I said, “of course they can’t hear what was said because you wont be quiet long enough for any of us to hear.”<br /><br />I hate people. Seriously. Giant theater, tons of empty seats and you have to park right behind me. Let me give you some advice, if you are a talker and you see me in a theater, do not park your ass anywhere near me or I will speak to you.<br /><br />We got home at 11:30 pm. Matt walked in and was griping about how he turned the light all the way off. You see, we have a motion light in our kitchen. When we left the house, it was on. I had Matt put the dogs in their cages since it was close enough to their bed time. Normally we let them roam the house while we are gone. Matt got the light on and he’s talking about how he did not remember turning the light all the way off. I chimed in telling him he could not have because it was on when we pulled out of the drive way.<br /><br />Our house sits in the middle of a cornfield on 2 acres. We have one neighbor, but he is on the other side of an acre or two of corn. We live on busy highway that one direction takes us to Birch Run town and the other in to Frankenmuth. It’s dark as there are no street lights.<br /><br />Once Matt got the kitchen light on I walked into the bedroom and my little closet door was opened, my jewelry cabinet opened, my underwear scattered all over the bed. There is a shower in our bedroom (a little old lady lived their years ago and was unable to get around. This shower goes to the small bath) and the doors were open, all the dressers had been opened, the front door was open, Madison’s little princess table was knocked out of the way, things had been gone through. <br /><br />Matt’s cell phone, laptop, and ipod touch were all right in the kitchen. They were left behind. The cop was on their way when I looked under my bed and saw my fireproof safe was gone. In my little lockbox are all my papers for life. Marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, court things. Even my passport. Those things are hard as hell to replace not to mention he amount of time and money it takes to get new certified copies. Not only that my extra checks, saving account information, old coins and stamps were in there. <br /><br />As soon as the cop showed up, we told him what we knew was missing just from observation. <br /><br />When you open the lid to my jewelry cabinet right on top are real diamond earrings, gold diamond and ruby rings, emerald rings, on the sides carry necklaces of gold, ruby, emerald and diamond. None of that was taken. However, they did take my class ring. How retarded is that? If you are going to steal to pawn why not take the things that are going to make you real money. It makes no sense.<br /><br />They took a dildo. Yeah, I am not ashamed that I have adult toys. And how gross is that to take a dildo someone else has used. What are you going to do with it??? Whatever.<br /><br />So, they climbed in through the office window. Even shut and locked the window behind them. Boot prints were on the desk, the stepped on my laptop, and on to the floor. Picked up Matt’s backpack carried it in to the living room and sat it on top of the dog cages. Nothing was taken out of it. We assume the person checked out Cain and Casey to see if they were a threat. Well not in their cage and if they were out, Casey might have barked, growled and scared him, but I am not so sure Cain would. Never know. Anyway, they went back to Madison’s room, and must have walked right back out then in to our room where they checked everything. After that they headed downstairs, opened the doors down there and left them open, lights on. <br /><br />The cop got a call that my lockbox was 2 miles up the road. A man found it in his driveway. Another cop brought it over and mentioned that the guy has a 16yr old living next door that is quite the trouble maker. I got my box back, with all my papers. My money was still in it, but my stamps and coins were gone. One of each fell out, so at least I have those. <br /><br />Missing stamps from the 1800 to present. Missing coins from France, Canada, Ireland and Spain 1800 to present. Sort of pisses me off as my grandmother gave those to me.<br /><br />I hate stupid people. <br /><br />So all in all, stamps, coins, class ring and a dildo were stolen. Police think something spooked them and so they took the box because generally people keep the most valuable things in a lock box. I am surprise they got the thing open. So much for being unbreakable. I will be taken those papers to the bank and putting them in a safety deposit box! I have learned my lesson.<br /><br />Funny, all those years I lived in Tulsa (or any other place) nothing ever happened to me. Small town…it does.<br /><br />Anyway, our cop is on vacation this week and matt has left for camp so next week we get to go in for fingerprinting and they dusted our house and got prints of the boot prints in the house and outside in the mud. <br /><br />They think they might try to come back since they know we have some valuable stuff here. But no so sure they would try it if someone is home. The police are convinced it was some kids.<br /><br />Guess we will just have to wait and see.<br /><br />Wasn’t much fun trying to sleep alone, even though I had the dogs. I had my knife and baseball bat with me. Had my car alarm ready to go in case I needed to scare them. <br /><br />Anyway, we did not get much sleep Saturday night and then yesterday I spend all day coating the orange walls with primer. Took the handles off the cabinets and scrubbed year’s worth of crap off them because they are getting painted so they match the look of the new kitchen. It took 3 coats of primer so I was only able o get a little bit painted. But it already looks better without that orange. <br /><br />Going to finish the kitchen today and then go on to the adjoining red orange bathroom, and entry way. Once that’s done will do the cabinet handles and then I also have some stuff to redo the counter tops. After that I am going to touch up the main hallways and if I can find the paint, the bad spots in the living room. <br /><br />And, going to get some plastic bins to organize some of Matt’s things. He has tools and stuff scattered all over and we have been talking about putting them all in one place together. As it is stuff is in the garage, barn, basement and kitchen so you can never find anything.<br /><br />Matt is going to come home and wonder what happened to his house! LOL…just kidding, he knows what’s going on. <br /><br />Now then…who wants to come over and help? Better yet, can someone come over and mow the lawn for me???? Heheh<br /><br />Anyway, thanks guys for checking in on me. We are fine, the dogs are fine. A little rattled, but thankful they did not take more or do any damage. <br /><br />We will be looking in to alarm systems and such when he gets back from church camp.<br /><br />Fun times…<br /><br />So that in a nutshell is “What’s up with Chrys? – Birthday Edition”Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41078629108668533772009-07-14T18:04:00.014-04:002011-08-10T12:17:13.365-04:00Tips for Overcoming Writers Block<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=100847&amp;u=465182&amp;m=14766&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=" target="_blank"><img &nbsp;border="0" src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/bannerside120-240-ill.gif" /></a>Tips for Overcoming Writers Block<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every writer has been there. No matter what your age or what genre you classify your writing as, their will be (if not already) a day when nothing comes to mind. It is every writers dreadful nightmare and it goes a little something like this:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">blink........blink......blink.......blink<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Shut up darn it<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">blink..blink............blink.......<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Would you stop already, I know what I am going to say. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">At least I know what I want to say. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">blink..blink............blink.......blink.......<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">What the heck is going on with my cursor?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Just tormenting me with its blinky blinkity blink.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Leave me alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">What? What's that you're telling me?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">I need to write? Well, what in the world do you think I am trying to do here? Stop tormenting me. Stop talking to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">blink......blink......blink.......<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">STOP IT!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Ok, I can not be the only writer in the world who has war with the blank page and their cursor. Blink. I am going to just keep blinking at you until you write something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Easy enough to get it to stop blinking, right? So, then why am I having such a hard time of it lately? Usually I am so full of words. But not lately. What happened to me? Writers block? Why? Is writers block for real or merely a figment of our imagination? I know it's not because I don't have anything going on in life to write about. I got tons of stuff I could be writing about. Easy enough then. But, why can't I find my words? It is my words that are lost. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">I am sending out S.W.A.T. (cue music.....duh na na.........nanananana)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Ok, maybe you did not have a conversation with your computer as I did when faced with a blanks screen, but what can you do when the words just do not want to flow?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">One of the things I have learned over the years is to just get up and walk away. Sometimes you spend too much time staring at the same piece and you just need to take a break from it. It is always good to let your mind rest and reset itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">If you are staring at a blank screen, talk a walk. Grab a pen, bring a notebook, and just walk. Take notes about what you see. Jot down all the ideas that start to formulate in your mind. Many times all it takes is a simple thought to get the creative juices flowing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Carry a notebook or handheld device with you at all times. Every time an idea crosses your mind, write it down. Stockpile these for when you need them. When writers block hits pull these out to get your mind unblocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Websites such as writing-world.com and writinghood.com offer many tips and ideas for writers. When I start to get discouraged and need a little pick-me up I head on over to one of these websites for some insight. Writing World has a writer's block section and the articles have been detrimental in solving writers block. Writinghood offers many tips and articles on how to be a better writer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana Ref&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">Don't let writers block get you down. It is a common occurrence and it is unavoidable. Make the most of a block. Enjoying a nice dose of sunshine it usually just what I need to get the words flowing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81812568592856233102009-07-08T12:18:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:44:38.581-04:00MySpace.com Blogs - Downseed MySpace Blog<a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=31601497&amp;blogId=499146966">MySpace.com Blogs - Downseed MySpace Blog</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55048864167093212032009-07-07T17:45:00.004-04:002011-08-10T11:55:09.905-04:00Poetry In Motion: Helium Star<div class="MsoNormal">I worked so hard to gain you star</div><div class="MsoNormal">There you were</div><div class="MsoNormal">Flashing bright</div><div class="MsoNormal">Neon yellow and blue light</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now you are gone</div><div class="MsoNormal">Taken away</div><div class="MsoNormal">All that hard work</div><div class="MsoNormal">Gone today</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I looked all over</div><div class="MsoNormal">High and low</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where oh where</div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you go?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My helium star</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wont you come home</div><div class="MsoNormal">I will give you love</div><div class="MsoNormal">And freedom to roam</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Together</div><div class="MsoNormal">We can search</div><div class="MsoNormal">This topic or that</div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps </div><div class="MsoNormal">Even start one from scratch</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will leave the door open</div><div class="MsoNormal">With hopes you’ll find you way</div><div class="MsoNormal">And there on my page</div><div class="MsoNormal">Your shine will stay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43972712635739705992009-07-07T13:22:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.029-04:00Testimonies: My journey into darkness - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1508836-gone-darkness-no-way-to-reach-me-thoughts">Testimonies: My journey into darkness - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22226078040757223602009-07-07T13:01:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.031-04:00Would you take a pay cut to save a coworkers job? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1507887-job-sacrifice-morals-ethics-pay-cut">Would you take a pay cut to save a coworkers job? - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61047122816632920712009-07-07T11:25:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:44:23.822-04:00Chrystal Mahan eHow.com Articles<a href="http://www.ehow.com/members/ds_caca5416-4882-481d-b245-83bf1d6afadf.html">Chrystal Mahan | eHow.com</a><br /><br />Read my goodies on eHow.com a Demand Media Company.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43243678013258972862009-07-06T14:55:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.033-04:00Relationships: Compromise or change - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1507824-compromise-relationship-relationship-compromise">Relationships: Compromise or change - by Chrystal Mahan - Helium</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22018951221875249402009-07-05T20:27:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.190-04:00Another Evening with Shinedown and StaindAnother evening with Shinedown and Staind.<br /><br /><br />This is my 4th time seeing Shindown in 2 years, my 3rd in a year. My second time in a year seeing Staind. Chevelle and Hailstorm were the opening acts. I felt bad that so many people missed HailStorm. Many people do not appreciate a good rocker chick when they hear one. I bet that girl could not have been 90lbs, but she wailed like she was the fat lady singing her final song. Chevelle was not in rare form. I don’t mind their songs, but I was not blown away by them. Shinedown, well in my eyes they could do no wrong. But I have to say, I am glad Brent finally started to change his speeches in between the songs because they were starting to all sound the same. Staind, well Aaron Lewis did his thing and he sounded better then ever. The last show was in the middle of winter and he had canceled the previous two shows prior to ours because he had no voice. He made our show in Detroit. When he talked you could tell he was sick. He even looked sick. But, it did not show much in his voice. Last night, he wailed. He is one of those performers that are even better live.<br /><br />As usual when Matt and I go out there is always some sort of story as to what happened, and this night did not let us down.<br /><br />Before I forget, I am working on the pics…what few I took. This concert was at an outdoor amphitheater, DTE Energy …..Otherwise known as Pine Knob. I bought lawn tickets because they were only $12 as opposed to the $30 and $40 pavilion seats. It was great to be able to see the entire stage and watch everyone, but it did not make for great pics even with the zoom Matt has on his camera. So, if you want to see Shinedown up close, check out the pics I took from the Machine Shop….reach out and touch someone ….<br /><br />Ok, back to my story.<br /><br />As it seems, when you accept lawn tickets you also accept the fact you will be sitting on your own blanket, unless you are lucky enough to find small chairs. The website and ticket information said 26 inch height maximum. Fine. Should not have much problem with that. So we finally settle on some nice little chairs. They can be carried easily, even include a zip front pocket with plates and utensils, and a cooler for drinks. At $20 a piece, we thought it would be a good investment. We could take them to other concerts, the zoo, camping, parks, etc. <br /><br />We get to the event center easy enough. Started to load up when a parking lot attendant drove by. Matt decided to say hello, and ask him if our chairs were ok. We had seen people with bigger and smaller chairs walking towards the entry, and mind you NO ONE was walking BACK with chairs.<br /><br />We walked what seemed like five miles just to get to the entrance. So here we are blanket, two chairs, cell phones, cameras and what ever else we could cram in to our pockets. We stand in line, waiting…and waiting…finally get patted down, searched , unroll the blanket to make sure we are not hiding anything, and then she checks all the pockets of the chairs. We are about ready to pass through when her supervisor stops her and makes he measure our chairs. A whopping 18 inches folks! She sits there and tried to tell us they can not be over SIX inches. DOES MY FAT ASS LOOK LIKE IT IS GOING TO FIT IN A MIDGET CHAIR 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND??<br /><br />I bitched. I told her the website said 26 and pointed out all these other chairs coming in.<br /><br />Words came out of my mouth I generally don’t blurt out in public like that. No matter how much I tried to argue with her, that woman was not going to let us in with these chairs.<br /><br />She says, “You don’t have to stand back in line, drop your chairs and just come right to the front of the line.”<br /><br />Fuck her. And fuck this place. Unfortunately for her, I know how to work the customer service system having to be tortured in it for so many years.<br /><br />So, we turn around, and walk the trek back to the car. Glaring at all these people carrying their chairs towards the entrance. Even warning some of them that they might not be able to go in with them. Comparing their chairs against ours. <br /><br />It made me so angry; I really did not want to go back.<br /><br />Oh yes…that is really how angry I was.<br /><br />But wait….it gets even better.<br /><br />We go drop our chairs, walk back, and go right to the front of the line where we were then told to go back to the line. I spit out my words faster then you could take a breath. I was NOT going to stand in line again when these people do not have their shit together. And I proceeded to tell her, we had already been in line thank you very much. And off we went.<br /><br />Wait for it…..wait…..it is coming….<br /><br />As soon as you walk in the entry gates… they are there in all their pretty green glory.<br />Chairs.<br />Mother fucking, yes I have a potty mouth, deal with it…chairs.<br />Chairs bigger then ours.... that the DTE Energy Music Theater rents.<br />$5 per chair plus a $5 deposit.<br /><br />They had a beer bottle sitting in the cup holder.<br /><br />Idea.<br /><br />You got to love Matt when he gets a smart idea. (LOL)<br /><br />He sat that beer bottle on the ground, placing it next to the chair. I then took a picture of that chair for comparison.<br /><br />So, you make us take our chairs back. We watch all these people brining in chairs the same size, if not bigger, but you make US take ours back and then you throw it in our face by teasing us with these chairs for RENT?? Are you kidding me? The buck stops here.<br /><br />We did NOT rent those chairs.<br /><br />So, let me tell you DTE (aka Pine Knob) is awesome. <br />But I have a few more things to get off my chest. <br /><br />We got searched. Metal detector. Purses checked. Pockets empty. Bags checked. All that I was watching.<br /><br />Matt and I picked a pretty good place. Right in front of a mud bog so no one would sit in front of us.<br /><br />However, we ended up in the land of the losers.<br /><br />First off, to my right we had the Pot clan. 20 of them, half of them all related somehow. They blazed at LEAST 11 joints, as Matt and I giggled and counted. <br /><br />In front of us we had this Daughtry wanna be trying to look cool to his 40 year old buddy (he was in his early 20) and his girl. In the first 20 minutes of his arrival he downed 4 Jack Daniels on the rocks. Let’s just say he was not pleasant to sit behind. At one point his ass would not sit down , so I yelled, he tried to cop an attitude, called him an Asshole who had to ruin shit for everyone else…2 seconds later his ass copped a squat and he pretty much stayed their the rest of the night. Funny, someone stood in front of him and he got pissed…uh huh…<br /><br />Now then, to my right were people. And they were pleasant enough. But behind us were the Drunk and Disorderly Crew. Two girls stumbling all over the place and I just knew one of their asses was going to fall on me. And they had this friend with them that thought he was the lead singer to every band and he would jump around and get in peoples faces he did not even know and sing to them, and land on their blankets and dance around and shit.<br /><br />I just do not understand why people can not control themselves at public events. I get that you can drink there, and its fun. I had one, but at $8 a pop, one was enough. I sipped and I enjoyed. If their is a way, alcohol should be limited. I would be fine if it was not served at all. If people can not control themselves, then it should not be. <br /><br />And another thing, where were the damn fireworks?? Who has a 4th of July show with no fireworks??<br /><br />Aside from all the entertainment…I had a great time and the bands rocked. I will see Staind and Shinedown as many times as my bank account will allow.<br /><br />As for the chair incident, I have the names and addresses to all the places I plan on submitting my complaint to. I will keep you posted. I doubt anything will come of it, nor do I really care…but my voice will be heard, you can count on that.<br /><br />Ok…off to get the pics ready to post.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66024425879345500852009-07-05T11:45:00.001-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.709-05:00The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JacquelynMitchard_TheDeepEndOfTheOcean.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Cover of the hardback 1st edition" height="456" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/47/JacquelynMitchard_TheDeepEndOfTheOcean.jpg/300px-JacquelynMitchard_TheDeepEndOfTheOcean.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JacquelynMitchard_TheDeepEndOfTheOcean.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">Have a tissue handy. You will need it for this book. I picked this book from a book club flyer. It had a very brief description. A pretty basic paragraph stating that a woman loses her son, only to have him appear years later. It sounded interesting. This was long before the movie, and long before Oprah had decided to add it to her book club list. Lucky for me, I read the book before I watched the movie. Don't get me wrong, the movie is really good, but it is only a slight comparison to the book. I highly recommend reading this book. You will begin reading and get hooked before the third chapter, and before you know it you've gone through a box of tissues. Never judge a book by its cover, or its title.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">The Deep End of the Ocean begins in June of 1985.....<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1579228-book-reviews-the-deep-end-of-the-ocean-by-jacquelyn-mitchard" target="_blank">and it finishes here.</a> </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=de483096-9840-41b1-b4bd-a74dc3cd692e" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6429931165396964402009-06-30T14:16:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.193-04:002006: As I Sit Here All AloneOriginally Written in 2006<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">As I sit here all alone.............I wonder how did I end up this way?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">Did I take the wrong path in life?...............Or maybe just a wrong turn. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">Whichever. I wonder if I will ever find my way back. Is there a way back?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">You see this smile on my face. You see I am bright and full of life, your sunshine. Makes me look as if everything is ok. The truth is...its fake!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">I am not happy, here in this place that I am. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">I have tried to sort it out. Lord, how I have tried. But all I got accomplished was an even bigger mess in my head. Will the answer become clear? What is it that I am supposed to do? I don’t know what to do or say, to make my pain go away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">I am so confused, so torn. In this case, I don’t think the truth will set me free. Just let me be. Let me be me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">Every day it’s the same old story. I have to get out of this situation that I am in. I just keep digging, and pushing myself deeper...deep within.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">Why does this have to be real? Could this not be something I only imagined? Why can’t it be just a dream? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">Why not then, all those years ago? Why now? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">I hate that it seems you are in control. Hate. It drives me mad. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mad.</st1:place></st1:country-region> <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mad.</st1:place></st1:country-region> <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mad.</st1:place></st1:country-region> I hate that I have this need for you. This want. This desire. For my soul. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">I hate the way life throws you a curveball and then leaves you standing left on the plate. You stare out into the open field wondering should you run for home plate or stay where you are. Which is the best option? Will I be pushed out or will I stand solid?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">These thoughts they rattle around in my head like marbles in a jar. I here them clanking against my skull, clank..clank..clank..like the marbles hitting the glass. Can others here this jumbled cornucopia or am I all alone here?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">The dust has not settled yet…I am still standing here. Waiting…hoping…as no one wants to hate. Hate is such a strong word with minimal meaning to so many. Why does one even bother hating? Do you not feel it is a waste of time? So why are we even programmed with that emotion?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">All these questions rattle around in my head like marbles in a glass jar. I wish one of those marbles could speak. Show me the way to smiles. More smiles I say. Less hatred and anger. Maybe a marble will fall out and I can throw it towards home plate. Give me some direction. Marbles could be the new tea leaf. Someone, read my leaves, tell me my future. Don’t keep me going like this.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Batang; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang;">(revised June 30, 2009)<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9053789946784648142009-06-30T14:06:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.195-04:00Yeah for Garage Sales!In an honest effort to make some changes I decided instead of buying things we don't need and searching for clothes that do not fit we would buy things that would help our lifestyle. Matt and I love to take Madison to garage sales on Saturday mornings. We save our change all week long so that she has "monies" for purchases. She gets to pick the things she wants and count out her money to buy. It helps her learn about money and purchases and she has a lot of fun with it. Lately we have been buying her a lot of clothes. Since she is only with us on the weekends most of her belongings are at her mothers. We try to limit her toys as her room is overflowing! <br /><br />I really wanted to find a working VCR so that I can use my walk away the pounds, taebo, richard simmons (dont laugh!), pilates and yoga videos again. They were very helpful years ago when I was on this weight loss journey. I have a couple on DVD and some downloaded to my computer, but I do not like those as well, aside from Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred, which makes me feel like a weakling. LOL!<br /><br />A VCR was not to be found, however Matt and I found 2 practically brand new bikes. The owners bought them, stored them in a shed because the husbands parents gave them their old ones which were much better. They have a little rust and flat tires, but nothing that can not easily be fixed.<br /><br />I am very excited about these bikes as we were able to get them both for $35! A bargain! <br /><br />We love bargains.<br /><br />Sadly, it’s been raining every day since we got them. Poop.<br /><br />On another note, I have been tracking my food intake for the last 3 days on sparkpeople.com. It is hard for me to get used to as I am used to tracking points in a journal with my Weight Watchers stuff. Since that is easier for me, I still have 99% of the stuff memorized, I might go back to doing it the “old fashioned” way. I know WW has changed a lot in the last few years as they always update their program. It worked for me just fine back then; it should work just as good for me now. <br /><br />*fingers crossed*<br /><br />I will still stay on sparkpeople.com because the site is just awesome and I can still enter my food there as well. This will help me stay accountable. I am just not used to counting calories and fat and finding it a little overwhelming when planning meals and such. Hopefully it will get easier with time.<br /><br />Got some work to do, just wanted to post a quick update.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66802786604833694812009-06-25T11:53:00.003-04:002011-08-10T11:58:28.647-04:00I have to do it this timeI Have to do it this Time<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />I have to. There is no way around it.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />My weight has always been a battle for me.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />Those who went to high school with me saw this. I started Junior High and High School as, for lack of a better word, a fattie. Towards the end of my freshman year I went on NutriSystem (yes it has been around that long!) and would go to the center every week to be weighed, have counseling and get my new food for the week. I really enjoyed the food and took great pride in achieving my goals and feeling better about myself. I got down to an all time low of about 120-125. For me, this was gross on my larger frame and I settled around 150. By college I was up to 175 and did the whole phen-fen diet to drop back down to 150. I stayed in between 160-170 for a while then moved on up to 180. I was still a size 14 so I was ok with that. I was very active and healthy. After college I got an office job and my weight slowly crept up over the 200 mark. My office did the Weight Watchers at work program and once that was over (as it is only 6 weeks) I continued to go to meetings at the college. In two years I lost over 80 lbs, made life time member and was running upwards of 10 miles a day. Then, back problems hit and the running came to a halt and it was back to exercise videos and walking on the treadmill. Shannon and I tried a few times to motivate each other and use Sparkpeople.com. I had signed up many years ago when it was free the first time, I quit when it started to make people pay. Now, it is free again.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />But, life started to get in the way. Deaths, divorce, moving, depression, job changes, and just life in general was enough to make any person’s stress level go off the deep end. I could go on and on. I tried NutriSystem again and just could not stomach the food (gross) and so over the last few years I have tried a diet and failed. Knowing I needed to go back to Weight Watchers was upsetting because I just can not afford to go back to meetings. Even though I am a lifetime member I am still over my goal weight and would have to pay to go back. I still have my materials, but the thought of having to count points again really makes me want to vomit.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />I think back, WW and the whole points system controlled me life. I was addicted to laxatives for a long time and had bouts of bulimia.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />Food has been my drug of choice. When I was younger I ate to hide the pain of what my dad did to me. I ate to keep people away. I ate to cure boredom. I ate for all the wrong reasons. I have most of that under control. I won’t lie; there are times when I still binge.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />I want to control my food now; I no longer want it to control me.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />Yesterday I had to go to the doctor. It has been a year since my last visit. My blood pressure was good, so that made me feel better as it has been really high for so long. However, my weight….all time high. I can no longer ignore the fact that my clothes are getting a little snug. My cardio sucks; my back hurts all the time and I don’t sleep well. My doctor told me I have got to lose some weight.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />Today I am back on sparkpeople.com. I have a small spiral to jot down my food intake in case I am not near the PC to record my foods. I have a book with all the nutritional values in it so that I can carry that around with me. In time I might convert back to Weight Watchers, but not at the moment. I have cleaned up my treadmill and it is ready to go. (Now if only I was!) My VCR is dead and sadly all my exercise videos are on VHS, so I will be looking for some exercise videos online until I can get a new one or just buy some DVDs. (but I love my videos! Hahah)<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />This blog is really hard to write. I share pretty much all of my life (although I have been slacking lately) and talking about my weight is embarrassing.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />It is time for me to make some changes. I can not keep going at the rate I am going. I need to be strong and healthy. For me, myself and I. The rest is just a bonus.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />I have a feeling I will be blogging more as I find it does really help to talk about these things.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />Maybe some of you will have some tips and motivation to share along the way.<br /><br />.. ..<br /><br />~Chrys~Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20344630733714253842009-06-25T09:46:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.198-04:00Good Yahoo<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">I see half of my blogs from 360 did not make it over here, go figure. It says my last blog was 32 months ago..hahah...good old yahoo.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17834667211679969002009-06-09T16:18:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.200-04:00Good-Bye 360We all knew it was a matter of time, we all saw it coming even in the early days. But yet we continued to move along and make the best of things.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now it is official. As of July 13, 2009 Yahoo 360 , otherwise known as 360 Blogville will finally be closing its doors after 4 years and everyone is requested to move over to the new Yahoo Profile. You can blog and comment, which is sort of a Twitter type thing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am upset to see 360 go for a couple of reasons. I am a very sentimental person and there are quite a few emotional attachments involved in letting something such as this go. Odd, that something like this could cause me such emotion; but there you have it. Saying goodbye to 360 is making me very emo.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Four years ago we all embarked on this journey. I have met some wonderful people on 360 that are still in my life today. Others have come and gone, but they have left their footprints in my life. I have watched people get married, others divorce (me included), and some people battled cancer and WON! , other did not (R.I.P. Elonna), I saw children being brought in to this world, and regretfully I saw others leave it. I have seen murder (R.I.P. Terry) but I gained a brother (Joey) so even though we all complained about all of 360s faults, without it I would not have met all the people that I did, and quite possibly I would not have found my voice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">360 gave us all a platform to be our self, whether that was our true self or we acted out this persona of this person we really wanted to be. We shared stories. We shared in the laughter and the tears. We learned that in this big huge world we did not have to be alone. I learned that despite my past I can and will be a better person. Some of us struggled and we were there, holding each other’s hands. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">360 made a huge impact on my writing. I was able to openly share my work as others did. We made comments, offered suggestions and we grew from it. I have seen some amazing talent over the last few years and it has been a honor to cross paths with all of you!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over time many of us got fed up with 360 and all its faults so we ventured into new territory. Myspace, Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, TagWorld, Multiply, etc. And there we met more people and a network began.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I say goodbye to 360 and all the memories it holds, I look forward to keeping my voice and sharing more stories, laughter, tears, trials and tribulations of life. Looking forward to new memories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35041383272143525912009-05-28T19:42:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:51:15.038-04:00Working from Home<div class="MsoNormal">Ranked #5 out of 55 as of 5/28/2009</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/1448657-organizing-work-from-home">Working from Home</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ahh the glamour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Hanging around in your pajamas all day while you sit comfortable at your desk eating snickers and cheese-its while chatting with your friends in IM. You smell your freshly brewed coffee and realize that you really have no boss standing over you, breathing down your neck.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The career we all dream of. No one to watch over us, no cubicle mates gossiping about whom they saw last night and to whom they were out with, and no one making google eyes at the water cooler.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here you are, feet propped up, staring blankly at the computer screen wondering just where you should start with the day’s projects. The next thing you know you look at that little clock down in the right hand corner and its noon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">NOON!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Before you know it, 4 hours have passed and you have done nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Freedom!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is why everyone wants to work from home, isn’t it? To be free to work and do as you please.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, sometimes this new found freedom can be a tad bit overwhelming.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is important that you set a daily goal list. In this daily goal list I recommend not only writing down what you would LIKE to get done, but what HAS to be done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cross things off as you go along. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Make a routine. Start work at the same time every day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Spend some time clearing out your email accounts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Get rid of all your spam. Items that do not pertain to your work day should be set aside until later. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I find what works best for me is to reward myself once I have completed a task. Then I take a small break and reply to a few personal emails. This way, work has been done, I feel better and I am no overloaded with tons of emails at the end of the work day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another trick that works well for me is having my IM set to “busy:working “that way, if someone personal tries to IM me and I give them a “Hey I am working, talk later” message I do not feel so bad for being short. I have work to do as I am sure they do as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not only are you the employee you are the boss and you have to act like one. All the responsibilities lie on your shoulders and you can no pass along jobs to someone else. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Working from home is almost like book camp, you have to be tough and buckle down.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t get me wrong, it does have its advantages. You don’t have to commute, you can work in your PJ’s, no one is going to care if you wake up with a huge zit on your head, it is ok to be a few minutes late and no one will be staring at you if you walk in all red eyed from the night before. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I have any words of advice for those about to walk into the world of working from home it would be “Buckle up soldier, you have a lot of work to do!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44692905944500679222009-05-21T12:06:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.202-04:00Happy Birthday<div class="MsoNormal">Happy Birthday to That Man of Mine</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today, Matthew turns the big 3-0!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczE5My5waG90b2J1Y2tldC5jb20vYWxidW1zL3oxMTkvdG12YW5kdXNlbi8="><img border="0" src="http://th193.photobucket.com/albums/z119/tmvandusen/th_30.gif" title="tmvandusen" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The end of the 20’s, but the beginning of the 30’s, speaking from experience, isn’t so bad!</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We fight like cats and dogs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczE5My5waG90b2J1Y2tldC5jb20vYWxidW1zL3oxMTkvdG12YW5kdXNlbi8="><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are the same, but yet so different.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is the ying to my yang.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is a big pain in my butt….</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I love him anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I sit here thinking about all the stuff we have been through , I have to honestly say that so far this has been the hardest relationship I have ever had to live through.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Times get tough. We have a lot of separate issues that have joined together to form a communal list of even more issues.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I know, deep down, I love him. And at this point in life, I can not imagine my life without him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even if he does give me a rash.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />Even if he is stinky gross boy sometimes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even when he sings off key.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">But mostly when he makes me smile.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Birthday.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love you.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And I look forward to spending many more with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">PS. You can start planning my birthday now (you only have 2 months). I want Shinedown tickets and a new tattoo J</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6265824017501859572009-05-03T13:01:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.882-04:00Remembering Elonna ~Happy Birthday<div align="center"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczU2LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvZzE5Ny90aGVva2lyaXNoY2hpay9NeSUyMFBhbHMvRWxvbm5hLz9hY3Rpb249dmlldyZhbXA7Y3VycmVudD0xMTYxMDE4NzQ0X2wuanBn" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Elonna/1161018744_l.jpg" /></a><br />May 3, 1977 - Sept 23, 2007<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Remembering Elonna</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We should all know the song and dance…Birthday, remember her life. The day of her passing, I still remember her life. I do not know how long I will do this. I guess it just makes me feel better to be able to share with all of you her days. Knowing many of you knew her, we can all take a minute to remember together. I know a day will come when I let the day pass me by, I will think about it always, but maybe a blog will pass me by. Until that time, here I am. Remembering. Her smile. Her warmth. How she never judged you or ever made you feel like anything you did was worthless or a mistake. It was an honor being her friend and I will forever cherish the time I spent with her. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">To quote Elonna…”Now pass me the rum, it’s my birthday!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlcy9jYXB0YWluJTIwbW9yZ2Fu" target="_blank"><img alt="captain morgan Pictures, Images and Photos" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd261/spencer91806/captain_morgan.jpg" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15132166597249025982009-05-01T15:27:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.205-04:00Weegy is My FriendLink<br /><br />http//www.weegy.com?r=0D5346CB<br /><br /><br />Weegy.com is a community-based expert system that belongs to all of us. Got a question? Go to <i>weegy.com</i>. Have a problem? Go to <i>weegy.com</i>. Weegy will usually have the answer (or <i>an</i> answer, at least). She will possibly become the most respected authority in the world on all subjects…and she is getting smarter every day…Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83258440453535972822009-04-28T13:45:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.207-04:00Everyone Is Invited!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SfdFvIR4O-I/AAAAAAAAACk/rGrv1G693Kg/s1600-h/i.cfc.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329805359994911714" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SfdFvIR4O-I/AAAAAAAAACk/rGrv1G693Kg/s200/i.cfc.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 100px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br />Saturday May 23, 2009<br /><br />Come help us celebrate Matt's 30th Birthday :)<br /><br />Grilling starts around 1pm, bonfire at dusk, and all you UFC fans, we will be hosting the fight.<br /><br />Hopefully a keg will be provided, but please BYOB. Hamburgers and hotdogs, perhaps some steaks will decorate the grill. Matt has requested no gifts, but instead, how about a side dish and munchies? Perhaps s'mores for the bonfire???<br /><br />Would love to see you ALL there!!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82238873229790315932009-04-27T13:09:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.209-04:00Do You Wonder?Do you wonder sometimes why you even bother getting out of bed? I do. Quite often. For those of you who know my past, try not to be alarmed. I have way too much on my plate to slide back to that life. But some days I just want history to repeat itself so I can hibernate for 6 months. Staying in bed is just fine with me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1256344913094789142009-04-19T10:26:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.212-04:00Twitter....Tweet....http://twitter.com/OkIrishChikChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58378265266407110722009-04-13T14:49:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.214-04:00Fighting a Losing Battle<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><img src="http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv171/etienne92/icons/scream.png" /></span><br />..................<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><style><!--.r{}@font-face{font-family:"Cambria Math";panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;mso-font-charset:0;mso-generic-font-family:roman;mso-font-pitch:variable;mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;}@font-face{font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;mso-font-charset:0;mso-generic-font-family:swiss;mso-font-pitch:variable;mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}.r{}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal{mso-style-unhide:no;mso-style-qformat:yes;mso-style-parent:"";margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}.MsoChpDefault{mso-style-type:export-only;mso-default-props:yes;font-size:10.0pt;mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;}@page Section1{size:8.5in 11.0in;margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;mso-header-margin:.5in;mso-footer-margin:.5in;mso-paper-source:0;}div.Section1{page:Section1;}--></style>..<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Fighting a<br />Losing Battle....</span><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">.. ..</span><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Sometimes in life you have to realize when you are fighting a losing<br />battle and just bow out gracefully.....</span></i><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I thought of that quote the other night as I silently<br />retreated to the bedroom after another night that ended in tears, generally the<br />ending to another disaster.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We say things, we do things. We scream, we rant, and we<br />rave. We get nowhere.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At what point do you say enough is enough and walk away<br />gracefully? How many times can you say “I will try” and yet nothing changes. It<br />is always constant and always the same. Do you start to believe “it will get<br />better?” and honestly think it will?<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once again I feel like I am in the middle of a battlefield.<br />It’s a place I know only too well. The difference is I am not sure this is a<br />battle I want to fight anymore.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So that leaves me once again (yeah I know, repetitive)<br />questioning love in all its grand glory.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Love is NOT supposed to be hard. It is suppose to be easy<br />(Right??? Can’t someone help me out here?).<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am physically and mentally beat down and exhausted.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I honestly do not even know what to say at this point.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I try to keep moving forward. I want more then anything for<br />this situation to work. But I do not know how .<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know 99.9% of you want us to work things out, get past our<br />troubles and look forward to that beautiful future we have planned together.<br />Awesome. Do you have a road map for us on how to get there? As for the other<br />0.1% of you, you know who you are. Just waiting for me to walk away so you can<br />prance at a moments notice. Sorry to disappoint you, but that wont be<br />happening. Matt loves me heart and soul. And I am madly in love with him. That<br />is something I do not take lightly. However these roadblocks are putting feelings<br />inside our souls that we do not really want to be dealing with.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And for those of you sitting there, biting your nails<br />thinking to yourself “Oh my God I can not believe she is saying this stuff!”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WHO CARES!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These are my words. This is my voice. It is my life.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52433819059482851572009-04-12T10:05:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.217-04:00In the Middle of a Breakdown........<p class="MsoNormal">I keep saying I am going to get back to blogging, but I don’t and there is a reason for that. A reason that really is not fair to most of you. I have started to hide my life. I have painted a pretty picture and I guess I want to keep it that way. I pick and choose my words carefully as to<br />not let too much be known.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I don’t do this for myself, but mostly for Matt. Over the past few months my MySpace and Facebook have become flooded with his friends and family. Which, I think it great. It<br />has become a great tool for us to interact with each other. But it also gives<br />them a false sense of who I really am. And because I don’t want to be judged, I<br />have held back my writing.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">In real life and on paper I have always been vocal. I say what I want and what I feel.<span style=""> </span>I do not<br />sugar coat things. If something bothers me, I am going to tell you. If I don’t like something, I will let you know.<span style=""> </span>But I find myself biting my tongue.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Not any more. I can not hold things in. It is not who I am.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />I guess you could say writing is sort of like therapy for me.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Let me explain…..<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am a writer. It’s what I do. I write for me and for you.<br />You being, all my friends and family that is so far away from me.<span style=""> </span>You being who ever else lands upon my page and wants to read it. Many of you have been here for the long haul. Some of us<br />going on 5 years in the blogging world, some of you guys - we have been friends<br />pretty much my whole life, others, not so much. And that is ok, you are here<br />now. Sharing everything life has to offer.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">We paint a pretty picture. Matt and I met at a really down point in our lives. Michigan has not been good to me and it has been one roller coaster hill after another. <span style=""> </span>He’s got his<br />own stuff going on. And we didn’t exactly wait for the dust to settle before moving<br />in together. On the surface, things are good. But right now there are just a<br />lot of things going on with us separately and together. <span style=""> </span>Matt doesn’t write about it and I haven’t been talking about it. So it’s like this dark circle that’s hanging over my head on<br />a daily basis.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">What to do, what to say. Pick and choose my words carefully.<br /><br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’m in the middle of a personal breakdown. I feel like I am<br />fighting a losing battle and I have no idea what to do about it anymore.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I will get in to all of that later. Maybe tomorrow’s blog.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Right now, I just want to wish you all a Happy Easter. <span style=""> </span>You, yes you! And you…and you.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I would like to tell you I have this great and fabulous day planned. But I do not. Matt will be going with his mom to her family. I will not be participating. My family is going off in different directions. Most of you know I am not a holiday person anyway so it really is not a big deal to me.<br />Most people do not celebrate the true meaning of Easter, and that’s fine. Those that do, good! Keep on doing that. Those that don’t and prefer the more Hallmark aspect of it, good for you as well. Do what works for you. I did not grow up with family around me so we did not make a big deal out of holidays. I have no thoughts/ideas/feelings about it one way or another. I am not religious so that part of it holds no bearings on me.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">It’s nothing personal.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you want a bit of History for the day, google “Easter<br />Rising 1916.” Those are the things I think about. Those are things that matter<br />to me.</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/irish/78c8a699.jpg" /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">..................<style><br/><!--<br/> .r{}<br/> @font-face<br/> {font-family:"Cambria Math";<br/> panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;<br/> mso-font-charset:0;<br/> mso-generic-font-family:roman;<br/> mso-font-pitch:variable;<br/> mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;}<br/>@font-face<br/> {font-family:Calibri;<br/> panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;<br/> mso-font-charset:0;<br/> mso-generic-font-family:swiss;<br/> mso-font-pitch:variable;<br/> mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;}<br/> .r{}<br/> p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal<br/> {mso-style-unhide:no;<br/> mso-style-qformat:yes;<br/> mso-style-parent:"";<br/> margin-top:0in;<br/> margin-right:0in;<br/> margin-bottom:10.0pt;<br/> margin-left:0in;<br/> line-height:115%;<br/> mso-pagination:widow-orphan;<br/> font-size:11.0pt;<br/> font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";<br/> mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;<br/> mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}<br/>.MsoChpDefault<br/> {mso-style-type:export-only;<br/> mso-default-props:yes;<br/> font-size:10.0pt;<br/> mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;<br/> mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;<br/> mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;<br/> mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;<br/> mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;}<br/>@page Section1<br/> {size:8.5in 11.0in;<br/> margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;<br/> mso-header-margin:.5in;<br/> mso-footer-margin:.5in;<br/> mso-paper-source:0;}<br/>div.Section1<br/> {page:Section1;}<br/>--><br/></style>..<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal">What is a big deal to me is my school. And I feel that some people just can not understand what it is like so I am going to take a minute to explain it. I do go to a REAL college. I just do not travel to campus and sit in a classroom for hours a day. I have been there and done that. My classes<br />are all online. And they run in 6 weeks sessions instead of the traditional 16 week semesters. So , not only do I have to force myself to read and study on my own, giving myself “class time” like I was actually sitting in class, I have to do HOMEWORK EVERY DAY! I have papers to write, problems to work on, essays questions to deal with as well as daily participation in a virtual class room. I do NOT have time to constantly run around and do things (not that I really have the money to do so anyway, which is a whole other blog).</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br />This has become a problem in my life. It has become hard for people around me to grasp this concept. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />If I shut you out, it’s not because I don’t want to talk or hang out it is because I CAN’T!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So, I CAN’T participate in Easter shenanigans as much as I would like to.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I quit college once for someone, I am not about to do it again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And every time I get guilted into doing something when I should be studying, my homework pays the price. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I can’t let this happen. I did not make the Deans List for running around playing. I made the Deans List by working hard and being committed to my education. I am trying to do something with my life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal">I am sorry if that bothers some of you, but this is how my life has to be. I am not the smartest person in the world, I have to work at it, and I have to work hard. That means giving up some things in my life.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It’s nothing personal, but it is how my life has to be right now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal">So while my nose is buried deep in the books…maybe taking some time to work on my website…..I hope you guys are doing what ever it is you love to do. Whether it’s spending the day with family, heading off to church, eating like its Thanksgiving, working, or just taking a special day for you, just enjoy it. And do it because YOU WANT TO!</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Until next time………</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div>You know where to find me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77974551791429025012009-04-01T08:45:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.219-04:00The Truth About Being IrishThis was written by a friend of mine...<br /><br />Ah 'The Luck of the Irish.' Has a crueler phrase ever been coined? The sad truth is, the Irish are about as unlucky as a race can be while, you know, still being white.<br /><br /><br />While we may all be a little Irish on Saint Patrick's day, after this little history lesson you'll be grateful you no longer have to be Irish once your liver has filtered the green food dye out of your system (and if you actually are Irish, well, fuck it! )<br /><br />#6.<br />The Damned Vikings<br /><br />Historically the best protection a civilization can have against invasion is to be located on an island. Just look at Japan. Until being occupied by America following World War II (USA! USA!) it had never been successfully invaded (although you could argue the high density of ninjas in the country had something to do with it).<br /><br />At any rate Ireland is an island, they should have had it made, right?<br /><br />But what if around the 8th century a civilization living not far from Ireland were to develop a culture based on seafaring warfare, piracy and sporty horned helmets? Oh shit ... ... here come the Vikings.<br /><br />The Vikings' modus operandi was to attack exclusively from the sea, pillage, rape and burn then sail off while trading hearty high fives and congratulatory butt slaps. In other words Ireland being an island nation, something traditionally of great advantage, ended up being a first-night-sober-after-an-alcoholic-binge sized nightmare.<br /><br />Today we have a fairly harmless image of Vikings (due to the poor research that goes into Hagar the Horrible) but trust us when we tell you that the real Vikings were grade-A dicks.<br /><br />They were basically the bullies of the middle ages, and like that poor red-headed kid that spent most of middle school stuffed in his locker, the Irish were the Vikings' favorite targets and spent over 200 years being metaphorically swirlied~<br /><br />#5.<br />The Ginger Problem<br /><br /><br />Speaking of red hair ...<br /><br />In the Middle Ages, red hair was thought to mean you were a witch, werewolf or a vampire, so apparently there was a time in history other than our own where the sight of David Caruso would have been considered the ultimate horror. For other stretches in history, red hair was believed to mean one was surely a whore or had a wicked awful temper (later research has shown only around 60% of redheads are angry whores).<br /><br />And even if you didn't fall victim to the superstitious associations with the world's rarest hair color, you certainly wouldn't enjoy some of the crappier consequences of having low levels of dark pigmentation. Like burning to a blistered, bubbly crisp when spending 15 minutes in the sun. Or ending a day at the beach with ungodly spots all over your face and ears and back and shoulders.<br /><br />And if Al Gore knows what he's talking about at all, most of the world's redheads should be constructing a vast underground bunker for themselves as we speak, if they know what's good for them.<br /><br />Of course this would only sort of suck if these creatures, most vulnerable to the rays of our otherwise life-giving sun, weren't also the most sensitive to pain. Seriously.<br />By the way, which country has the world's highest concentration of redheads? Oh right, Scotland~<br /><br />We suppose it has a better ring to it than 'God hates Irish people' but as far as appropriate national slogans go, 'The luck of the Irish' isn't far behind 'The easy and high paying jobs of the Mexicans~<br /><br />#4.<br />The Damned Tudors<br /><br />Folks really seem to love the Tudors, the English dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603 and included monarchs like King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. You seemingly can't swing Anne Boleyn's decapitated head without hitting a new TV show or movie starring either Henry VIII or Elizabeth, most of which focus on what Henry's penis happened to be doing while he was king or how Elizabeth made it in a man's world baby. But what was arguably the Tudor's favorite pastime is almost always overlooked.<br />What was that you ask? Why brutally suppressing Ireland and trying to wipe out Irish culture of course!<br /><br />Yes, once again Lady Luck had pissed in the Irish's stew. The Tudor line came to power when Henry VII defeated Richard III in the War of the Roses (a war that was a lot longer, more bitter and bloody than it's fruity name implies) and true to form the Irish had supported the losing side. Whoops.<br /><br />From that point on the Tudors saw Ireland as a possible threat and a geographically vulnerable location. So they spent the next 100-years or so violently beating on the Irish like Moe on Curly.<br /><br />Elizabeth in particular, contrary to the heroic soft-lit portrayal of her you see in the two 'Elizabeth' movies, was one supreme bitch when it came to Irish. While trying to subdue Ireland, Elizabeth ordered the English to use scorched-earth tactics, burning the land and slaughtering man, woman and child. This caused widespead famine and countless thousands died from starvation alone.<br /><br />She also set up plantations across Ireland populated with Protestant English settlers, the idea being that these would be the seeds from which English Protestantism would spring forth and overtake traditional Irish Catholic culture.<br /><br />What could go wrong with that? ~<br /><br /><br />#3.<br />The Life and Ridiculous Death of Wolfe Tone<br /><br /><br />Wolfe Tone (1763 - 1798), besides being the proud owner of one of the most kick-ass names ever to grace a history book, was an Irish-born lawyer and the father of the Irish Republican independence movement. Some have even called him the Irish George Washington. Of course, since this is the Irish George Washington we're talking about, he didn't valiantly lead his forces to victory, founding an independent nation that would go on to become the most powerful in the world. Instead, Wolfe Tone stayed true to his roots and was repeatedly kneed in the testicles by ol' Lady Luck.<br /><br />Irish Washington co-founded the Society of United Irishmen, whose goal was to get the Catholic and Protestant factions of Irish society to unite their powers Marvel Team-up style to defeat their Dr. Doom-esque English overlords. Unfortunately for the fate of a free Ireland, Wolfe decided to ally himself with ... the French.<br /><br />Thus, they formed a true dream-team combining the rotten luck of the Irish with the military incompetence of the French. When Tone launched an invasion from France to free Ireland from the English, the luck of the Irish kicked in immediately, sending gales and fog to meet the French fleet whose ships of course all promptly sunk or turned sail and ran away.<br /><br />Tone and the French made a few more attempts to invade Ireland with a similar lack of success until finally Wolfe Tone was taken prisoner when the English captured his ship. Tone's captors didn't even recognize him and he most likely would have gotten away if Lady Luck hadn't, in a last ditch effort, managed to deliver a flying dropkick to his nuts yet again. By sheer shit luck, while stepping off the prison boat he happened to be witnessed by a lawyer he had faced off against several times back when he was practicing law, who still held a grudge and ratted him out.<br /><br />Tone was charged with treason and sentenced to death. All Tone requested was that he be given what he considered a more honorable death -- firing squad instead of hanging. The English, presumably just to be pricks, insisted that hanging was the only way to go. So Tone, in a ballsy but perhaps strategically ill-considered move, countered by cutting his own throat.<br /><br />English plans to get the last laugh by dressing Tone's corpse in women's clothes and shooting it out of a cannon were fortunately called off when they couldn't find a gown in his size~<br /><br /><br /><br />#2.<br />The Freaking Potato Famine<br /><br /><br />Even by their standards the Irish were going through a bit of a rough patch in the mid-1800s. The people were dirt poor and almost all Irish land was owned by Englishmen (most of whom would never even set foot on Ireland lest their boots be sullied by inferior non-English soil). The English made sure the best land was used to graze cattle for British consumption, and only the leftover scraps were left to grow food for the apparently somewhat unimportant purpose of actually feeding the Irish.<br /><br />But wait, not all is lost! Enter the potato, that most manly of vegetables. It can be grown nearly anywhere in large quantities, is full of energy and nutrients and is pretty freakin' tasty baked with a nice cheese sauce, bacon bits and chives. So to sum up, through a unique and twisted set of circumstances the survival of the Irish people was entirely dependent on these edible roots. What could possibly go wrong? What, haven't you been paying attention so far? This is Ireland we're talking about here.<br /><br />Not only did the potato crop completely fail, but it failed for seven straight years, from 1845 to 1851. Before the famine Ireland had a population of around 8 million. After the famine it was less than 6 million (half of the 2 million died, the other half wisely got the hell out of Ireland).<br /><br />To this day Ireland's population has still not come close to regaining the number of people they had back in 1847~<br /><br />#1.<br />The Easter 'Rising'<br /><br />Americans have nothing to brag about when it comes to the American Revolution. It's likely we would have lost if France didn't bankrupt and starve themselves to help us out (in order to spite England. What, you thought French pettiness was something new?) But the Irish, no doubt due to their impetuous and rash nature, didn't really plan this particular revolution very well.<br /><br />The plan was to take over Dublin from Great Britain. It was the week of Easter in 1916 and English were busy with some 'World War I' business or something, so perhaps we can only assume the Irish rebels imagined they would be too war-weary to bother with a few freckle-faced malcontents. On paper it sounds like not a bad plan.<br /><br />What the Irish hadn't counted on was that the English are never too war-weary to put them back in their proper place. Stomping down the Irish is as well-loved a British pastime as watercress sandwiches over a ripping game of croquet.<br /><br />The rebels didn't have enough men, a breakdown in law and order led to widespread looting, and, yeah, the British sent in the troops. Lots of troops. Like 16,000 of them to fight off the 1,200 or so Irish renegades.<br /><br />The Irish did what they had already done in the Irish Rebellion of 1641, Irish Rebellion of 1798, United Irish Rebellions, The Nine Years War, Desmond Rebellions and a half dozen more we've no doubt missed, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. The American Revolution might not have been perfect, but at least we only had to do it once.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, is it all doom and gloom for the Irish? Actually no, it's not. The Irish would eventually gain their independence and in the last decade the Irish 'Celtic Tiger' economy has been booming, with quality of life in Ireland among the best in the world.<br /><br />So next Saint Patrick's day raise a pint to Emerald Island and enjoy it while it lasts, because given the Irish people's unerring ability to get bitch-slapped by fate just as things are looking their brightest, it's probably only a matter of time before Godzilla rises from the ocean to devour the island whole~Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32978457317238063142009-03-31T15:26:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.222-04:00Working Things OutToo many blogs, too little time.<br /><br />I am a copy/paste sort of girl. 360, Blogger, Facebook and Myspace.<br /><br />*yawn*<br /><br />I have reached the point where I do not want to do it anymore.<br /><br />So, blogger is set up to feed into 360 and Facebook.<br /><br />And when I imported into Facebook it did ALL of my blogs that were already on blogger....UGH...so I had to take the time to delete the duplicates. Not fun.<br /><br />Anyway, I am hoping to get better about my writing again. It has fallen to the wayside and I don't like that. I have to write so much for school that I just do not do much writing for fun these days, but I feel better when I write, so I am going to try to get better about it.<br /><br />Got some work to do...will blog more later.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89166143063488553112009-03-26T11:30:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:38:39.143-04:00What's Up With Chrys? - March EditionWhat’s Up with Chrys? - March<br /><br />So March came and (just about) went with a bang.<br /><br />Many things going on in my little world and it seems like there are not enough hours in the day anymore.<br />As most of you know I started in February a job with Alpine Access and my client was Sprint. For reasons I care not to get in to, things did not work out after the first two weeks of training.<br /><br />I have been pinching pennies and trying to find something else. I am currently in the process of putting a lot of eggs into my basket because I do not want to fall on my ass anymore.<br /><br />The job market is terrible! I have sent out more job applications then I care to think about. I am either overqualified or they won’t hire me for my field because I am not done with my degree.<br /><br />I am still pushing myself along in school. It sucks and I pretty much hate it but I know I need to finish it. Even if nothing ever comes from it, at least I know I finally finished the darn thing. And that’s really what I set out to do.<br /><br />You have all seen the pics by now, so you know St. Patrick’s Day went VERY well. Nate’s family owns Blue Lakes Tour Busses (shameless plug for them LOL) and for those of you who do not know, Nate is in the band with Matt. Anyway, he was able to get us the Limo Bus ($20 bucks each person) so we did not have to worry about who was going to drive us. The bus picked us up in front of Matt’s house and away we went. The pics pretty much tell the story. We went driving around, party on the bus, The Hills bar ( I think was in Shields) the liquor store, and then off to Hamilton St. Pub in Saginaw. Irish Car Bombs and Green Beer…..need I say more?<br /><br />Couple weeks ago I packed my belongings and moved in with Matt. Maybe that was not the smartest thing to do when so much is going on in our lives separately, but it was something he really wanted and quite frankly, I was tired of driving back and forth all the time. Of course, that was not the sole reason for me moving in with him. LOL! Last week we moved Cain and Casey in and they are adjusting quite nicely. Madison spent her first weekend with them last weekend and it was so funny watching the 3 “kids.” I don’t think the 3 of them ever slept so well! Matt and I have had a few bumps along the way, but I guess that is to be expected. Our relationship is still very new and we have a lot of things to learn still.<br /><br />I was just invited back to work for a company called LiveOps. Couple years ago, right after gramps died I had applied to work for them. Went through training and all that but my depression was making me very ill. I did not work for a few days and they cancelled my account. They are welcoming me back so I am very thankful for the opportunity to come back. The company is similar to Alpine, but with LiveOps I am an independent contractor where with Alpine I was an employee with a set schedule. With LiveOps I get to make my own schedule and work when I want. They both have their pro and cons. But working from home doing something easy while I use my brain (LOL) for school is the way to go for me. I already have all the home office equipment, may as well put it to use. I also have a couple of freelance side projects I am working on.<br /><br />Busy , busy. Which I need to be. Keeps me from going insane.<br /><br />Matt and I are also working on our own business, so keep your eyes and ears open for that. I will be posting more as the time comes.<br /><br />Also, Matts doing a video diary for his band, Downseed. The more personal stuff will go on his personal account, and the band stuff on the band site.<br /><br />Here are the links<br /><br />Myspace.com/downseed<br /><br />Downseed.com<br /><br />Youtube.com/downseed<br /><br />Youtube.com/voiceoftheseed<br /><br />Voiceoftheseed.blogspot.com<br /><br />Downseed.blogspot.com<br /><br />You can also follow along here on my accounts as I will try my best to show them here as well, after all I will be in them! LOL<br /><br /><br />So I think that’s it for now. I have got some paperwork to get finished and stick my nose in the books.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39285930959288150742009-03-24T11:35:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.224-04:00Poetry In Motion: Earth ShakesEarth Shake<br />I feel the earth shaking under my feet<br />No, I am not about to bust out into a song.<br />Cracks.<br />Everywhere I look<br />There are cracks.<br />Stepping over them is impossible<br />And there are not means of filling them in<br />I explain the situation<br />But no one seems to care<br />All alone here<br />Trying to find a way to get around these cracks<br />Go this way<br />The cracks are smaller<br />Closer together<br />No good<br />Stepping over one, means touching another<br />Fall<br />Falling<br />Further and further away<br />Deep into the depths of the earth<br />The earth that has shaken<br />Walls tumbling<br />Voices screaming<br />The earth still shakes, under my feet.<br />3/19/09<br />© C.T.M.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90300684808749891302009-03-06T13:11:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.227-04:00Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?<div class="postbody"> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/ukvFkOjijVbUvEbwJLxz*zXzTuIF--ZN3By9ZKrHIADSSDARV2RB8cPCV6xWVy2KPi4vRhJ3fxNmazWA6qj5PMZn*gQaG5K1/CarrottEggCoffee.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="164" /></p><br />My thanks to someone who forwarded this to me many months ago........<br /><br />A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, she was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose..<br /><br />Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.<br /><br />In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.<br /><br />Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'<br />'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.<br /><br />Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.<br /><br />The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.<br /><br />Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.<br /><br />The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'<br /><br />Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.<br /><br />The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.<br />The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.<br />The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.<br /><br />'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?'<br /><br />Think of this: <b>Which am I?</b><br />*Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?<br /><br />*Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?<br /><br />*Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.<br /><br />When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level?<br />How do you handle adversity?<br /><br /><b>Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?</b> </div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89225432311157139312009-03-04T22:29:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.230-04:00Celebrating....<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IcHPySPI/AAAAAAAAACQ/UtVsTTNK-cs/s1600-h/030409144247_01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309542133511899378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IcHPySPI/AAAAAAAAACQ/UtVsTTNK-cs/s200/030409144247_01.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IcM-Z73I/AAAAAAAAACI/bIiv98V1Ir8/s1600-h/030409141511_01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309542135049613170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IcM-Z73I/AAAAAAAAACI/bIiv98V1Ir8/s200/030409141511_01.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9Ib9OkNRI/AAAAAAAAACA/YjpfRg1e03U/s1600-h/0304091417a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309542130822427922" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9Ib9OkNRI/AAAAAAAAACA/YjpfRg1e03U/s200/0304091417a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IbXINezI/AAAAAAAAAB4/OGPBwJLYZ78/s1600-h/0304091417.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309542120595225394" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/Sa9IbXINezI/AAAAAAAAAB4/OGPBwJLYZ78/s200/0304091417.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 150px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br />Celebrating 6 months at Joe's Crab Shack :) Good times.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24139902946778226142009-03-04T11:27:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.232-04:006 Months Ago Today6 Months ago to the day this wonderful, beautiful man walked in to my life and forever changed my world.<br /><br />Technically it was a few days before that he came into my life, but today marks the day we first met in person.<br /><br />I remember it like it was yesterday. A few emails were exchanged and then the first phone call, we barely had two words in before Matt suggested we meet at Applebee’s for a couple of drinks.<br /><br />I hemmed and hawed about it. I did not even know this man and yet here I was debating about running across town for a drink.<br /><br />In the past I had talked to them a while before meeting them. And, I will admit I was scared. Mike and I had just parted ways and I was still emotionally wrecked, but at the same time I knew I could not let opportunity pass me by.<br /><br />So, I went. Matt had told me he was going to stop by his dad’s and that if I got there before he did, to just wait for him at the bar.<br /><br />I figured I had time to spare so I called Julie on my drive. I was nervous but so excited at the same time. Julie gave me the pep talk I needed, and when I walked into Applebee’s, there he was. My heart fluttered and this huge smile spread across my face. He smiled and I told Julie “Girl I gotta go!” She laughed and she knew all was well.<br /><br />We walked to our table, all the while I am doing the mental check list.<br /><br />Smile, check. Eyes that sparkle, check. Cute butt, check. (Oh yes guys, we do this!) Oh, and let’s not forget the tattoo’s. Oh I am a sucker for a bald dude and tattoos. Yummy.<br /><br />We talked; he ate a salad and a pop. I choked down a Killian’s. NO GUINNESS! What a disgrace they don’t serve it. And I was trying to look all Irish and cool, what can I say? (and I am sure Matt’s laughing right about now)<br /><br />From that day forward my world has changed.<br /><br />Yeah we bump heads. We are both pretty head strong and Irish to boot. But we laugh about it later. He is perfect for me in every way. He is strong, doesn’t tolerate my bullshit, caring, loving, a great dad, giving and genuine. He gives me everything I could ever ask for. He loves me just as I am.<br /><br />Madison is my little buddy. When she tells me she loves me and you look across the way and see the way Matt looks at us, I know deep inside this is right where I belong.<br /><br />My family thinks he’s great and his feel’s the same about me. They welcomed me with open arms.<br /><br />Matt and I met at a darker hour in our lives. Both going through so much. But now we know we don’t have to face those things alone anymore.<br /><br />He is my strength when I need guidance; he has been my shoulder to cry on. I have always been convinced that people meet and cross paths for a reason. I know my reason is clear.<br /><br />So as we move forward and handle all of life’s obstacles together, we walk the path of this journey side by side I know not only have I found my best friend but I have also found that one that completes me in every way. He is my missing piece to the puzzle of life. I have some peace at last.<br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br />PS- I know to some it may seem silly we are celebrating 6 months of dating….but for us, with the way our lives have been, it is monumental and something worth celebrating. We call it love.<br /><br /><br /><br />Matthew,<br />I know times are hard and we have so many things in life to figure out. At least we have each other and do not have to face those things alone. You are strong in your way and I am strong in mine. You are the ying to my yang. Together we can beat the rough spots and overcome all these challenges life is throwing our way. I love you and Maddy more and more with every day that passes. I love how you make me smile; your strong hugs and warm embrace always there to greet me. I love how every time I see you I still get butterflies. These things so small, yet mean so much. I could not ask for someone better or more perfect for me. You are everything I could have ever asked for in someone. I love you for everything you are inside and out. Everything today and everything that you are tomorrow.<br /><br />Today, Tomorrow, our Lifetime.<br /><br /><br /><div class="photo photo_left"><div class="photo_img"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2250921&amp;op=1&amp;view=all&amp;subj=55649198887&amp;aid=-1&amp;oid=55649198887&amp;id=569555914"><img alt="" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1805/39/23/569555914/a569555914_2250921_4487.jpg" /></a></div><div class="caption">Me and Matt</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65165359261559158402009-03-02T10:47:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.234-04:00What's Up With Chrys? - The Corner EditionI FEEL Backed In To a Corner<br /><br />We all know the job market is not at its best. We all know how the economy is these days.<br /><br />And most of you know just how much of a roller coaster life in Michigan has been for me.<br /><br />I do not want to be on this roller coaster anymore. Right now I feel like I have wasted the two years (close enough) that I have been here. When I first moved here I did so without much direction. I went back to college, and I also took classes to get my Real Estate Appraisal License, which I did. I was going to work with/for/help my aunt. However, Olivia is her granddaughter and many plans fell to the wayside. I had planned to get in to Real Estate. Selling. Appraisals. Mortgages. Whatever I could take classes on and do, I wanted to do it. My aunt has been involved in real estate for around 20 or so years now and my mom had her own real estate business when I was growing up. So this is nothing new to me. It is something I have always been interested in. But, like I said, it all fell to the wayside. Eventually I let my appraisal license lapse.<br /><br />So, I have tried to find my place in this world. I keep charging full speed ahead hoping one day the time and investment will pay off. I question it often – should I change my major? Is this really what I want to do with my life? I have been in the accounting world for so long now it’s my comfort zone. So I continue forward.<br /><br />Is the grass greener on the other side? Is there something out there I would be better suited for?<br />Bills have to be paid. We all know in order to have the things we need to survive, a roof over our heads, food, water, electricity we must have a means to pay for these things. And in order to pay for these things one must have transportation to get to a job that is going to provide money. Yet including another bill.<br /><br />Where I life, jobs are very scarce and the ones that are available are at least a 30 minute commute. Not painful, but not ideal.<br /><br />I have taken a few jobs here just for the sake of having a job. Not because I really wanted it, but because it was resting on my shoulders that those things needed to be paid for and taken care of. So I took them, not wanting to disappoint anyone. I was miserable. (aside from HR Block) I was treated poorly, forced to do unethical business practiced by a company (I got out quick!) I have been screamed at, cursed at and backed in to a corner. I have been used, lied to, stepped on and looked down upon. I have been made to feel because I am not done with my degree and that I am a girl that I will not amount to much more then I am in life.<br /><br />I am better than that. And I am smarter than that. And I refuse to feel this way anymore.<br /><br />I will no longer take a job because I feel I HAVE to, but I will take it because I WANT to.<br /><br />For my family and friends that I have let down, disappointed and now look like a loser to, I am sorry. However this is my life, we are not perfect. We make mistake, we live and we learn. I am sorry I have let you down, but I cannot deal with these sorts of conditions.<br /><br />I am now taking matters into my own hands. If there is not a job out there suited for me, then I must create one for myself.<br /><br />I have some other prospects on the horizon. I am trying to work out a deal with becoming a personal assistant for someone; the hours are limited as well as the pay. But add it to some other things I am looking in to, and then it could very well be worth my time. I am also looking into getting back to freelance writing. Some money is better than no money and sometimes the little things in life can add up.<br /><br />My mother and my aunt are starting a cleaning service business and somehow in the last few days I have become the little helper. So here I am setting up emails, making flyers, playing with business cards and searching competitor’s sites for information and ideas. (Oh joy!) I am not a fan of cleaning, but I will do it to help my mom. However, I prefer to run the office part of it while my aunt continues on her real estate path and my mom can manage the cleaners.<br /><br />Speaking of real estate paths, I am going to go back on mine. My aunt is over booked and needs help. So I am going to help with what I can, I am sure my mom will too, to get her caught up and make some cash! Cash is always a plus. And once some of that cash comes in I plan to get my appraisal license reinstated. Matt and I both want to take the real estate class/exam and do that. He is going to continue on his path of finishing his respiratory therapist degree and real estate will just be something to do on the side. Somewhere down the line rental investments will be in the works.<br /><br />I know many of you think the housing market is in a bad place, but the truth of that is, it really is not. People are still moving. Changing jobs, going to school, etc and are all in need of homes. Foreclosed homes are now pennies on the dollar and many homes are now offered by the HUD program making it more affordable for those who could not buy a house, be able to.<br /><br />This is the path I should have continued on when I landed here. But things happen in life. We grow, we learn, we move forward and we get stronger.<br /><br />I may very well fall on my face and I might just lose everything I have gotten for myself since I left it all behind in the divorce. But at least I am trying to do my best and be the best that I can be.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83376977539689475572009-02-25T20:47:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:44:38.583-04:00What Are Friends For? Downseed ReviewI want to thank my friend Tim for his wonderful post about Matt's band Downeed....and as you know it my girlfriend-ly duty to Spread The Seed!!!!<br /><br />So, read, comment, enjoy :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://simplemanentertainment.blogspot.com/2009/02/downseed-next-wave-of-rock.html#comment-form" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span>http://simplemanentertainm</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>ent.blogspot.com/2009/02/d</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>ownseed-next-wave-of-rock.</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>html#comment-form</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Welcome back my friends to the third official installment of Simple Man Entertainment. I know that this blog has been very erratic with postings, but as I have a lot of irons in the fire I really don’t want to waste your time or mine with mediocre material. As a result I spend a lot of time watching, reading, and listening to all sorts of material in an effort to find the real gold nuggets in entertainment out there in order serve you up the best in any genre I recommend for you to sample.<br /><br /><br />With that being said I think I may have found something within the genre of music. Now I will tell you that these guys are not major headliners…..yet, but they have the talent and ability to be so, and the bands name is Downseed. Before I go any further I would like to thank a friend of mine Chrystal Mahan very much for bringing these guy’s to my attention.<br /><br /><br />The band Downseed was originally formed in 2000, and promptly took its place at the forefront of melodic heavy rock. The original lineup toured all over the country as well as being featured on radio shows, websites, and appearances in interviews. However after such a short period of time the band went on hiatus in 2001 to recover from the heavy toll all of that placed on them and ultimately split up.<br /><br /><br />However in 2005 they reformed the band with all new members except for original member and front man Matt McConnell. They also kept the tunes the original members performed on their roster, but looked to make new music more in keeping with the times that the group chose to re-forge themselves within.<br /><br /><br />Since the time of Downseeds reformation they have undergone several changes in the lineup of its members. The 05 incarnation consisted of Matt McConnell on vocals, Nate Cupp on guitars and vocals, Billy Davidson on drums, Phil Murray on bass, Brian fork on guitars, and Jack Carpenter on samples and keyboards. These guys were the new foundation for a hard hitting in your face sound that I think is off the chain.<br /><br /><br />However the current line up, which has changed to include Mike Green in place of Brian fork. In 08 Phil Murray would leave for personal reasons to be replaced by William Szcezpanik on bass and Billy Davidson left the same year being replaced by Dan Cribbins on drums. Jack Carpenter was replaced by Eean Lee on Keys. Mike Green would also leave and his axe duties picked up by Matt giving us the bands current lineup.<br /><br /><br />I will say this I listen to all kinds of music and I listen to hard rock and metal in particular, and these guys are some of the heaviest dudes I have heard come along in quite a while. I think these guys also have the potential to go all the way to the top with their current lineup as long as they avoid the pitfalls that seem to plague so many great, talented, young bands. I really look forward to seeing them in the national spotlight, and very soon I hope.<br /><br /><br />I am putting some links to the bands website, MySpace, and YouTube page on here as well as one of their videos. I hope you all enjoy them as much as I have.<br />Have an awesome week and I will be back again soon CIAO4NOW!!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=54127513887&amp;h=8c94392021d7cfa26b34ea6d6fc1d3cc&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myspace.com%2Fdownseed" target="_blank" title="http://www.myspace.com/downseed">http://www. myspace. com/downseed</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=54127513887&amp;h=8085e1863b760917e3228f62a318eb16&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msplinks.com%2FMDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2Rvd25zZWVk" target="_blank" title="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2Rvd25zZWVk">http://www. youtube. com/downseed</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=54127513887&amp;h=a0f20dc436501f4977e194999581937a&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msplinks.com%2FMDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRvd25zZWVkLmNvbS8%3D" target="_blank" title="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRvd25zZWVkLmNvbS8=">http://www. downseed. com/</a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17134886196875015692009-02-13T22:54:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.237-04:00My Valentine<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SZZA_EA5NyI/AAAAAAAAABw/y7Ife08OfkU/s1600-h/m_862e2030e1c349649b50533192d31931.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302497063428765474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SZZA_EA5NyI/AAAAAAAAABw/y7Ife08OfkU/s320/m_862e2030e1c349649b50533192d31931.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 127px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 170px;" /></a><br />My Valentine<br /><br />Ok, I know the last blog was sort of a downer. But in all fairness, we just have a lot going on and sometimes I need to vent because it gets hard to deal with. Does not mean I want to leave him or that I am going to.<br /><br />So in honor of Valentines (gag me, puke. Some things I will never change on) I wanted to make this a little more positive.<br /><br />I am still not a fan of Valentines. It has become too much of a Hallmark Holiday. I do not think we need a day to tell the ones we love that we love them. As the great man, from a great state (Garth Brooks and Oklahoma) “Tell that someone that you love, just what you are thinking of if tomorrow never comes”<br /><br />And I plan to do just that.<br /><br />I love him. (Matt)<br /><br />And I love you guys (all my family and friends)<br /><br />For my friends, you have been my saving grace…especially these last couple years! Thank you.<br /><br />For Matt, you have marched right into my life and tore down every wall I had. I am scared to death to let you in completely, but yet I don’t seem to be pushing you back out. You have become my everything. My best friend. I am empty without you, I hate being apart. When I see you I smile and feel the butterflies deep in the pit of my stomach. I look forward to all those days we will be spending together. I know times are a little shaky right now with everything going on, and sometimes I want to run away and hide, but that is how I have always been. For you I am trying to change that, you just have to deal with me for now. You complete me in a way I could never describe, for I feel things I have never felt before. I know in a world where things seem less than perfect, that you are the perfect one for me. I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day. And I look forward to a lifetime of them with you (and Maddy,too! Oh…and let’s not forget my dogs Cain and Casey! One big happy family LOL.)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8686502342373112462009-02-13T09:31:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.240-04:00Optimistic...who me?Optimistic…who me?<br /><br />I know I have not been very good lately about updating my blogs, posting stories, poetry or just writing in general. It is not due to writers block, but rather I just don’t take the time to do it. Life has gotten very crazy for me and it seems the longer I go without writing, the harder it is to get started.<br /><br />School is still going strong. Some days it kicks me in the ass.<br /><br />I started a new job this week and have been in training which is really overloading my brain. For those of you who don’t know I got contracted through a company to work for a cell phone company in the Finance Department. I get to train from home and work from home. It pays just as much as the other jobs I have had, but with benefits after 90 days and I do not have to pay for gas to commute. Which is a huge thing here because all the good jobs are a 30 minute drive from where I live. So learning rules, regulations, software programs and such has been overwhelming and my brain does not shut off at night.<br /><br />Matt and I are going through a lot, together and separately. Both of our lives have taken a 360 and it has shaken us. Job changes, school, schedules, life in general.<br /><br />And the divorce still is not settled. Just when you get a step forward, you go five steps backwards.<br />So I sit here, and I wait. I wait for that moment when life is going to change and just when I think it has gotten to that point, something takes it all away.<br /><br />Matt wants me to move in. I keep dragging my feet as I am sure you can all understand why. I want the papers signed, sealed and delivered. I do not want her using me as leverage to keep his daughter away from him. She already tried to do that (not because of me) and it was heartbreaking to watch. There are also some things I need to work out for myself before I run head first into a living situation. And there are things we need to work on as a couple.<br /><br />I am so full of frustration and anxiety that I don’t know what direction to go in. I don’t know what day it is anymore. I burry my nose in text books in the hopes that time will just pass me by. I don’t seek answers anymore because they never seem to help.<br /><br />It’s hard to emotionally take. I have been waiting a long time for this divorce. And he has been waiting even longer. There is a long story there which I care not to get in to. It is hard to be with someone when you don’t fully feel like they belong to you. I know at this point the marriage is dissolved and was for a while before I even came along. And to some, marriage is just a piece of paper. But for me, it’s more than that. It is hard to put in to words, but I just do not feel like we are complete. He does not fully belong to me because he is legally bound to someone else.<br /><br />I want to run, that is what everything in me says. Run, Chrystal. Get away from the emotional drama that is draining you. Making you angry. Making you want to throw things across the room and then cry.<br />This is NOT me. This is not the person I am. But yet, somehow over the last few months, the person I have become.<br /><br />Everyone tells me how happy they are to see Matt so happy. Great. I am glad I make him that happy. How strong I must be for him.<br /><br />I paint a pretty picture.<br /><br />Strong on the outside, breaking up to tiny little pieces on the inside.<br /><br />I think I have finally hit my breaking point.<br /><br />I need time to think.<br /><br />I have to get away, but I have no place to go. No place to run and hide.<br /><br />And really, what good is that going to do anyway?<br /><br />Everyone keeps saying to hang in there, that it will get better. Things will change.<br /><br />BUT WHEN?<br /><br />When am I going to smile again? When am I going to stop crying?<br /><br />Love is not supposed to hurt.<br /><br />And I hurt.<br /><br />I wanted to write a happy blog , this being Valentines weekend and all. But it does not appear that is going to be the case, for this last week has been the worst week Matt and I have ever been through. I know everyone kept telling us it is going to get worse before it gets better. And then they keep saying it will get better. I am not very optimistic these days. I want to see the sunshine and rainbows but right now my head is buried in the clouds.<br /><br />All I see are grey skies, clouds and rainy days.<br /><br />So here I go again, waiting for the world to change.<br /><br />So, I will end with this. Despite this emotional drama we are going through right now, despite the fact I am emotionally drained and want to run and hide, I won’t. Like I said in a previous blog, I love Matt and he is what I want. Madison and I have become great little friends. I know times are rough right now, and I know things will change. I have no patience and I want them to change now. I love this man completely and I am excited about the life we have together ahead of us. It is just getting from point A to point B that is hard.<br /><br />But no one said life was easy, now did they?<br /><br />Sometimes I just need to vent, to write out my frustrations and such. It makes me feel better.<br />So that is what I am doing...it is my blog after all. LOL!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48897568778569468082009-02-10T08:48:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.242-04:00Pod Me ThisWhen I am bored and can not sleep I find totally random and useless things to do, hence all the random blogs....I promise to get back to the regularly scheduled blog program soon :)<br /><br /><br />I'll post the answers in a few days, and I only did 15 instead of 30<br /><br />(ganked from Brett then infamous We-Pod)<br /><br />The Rules:<br />Step 1: Put your music player on shuffle<br />Step 2: Post the first line from the first 30 songs that play (no matter how embarrassing)<br />Step 3: Strike through the song when someone guesses the artist and song title correctly<br />Step 4: Looking them up on Google or another search engine is CHEATING!<br />Step 5: If nobody gets the song right, then you may post further hints.<br />Step 6. Make your own list<br /><br />1. Secrets told in the pictures on your skin, Hours fade into days that never end<br /><br />2. And I wanna believe you, When you tell me that it'll be ok<br /><br />3. From lashes to ashes And from lust to dust In your sweetest torment<br />I'm lost<br /><br />4. Who am I to save you, To try and tame you<br /><br />5. I'm not looking for someone to talk to, I've got my friend, I'm more than O.K.<br />I've got more than a girl could wish for<br /><br />6. I try real folling, Realise, Sixteen are you still<br />I'd try to come back if I could<br /><br />7. You can reach, But you can't grab it, You can hold it, control it,<br />No, you can't bag it<br /><br />8. Come As you are. As you were. As I want you to be.<br /><br />9. Woke up depressed, I left for work, You have a good day<br /><br />10. Reverend, reverend, Is this a conspiracy? Crucified for no sins<br /><br />11. I've been waiting here for so long, Trying to find another place where I belong<br /><br />12. I'll be coming home Just to be alone<br /><br />13. Something is about to give I can feel it coming<br /><br />14. We'll do it all Everything On our own We don't need Anything<br /><br />15. The way you're bathed in light Reminds me of that nightChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80049835552876192302009-01-26T20:17:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.245-04:00Just Call Me GraceSo, we all know I am sort of a klutz. I admit it.<br /><br />I spent the night at Matt’s last night and had to get up to go potty. His house is in complete darkness. I come back from the bathroom, walk in the bedroom door, turn to the left towards the bed. Decided I was chilly and was going to lean down to get my sweater off the floor. Instead of getting my sweater I ended up running into Madison’s step stool and stubbed my toe. I guess I lost my feel for where I was in the darkness because as soon as I reached down to get my sweater, my face went head first into the dresser. The corner of the dresser slammed right into my mouth. I landed on the floor. It jolted me, scared me more the anything. Matt was lying in bed and was not sure what had happened, he thought I just ran into the dresser. He had no idea it was my head. So I am in the fetal position on the floor, I explain what happened, my mouth is throbbing, next thing I know, blood starts gushing out between my fingers and my mouth is full of blood. I stand up and make a mad dash for the bathroom and spit a ton of blood into the sink. And there I sat with a washrag on my gums to get it to stop bleeding. My gum was hanging off, I swore up and down my tooth was going to fall out! LOL. I had a small cut by my other tooth and my inside upper lip was cut. It did not feel good at all.<br /><br />Once I got the bleeding to stop I took some Tylenol PM and knocked my ass out about 3am.<br /><br />This morning it was swollen and bruised pretty purple. Now it’s just throbbing and the swelling has gone down some and the purple has subsided. Now it just looks gross. You can see where the dresser corner gashed it.<br /><br />Lovely.<br /><br />I have not been able to eat anything because I cannot bite into or chew as it is my front tooth and upper gum. I had some Starbucks coffee, a banana that I had to break into pieces, I tried to eat noodles Matt made but all it did was stress me out. So I had some yogurt and I was just now able to slurp down some soup.<br /><br />I am trying to keep it clean, as I do not want it to get infected.<br /><br />Maybe tomorrow I will post a pic! LOL<br /><br />Just call me Grace!<br /><br />hahahahahaChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6848575356880319062009-01-25T14:46:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.247-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? - Part 2 - Jobs<p> <img src="http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/rchurchward/Mich.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />..<br /><br /></p><p>So we are all well aware by now that my employment history<br />in this state has been a huge ordeal. Such a mess, that is gets its own blog!<br />LMAO.<br /><br /></p><p>So, I move to MI thinking things are going to be easy going,<br />only to find out that is not so true. Not only did I pick MI over FL because I<br />have my mom here, I picked the colder state with the highest unemployment rate!<br /><br /><br /></p><p>Life has been such a battle up here.<br /><br /></p><p>I did a couple of months with a company called West, for Christmas.<br />I was contracted with V*rgin M@bile (companies do not like you to say who their<br />clients are so we ops have to change them, but I am sure you can figure it out)<br />to add minutes to phones as well as program them. It was pretty easy work. But<br />once the holidays were over I was let go since it was seasonal.<br /><br /></p><p>Then I got into Real Estate Appraisals, but at this time<br />there was not much work for me to do.<br /><br /></p><p>After that I landed with H&amp;R Block. Thankfully I had family<br />friends give me some pull, along with the fact I had worked there in OK. Once<br />the tax season was over I landed at Hells Place. I got that job because the HR<br />manager is friends with my family.<span style=""> </span>Not<br />much good came out of that job. I did manage to make some friends and make some<br />money to buy my own car. But being in a place where you are constantly stuck in<br />the middle of drama and bosses who like to scream curse words at each other can<br />wreak havoc on your mental stability! So I got out of there when the offer was<br />made for me to move in with the ex and a job was in line.<br /><br /></p><p>We ALL know how that turned out so I am not going to rehash<br />it here.<br /><br /></p><p>Then I landed that lovely text job. If you read the blogs,<br />you know just how lovely it is.<br /><br /></p><p>Shortly after I landed the paper job, I left the text job<br />behind. I did not play in paper, more so I was the office bitch. LOL! However,<br />again I found myself with a bi-polar boss and after 1 month we mutually agreed<br />things were not working out for us.<br /><br /></p><p>Through all of this I have managed to keep a 4.0 in school,<br />so I guess not all of this time has been a total waste.<br /><br /></p><p>Texting did offer me my old job, working a new service, so I<br />am back. However I am finding myself not really caring enough to put forth the<br />effort needed to meet my min. quota.<br /><br /></p><p>Oh well, live goes on.<br /><br /></p><p>On Febuary 9<sup>th</sup> I begin training for Spr!nt<br />(again, can’t tell who clients are, but I am sure you can figure it out.) I<br />applied with a company called Alpine Access that is a customer service call<br />center based out of Colorado. <span style=""> </span>I have no<br />commute. No dress code. That pretty much sold me right there. That was one<br />thing I liked about West. However AA offers benefits. West did call me back for<br />the Valentine season and I said no thanks(only took them a year to call me back,<br />and they wanted me to work a flower company line…yeeshh…). Anyway, I am going<br />to be working in the finance department for Spr!nt.<span style=""> </span>Pretty excited about this. My resume, despite<br />what you are seeing written here, is pretty clean. Since I have done the real<br />estate stuff for as long as I have lived here, that pretty much sums up my work<br />history in MI!<span style=""> </span>(shame on me, I know..but<br />really, who cares.)<br /><br /></p><p>Anyway, I think the job is a good fit for me while I finish<br />my accounting degree. I am contracted for a year and by that time I should just<br />about be done with school and at that time will evaluate life and where I want<br />to be.<br /><br /></p>As time goes on…I will blog more about the job and such<br />later. Just wanted to give you all a heads up on life and how things are going.<br />I know I have kept you out of the loop for a while.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38692511900719953632009-01-25T13:24:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.250-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? - Relationships<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/f2b8eBjLaEU/s1600-h/th_emooo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 128px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SXyvlUys-aI/AAAAAAAAABg/f2b8eBjLaEU/s320/th_emooo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295300317652253090" border="0" /></a><br />“I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your<br />fantasy. I'll be your hope, I'll be your love - be everything that you need. I<br />love you more with every breath truly, madly, deeply do.... I will be strong, I<br />will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on a new beginning, a reason for living, a<br />deeper meaning."<br /><br />Savage Garden....<br /><br />Life has certainly been crazy these<br />last few months. I should have taken the<br />time to write, but Matt’s soon to be ex was a myspace friend and I just was at<br />this point where she did not need to know about my life. So how could I write<br />and keep her at bay? I started to make a few blogs only viewable by those on my<br />preferred list, but that got to be a pain in the ass to add everyone to.....<br /><br />Doesn’t really matter now. We are<br />knee deep in the divorce and it has gotten really ugly so really we were left<br />with no choice but to delete and block her from both of our myspace/favebook pages.....<br /><br />Out of respect for Matt I am not<br />going to throw his private life details out there. But for those of you who did<br />not know, yeah, he’s not divorced yet.....<br /><br />And I can see you all rolling your<br />eyes at me now. (Especially you Julie…LMAO)....<br /><br />I did not tell but a few people when<br />Matt and I first started to date what the details of our life were. I had<br />wanted to just keep it all to myself. I really did not think it was that<br />important, but I also thought that the divorce would be done and over with and<br />we would be at the end of the story by now.....<br /><br />That is not the case obviously. Almost 5 months into our relationship and the<br />papers are just now getting started. And literally in a matter of moments our<br />lives have been turned upside down.....<br /><br />Daily I question myself on this<br />situation and now that things are way off in left field with Matt trying for<br />full custody of his daughter, I find myself questioning this relationship even<br />more.....<br /><br />Sure, I have fallen in love with<br />Matt. We are all well aware of this by now. But am I strong enough for the<br />drama and every bit of baggage that Matt has?....<br /><br />I worry, I wonder, I cry, I lay awake<br />at night looking at the flaws in my ceiling having conversations in my head.<br />Waiting for the answer. ....<br /><br />You all know I am a runner. I run<br />when things get tough. I have tried to run so many times it is absolutely crazy.<br />I don’t want to run anymore. I don’t want to be that girl anymore.....<br /><br />What I want, quite simply is Matt.<br />And if that means I get Madison too, then so be it. ....<br /><br />Am I prepared for all that brings to<br />my table?....<br /><br />No, not really. I am not going to sit<br />here and lie to you.....<br /><br />But, I am not in this by myself. Matt<br />will walk beside me, just as I will him.....<br /><br />We are stronger together then we are<br />alone.....<br /><br />I worry in the end my heart will get<br />broken. But at the same time I see the love he has for me, how he has already<br />fought for me. So when it comes right down to it, I just have to learn to trust<br />again. To trust him as well as myself. ....<br /><br />Thanks to past relationships that has<br />not been the easiest thing for me. But I am learning. ....<br /><br />The road ahead is shaky and unsteady.<br />There are going to be more pot holes and bumps then I know how to deal with.<br />However, I am willing to fill them in as I walk the path and learn as I teeter<br />along. ....<br /><br />And as much as I despise drama, I<br />could not ask for a better man in my life then Matt. So, it evens things out. ....<div class="photo photo_left"><div class="photo_img"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2486456&amp;op=1&amp;view=all&amp;subj=47158798887&amp;aid=-1&amp;oid=47158798887&amp;id=569555914"><img src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2113/39/23/569555914/a569555914_2486456_3098.jpg" alt="" /></a></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47251323259675507562009-01-20T22:59:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.252-04:00Negative Vibes<span style="line-height: 1.5;">(not my words)</span><br /><span style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></span><br /><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Sometimes we get a negative vibe from the moment we enter a situation. We don't know why. We can't pinpoint a reason. We don't have any facts. And nothing bad has actually happened. Yet. Still, our "spidey senses" are tingling.<br /><br />What do we do with those negative vibes? Has our subconcious mind picked up on something our conscious mind hasn't processed yet? Or is our overly-suspicious mind working overtime again?<br /><br />A reasonable person might approach the situation with a little more caution. Gather the facts, analyze them, and draw a conclusion. If something looks hinky, then remain cautious. But if everything looks OK, stand down from yellow alert.<br /><br />But what do we actually do?<br /><br />In my experience, when a woman says "it's woman's intuition," or a guy says he has a "gut feeling," it usually that they've already made up their mind.<br /><br />That's not intuition. We're not using it to help sort out the truth. We don't need any facts because we already "know" the truth. We assume that what we;re feeling [i]is[/i] the truth.<br /><br />And then we wonder why we can't be happy. </span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40785287331896601512009-01-01T20:59:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:44:38.585-04:00The Seed - Volume 2<div class="MsoNormal">The Seed Vol2</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&amp;id=7153">http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&amp;id=7153</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have missed it, follow that link and check out what Scott Ward from Sea of Tranquility had to say about The Revolution CD.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90878534764979997732008-12-31T18:18:00.003-05:002011-08-10T11:59:51.627-04:00Reflections 2008<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">1)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was 2008 a good year for you?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a serious roller coaster ride. Just as the past 2 years have been. It had many up and downs. Death. Depression. Heartache. I lost Terry. Mike broke my heart. I lost my job(s).&nbsp; But, on the flip side, I grew, I lived, and I learned. I gained Matt and Madison and the rest of Matt’s family. For that I am blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;I had to overcome many things, and I did. At least I am trying to. I am trying to move on from the past and continue to grow as a person and move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, that is something to celebrate. But life is constantly changing. No longer standing still and waiting for me to catch up. I am still working on getting my life back in order. Starting over with nothing sure is not easy, but at least I am trying. I hope 2009 slows down a little bit and returns some sense of normalcy, but thinking about what I know now, it just might continue on for a while longer…..</span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />2) What was your favorite moment of the year? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally getting over Mike and being able to really be friends. Making amends with Sean.&nbsp; Meeting Sybil Starr is up there on the list. She defiantly has brought me many smiles this year. Getting back in touch with my best friend from college, Jennifer. And meeting Matt.&nbsp; He came in my life when I really needed that special something. He taught me that there is still that strong woman inside of me. He taught me it’s OK to continue on the path to being me. He made me dig deep inside myself and show him parts of me I don’t share with just anyone. He has taught me that I am only human, and we make mistakes but those mistakes are not reflection of my true self.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And let’s not forget SHINEDOWN!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THREE TIMES BABY!!! WOOT!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />3) What was your least favorite moment of the year? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the heartbreak </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />4) Where were you when 2008 began?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At Gracies</span></strong><br /><br />5) Who were you with?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My family….Mike stood me up *sighs*&nbsp; </span></strong><br /><br />6) Where will you be when 2008 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be where ever he is….&nbsp; </span></strong><br /><br />7) Who will you be with when 2008 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matt</span></strong><br /><br />8) Did you keep your new years resolution of 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn’t make any. I know I won’t keep them, so I didn’t bother.</span></strong><br /><br />9) Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2009?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, to take charge of my health. My ass is getting too chunky these days. And get my ass to Ireland once and for all (my resolution every year LOL!). </span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I do believe I have. *smiles* </span></strong><br /><br />11) If yes, with whom?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that.</span></strong><br /><br />12) If yes, do they know?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course he knows, for he loves me just the same. </span></strong><br /><br />13) Are you still in love with them?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Absolutely, and looking forward to a lifetime of it. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />14) Do you regret it?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not at all. And never will.</span></strong><br /><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes. Mike and I took a giant split &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />16) Did you make any new friends in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sure as heck did. LOTS of them! *blows a kiss to you all*</span></strong><br /><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ALL of them.... how can I pick just one?</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />18) What was your favorite month of 2008?<br /><b>December, as that was the best Shinedown concert that I got to share with Matt. ;) </b><br /><br />19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2008?<br /><b>No :( ..... But I should have, and now wish I did. </b><br /><br />20) How many different places did you travel to in 2008?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Michigan ….what a bore</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2008? <br /><b>Officially , Terry… <br /><br /></b>22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YES!&nbsp; all my friends and loved ones back in OK.</span></strong><br /><br />23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2008? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I saw so many wonderful movies this year.</span></strong><br /><br />24) What was your favorite song from 2008?<br /><b>Oh I have a few: they may not be new in 2008, but they meant something to me in 2008. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second Chance – Shinedown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simple Man – Shinedown<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Believe – Staind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celtic Pride – The Mahones<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haunted – Shane McGowan and Sinead O’Connor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over You – Daughtry<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Better In Time – Leona Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok and really this list could go on and on and on, but there is a reason why I have an attachment to these songs this year. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />25) What was your favorite album from 2008?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Sound of Madness - Shinedown</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />26) How many concerts did you see in 2008?<br /><b>A LOT!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2008?<br /><b>Shinedown</b><br /><br />28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2008? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just my fair share… Guinness anyone??</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only those prescribed, and since moving to MI, I only take my meds to help me sleep (damn insomnia) I have kicked the habit of the anxiety and depression medications. </span></strong><br /><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2008? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I spent half the year with Mike and the other half with Matt, lets do the math.</span></strong><br /><br />31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Would have to be, putting mike and mine personal bullshit out there like I did. I know I am very open with my life. And I know this is my corner of the blogland and I do have the freedom of speech. I was mad, hurt, angry and confused. I did not take the time to think about anyone else. It was not fair for me to put that out there like that. Some people are private and I should have respected that. However, that does not excuse his behavior. </span></strong><br /><br />32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2008?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~SIGHS~ Yeah, I did…I told a lie. A small little white lie and I am not about to get in to it here.</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The entire year I spent with Mike was a LIE!!! How’s that for starters??</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well there is this girl I used to work with, Stacy. Mean spirited girl at work, but pretty fun to hang out with afterwards. Her and I drifted after we both quit that hell place. I tried to remain friends. She got bitter about some things and we drifted again. I can’t deal with anger and negativity in my life. I tried to be a friend,&nbsp; invited her to a show and she stood me up. I have pretty much ignored her for 2 months now. She has texted me a few times, and I put off texting her back. But, I give in and do days later. Only to not hear from her again for weeks on end. I don’t think I am treating her any more badly then she treats me, but I don’t exactly like my behavior. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2008? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah, I had my moments. And I am working on getting over all that as well. (*cough* Stacy, *cough* Mike *cough* )</span></strong><br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2008?<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am sure way more then I should. </span></strong><br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh! Let’s see........ Just call me Grace LOLOL</span></strong><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change it, what would it be? <br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If I change anything then I would not be where I am today, and despite some things in life I have Matt now, and that’s a blessing all on it’s own.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2009? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To just keep plugging away at life one day at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit my friends for sure! And just slow down and see where life takes me. </span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />41) What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hmmmm. </span></strong><br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My good friends Wally and Bren welcome a beautiful baby boy. </span></strong><br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More time to write. And maybe actually do something with it this year. More MONEY!!</span></strong><br /><br />44) What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">September – meeting Matt</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hmmmm…I am not so sure I feel like I achieved much of anything other than survive another year.</span></strong><br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">depression creeping back up on me, never living up to my own expectations of myself, dealing with shit jobs, and my wicked evil self esteem issues that mess with my head. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MY OWN CAR!!</b><br /><br />48) Whose behavior merited celebration?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me get back to you on that one.</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br />49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yikes! My own – seriously!</span></strong><br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about? <br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having a job again, and again. LOL. &nbsp;Living through another semester of school, passing my Tax classes, MEETING MATT! Seeing SHINEDOWN and STAIND!</span></strong><br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />i. happier or sadder? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I am about the same as I was this time last year, just for different reasons.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />ii. thinner or fatter? <b>The same as I was…but I would love to change that…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">iii. richer or poorer? <strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">richer in so many ways, poorer money wise </span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exercised..LOL..well you asked</span></strong><br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?<br /><b>Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br /><b>I don’t know, I really just want to lie in bed all day and wish it away. (see that has been my answer every year. But Christmas has already passed and I spent it with Matt)</b><br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">didn’t I already shed some light on this?</span></strong><br /><br />56) What was your favorite TV program?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">UFC, The Ultimate Fighter, Prison Break, Lost</span></strong><br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, sadly, there is someone that has burned me and I just really am still pissed off as all hell about it, so yeah, some hatred is running through my Irish blood right now. (this answer is still the same as last year, and it is still the same person, how sad. *sighs*)</span></strong><br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh gosh, I read so many I don’t really know where to start. But my fave is Needful Things by Stephen King; I read it just about every year. Somehow I got hooked on the Twilight Series.</span></strong><br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing really new this year…unless you want to count Downseed (LMAO) I know..I know… I think Sore Eyes are a great bunch of guys. Umm..who else. Know Lyfe!</span></strong><br /><br />60) What did you want and get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted someone to love me just as I am, and I believe I have finally found that. &nbsp;</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want peace within me. I am working on that.</span></strong><br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br /><b>I got stood up on my birthday , thanks to Mike. This would be about the time the break up happened.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really have no way of knowing. Cause if these things did not happen that I went through this year, whose to say something else would not have. </span></strong><br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? <br /><b>I’m just me. I don’t follow trends. I like what I like. Comfort. Cool. Calm. Dressed up or down, I am pretty simple. <br /><br /></b>65) What kept you sane?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh lord, I don’t think I was sane much this year. But my friends did a pretty good job of not letting me go off the deep end. Especially Shannon, Jules and Jeran. They were there to sound off when I needed them too.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br /><em><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">Colin of COURSE!!! And Cillian Murphy! Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell of Prison Break ..Oh and lets not forget them UFC men LOLOL</span></b></em><br /><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most? <br /><b>All the shite in Ireland. </b><br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life is too short for petty shit. Tell everyone just what is on your mind because tomorrow may be too late. That forever is a lie.</span></strong><br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">Believe in me<br />I know you've waited for so long<br />Believe in me<br />Sometimes the weak become the strong<br />Believe in me<br />This life is not always what it seems<br />Believe in me<br />Cause I was made for chasing dreams</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />70) Favorite discovered quote.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><span class="snippet4"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That's me." ~Maya Angelou<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83285630052650927002008-12-30T20:45:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.254-04:00My Own Spiritual Journey- “Things I Should Have Said”My Own Spiritual Journey- “Things I Should Have Said”<br /><br />I was reading my friend Chris’s blog the other day and it gave me an idea for my own blog. I wanted to get the Scrooge and 2 Wise Men &amp; a Lady out of the way first.<br /><br />I have known Chris since we were in the 5th grade. However, we really did not start hanging out until High School. We tried to stay in touch over the years but things happen. Recently, thanks to myspace we have found each other again.<br /><br /><br />Chris and I have a mutual friend named Stephanie. Silly, loud, goofy, red headed Stephanie. I have talked about her in blogs past. I think I still have pics of her and I here on my page. I used to go visit her in Arkansas for my birthday, and we got tatted together.<br /><br /><br />Anyway, I have lost touch with her since I have moved to Michigan. I know your friends are supposed to stand beside you through thick and through thin, and we sure have. But my moving to Michigan sent me into an inner turmoil. I shut myself off from a lot of my friends. Things up here have been very hard for me and I did not want them to see me struggle. Every day it has been the same story and I just have nothing new to say. I knew moving up here could cause some emotional turmoil for reason I have never really discussed. But those of you who have been in my world over these last few years I am sure can put two and two together.<br /><br /><br />So over the years some of my friends have slipped through my fingers. The ones still close to me, know me, understand me, and are still there for me. Waiting for that text, that phone call. But with Steph, it just got to be so much. She was always so proud of me, and I just don’t think she was happy I left Marcus. I felt like I disappointed her and let her down.<br /><br /><br />As the days went by I just let it go. Some days I would say to myself, I really need to write Steph but I would never get around to it.<br /><br /><br />And then I read Chris’s blog. It made me realize that life is too short and sometimes doing the things we need to do will still show that person we are the strong one.<br /><br /><br />Chris mentioned writing some letters to make amends with something in his life and I thought, maybe it’s time for me to do the same. Starting with Steph. I even asked him if we should “hold each other’s hands” and write her together.<br /><br /><br />If I have learned anything this last year or so it is that life has no guarantee.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62435541181965372632008-12-23T15:02:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.884-04:002 Wise Men and a LadyTwo Wise Men and a Lady.<br /><br />I know, I know, it is suppose to be about THREE wise men but for the sake of my story, there are not 3 of.<br /><br />Over the years you have all heard me rattle on about how I am not really a fan of the holidays. Today I was trying to figure out exactly when this started to happen. Or more like when I really started to feel this way. Once upon a time I could not wait to help my mom decorate the tree. Year after year. I would literally start shopping for Christmas in the summer so that I could get awesome stuff for the best prices and that way everyone got more presents. I loved to give, and I loved to see everyone smile. But somewhere along the way I have lost that Christmas spirit. I know the beginning of it was the death of my grandfather. But I think I was border line starting to dislike Christmas before that. I just think his death a few years ago was the breaking point. And things have just gotten worse since then.<br /><br />Also, over the years you have watched me write blogs to those I have loved and lost. A blog on their birthday to remember the good times and a blog on the passing to honor them.<br /><br />The last few months I have let a couple of those blogs pass me by. I feel guilty about that. I missed Terry’s birthday, which was shortly after Thanksgiving and I missed Lonnie’s passing, which was Dec. 6th.<br /><br />I did not write those blogs because I wanted to hide from some people just how sad I really was. I can no longer hide that now. With Christmas just around the corner, I can no longer fake my way through a chipper cheery holiday.<br /><br />I miss my grandparents more than anything. But I miss 3 of my friends just as much. Elonna, Terry and Lonnie. My 2 wise men and a lady.<br /><br />Losing them means I lost a part of myself.<br /><br />Right now I am facing an inner battle. How can I expect someone to love me or I love them when I cannot even love myself? I do not feel worthy of love right now because I am just not whole.<br /><br />If only I had convinced Elonna to go to the Doctor sooner. If only I had been able to get to Terry sooner and keep him safe, if only I had not opened my mouth to Sean about Lonnie.<br /><br />If only…<br /><br />Perhaps they could, maybe, possibly, be with us here today.<br /><br />My brother would have his blushing bride and his best mate, I would have my Pirate gang back as well as a part of my soul.<br /><br />And I would not feel so wayward, lost, and lonely without them.<br /><br />I am trying to figure out how to make myself whole again….until that time I can only ask for patience, forgiveness and understanding from those around me.<br /><br />The time is now for me to heal…..Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88229353878209771322008-12-21T16:26:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.257-04:00My Christmas Carol<div class="MsoNormal">My Christmas Carol (AKA Scrooge)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I carry a darkness deep inside. Some I always keep to myself and try to hide. I have thought about it, and honestly I don’t know why.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Keep it to myself that is.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">‘Tis a beautiful thing you see. At least it is to me. Provides me with warmth and comfort. Shelters me from the storms. No need for alarm, so don’t you worry. I know it means me no harm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For this darkness I welcome with open arms. It engulfs me and swells my heart. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I have some lightness, but it’s so overbearing I feel it is going to burst. I fall……down on my knees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This time, I fall apart. Screaming. “Please???!!!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why all this pain?? Why must you pain me so?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have said it before and I will say it again, I am not a fan of Christmas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was once. But these last few years, not so much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have written about this before so it should not come as a huge shock to most of you. To the rest of you, Sorry, I really don’t know what to tell you. I could sit here and tell my tale again, but what’s the point? Will anyone really understand?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I mean it is pretty simple really; abuse, death, destruction, memories.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pretty much sums it up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christmas hurts and it’s very painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Rather than deal with the holiday and pretend to be happy when I am not, it is easier for me to just bow out gracefully and skip it as I have done in years past. Treating it as if it were just another day. Letting everyone do their own thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I am feeling very smothered. I want to run away and hide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I have a lot of things going on in life right now that I have kept hidden from the world and will continue to wear the mask for a very long time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And as much as I am trying to skip Christmas, I am also being thrown into a Christmas loving world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">How am I supposed to pretend to like Christmas? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pretending is the only way I am going to get through it. No one is going to understand that someone just doesn’t like Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But people tend to realize I am not myself when I am pretending. Or masked as I like to call it. I am the owner of many masks. But this one, people generally mistake my withdrawn quiet state for one of, well for lack of a better word, being a snob or a bitch.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And is it really fair to those I am around? Being all sad and depressed, hurting on the inside holding back the tears, when on the outside I am laughing, smiling and giving joy? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s all so fake. I try to be real. But my heart hurts so much this time of year. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I would rather stay home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will tell you Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday and I will mean it. I do wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season. But, that doesn’t mean I personally have to like the Holiday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I sit back and watch this Holiday unfold, trying to stay at the sidelines but constantly being pushed to the 50 yard line, then running to the goal line, I see that people really don’t understand the true meaning of Christmas. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether you believe in God or Goddesses or even a Higher Power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Whether you believe in Santa or not. The true spirit of Christmas isn’t about “you” or “me” or “us” or even “I” and “we.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has become all “about me” (not me personally) all about the gift lists, whose getting what, how much are you spending, who is going to outdo who this year, whose going to be the lucky family to be blessed with our presence. Who has the best clothes, the best gossip, who is the black sheep this year? Who did what, to who, where and when?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Eh, who cares about all of that...why can't you just love them and be thankful for what you have????????????</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fuck it. Better to not get involved and deal with that on top of my own inner turmoil. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to stay home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I tried to “do” Christmas things this year, hoping it would help and it really didn’t change the way I felt inside. I thought maybe if I tried, it would. But it didn’t. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have spent the last couple hours drowning in tears because I just cannot understand why I have to be this way. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I am who I am, and I feel what I feel. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I don’t feel like it’s a “want” to skip Christmas, but rather I “need” to skip it for my own well being.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just wish I could make people understand that, but it’s impossible.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Trust me, I have tried.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not that I don’t want to have Christmas, more like I shouldn’t.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s just so hard to explain.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So as the day’s press on one by one, I try my best to move along with them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And maybe one day I will get it all figured out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70904645928816985312008-12-19T16:00:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.259-04:00Always an Adventure….my night with Shinedown<div class="image-wrapper"> <a href="http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog/slideshow.html?p=3322&amp;id=SNOJK9w7brW90jKDrUBP8Dm." id="m3322"><img alt="magnify" border="0" height="12" src="http://l.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/nt/ic/ut/bsc/srch12_1.gif" width="12" /></a> </div><div class="content-wrapper">Always an Adventure….my night with Shinedown<br /><br />As I sit here pounding away at the keyboard and downloading last nights pics, I should be thinking about how much fun I had, but instead I am sitting here gazing out the window worried that my old house is not going to be able to whether the winter storm that has blasted the northern tundra in which I live.<br /><br />In case you have not noticed I just loaded a BUNCH of new pics. More to the Holiday Hellride album where you can see more pics with Santa, Me and of course Matt and the band. Also, a new album of Shinedown pics. The originals and then the cropped versions. I got as close as I could, we were so packed in there. I could have been one of those people who shove their way through the crowd, but I am not that person. I was fine where I was. <br /><br />When Matt and I go out, there is ALWAYS an adventure. Something a little out of the ordinary always seems to happen to make for a good story. For Holiday Hellride, I guess whole ordeal with the van getting stuck and we had to walk a few blocks to eat. For Staind it was the traffic and shopping carts, for Shinedown a few weeks ago we flew 90 miles an hour and barely got there in time to see them. An adventure. Well this time we were blessed to have a douche bag who could not have weighed more than 120 soaking wet drunk as a pissed off skunk standing in front of us. He wasn’t one of those cool drunks; he was the one being an asshole thinking he looks cool. Come on, we ALL know that type. Making comments thinking he’s funny and shit. <br />Well you know me and my mouth. It was in full swing. I don’t know if he even heard half of what I was saying. And I do not really care.<br /><br />We get to the Machine Shop, make our rounds and say our hellos. Matt and his bands have been playing there for years so he pretty much knows absolutely everyone we cross paths with. Kevin and Craig, the brothers who own the shop are just awesome people. Sometimes in life you meet those people that think because of who they are or where they work that everyone else is beneath them, or that they are just generally better than everyone else. Not these guys. They are very humble and down to earth. Very cool, and they have been nothing but cool to me. So, kudos to them. I hope they always stay grounded and not let popularity go to their heads. <br /><br />The first band to play was a band out of Tennessee called Sore Eyes. The singer has an amazing voice (<a href="http://www.myspace.com/">www.myspace.com</a> / wearesoreeyes) and he was giving it all he had. First time at the Machine Shop, opening for such a band as Shinedown, can be a little overwhelming. Matt and I enjoyed them. The douche bag in front of us was a heckler. He kept booing, screaming and carrying on, making exit gestures with his hands and even going so far as flipping these guys off. Now I know you cannot please everyone in the music world. That’s life. I get it. You don’t have to like them. But seriously, have enough respect for the Machine Shop and these dudes on stage to at least comment to your friend, or say nothing at all. The whole shop doesn’t need to know how you feel and that band certainly doesn’t need it. Until you have walked a mile in their shoes, SHUT THE FUCK UP.<br /><br />So you know me, making my smart comments. Hoping he would hear me. Matt telling me to stop. He’s no fun. I know, I don’t want to disrespect Craig and Kevin and the Shop, but damn this dude was pissing me off! At one point I screamed, hey buddy why don’t you get up there and sing for us, show us what you got! Not once did that guy ever turn around and say anything. But he was annoying all those around him.<br />Next band was Marashino. They were not bad, but not great either. Again, the douche bag wanted to be a heckler. Marashino was a little bit edgier then Sore Eyes who was much more Southern and raw and in your face, where as Marashino was a little darker. Not Cradle of Filth type dark. Just a darker rock. Anyway, the drummer was super cool to watch. He did a lot of drumming with one hand and he had these wicked cool eyes that just mind fucked you if you stared to long. He would just make these faces, turn his head, his eyes would just glaze over and he would never blink. Or they would roll…it was creepy , but cool. And really that’s all I have to say about them. About this point Matt had let Jeff on staff know that this dude was being a jerk so people started to keep an eye on him.<br /><br />Out of nowhere this dude falls on his ASS! I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard in my life. No one touched him, he just fell. His head right at my feet. Oh how I wanted to stomp him. Yeesh. I just looked down at him, laughed and said “that’s what you get” everyone around him was laughing. He looked like a total tool. <br />So we stand, waiting for Shinedown. Matt’s legs are bothering him so he squats down. Looking like there is a huge empty space right in the center, about 4 girls started to swarm in our direction from the side lines. The first one stopped dead when she saw there was actually someone there. I laughed and shook my head. And then all these damn people walking in front of me or behind me just pushing their way through. The group of guys behind us and the girl beside me were getting pissed. It was like our little row was the crossing for the bar and bathrooms. And these people did not even say excuse me. They just pushed and shoved. Rude. So I pushed and shoved back. And some people I told them I was not moving. Sorry. Yeah, I know what a bitch I am, but you can only take so much. One girl walked through so many times I finally just had to tell her saying excuse me would go a long way. <br /><br />Something about me, I am not afraid to speak whatever rolls off my tongue. In case you did not know that already. But, most of you do. <br /><br />I just hate RUDE people. Point blank. There is no reason for it. It does not make you stronger or weaker however you look at it. It does not make you look better in anyone’s eyes. So, if you are one of those people, stop being so damn rude and I promise you, things will go much better in your life.<br /><br />Ahhhh….finding my inner OM….<br /><br />Ommmmmm<br />Ommmmm<br />OK.<br />SHINEDOWN!!!<br /><br />Finally those boys appear on stage and 600 people packed into the Machine Shop elbow to elbow, asses to asses, started to scream and raise horns and just rock the fuck out. (boy I am cursing a lot in this blog) It was sweaty, sticky, uncomfortable, and HOT. But it was worth every back pain, every neck twitch, and every toe cramp just to hear Brent’s voice one more time. We were close enough that when Brent opens his mouth to belt out his high notes you could see clear into the back of his throat. Yeah, gross, I know. Sweat flew off the stage on to the crowd. It was a great time and an amazing experience. Brent has the voice of an angel. He has given me strength and carried me through some troubling times. Shinedown’s music has been my anti-depressant. <br /><br />I screamed, I hooted, I hollered, I jumped and rocked out. I sang at the top of my lungs. For a brief moment I forgot all about everything that depresses me and makes me sad right now.<br /><br />Craig was more than willing to take us back to meet Brent once he came out, but he just was not coming out. “That’s OK” I said. I had a good time, so that didn’t really matter much to me. The guys have to live their lives too and sometimes they are just too tired and don’t want to come out where the party is, especially if they are trying to stay away from booze. (which I might add, I was not drinking) We did spend a while talking to Sore Eyes, and they are a great group of (southern) guys.<br /><br />So, a big thank you to Matt for a wonderful Christmas present.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13515286223926250252008-12-15T22:16:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:44:38.588-04:00Holiday Hellride - My Weekend Update<div class="MsoNormal">See, I told you guys I was going to try to get better about blogging. LOL!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have spent the day doing band things. Sorting through 200 plus pictures and talking to contacts all day makes for some good entertainment. It also makes your eyes go a little loopy. So, between 2 cameras we have 189 pics. I still have our camera to load up. I left the cord at Matt's house so I could not play in my own pics today. *sad face* and I am pretty sure we have some that are sure to get a few laughs out of you. Anyone who has been around me when I am in charge of picture taking knows just how this turns out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just have to say – I don't *love* doing Matt's band stuff. But I do *enjoy* helping him out. There is a difference. He *loves* it. Get what I mean? I am not so wrapped up in it that I don't realize I have my own life to live. Because trust me, I do. I do my own things quite often. I like my "me" time and will never let go of that. Right now I have more free time then I usually do. Helping Matt's gives me something to do. Not only that, it can be fun. And he is grateful for my help. It takes some of the chore off his shoulders. When you work 2 jobs and have kids(s) on top of managing a band, you can take all the help you can get. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, having said that – I do *love* meeting new people and being social. (and pics, right???) Making new friends and getting to know people first hand is what makes the world go round. Some people can be weird and rightfully a pain in the ass (right Karyn? LOL) but most people are honest, real, and quite frankly, a lot of effing fun to hang out with. So I really enjoy going to shows because anyone that *really* knows me and my personality will know I love talking to people. Not to mention it allows me to enjoy a pint or two.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And I am having a lot of fucking fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what's the harm in that?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So those of you worried that I am all wrapped up in Matt's shit – don't be. It's fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok…are we done with that now????</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Good.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So Saturday was the big Christmas event at the Hamilton St. Pub. The Revolution Music Label presented Holiday Hellride with Silverspork, Publik Parking and special guest 4Warned. Downseed was the headliner. This was the first show since Mike left a few weeks ago, it was Billy's last show, and Will's grandmother had just recently passed. So, it was an emotional night for sure. But, Matt knew we had people coming to check things out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Per usual, when Matt and I go out it always turns in to an adventure, and this night did not let us down. The show did not start until 9pm. I left my house at 3:30pm because Matt had a call to see a patient, so we had to load up and head in to town early. VERY EARLY. We got in to town, he dealt with his patient and we decided to get dinner. I opted to eat at the pub since we had to go there anyway. Well, we both forgot that the Pub doesn't have an open kitchen on the weekends. Bummer. Here is the adventure to my story. Matt parked the van in the back (as usual) since it holds all the equipment. Only this time it had snowed and the van got stuck. We could not leave the Pub.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, we had to walk down the street to this little train caboose turned eatery called The Junction. It was freezing cold. I was NOT wearing appropriate shoes. I mean, hell, how was I supposed to know I was going to have to walk in knee high snow drifts to get there. The sidewalks were shoveled, but once you crossed a street you had to waddle thru the drifts to get back on the sidewalk. Did I mention I was freezing cold??? Good thing the Junction had good food. So even though we were pissy the food turned out to be really good. So we now have someplace new to add to our places to eat. See, an adventure. After eating we headed back to the Pub for some fun. So, on with my bar tab! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had drinks, made some friends, met some cool ass people, watched some bands, talked to more people, posed for crazy ass pics, drank some more, oh and drank some more. LOL. Had fun with some crazy ass drunks , typical night. Got to sit on Santa's lap. LMAO! Ever see a Santa with a Mohawk? You will when you check out my pics.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, one of the couples, Scott and Deb were there. They took some great pics and are some great people to chat with. Deb made the rocker necklace that Nate is wearing in all the pics. Scott also writes for Sea of Tranquility and he wrote a great review of the guys that I wanted to share with all of you. It makes me smile when people think good things about Matt and his band. They guys are just a great group. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Downseed was the last band to play. We left the pub just about 2am and headed home to Birch Run. Stopped at this great little truck stop type restaurant called The Exit. 2:30 in the morning and we are just feeding our faces like we have not eaten in a week. By the time we got home and went to bed it was after 4am.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday was spent with his friend Chris who checked out my car (we thought we needed new brakes, but didn't) So now I get to think of something new to ask for as a Christmas present since I don't need brakes. LOL. I tend to really ask for things that I need. Anyway, Chris is a lot of fun and Matt and I took him to Olive Garden for spending time on my car. I used to like OG back in OK. But I was not impressed with the OG here in MI. Or maybe it was because our waitress was just weird. After dinner we did a little shopping then the three of us went to the movies. Saw the new Punisher movie. It was great! Had a good time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, what did you do this weekend??? I will be blog hopping to catch up. I had to spend all day trying to catch up since I got nothing done over the weekend!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh well….living the rock star life! LMAO!!</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span new="" roman="" serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;" times=""><a href="mailto:wolfman309@yahoo.com"><span style="color: blue;"></span></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><i><b>Downseed, Revolution, The</b></i></span><br /><br /><blockquote><div align="justify"><img align="right" alt="" border="1" hspace="10" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/reviews/D/downseedrevolution.jpg" vspace="2" width="150" /></div>Spread the seed. With the explosion of metal all over this planet, sometimes you find what you are looking for right in your own backyard. Spread the seed. When I first heard this band, it was in a live setting, the sound was terrible and the band itself had some inner turmoil going. Two members were leaving the band and this was their last night. Still, as I listened to them, there was something in the music that hit home! Spread the seed. There was something between founder/lead singer Matt and guitarist/vocalist Nate that prickled those hairs on the back of your neck. Matt with his clean vocals and Nate with his hellish screams and searing guitar work simply put….ROCKED!! Spread the seed.<br />With their release of the EP, The Revolution, the band has firmly established themselves as a band with what it takes to propel themselves well beyond the confines of Michigan. This is their 3rd release and after last year's; The Masquerade, the band shows the ability to create great metal music time and time again. Spread the seed.<br />Pounding you with a thrashing guitar intro, "Consumed By Lies" welcomes you to the mayhem. The cool thing about them is the bedlam created is offset by the almost soothing vocals of Matt. While Nate is removing the outer layer of skin with his screaming, Matt plays dermatologist with his. Not only does this make for a sonic treat, it also gets the message across loud and clear, with Nate's vocals being the exclamation point! Spread the seed.<br />Musical diversity is a signature of this band. You will find influences from many a genre as with the song "A Sign Of Things To Come". With its funky bass line right out of Motown, this adds a cool ying to the metal yang that the rest of the band creates on this tune. This is one of the discs highlights. Well, one of the six on this six song EP. Spread the seed.<br />There is no doubt that the metalhead in you will find a new group to follow. Also, there is little doubt that the thinking portion of the brain not rattled by the thrashing you are receiving will have a work out with the messages that the band is putting out. As Matt told me, "The band is about overcoming adversity". That's the message and that's exactly what they convey. This is most evident in the very dynamic song "Slavery Inc". You can hear the passion about the message in the vocals. You might think that Nate is chained and being beaten with his demonic screams on this one! <br />The band does lighten it up too. There is a hidden track on the disc that was done as a joke and it suddenly became a hit among those that enjoy a little cannabis now and then. "Smoke Your Weed" was done as a joke where they were doing their best Green Day imitation. Then High Times magazine found it and now they are getting recognition in a most unlikely way. This song is very funny and a riot of a party tune but as Matt told me, they are not a druggie band by a long shot and this was meant to be a joke. I have to admit, it is an infectious song! But don't judge them by this song at all. There is much more to the band than this!<br />I could go on and on about the merits of the band but the best thing you could do is just pick up a copy and find out for yourself. This is one of those discs that's a must have for your collection. I think you'll find that it won't stray far from the player and you will also be telling everyone you know about this new band. In other words, you will be helping to…Spread the seed!!!<br />Track listing:<br /><br />1. Consumed By Lies <br />2. A Sign Of Things To Come <br />3. Blinded <br />4. Slavery Inc. <br />5. Sunburn <br />6. Smoke Your Weed (Hidden Track) </blockquote><b>Added:</b> December 15th 2008<br /><b>Reviewer:</b> <a href="mailto:wolfman309@yahoo.com">Scott Ward</a><br /><b>Score:</b> <img alt="" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/star_whole.gif" /><img alt="" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/star_whole.gif" /><img alt="" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/star_whole.gif" /><img alt="" src="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/images/star_whole.gif" /><br /><b>Related Link:</b> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/downseed" target="new">Band's Myspace Page</a><br /><b>Hits:</b> 13Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16368595677231634602008-12-11T21:43:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.262-04:00On the Way to See Staind, State of Shock opens.Traffic!! (yes we are speeding just a bit)<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WXInEtlzjWA?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WXInEtlzjWA?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object><br /><br /><br />What is with all the shopping carts on the road??<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D1M3IxRR_0U?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D1M3IxRR_0U?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object><br /><br />And still more carts!<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PGCx2jW66fY?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PGCx2jW66fY?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object><br />Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1870176400588783522008-12-11T12:13:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.264-04:00My Night with Staind !!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SUFKOckw4jI/AAAAAAAAABA/ndkMTYstWRE/s1600-h/staind.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278581850303947314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SUFKOckw4jI/AAAAAAAAABA/ndkMTYstWRE/s320/staind.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 174px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />Staind!<br /><br />So, Matt and I traveled down to Detroit last night to see Papa Roach, Seether and Staind. Monday Aaron Lewis cancelled their Canada show so there was talk on whether or not our show would be canceled as well due to him having Bronchitis. Not a nice thing for a singer (or anyone for that matter) to have.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway, after fighting TONS of traffic, forgetting cash for parking and having to hunt down an ATM in the middle of downtown Detroit, dealing with shit parking, making new friends in the elevator ( I swear we met Lance Bass, only he died his hair brown!), standing in line for weapons check (Girls to the right , boys to the left, please!!!), waiting for our tickets to be scanned, standing in a mile long line for the bathroom, running into Matt’s friends, we finally found a place on the floor. We got floor tickets, no seats. Standing room only in our little section. There were a few small tables located around the bar and such, but since we had to find traffic and road construction those were all filled by the time we got there. It was at the Fillmore. Nice and cozy place. Nice bar ;)<br /><br /><br />I was a little disappointed that Papa Roach and Seether opted to not play this night of the tour. I was really looking forward to Seether. We did get to enjoy a newer band called State of Shock. It was the first time for either of us to hear them and let me tell you, although they are a little poppy commercial, they are actually pretty good and put on a great show. Not to mention the bass player is a chick and she was rocking that shit!! *smiles* I love seeing rocker chicks!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />We opted to not push our way to the very front of the stage. We had a nice spot with one of his friends and his girlfriend and it was nice to not be squished around so many people. We were on the floor and pretty close to the stage, and I was happy. Matt was happy as he loved Staind/ Aaron Lewis. One of his idols and he got to hang out with his friend that he has not seen in some time. He had no idea they were there, he just happened to spot us when we were walking in. So that was cool for him. If Matt smiles, I smile.<br /><br /><br /><br />Let me just say, Aaron Lewis ROCKED THE HOUSE! I think maybe his voice cracked two times the whole show. He played all my favorite songs. A lot of older stuff, which was AWESOME!!! Only played a couple of songs from the new album. They did Believe which almost brought me to tears. Until you see Aaron live and hear that voice, you just have not lived! He can bring goose bumps even to the hardest of rockers flesh.<br /><br /><br />It was a great night, we had a good time. We always have some sort of an adventure when we go out!<br /><br /><br />I took some pics on my phone that did not turn out, but I took them just as a memento for myself that I was there. I posted them in my pics. I took some short vids too that will be on my youtube. I have this great phone that sometimes takes good pics and vids, and sometimes not….oh well…its good enough for me to keep the memory.<br /><br /><br /><br />So this Saturday Matt’s band (Downseed) is playing a show for their record label. It will be in Saginaw at the Hamilton Street Pub if anyone wants to come rock with us. It will be a good time for sure, its titled Holiday Hellride and Silverspork (awesome guys!) , 4Warned and Publik Parking will be playing as well.<br /><br /><br />Next Thursday we are going to see SHINEDOWN (again) at the Machine Shop ( I love that place!) I am so excited and can’t wait!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />After that, (aside from the holiday) we are going to be laying low (until January) and looks like Matt has a show on the 10<sup>th </sup>&amp; 30<sup>th</sup> (in Detroit) and so far the only concert we have planned is Slipknot at the end of the month.<br /><br /><br />Concerts anyway….there is a UFC PPV on Dec 27<sup>th</sup> with a awesome fight card, so we might have to have a fight party event!<br /><br /><br />As for the other things in life…..taking each day as it comes, and just making the best of it.<br /><br /><br /><br />The best thing is now I have someone caring and understanding enough to be there for me and help me every step of the way. He has been a huge rock for me to lean on, and that’s really the best gift a girl could ask for.<br /><br /><br />I hope all of you are doing well and I look forward to catching up with you guys!<br /><br /><br />Oh, one last thing….for all my locals…Dropkick Murphys.....March 3 in Detroit…<br /><br /><br />Are you down????<br /><br /><br />My Irish / Celtic Family…<br /><br /><br />I said…ARE YOU DOWN??? Get at me…lets talk…lets plan…Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72487473514934702122008-12-05T19:16:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.266-04:00Poetry in Motion ~ My MuseMy Muse<br /><br />I have a new muse<br />Don’t you know?<br />Listen to me rattle<br />Or is that eb and flow?<br /><br />That old familiar feeling<br />Has perched outside my door<br />Leaving me bound and twised<br />Agony on the floor.<br /><br />Why have you come back to me?<br />I ask over and over again.<br />Were all the other times not enough for you?<br />All I get is a twisted grin.<br /><br />That feeling<br />I have felt too many times before<br />I just want run<br />Run fast, right out that door.<br /><br />Please stop coming for me<br />Just let me live my life.<br />I don’t want any more worries<br />Or all this constant strife.<br /><br />In my ear is your chanting<br />Run. Run free my girl.<br />You will never be allowed<br />To live in a normal world.<br /><br />It’s your destiny<br />Can’t you see?<br />Confusion. Despair.<br />Agony.<br /><br />Words by ~Irish~<br />© C.M. 12/5/08Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68410453948480502202008-11-30T19:47:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.269-04:00Busy Girl!!!<div class="blogContent">I know my blogs have slacked. No poetry, no "My Life as a Text Chat Op" haven't had "Irish Chiks Erotic Confessions" in ages.... I think I posted a "What's up with Chrys?" not too long ago.<br /><br />I don't know guys...I just have writers block to be honest with you. At least when it comes to this stuff.<br /><br />At any rate I am doing just fine. I am making some much needed changes in life and just taking things one day at a time.<br /><br />I have been helping Matt a lot with his band stuff so I want to pass along to you guys the newsletter I have written. That will help you to see what my a*s has been up to!<br /><br /><br />Downseed News The Seed – Vol. 1 <br /><br />We are going to get much better around here about sending out regular updates to our fans. We know we have been slacking as of late, but that is all about to change. <br /><br />We have tons of new things floating in our direction that we are super excited about and want to share with you, our Seed fans. So please subscribe to the blog to stay updated on all the news and happenings. In case you missed the last Bulletin – here is a recap:<br /><br />News from the Downseed Camp <br /><br />Hey everyone, Just wanted to touch base with all you guys. I see we have added a few friends since our page got hacked a while ago. We're not back up to our old total yet, but I'm assured that we will supersede that by tons.<br /><br />I just wanted to let everyone know that we're in the process of getting a new drummer, a third guitar player, and quite possibly a new sampler/keys guy that will round out the Downseed crew at 6 members.<br /><br />We also welcome our new myspace manager Chrystal to the Team. She is a great asset to our camp and will make our myspace great. We're undergoing these crazy transitions, but we'll be coming out new and revamped with our new members. And we will get back to our old ways of rocking.<br /><br />that is all matt and the seed<br /><br />And in case you missed the last blog here is a recap: <br /><br /><br />Check out this week's BrutalCast Show that we are featured on. Below is a link for rebroadcast/ downlink.<br /><br />Again, thank you, to all our fans and Metal Cast / ZSentient for the airplay and support! <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmVzbmlwcy5jb20vZG9jLzIxNDBmNDdlLWM5MmUtNDhmZS05NDQxLTM1YzkxYmQ0NDU4Ni96c2VudGllbnRicnV0YWxjYXN0MTEyODA4">http://www. esnips. com/doc/2140f47e-c92e-48fe-9441-35c91bd44586/zsentientbrutalcast112808</a> </div><br /><center> <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="> <img alt="Zsentient MetalCast Radio" border="0" height="75" src="http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/12/28/565807/flashbanner.gif" width="450" /> <br /><i>Listen on Myspace or Download...</i></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="> </a> </center>Like we stated in the last Bulletin and as most of you have heard we are losing our drummer Billy and our guitarist Mike. Although we hate to lose 2 important members of The Seed Family, we wish them nothing but love and support as they start a new journey in life. We all know the talent these two possess and know they will achieve their goals and go far in life.<br /><br />So, where does that leave Downseed? Not to worry, we already have a line up in the works. This will in NO way affect ANY of the scheduled dates we have for up and coming shows!<br /><br />Downseed WILL have a "re-birth" in the coming months, so be on the look out for that! We are in the process of booking shows in the Grand Rapids and Detroit areas so keep an eye out for us there!<br /><br /><br />Also, we have gotten picked up by a few internet radio stations (with many more in the works) and as soon as those are set in stone we will pass along the links and such so that our faithful fans can check us out and give thanks to the stations that are helping to "spread the seed."<br /><br /><br />Let's see….more….more…more <br /><br /><br />Some other things in the works, once "re-birth" has happened we are looking to get picked up by Jägermeister (www. Jägermeister.com) as well as Rock Star energy drinks (www.rockstar69.com).<br /><br /><br />This is where YOU the fans will come in to play. We need pictures and lots of them. So, hang out with us after the shows and let us get a shit load of pictures!<br /><br /><br />We have been listed in the Skratch Magazine the official magazine for the Warped Tour (www.skratchmagazine.com ) just another way to "spread the seed." So a big thanks to them.<br /><br /><br />For those of you with a Facebook account, look for a Downseed group to appear there VERY soon!! We will need your help in getting the word out around the Facebook community!!!!<br /><br /><br />And for our YouTube fans, not to worry. We have a lot of new footage from recent shows that will be posted very soon. <br /><br /><br />All age shows….YOU the fans keep asking …. So WE are going to provide…keep your eyes and ears open for that. Watch for us on itunes we are SUPER stoked about this and the minute it is available you all will be the FIRST to know!<br /><br />We would like to thank Scott at Sea of Tranquility (www.seaoftranquility.org or mysapce.com/wolfman309) for coming out to the show at The Machine Shop on November 22. We had a great time meeting and hanging out with you. Thanks for helping to "spread the seed!" Keep your eyes open fans for the review Scott did on the show. Also a big thanks to him for the photos he provided.<br /><br />Friends….. we are slowly adding new friends to the Downseed site. After our page was hacked some time ago we lost our Seedlings…but …with a little luck we will find them all again, or they will find us! Hmmmmm….what else…. Oh yes…SHOWS!<br /><br />December 13, 2008 is the Revolution Music Label Show (www.therevolutionmusic.com) w/ Publik Parking at the Hamilton St. Pub in Saginaw.<br /><br />January 30, 2008 is the 89X show w/Publik Parking at the Ritz in Detroit. <br /><br /><br />We are looking to do a benefit show in early spring…if you are a band and want to jump on board, then please drop us a line. <br /><br /><br />We have so many things in the works right now….. Just keep an eye on these blogs…. And keep "spreading the seed." <br /><br />That is all. <br />********************************************<br /><br />So anyway, I am pusing the band LOL! And using my wit and writing to the best of my ability.<br /><br />I promise you guys I will get some writing done...or someone might just have to come and spank me...<br /><br />Oh wait..I will like that ...<br /><br />So just spank me and be done with it!!<br /><br />x0x0x<br />ChrysChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61599624151219764782008-11-30T18:32:00.005-05:002011-08-10T11:44:38.592-04:00The Seed - Volume 1<div class="MsoNormal">Downseed News</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Seed – Vol. 1<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are going to get much better around here about sending out regular updates to our fans. We know we have been slacking as of late, but that is all about to change.&nbsp; We have tons of new things floating in our direction that we are super excited about and want to share with you, our Seed fans. So please subscribe to the blog to stay updated on all the news and happenings. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In case you missed the last Bulletin – here is a recap:<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">News from the Downseed Camp <o:p></o:p></span></i><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">&nbsp;</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Hey everyone, <br /><br />Just wanted to touch base with all you guys. I see we have added a few friends since our page got hacked a while ago. We're not back up to our old total yet, but I’m assured that we will supersede that by tons.<span style="display: none;"><br /></span><br /><br />I just wanted to let everyone know that we're in the process of getting a new drummer, a third guitar player, and quite possibly a new sampler/keys guy that will round out the Downseed crew at 6 members.<span style="display: none;"><br /></span><br /><br />We also welcome our new myspace manager Chrystal to the Team. She is a great asset to our camp and will make our myspace great.<span style="display: none;"><br /></span><br /><br />We're undergoing these crazy transitions, but we'll be coming out new and revamped with our new members. And we will get back to our old ways of rocking.<span style="display: none;"><br /></span><br /><br />that is all<br /><br />matt and the seed</span><o:p></o:p></i><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">And in case you missed the last blog here is a recap:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Check out this week's BrutalCast Show that we are featured on. Below is a link for rebroadcast/ downlink. Again, thank you, to all our fans and Metal Cast / ZSentient for the airplay and support!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmVzbmlwcy5jb20vZG9jLzIxNDBmNDdlLWM5MmUtNDhmZS05NDQxLTM1YzkxYmQ0NDU4Ni96c2VudGllbnRicnV0YWxjYXN0MTEyODA4">http://www. esnips. com/doc/2140f47e-c92e-48fe-9441-35c91bd44586/zsentientbrutalcast112808</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><br /><center><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="></a></div><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="> <div class="MsoNormal"><img alt="Zsentient MetalCast Radio" border="0" height="75" src="http://www.fileden.com/files/2006/12/28/565807/flashbanner.gif" width="450" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><i>Listen on Myspace or Download... </i></div></a><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3pzZW50aWVudA=="></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div></center><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Like we stated in the last Bulletin and as most of you have heard we are losing our drummer Billy and our guitarist Mike. Although we hate to lose 2 important members of The Seed Family, we wish them nothing but love and support as they start a new journey in life. We all know the talent these two possess and know they will achieve their goals and go far in life. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, where does that leave Downseed? Not to worry, we already have a line up in the works. This will in NO way affect ANY of the scheduled dates we have for up and coming shows! <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Downseed WILL have a “re-birth” in the coming months, so be on the look out for that!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are in the process of booking shows in the Grand Rapids and Detroit areas so keep an eye out for us there! </div><div class="MsoNormal">Also, we have gotten picked up by a few internet radio stations (with many more in the works) and as soon as those are set in stone we will pass along the links and such so that our faithful fans can check us out and give thanks to the stations that are helping to “spread the seed.”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s see….more….more…more<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some other things in the works, once “re-birth” has happened we are looking to get picked up by <em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Jägermeister </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">(www.</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal;">Jägermeister.com</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">)</span></em> as well as Rock Star energy drinks (www.rockstar69.com). This is where YOU the fans will come in to play. We need pictures and lots of them. So, hang out with us after the shows and let us get a shit load of pictures! <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have been listed in the Skratch Magazine the official magazine for the Warped Tour (www.skratchmagazine.com ) just another way to “spread the seed.” So a big thanks to them. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For those of you with a Facebook account, look for a Downseed group to appear there VERY soon!! We will need your help in getting the word out around the Facebook community!!!!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And for our YouTube fans, not to worry. We have a lot of new footage from recent shows that will be posted very soon.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All age shows….YOU the fans keep asking …. So WE are going to provide…keep your eyes and ears open for that.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Watch for us on itunes&nbsp; <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> we are SUPER stoked about this and the minute it is available you all will be the FIRST to know!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We would like to thank Scott at Sea of Tranquility (<a href="http://www.seaoftranquility.org/">www.seaoftranquility.org</a>&nbsp; or mysapce.com/wolfman309) for coming out to the show at The Machine Shop on November 22. We had a great time meeting and hanging out with you. Thanks for helping to “spread the seed!” Keep your eyes open fans for the review Scott did on the show. &nbsp;Also a big thanks to him for providing us with a ton of pics from the show. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Friends….. we are slowly adding new friends to the Downseed site. After our page was hacked some time ago we lost our Seedlings…but …with a little luck we will find them all again, or they will find us!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hmmmmm….what else….<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh yes…SHOWS!<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">December 13, 2008 is the Revolution Music Label Show (<a href="http://www.therevolutionmusic.com/">www.therevolutionmusic.com</a>) w/ Publik Parking at the Hamilton St. Pub in Saginaw.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">January 30, 2008 is the 89X show w/Publik Parking at the Ritz in Detroit. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We are looking to do a benefit show in early spring…if you are a band and want to jump on board, then please drop us a line. <br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We have so many things in the works right now…..<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just keep an eye on these blogs….<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And keep “spreading the seed.”<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That is all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32250479666321594332008-11-23T13:57:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.271-04:00Second Chances<div class="blogSubject"><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.viewCategory&amp;FriendID=152385547&amp;BlogCategoryID=12"><br /></a> </div><div class="blogContent"><object allownetworking="internal" allowscriptaccess="never" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/3san7zRappY&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00&amp;border=1" height="349" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal"></object></div><div class="blogContent">Second Chances<br /><br />Many times we are given second chances in life and do not even realize it.<br /><br />I have realized mine. My past defines me even though I do not want it to. What happened to me for 12 years was not my fault. I realize that now. I had no control over it. Nor do I have any control over the things that happen now.<br /><br />In a 16 month or so time span I lost both my grandparents, three of my closest friends, went through a divorce and moved 1000 miles away from the only life I had ever known.<br /><br />These are the things which make me stronger and make me the person I am today.<br /><br />This last year in MI has been one giant struggle. And just when I was about to get life figured out and settled in the right direction, I had that rug pulled out from under me and fell flat on my ass.<br /><br />I sat there for quite a while. I did not want to get up and dust myself off. I just wanted to sit. I questioned so many things in life.<br /><br />Where am I going? What am I doing? How am I going to make these changes?<br /><br />Sometimes in life you have to say goodbye. And when you do, you are given another chance.<br /><br />Music. My heart and soul. Words that inspire me. Someone else's words to help me through.<br /><br />And this is where Shinedown comes in. I have known of this band since they first came out. Liked them enough, but this last year these words inspired. They pushed. They got into my bloodstream and poured into my heart and soul. I heard these words over and over. They were my anti-depressant. So when I was at their concert Friday night it was a very emotional moment. I felt alive. I felt like me again. And I was very glad to have been able to share this moment with Matt.<br /><br />Hearing these words that inspired me to keep moving forward was enough to help me make yet another very hard decision.<br /><br />I took a job that I knew even though it had potential to be a good match for me, was not something I was all that interested in. That potential died. And the job is not a good match at all. For me or for them. And that's fine. That's just how life is sometimes. So after 3 weeks I think I am going to say goodbye and just deal with whatever life throws at me. Like I said, moving to MI has been a huge challenge. School is still here as well as HR Block (I HOPE! LOL) but the new job is a no go. I know times are tough and perhaps finding another job more suited for me is going to be a challenge. But it's a risk I have to take. There is a lot going on with this job that really, I don't care to get in to. Let's just say it's not a good fit and leave it at that.<br /><br />I am going to move forward, and continue with my next chance.<br /><br />Life is all about making choices and taking chances.<br /><br />I have some things in the works that I will be sharing with you guys soon enough.<br />But the main point I wanted to make was, when life knocks you down, don't be afraid to get back up.<br /><br />I was.<br /><br />And I was afraid to ask for help.<br /><br />I know now that I can not do it alone. No matter how independent I want to be, sometimes there are just things not even I am strong enough to handle alone.<br /><br /><br />"Sometimes good-bye is a second chance" ~ Shinedown<br /><br />In life, in jobs and in love, I have been given my second chance and I am blessed and loved more and more with every passing day.<br /><br />I had to say goodbye to some things, as we all have had to in life. I have been given a second chance. I see that clearly now. My eyes wide open.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56984063811832628422008-11-22T14:15:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.273-04:00Shinedown Rocks My World<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SShakMHQkVI/AAAAAAAAAAw/Z8R6pvC9yE4/s1600-h/avengedsevenfold.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271562941610627410" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SShakMHQkVI/AAAAAAAAAAw/Z8R6pvC9yE4/s320/avengedsevenfold.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 247px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></a>Shinedown Rocks my World…..<br /><br />Last night was the Shinedown concert and I tell you what, we made it there literally flying by the seat of our pants. The original show was Buckcherry opening for Avenged Sevenfold. But at the last minute Saving Abel and their headliner Shinedown picked up the show. FOUR bands, one night. So what kind of idiot decides to open doors at 5pm and start the show at 6 when they know darn good and well at least 50% of the people or more or going to have to travel and do not get out of work until 5????<br /><br />Matt and I both got off work early. We still had to gas up the car, grab a bite to eat and make the 90 plus mile commute down the interstate.<br /><br />I kid you not when we literally flew over 80, close to 100 at times just to get there in time for Shinedown.<br /><br />How we made it, I do not know.<br /><br />I was scared for my LIFE!<br /><br />We missed Saving Abel, got there, got to our seats and Shinedown came on at least 10 minutes later.<br /><br />By the Grace of GOD! We did it.<br /><br />And it was WORTH every freak out I had on the drive down thinking we were gonna either get pulled over or crash.<br /><br />How’s that for being optimistic?? HAHAHA<br /><br />Anyway, we had nosebleed seats so I didn’t even bother taking pics. Just a few to say, hey I was there! But I had the best time ever!<br /><br />Shinedown is going to be at the Machine Shop next month….and you can sure bet your sugar britches my sweet ass will be there!<br /><br />Buckcherry was entertaining to watch. I only know a few of their songs. And Avenged Sevenfold rocked the house.<br /><br />MI just got a couple of Sonics here. I have not been able to eat at once since leaving the great state of OK. So that’s where we went to eat, got to show Matt a piece of southern style fast food! Did you know the first Sonic was in Shawnee, OK? And the 2nd in my hometown of Stillwater??? Not to mention its still there! Just a bit of useless knowledge to stick in your fact base! Hahahahahah<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Drive-In<br /><br />Anyway, it was nice to be able to share a bit of my hometown with him.<br /><br />I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I am off and running, Matt’s show is at the Machine Shop tonight.<br /><br />I will try to play catch up with all of you tomorrow!<br /><br />Hugs and Kisses<br />ChrysChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57729989591642372522008-11-16T12:43:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:44:38.595-04:00Checking In<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SSBc4WnWpXI/AAAAAAAAAAo/pWGvALoi1wc/s1600-h/matt.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269313687236552050" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9eS6OAgCyGc/SSBc4WnWpXI/AAAAAAAAAAo/pWGvALoi1wc/s320/matt.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />I know it has been a long while since I have really blogged. I have so much going on that I have not had time to sit down and pound away at the keyboard. And when I do, I have so much to say that I do not even know where to start!<br /><br />The new job is going good. It makes my head spin as their is so much to learn, but its a good thing. I am very hard on myself so when something gets messed up I tend to forget that I am still very new and take it too personal. I need to work on that. But everyone is very nice and I really like it there. The good thing is I do not really have any complaints. So that's good.<br /><br />I passed finals with flying colors and made the Deans list this semester. On a short break, but classes will start again very soon.<br /><br />I made it through my HR Block CE's as well, and passed that headache...which was not easy. I think I have another class in December right before I go back to work for them. There is an office close to where I work now, so I put in a request to transfer there to work a few eves in the week and a few hours on the weekend. But, I am not sure if I am going to, so we will just have to see about that.<br /><br />Matt and I are doing awesome and pretty much spend all our free time together. We have hit some minor bumps in the road but we are able to fill them up and move away from them rather quickly. He is wonderful, his daughter is wonderful and I am blessed to have them in my life.<br /><br />Life is moving along at what everyone seems to say - rock star pace...LOL...<br /><br />We just had a show Friday night at Hamilton St Pub. Halloween was great, but this one was even better. Born, Downseed, Silverspork, Neighborhood Muscle and Know Lyfe. All a bunch of great guys to meet and jam with. I had a great time. So thanks to everyone for such a great night.<br /><br />Next weekend Matt and I are going to be in Ypsilanti to see Saving Abel, SHINEDOWN (wooohoo), Buckcherry and Avenged Sevenfold. I am sure this is going to be a rockin night for us! Then Saturday night we will be at the Machine Shop as his band Downseed is doing a benefit show there.<br /><br />December 10th Matt and I will be heading to Detroit to check out Staind! I want so close that Aaron Lewis sweats on me! LOL and then I think Matt has another show on the 13th but I am not sure on that.<br /><br />Busy busy.....<br /><br />The weather is cold and getting crappy....that doesn't make me very happy...<br /><br />I hope you all are doing great and would love to catch up with all of you!!!<br /><br />xoxo<br />~Chrys~Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86876315160203448192008-11-04T20:15:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:41.276-04:00Thankful for HimI have come to the conclusion that I am thankful for many things in my life even though times got pretty rough there for a while I know they could have been much worse. Of course those that really know will understand when I say “story of my life” but I am not going to get in to all of that now.<br /><br />The last couple of weeks have been an emotional roller coaster that I have not really shared with anyone. It has just been me fighting my own inner demons.<br /><br />I am starting a brand new job(my 2nd week) and I am in a brand new (2 months today) relationship and it just has been nagging at me, causing me to question a lot of feelings and emotions I am having. I guess the job jitters is a normal thing when you are about to embark on a new adventure. But what about the relationship jitters?<br /><br />My marriage ended, abruptly. And my last relationship ended ugly. It is making me way too leery in my current relationship. I am cautious and I question everything in my head. I am trying to let things just be. But when I do that I feel like I have no control and everything is moving ahead at light speed and I can not catch up.<br /><br />I am scared, and I can admit that.<br /><br />But I am also thankful.<br /><br />I am thankful that Mike and I are over. Looking back over the year I see so many things that should not have happened that did and too many things that should have happened that didn’t. Anyone who knows Mike will tell you how great of a guy he is. And he really is. Inside. Once you are allowed past his wall and you stop seeing Kraz and you actually get to see Mike for what he really is, you will see that good hearted person that is hiding inside. Our relationship was one giant roller coaster that I am glad to be off. I miss him, I won’t lie. It is HIM that I miss and not so much our relationship. That is why I am thankful that after our ugly breakup we were able to salvage some kind words in the middle of the ugly and build on that. I can honestly say I am glad we are still friends. Who knows how long our friendship will last as he goes his direction in life and I go mine. Who knows if our paths will ever cross again. But all I know is with this friendship I was able to put the last few pieces of the puzzle together and slowly begin to peal off the band-aids I had to put on the heart he shattered. My heart is mending, and thanks to him I have loved, I have laughed, I have lived and I have moved on. He has made me stronger then I ever was.<br /><br />I guess I can also thank Mike for leaving me because if that did not happen I would not have met Matt.<br />My life is blessed more and more every day by Matt and his presence. I fumble with my words a lot when I am around him and I just do not think he realizes just how special he is to me. I know my wall is up and I know it has not been an easy task for him to try and move some bricks in that wall. He has been so patient, kind and so understanding. I often wonder what I did to deserve this. I know I am a good person, but I have been handed a strange deck of cards in my life.<br /><br />Maybe Cupid feels like crap for missing his mark so many months ago that he is trying to make up for it now. If so, it seems like he may have finally got it right. At least I am hoping so.<br /><br />Mike and Matt both found me during the low points of my life. Mike after my divorce and cross country moves, and Matt after Mikes “cold feet” saga. I don’t think I was ready to date. But they both took a chance on me and my past baggage and in their own ways they picked me up and helped me to heal. Neither were a rebound, I had what I call the “in-betweeners” for that.<br /><br />Matt met me at the lowest point. It was easy for me to explain things to Mike. I had just divorced and moved across the country. It was easy to say I was starting life over, looking for a new job and such. It was much harder to explain things to Matt. Here I was only a year after my divorce and move and back in the same situation I was in. I felt lost, confused, taken for a ride and just like the worlds biggest loser. Matt could have easily said I had too much baggage and left me behind after that first date.<br />But he didn’t.<br /><br />Instead he took me by the hand and followed along beside me. When I was down and out, he made me see the light. I stood by me as I followed along that path to find a new job. When I fell down, he picked me back up.<br /><br />My words will never be able to tell you or even him just how much that has meant to me.<br /><br />Matt isn’t perfect, he comes with his own suitcase full of personal baggage. And it is something that rattles my brain daily. The constant wondering… am I doing the right thing?<br /><br />Are WE as a couple following along the right path?<br /><br />Having a job now does not answer all of my life’s problems, but it is a good start on being able to take care of some of those problems.<br /><br />I am not sure what my future holds, but I do hope that Matt will continue to walk along that path beside me, holding my hand because it is a long road ahead that I do not want to travel alone.<br /><br />They say everything happens for a reason, I am glad HE Is my reason.<br /><br />~xoxox~Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73575713976597594002008-11-02T17:06:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:44:38.597-04:00A Ranty RantI wanted today’s blog to be about the fun I had Friday night. I have not been much of one for Halloween, but I had a lot of fun Friday night with Matt. His band played and they all dressed up as the Blue Man group, except for Will. I called the act The Blue Man Group with special guest Satan. You will have to go see the couple of pics I have posted for that to make sense.<br /><br />I just need to vent today.<br /><br />I am sitting here today getting very pissed because I had made it clear to EVERYONE around me that this was my last week of this round of classes which means FINALS and more importantly a FINAL PAPER that is due in a matter of hours. Now that I am back to work, I do not have all the time in the world to sit and research stuff for my papers. I sit at a pc all day at work, the last thing I want to do is spend more time sitting at my pc logging in hours to write a paper. Papers are never fun anyway. And this one is no exception.<br /><br />For whatever the reason my cousin decided rather then drive his dad down to the airport on the day that he is suppose to leave, he would drop his dad off here to let my mother take him to the airport. That means he’s here all day today, tonight, tomorrow, tomorrow night and Tuesday morning.<br /><br />I already spent time with him when he first got in to town.<br /><br />I have lived in OK my whole life; I am used to not spending time with family. It’s not a big deal to me. If I see them, great. If I don’t, I am not going to cry about it. I can not help that this is how I am. I never had family around me growing up, so I guess I just do not see the big deal if I can not spend time with family because I have other things to do.<br /><br />I made it very clear to my mother that I was not going to be social today. I had used up all my social points Friday night and Saturday doing the Halloween thing and spending time with Matt. I do not want to spend Monday night doing homework because I want to go with Matt to see his daughter. I have my schedule and priorities in order. I am sorry if family members want to try to switch things around at the last minute, but I do not function like that.<br /><br />So, now I am grumpy. What usually takes me a couple of hours have taken me ALL day and I am STILL NOT DONE! This uncle and my mother have sat in this house all day literally screaming at each other. I am convinced at this point that they are both going deaf and neither wants to admit it. What sucks for me is that my room is right off the living room. I get NO peace and quiet. I stuck my head out for dinner and was griped at for being anti-social. Well so sad too bad, I told you I had homework to do and that was that. However they both felt the need to sit there and speak to me like I was a child.<br /><br />Sorry, but my grades and schoolwork are more important then being social. END OF STORY.<br /><br />And to make matters worse, my other uncle and aunt have just shown up. Now, let’s think about this for a moment. My mom and uncle both know I am in here trying to get a paper done. And not just any paper but a HUGE final paper. If my mother was any kind of a mother she would have been nice enough to offer to run my uncle up the damn road to my other family member’s house and hang out there. Give me some peace and quiet before I go out of my freaking mind.<br /><br />And all that does is make me angry. It just makes me want to run farther and farther away from this dreadful place. Every time I turn around, since the day I have moved here there has been some sort of crap going on that just pisses me off. It’s like people around here do not ever take others in to consideration.<br /><br />But yet I am the bad guy right now because I am not being social.<br /><br />I can not be angry, I need to look at something else that will make me happy.<br /><br />No time for that…..<br /><br />I have to finish this paper…..<br /><br />Can’t wait to move out of here….<br /><br />Anyone have some industrial strength earplugs I can borrow, mine are not working and the ipod doesn’t go loud enough to drown out them loud mouths without busting my eardrums….<br /><br />Matt offered to let me use his house , should have took him up on that offer…..Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69594208461645014512008-10-27T21:39:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:48:38.877-04:00Joes Crab ShackOh how I miss Joes Crab Shack in Bricktown OKC. So, Imagine how happy I was to take a 30 minute drive with Matt to have a crab boil pot!! YUM! Right after the waiter put a bib on me, Matt felt the need to do a little video. So, for all of my friends back home in Oklahoma, this one is for you!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-s-7tZtY-5g?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-s-7tZtY-5g?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87194894351504975042008-10-27T06:46:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.278-04:00For the RecordMy heart still hurts, but that doesn't mean I am not capable of loving someone else. The ex and I are friends and that is all we will ever be. He has someone else, I have someone wonderful who I am falling in love with as every day new passes. You all know people heal differently and I am sorry it seems to be taking me some time to heal. But really guys it has only been a few months. But just know....I will NOT go back to him, so for those of you who are thinking that....put that out of your mind right now.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38223671295239093902008-10-26T19:27:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.280-04:00Memories Remain<div class="MsoNormal">That old familiar voice haunts me. The harder I try to be strong I am forced to come to terms with the fact this is the one thing that brings me to my knees. The very essence of my soul has been sucked dry and spit out never to invade my body again. I wonder how to describe how it feels to be soulless. To walk through life every day merely just surviving and never really understanding what it is like to "just-live" because for me it has always been to "just-survive"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to rid myself of those memories. I try. I try to make new ones. And it works, for a moment. Until I am left alone with my thoughts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Me and my thoughts. Alone. As we have all learned by now that is never a good idea. My mind wanders into the dark, deep, black abyss and I wonder how I will dig myself out this time. How will the smile grace my face as If no one can tell that mask is on?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every turn and twist there is a shadow that follows me. I've grown tired of it. No longer wanting him to be there. Wanting to rid every last trace of him and our history out of my mind. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I long for a blank memory. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I close my eyes and just breathe.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And once those memories are gone, the phone lights up. And there he is. Flashing, the phone singing his tune. I tell myself over and over again I will not answer. I can not. My words will fail me again. A phone call here, text messages there, perhaps even an email hiding in the middle of all my pointless ramblings. Always a hello. Always a laugh and always an I miss you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Those words I longed to hear so many months ago sting my bandaged heart. Missing me is like pouring salt on an open wound. It stings, it burns and it rips through your veins like poison. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want to know he misses me. As he should. It's his entire fault the way things have ended up. He is to blame. As his life went on, I was left alone and broken. I was the one left putting the pieces all back together. And now, here I am, with some inch of happiness and my heart put together by a box of band-aids and he wants to say it. Say those words that ring in my ears. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don't care I say to myself. I have moved on. My feet have moved forward. My life on a path to better days ahead and much happiness. I am blessed more now then I have ever been in a relationship. I am adored, I am loved and I am cared for. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But his words still sting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Will that sting go away if a pour a bottle of calamine lotion over the wound?</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54981586823662168562008-10-26T19:16:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.282-04:00This Way and ThatOriginally posted : 10/08/08<br /><br />I am being pulled to my limits. It seems I am not doing a damn thing, but yet I am feeling stretched out. My skin hurts, every bone in my body hurts and I am tired all the time. I am moving every which direction, that way, this way and back in the other direction. I can not complete a thought much less sit down and try to compose a proper blog entry. I dont know how I got so wrapped up in everything - but somehow I did. Life is moving ahead full speed and its not slowing down for me to catch up. I am trying, oh how I have tried. But I missed that step and fell flat on my ass. *ouch that hurt* <br /><br />I just have so much on my mind. So much doubt, worries, and crap about life in general that its just so full. So full that really nothing wants to make sense to me right now.<br /><br />I just keep riding along, hoping that everything will just settle and fall in to place like a box of cereal does when it sits on a shelf.<br /><br />Of course, one has to sit long enough for that to happen.<br />*sighs*Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7524200002949657982008-10-16T16:52:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.285-04:00A New JobI don't have much time, so this is just a quickie!<br /><br />I finally got a new job! So the last of the "no move to Lansing" disaster can be put back together.<br /><br />Its a good job at a good company very close to my house, which is a plus. Especially when you live in the boonies! LMAO! Oh well, at least I get to live here for free so I try not to complain too much.<br /><br />So, I have this new job which I start on the 27th, college classes, HR Block fall continuing education credit classes and the text job. Then in January I acutally go back to work for HR Block. FUN!<br /><br />The thing is - for those of you who have been under the radar- I also have a wonderful dude in my life. And building a relationship takes time too.<br /><br />I have a lot on my plate. So, the text job is going to take a hiatus for a while. At least until after tax season.<br /><br />But, no worries. I still have a lot of story ideas that will hopefully keep you all laughing and held over until then.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76118174646519754882008-10-09T21:36:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:44:38.600-04:00QT PieHere is a little video of Matt, who is the lead singer of Downseed. I don't think he knew I was video taping him with my phone ;) So, for all of my friends back home in Oklahoma that I miss so much, this is for you!<br /><br /><object style="background-image:url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/FzI5vIbIsUc/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FzI5vIbIsUc?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FzI5vIbIsUc?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31969915250550977802008-10-08T16:43:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.287-04:00This Way and ThatThis Way and That<br /><br />I am being pulled to my limits. It seems I am not doing a damn thing, but yet I am feeling stretched out. My skin hurts, every bone in my body hurts and I am tired all the time. I am moving every which direction, that way, this way and back in the other direction. I can not complete a thought much less sit down and try to compose a proper blog entry. I dont know how I got so wrapped up in everything - but somehow I did. Life is moving ahead full speed and its not slowing down for me to catch up. I am trying, oh how I have tried. But I missed that step and fell flat on my ass. *ouch that hurt*<br /><br />I just have so much on my mind. So much doubt, worries, and crap about life in general that its just so full. So full that really nothing wants to make sense to me right now.<br /><br />I just keep riding along, hoping that everything will just settle and fall in to place like a box of cereal does when it sits on a shelf.<br /><br />Of course, one has to sit long enough for that to happen.<br /><br />*sighs*Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78646440340080140922008-10-05T16:17:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.290-04:00Dear Diary<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>10/5/08</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had told myself I was going to get better at this Diary thing. I had been talking to Shannon quiet a bit lately and she suggested I actually get back to a hand written journal. She also told me that maybe it would help me be able to talk to Matt easier because I have been having a hard time talking about some things. Maybe we could write back and forth to each other, the things we are afraid to otherwise say or just not sure the way or words to say it. When I had talked about it, he thought it was a good idea and he was willing to do it. But I have yet to even go there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This week was just a crazy week. Matt and I are sharing so much time together. So many emotions and feelings running between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Lately I have found myself really testing him. Seeing just how far I can go with my emotions. And just when I think I want to run away, I find myself wanting to call him and run right back into his arms. I have spent a lot of time thinking about him and us. Wondering if it is real what I am feeling or if it is just filling a void. Sometimes I am so afraid that maybe I am not really over Mike and that Matt is just here to fill a void. But I think these days that’s just my mind going in to overdrive. I have been so disgusted with Mike as of late. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt was over here making dinner the other night and Mike called. I was in my room so I figured I would just go ahead and answer it. Mike got all weird. So I just let him go. Well then he texted me and was saying shit about how he could not think about me with some other man in my room. It was just all this ridiculous shit. So I was texting him back and I told him I loved him but we had obviously moved on and my life really wasn’t his business. So his ass ended up calling me in the middle of the night just to see if Matt was still here. Mike was just so pissy. I did not want to answer it, but Matt knew it was him because of the ringtone. I was just so upset over the whole thing. I did talk to Mike the next day and told him I was sorry I got pissy but he has no right to talk to me like that any more. We are not together. And so he is telling me all this shit about how he would like for us to work things out and that he basically doesn’t want me with someone else. I was like, dude why does this bother you now, it never bothered you before when we were dating. And he’s all in to this whole not wanting to share thing basically. I was like whatever, you got Tammy and all your other woman and he says to me “This isn’t about me, we are talking about you.” I just went off on him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is just a mess. Its like I don’t want to really be with him, but I can’t stand the thought of him not being in my life somehow. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So whatever. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday was one month of Matt and I being together. He also had a show at the Machine Shop. I was really nervous about it, but I went. I had really wanted Stacy to go with me, but she stood me up. I almost backed out on Matt, but it was such a big night for him and I know he wanted me to be there. So, I went. And I am glad I did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He put on an awesome show. I was so captivated by him all night. Especially when he was on stage. I just kept thinking to myself how lucky I am to have such a wonderful man and how he is exactly what I am looking for. Watching him, how he shines was just the most awesome feeling in the world. I have met his mom and step sister. His mom wants to hang out more so that’s a good thing. His dad and step mom are dying to meet me. So I keep thinking to myself, go for it girl. Give it all I have to give. Stop dealing with Kraz and all his bullshit because he is never going to change. Let him and Tammy be with each other, the losers are meant to be. I have someone wonderful who treats me like a princess. I just have to walk away. Back away. Not let him try to control me anymore, and I think I have been doing a great job. I called him out on so much shit the last time we talked. He’s not going to ruin shit for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, when I am with Matt, I am at such peace and such a comfort level. It’s just awesome. I am so amazed by him and often wonder if I am just dreaming. We have so much in common, but the things we don’t are just trivial and don’t really matter. I honestly believe he is perfect for me on so many levels. And we just have this deep emotional attachment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There are things that worry me, like the fact he is technically still married. Or the whole daughter issue. I mean, what if she doesn’t like me? Then is the relationship doomed? I try not to think about it too much. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last night, after the show and we got back to his place, we were lying in bed just talking and he was telling me how he has fallen in love with me and how this all happened so fast but everything just feels so right for him. Then he told me he loved me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At first, I got scared. I had just told Kraz this wasn’t love. That we were just hanging out. And then for a split second I was like, nah, he’s just in lust. But it all just seemed so clear to me. And I knew deep down I felt the same. How I think about him, think about our future. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So now here we are, in love. And it just feels so good. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just got off the phone with him a little while ago; I had to stop writing this to talk. And he was telling me how he sees our future and how someday I would move in with him and I could take care of the house and such and he would not even care if I had a job. He would take care of me. Awwww.. how damn sweet is that.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not sure how that would make me feel really, I hated that feeling with Marcus… but I will cross that bridge when it happens. Right now I HAVE to find a job because I have to make some money to pay my bills.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Speaking of which, I better go get some texting done to cover that car payment!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76152856864832652712008-10-02T16:37:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.292-04:00Poetry In Motion - Fly FreeYou are my sunshine<br />on cloudy days<br />you are the light<br />when the skies are grey<br />so tell me<br />why do I want to run away?<br /><br />In the sky<br />I see those birds fly<br />freedom they have<br />to roam free<br />and I think to myself<br />why not me?<br /><br />© C.M. 9/2008<br /><div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61017630914512170962008-09-30T16:23:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.295-04:00Blah Blah BlahI’ve started and stopped roughly two thousand poems in the past ten minutes.<br /><br />Nothing is happening easily. Nothing in my head makes sense anymore. I feel like my skin wants to come off. Everything feels tight and I desperately want to burst. I want to not be here. But yet I am not sure I know where I want to be anymore.<br /><br />Alone. I think too much. I worry too much. I feel like I’m dying(on the inside)… too much.<br /><br />Crying, crying. I don't know anything at the moment. Other than I hurt. Everywhere. I hurt inside, outside, even upside down. I hurt in the air that surrounds me. I hurt in my imagination, in the words I’m typing, in the colors that I’m thinking of. I want the pain to stop. I don't want to know what this is. I just wish there was anything, anyone.<br /><br />I wish I didn't have to be strong all the time. I wish that I could just fall apart and nobody would cover me in clichés… Here, have a band-aid. I know I’m stronger than this, but I don't want to be. For once. For once, I want someone to want to take care of me. For once, I want to be fought for. For once. For once. For once. I want to be exactly where I am, who I am, what I am, and not feel badly about it.<br /><br />For once I want to be everything. For once I want to get upset and cry and not feel like my head is going to explode. Not feel like I’m putting people out for needing them. But I don't ever need them. Why is it such an imposition? I want to stop crying…<br /><br /><br />But maybe I want to cry forever. I want to be held so tightly that I can't breathe anymore. I don't want anyone to tell me that life isn't fair. I don't want you, yes *you,* you know who you are, to see me like this. Where the hell did you come from anyway?<br /><br /><br />How can I be so unlike anybody else and you still make me feel just like everyone else because I never thought there would be someone so much like me? you answer my questions before I ask them, tell me what I’m thinking before I even let on that I’m thinking anything, tell me what I’m going to say and do next. I have no privacy. It both makes me ecstatically happy and terrifies me. Why? Why does everything have to make no sense?<br /><br /><br />Why can't I ever be enough? Why can't I stop crying?<br /><br /><br />Why anything. Why nothing. Why everything. When. Questions that aren't really questions. I have no beautiful words for you. You know them all anyway.<br /><br />I can't be this girl. I can't be this girl. I can't be this fucking girl. I wanted to be so much more than the ridiculous person I am. Why do I fucking care so much. Why am I so unlike myself? What can I do what should I do what I want to do?<br /><br /><br />And the beat goes on… blah blah blahChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71059012926662684802008-09-26T14:19:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.887-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? - Running AwayRunning Away<br /><br />I am a runner. I have always been known to run from my problems and never face them. So able to go stone cold and just act as if nothing was going on around me. Unable to show emotion, or even feel for that matter. Able to go numb at the drop of a hat. I know this started at a very early age. Having to turn off my feelings and not dealing with those things that were going on around me, or to me. You tend to become another person. Almost like a split personality.<br /><br />Going numb, that’s almost what it seems like. There is two of me. The wonderful, bubbly, outgoing Chrys that loves life and loves the world. But there is another side of me that hides away. When this part of me shows her ugly face I am forced to put on a mask so that no one can see this stone cold person I have become. I become hard to deal with. I say things I don’t mean. I don’t let people get too close. I don’t deal and then I just run away.<br /><br />I don’t want to be that girl anymore. That runner. And it’s been quite the challenge.<br /><br />Running away landed me in Michigan.<br /><br />Although I am grateful for the time I have spent here, being able to be around my family, making the few friends that I have, had the experiences that I have, I often wonder what life would have been like if I would have just stayed in OK and dealt with my problems instead of running away.<br /><br />I try not to. But I do.<br /><br />And I am feeling myself wanting to run. I want to run; I want to pack my car with whatever I can cram in it and just drive. No place in mind to be honest, I would love to see my friends, but I do not know that I am interested in moving back to OK. I just do not know what I want right now to be honest.<br /><br />I feel lost, confused, smothered and just in a funk.<br /><br />I want to get better. I want life to get better.<br /><br />I have no idea where to start. No idea how to even go about changing.<br /><br />I have been seeing this wonderful guy for a few weeks now. We have been hanging out pretty much every day since out first date. Did I mention he is wonderful? He does everything someone is supposed to do in a relationship and that freaks me the fuck out! I am so used to dating these douch bags that say one thing and do another that I don’t even know what to think about this. I have spent so many days analyzing this situation that I have put myself in turmoil. I am nitpicking. Looking at things that should not matter in order to find a way out. I wan to run and hide.<br /><br />Why you ask?<br /><br />Because after the divorce and the whole ordeal with Mike over the summer, that I am just so afraid of letting someone else in. Letting someone over that wall and getting close to me. I just about got all the pieces of my broken heart put back together, I am in no mood to have it all shattered again. It’s hard for me to trust. But yet I see no red flags here. That should put me at ease, but it doesn’t. I feel it’s too good to be true, and sometimes when it’s too good to be true, then that means that it is. But maybe not this time. Maybe, just maybe I have finally found that one person that is going to prove me wrong that they are not all the same.<br /><br />And I am terrified.<br /><br />This makes me want to run.<br /><br />How am I going to keep myself from running?<br /><br />On the anniversary of Elonna’s passing I had told Matt it was her day. I wanted to warn him in case I was not in the best of moods. I am always so upbeat and happy, even when life is throwing me lemons. But I just knew that this day may prove to be a force outside of my control. And it was. I was at Matt’s house and we were watching a movie. I don’t even remember what happened but I do remember his words that came flying out of his mouth. “What’s wrong with you today?” <br /><br />UGH. Needless to say I just looked at him and shortly after I got my things and left. At that moment I should have opened up to him and talked to him about my friendship with Elonna. Explained to him how much I loved her and how I have this empty void in my life. Surely he would understand as he had lost his friend not that long ago. But instead I made the choice to just leave.<br /><br /><br />I will NOT sit here and cry in front of him. I will NOT allow him to get close to me, to let that wall down and let him in. I drove home. On the way home the tears started to fall and without even batting an eyelash I called Mike. I needed someone to understand. Someone that understood me to tell me why I wanted to fly. I honestly did not expect him to answer his phone. He never answered it when we were together, why would he now? But he did. And I cried like he had never heard me cry before. “Mike, what’s wrong with me, why do I want to run away so bad now?” <br /><br /><br />He knew. He understood, him and I are much alike when it comes to the flight or fight response. For he too wants to just run away. Despite our past, he is an amazing friend who I will always cherish. He offered a shoulder and gave some sound advice. I called Matt, hoping to go back over there and explain myself. But he did not answer. So I just drove. I had no place in mind. Just went where the moonlight led me. I had to think about so many things. What is it that’s making me feel this way? Are Matt and I just moving to fast? Is it because I have so many other worries in life? What could it be?<br /><br /><br />I wish I had the answer. Here I am a few days later and I am still trying to figure out why I want to run away.<br /><br /><br />This one is on me. I know running away is not the answer. One of these days I have to stop running.<br /><br /><br />And now, as I write this Matt calls. Hearing his voice is all I need to gather my thoughts, and keep my feet firmly planted right here.<br /><br /><br />I do not know when or if that running/flying feeling is going to go away. I can not even seem to figure out what’s really the root of it.<br /><br /><br />I just know that I have to STOP running.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18078341299933411572008-09-23T18:26:00.002-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.889-04:00Remembering Elonna<div class="MsoNormal">Remembering Elonna</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It was one year ago today I was cruelly forced to say goodbye to one of my best friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I remember that day like it was only yesterday. How her sister-in-law and now my friend Liz had to tell me the sad news. I cried like my whole world had ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Just the year before we had lost one of our best friends, we saw our circle of friends go through so much turmoil and now we were losing her. And I was losing a part of myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Not many people really understand just how big of an impact Elonna had on my life. She was there with me at my all time low, my all time darkest hour and no matter her own bullshit, she was always there. I could always count on her. She gave me so much strength when she hardly had any of her own. She was the most selfless person I had ever met. When it became my turn to be there for her, I gave her ALL I had to give. When it became her darkest hour, there I was. When her diagnoses of cancer came, there I was. I wrote her every day. I sent her pictures. I bought her flowers and had them delivered to her house, and even when I moved a 1000 miles away from her, she knew my presence was still there. Not a day did not go by that she did not know I was thinking of her. And not a day went by that I did not tell her how much she meant to me and how much I loved her. I do feel bad for moving away when I did. But I know she understood me and knew the reasons why I had to fly. If anyone in this world understood just how messed up my life had become, it was her. And if anyone understood that this woman was still left inside of me, she did. And I never even had to explain it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have a friend like this in your life now, tell them every day how much they mean to you in some way. Do not take them for granted because you never know when they may have to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I think about all the fun times we had. How we should have bought stock in all the bottles of Rum we shared. LOL. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">We had our share of bad times, too. But those don’t need to be remembered. I just sit and laugh about them now. How serious we were about things that seem so trivial now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I thought I would be ok, I thought I could get through this without shedding a tear. I thought I was stronger now then I used to be. But as I sit here typing this the tears start to flow and I can not seem to compose a thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So many of you here knew Elonna…. So I thought maybe we could remember her today and what she brought to our lives. Maybe you could share something in the comments section with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I miss you my sistagurl…..xoxox…I will see you again someday.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82220347217931572632008-09-21T13:30:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.297-04:00This is Why I Write......Too often people comment on how open and upfront about my life I can be in my blogs. I never really saw a problem with it. I am who I am, so why hide? I am sure people are going through the same things I am. Some people just do not want to talk about it. Thats fine. I do. I want to talk. I want to write. I want my friends and family to know these are the things I have to deal with.<br /><br />Last month on the ex birthday I posted a blog entitled "Missed Connection" as a response to craigslist.com Missed Connections. I posted that blog in that section. I got some emails, I got some backlash, I made a great friend.<br /><br />I wanted to share one of the most recent emails....<br /><br />This is why I write, this is why I am so open.....<br /><br /><br /><br />Hello Missed Connection,<br /><br />I happened to see your letter while poking around on this site. Without knowing it, you have probably eloquently put into words what many have felt in their hearts, and could not find the words for. Many times events happen in our lives that we never fully understand, and for which we never get an explanation. And it leaves a hole, however large or small, that aches and gnaws at us for the rest of our life. These are the things that make us strong, and who we are to become. Don't let it make you callous. I am sure you will live through all of this, and most likely be a changed person because of it. I hope you will use your experience as a building block rather than a stumbling block. I am sure your life will hold many more adventures to come. Hopefully most will be happy in nature. I am nobody of importance in the grand scheme of things, but I thought it was worth my time to prop you up a bit. If you ever want to chat, I am at: <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vdXMubWM4MTEubWFpbC55YWhvby5jb20vbWMvY29tcG9zZT90bz1nb2xkZW5femlwcGVyQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:golden_zipper@yahoo.com"> EDITED @yahoo.com</a><br /><br />ZipChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66909903839702332692008-09-18T18:41:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.299-04:00What’s Up With Chrys? -When One Door Closes<div class="MsoNormal">What’s Up with Chrys? – “When one door closes…….”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When one door closes, another opens. I never really paid much attention to that quote until recently. Today I had to put it on my status mood message with my own twist – when one door closes another opens and even though that door is not completely closed the open door leaves me breathless.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This summer has been a test of my true strength. This summer seems worse then my last. Even though last summer I not only said goodbye to my grandmother, but my then husband, the life I had for over 20 years and all my friends. I managed to live through that. As the months followed the divorce was final, I started to make new friends, adjust to a new life 1000’s of miles away and meet Mike. Getting over Mike this year, by far had to be the hardest thing. Harder then losing Lonnie, Elonna, Terry, my grandparents, getting over the ex husband, or any other relationship I had ever been in. Honestly, I do not know why this is. I have tried to analyze it, come to terms with it. But I just can not figure it out. What the fuck makes him so much more special then anyone else?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As the weeks went on, he apologized and we started to talk and come to terms with things. Few weeks after that we had formed a friendship of sorts.&nbsp; Of course he had mentioned us talking about “us” again and that made me want to run away. I miss him, but I treasure his friendship more. &nbsp;I could never trust him again to form a relationship. But I find myself still thinking about the shoulda’s, woulda’s, and coulda’s. I guess that’s just a natural part of the healing process. And in time, will fade. We don’t talk much and haven’t spent any time together. And maybe that’s for the best.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He is the door that was once closed and is not still a little open.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some time ago I felt I was ready to move on. So I started to date again. Had some fun times. Then I met Matt. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Silence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt leaves me at a loss for words. He is the door that leaved me breathless.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since that first Hello I find myself wanting to know more about it. In the short time we have known each other we have spent quite a bit of time together. I am at peace around him. A comfort I don’t often find with too many. And best of all, I can just be myself. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I do not have much to offer someone. A warm smile, a friendly hug. I am still trying to mend a broken heart. Picking up the last of the pieces to be mended. I am in class 3 nights a week taking my continuing education credits for H&amp;R Block. This is something I have to do yearly in order to keep my certifications.&nbsp; My college semester starts next week, I have the texting job and hopefully VERY soon I am going to have a real day job. I have so many things going on around me that I need to take care of that I really just do not have a lot of time for anything else. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And that’s OK with him. Between his day job, his weekend job and the band he doesn’t have much time either.&nbsp; He also has a daughter. But we spend what time together we can. He only lives a few minutes away, so that’s been a huge help between us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do not know what the future holds, but all I know is one day at a time, one step at a time I am slowly getting back on my feet and heading in the right direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So…now you have an idea as to why my blogs have been slacking the last week or so. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am smiling a lot more these days….. lots of things going on, making new friends, parties to look forward to, coming out of hermit mode to hang with old friends….and just life in general.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60388690495727790132008-09-01T16:33:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.302-04:00I really need YOUR help!!!My girl Jen and her Aunt Sarah are trying to help me out. And because of this...I need ALL of you to help as well.<br /><br />Most of you know my life/work/school sitchy. And you know all about my outgoing personality (right???), so this is something I know I can be good at and know I would love doing and be a part of.<br /><br />Please keep reading for an awesome message from Jen....<br /><br />**************************************<br />I am trying to help my new recruit Chrystal purchase her kit...she is having a bit of a problem coming up with the money but knows what a great opportunity being a Pure Romance consultant is. So all of you that know and love Pure Romance knows how exciting of a time this is for her. If you all could lend a helping hand by purchasing your items online to help aid her in purchasing her kit to start in this amazing business, not only would I be grateful but I am sure she would be ecstatic!! You all know and love these products ladies, now your order is not only affording you to recieve your great Pure Romance products but also helping a new consultant get started. Please show your support by ordering online at: <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vc2FyYWhhcGlnaWFuLnB1cmVyb21hbmNlLmNvbQ==">http://sarahapigian.pureromance.com</a> (you will have to type this into your browser, myspace disables the link) ALL your orders will be totaled toward the purchase of her new starter kit. Thanks Again!! Good Luck Chrystal!! I know you will do Great!<br /><br /><br />************************************<br /><br />In a world (michigan) where I feel very much alone its a wonderful feeling to know someone understands me, my life ordeal and is willing to go out of the way to lend a helping hand.<br /><br />And who wouldn't? I am wonderful after all! LOL!<br /><br />So let me say a thank you to Jen and her Aunt Sarah for helping me to try and find a path and a way out as well as lending me a hand in friendship.<br /><br />And a thank you to all of you who are already on the website ordering your hearts out!<br /><br />xoxox<br />ChrysChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4314138967038759112008-08-24T19:43:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.304-04:00Cupid Missed My ConnectionMy Missed Connection<br /><br />I don’t know how, or what happened but I found myself amidst the 1000 of Best of Craigslist post. I do not know what rock I have been hiding under lately. I knew you could post personal ads along with things for sale and stuff. But I guess I never really noticed how much of a pop culture phenomenon it had become. For instance, there is a section where you can search for a person/place/thing that you lost a connection with and would like to reconnect with. Some people took things a step farther. And it gave me a bit of inspiration. I have been trying to mend a broken heart. And honestly, I think I am doing very well given the circumstances surrounding the ordeal. However, sometimes I just feel better if I write. If I just get things of my chest. So, the following piece is going to be my submission into the world of CL.<br /><br /><br />It only seems appropriate that I write and post this on his birthday, because he will never know what wonderful things I had planned for us today. He broke us. He broke me.<br /><br /><br />I missed my connection, or perhaps the reality is he missed the connection. Was it a love connection? Or did Cupid really fuck up and shoot his little arrow in the wrong direction.<br /><br />I met this wonderful guy from Lansing. He would not be that hard to find really, I am sure he’s dated half the town by now since he’s lived in that area practically all his life. I’ve spent a year of my life on this man. A year, a whole fucking year of thinking one day we are going to be happy together, one day we will have bright beautiful future together, and then one day, quite literally with a blink of an eye it was all taken away from me.<br /><br /><br />I wonder, have you seen this guy that has broken my heart into a million little pieces and broken all my dreams of this future for us we had planned. I could tell you the street he lives on, the Ya-Yas he loves to visit, the bank he banks at, the cars he drives, where he trains at or even who with. I could even tell you what he looks like. How he likes to ride his skateboard (he’s 34 today) and pretend he’s a teenager on his bike jumping curbs. But will it even matter? Will he even begin to understand what is broken? Or will he even care.<br /><br /><br />No, I doubt it. So why should I even bother.<br /><br /><br />I just moved to MI myself last year. A southern belle I am. Landed here after a divorce since this is where my family is all located. I thought coming “home” would be the best thing for me. I met this guy only a few short weeks after my arrival. My divorce was not even final, but he did not care. And honestly neither did I. His job required him to travel a lot. So in the beginning we spent more hours on the phone then actually spending together. He dated, I dated, and it was no big deal. We hit a lot of obstacles on our path, but somehow we always managed to find a way around them.<br /><br />Many nights I lay in bed wondering what am I doing with this guy, there is no future here. Months and months went by. And then something happened, something wonderful, we started to spend more time together. A lot more time. I stopped seeing this oversized smart ass fighter guy and actually started to see the real man inside. And I stopped being the stubborn Irish girl and let him in. We laughed, we shared stories and we started to plan a life together. The dating phase was over and the relationship phase had begun.<br /><br />But one girl just would not go away. I questioned him. I knew they had dated before, but he kept denying it. Then the time came for me to quit my job (I live in another city) and move in with him. Only the day I was to move in, he ran to her. Texted me that he got cold feet. I went and picked up my stuff only for him to tell me he just needed time, that he didn’t want to break up. But as he took his “time” I am jobless and staying with my mom. Then this girl contacts me. I tell her just like it is. Find out more then one could ever want to know. And in then end, he leaves me.<br /><br /><br />He’s called me a few times since then. Apologizing. I won’t call him. I just can’t. He wants to leave us “open” because “he just doesn’t know what the future holds” Well I do, and our future has been broken. I could never trust him again, and why would I want to when she makes it known to me that they are spending lots of time together now and how great her future looks.<br /><br /><br />I know you are all sitting here wondering, well why the fuck do you miss a rat bastard like that?<br /><br /><br />Honestly, I can not answer that.<br /><br /><br />I miss his smile, his roaring belly laugh. I miss how we were when we were together. I miss how he made me feel, how he made me laugh. How he looked at me. I felt more complete with him then any person I had ever been with. And now I am here picking up all these shattered pieces, wondering what the fuck went wrong? Where do I go from here?<br /><br /><br />But most of all, I wonder will I find that connection that makes me feel complete again?<br /><br /><br />So if you see cupid, or my missed connection, please give them a big FUCK YOU for me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_773900">:(<br />I understand sis, because my second husband turned out to be a lying, cheating, hard-core junkie criminal mutherfucker, and yet I still have missed him and parts of our life together from time to time. You can't help it, but eventually you miss him less and it hurts less when it happens. Face it sis, right now you are in mourning for what you have lost, and that always takes awhile to work through. ~hugs~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 8:01 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_773900" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367&amp;commentID=773900" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_773900"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_773903">great writing as always. .very heart felt and real. .. like you<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 8:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_773903" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367&amp;commentID=773903" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_773903"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_773920"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWVkaWEucGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlL2Z1Y2slMjBjdXBpZC9qb240Z290Mi92YWxlbnRpbmUvYW50aS12YWxlbnRpbmUuanBnP289MjQ=" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i182/jon4got2/valentine/anti-valentine.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWVkaWEucGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlL2Z1Y2slMjBjdXBpZC92a2l6ZXI4Ny9GdWNrJTIwSXQvdGhJQ09OQVRPUl80OTAzZDliYWQyMmJjNWE3OWI0ZmRjNS5qcGc/bz0yMg==" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z55/vkizer87/Fuck%20It/thICONATOR_4903d9bad22bc5a79b4fdc5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWVkaWEucGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlL2Z1Y2slMjBjdXBpZC9BX01jQ2F1bGV5L0Z1bnppZXMvY3VwaWRfZGVhZDIwY29sb3VyLmpwZz9vPTM=" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee271/A_McCauley/Funzies/cupid_dead20colour.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vbWVkaWEucGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tL2ltYWdlL2Z1Y2slMjBjdXBpZC92a2l6ZXI4Ny9GdWNrJTIwSXQvODZkM2M3MzIuanBnP289OA==" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z55/vkizer87/Fuck%20It/86d3c732.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 8:26 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_773920" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367&amp;commentID=773920" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_773920"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/s_6616d5b108cc451d9cb40a2486a19610.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_774010"><img src="http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/lad6471/we/weezie1/a1/3c03.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 10:54 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_774010" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367&amp;commentID=774010" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_774010"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 50px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/s_36b4b7e10bcb49fdafea9305e4a12710.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Art Reid</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_782559">Cupid is a prick... I think he is on the quota system myself, paid by the hook up, no matter what the results.<br />All I can say is I found my perfect mate when I gave up and stopped looking and decided to be a hermit and she had too and we met sort of by accident.<br />I still have those longings for those ex's too but I just realized thatyes there was "something" enough to make me be with them in the first place and yet it wasn't enough to keep it going.<br />After time it does go away or at least down in volume.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a>on Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 11:39 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367#" id="addReplyLnk_782559" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=427151367&amp;commentID=782559" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51023497583894276322008-08-15T16:15:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.306-04:00What's Up with Chrys? Or Dear Diary?<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 8/15/08</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have so much to say that I just hope I can get it all down on paper, well word paper anyway before it all leaves my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In light of recent events Mike and I have fallen apart. I don’t believe him and I no longer trust him.&nbsp; We broke up, and then a few days ago he apologized. And then today we spent hours on the phone just talking about everything. It was hard and it was hurtful but at least I got some answers. Maybe they were not all the answers I wanted.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He still tells me that when we were committed that him and Tammy were just friends, that he was pulling away from her.&nbsp; That she even asked him what was wrong because he was pulling away. He admitted it was his fault and that he should have just came out and told her he was in a relationship with me instead of telling her that I was moving in for work and such. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t buy that because he drove her car to the funeral (which he says was a bad judgment call) and took her to his bros wedding. I haven’t asked him about the wedding&nbsp; yet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some things leave me with more questions then answers. But it ended with how he still wants me in his life and us hang out and such, but he needs to get his shit together. How he would like for us to start talking again and just go from here. He understood it would be hard for me to trust him and there would be no expectations on either part.&nbsp; I told him I could not wait for him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t know. I don’t know that I can deal with it anymore. As soon as we broke he went running back to Tammy and she seems to think everything is fine with them. And she’s still contacting me.&nbsp; Which he’s pretty upset about.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well the whole damn thing upsets me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I have a lot on my mind and I don’t even know where to start or put it in to words. So this will have to do for now.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40226801327002846852008-08-11T15:54:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.309-04:00What’s Up With Chrys?- The Summer Breakup EditionWhat’s Up With Chrys? – The Summer Breakup Edition<br /><br /><br />So, it’s been a while since I have posted a What’s Up blog series. And of course, we should all know the reason to that by now. Because Mr. Wonderful who turned out to not be so wonderful after all had a real problem with me being so open about my life in a forum for so many people to read about. Did not matter how much I tried to explain to him that my words were my passion, my voice and that I had so many friends and family here. He told me most people keep a Diary and its private. Well duh, I have one of those too.<br /><br />I’m a writer – IT’S WHAT I DO!<br /><br />Anyway, doesn’t matter, after a year of dealing with the lies, the let downs, the no calls, the no shows it finally got to a point where the relationship broke.<br />I could sit here and really just spill all the damn details and put it ALL out there. But honestly, I don’t want to. I want to put this last year behind me and welcome the future with open arms.<br /><br />But what happened? You are asking me. As you can tell I did not end up moving in with him. I quit my job; we planned the move, looked at some apts. and decided for me to just move in with him. I had a job all lined up 2 miles from his place. Well he got cold feet. Those cold feet turned out to be another woman. A woman he swore up and down was only a “friend” There were others too. So much for that commitment.<br /><br />So that’s it. Relationship over. I do not have time in my life for someone like that. I wasted too much time on him as it was thinking he would change, that once the “dating” stage was over and that we were moving in together, it would all stop. Guess I was the one paying the pied piper in this little tale.<br />But you know what, yeah I cried. Yeah I screamed, but then he did me WRONG and started to threaten me. Are you f-ing kidding me? So anger set in. And now, I could care less. He is someone else’s problem to deal with now.<br /><br />Sometimes people say things when they are angry. And I certainly said my things. But the sad part is, I am not a mean person and no matter how wrong he did me I would never, ever purposely hurt him. And he if all people should have known this. Apparently not, so I get threatened.<br /><br />Games. It was all games. And it’s not worth the effort to put anymore details out there, nor is he worth my words anymore. My words and my voice are too precious to me.<br /><br />I should have listened to all his friends as I met them along the way. I should have listened to my friends over the year. But I just wanted in my heart for everything to be OK.<br /><br />So, here I am. Back home. One year later after moving to MI from the divorce, I am starting life all over again. Looking for a job yet again and working on changing things in life.<br /><br />There are new people in my world. But I am just getting my feet wet and taking things very slow. Meeting people. Making friends and just seeing where things go. One thing I do know, I will never paid the pied piper again.<br /><br />Enough about all that.<br /><br />Now, a while back ago I picked up a side job. Something fun to do in between school and my day job. It doesn’t pay a lot of money, but its fun. Now, it’s the only money I got coming in so I am making the best of it.<br /><br />I am a text chat operator. And let me tell you, have I some tales to tell you. But that will be another blog. This is how it works. They see the ad on the TV, in the newspaper, in a magazine, etc. They text in using their phone wanting to talk to this person they see. I log in to the company website online and the text comes in. I answer using the website pretending to be this person and it hits their phone back. Some it just basic conversation, and some is flirty and some is very adult.<br /><br />Now, those of you who know me, you know all about my Erotic Confessions series, so this should come to no surprise to you that I am getting paid to text dirty with people.<br /><br />Ok, you can ALL shake your heads and laugh now.<br /><br />It makes for good entertainment and let me tell you, I have some good material for some new stories!<br /><br />So hang tight peoples…as my world starts to change, as I hit the pavement trying to land a new job, as I start to meet new people again and hang out with people that have been in my life for quite some time, I am sure the blogs will start coming out of the woodworks again.<br /><br />Stay tuned for “My Life as a Text Chat Operator”<br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=398524803" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tod</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=398524803" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_1ab21130b7904cf2b1a6ad3af55457c1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tod Gambino</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_763826">So YOU are the one I have been texting!!!! Girl...you are GOOD!<br /><br />;-)<br /><br /><br />BTW....good blog :) Keep plugging away :)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=398524803" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tod</a>&nbsp;on Monday, August 11, 2008 - 4:54 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_763826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952&amp;commentID=763826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=398524803" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_763826"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_763839">Hmm, my g/f needs a job. How did you get that one? She would be great at it!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Monday, August 11, 2008 - 5:17 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_763839" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952&amp;commentID=763839" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_763839"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_763841">Now that does sound almost like a dream job..lol. As for him.. not even worth commenting. But I am very happy to see you are still moving forward.. you carry so much strength inside. Never doubt it.. ~warm hugs~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>&nbsp;on Monday, August 11, 2008 - 5:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_763841" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952&amp;commentID=763841" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_763841"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_763865">{{{{HUGS}}}} Just keep moving forward...thats all you can do! Sounds like an "interesting" job...have fun with it!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, August 11, 2008 - 6:35 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_763865" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952&amp;commentID=763865" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_763865"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_764764">Damn it...you desrve better...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - 2:26 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952#" id="addReplyLnk_764764" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=423237952&amp;commentID=764764" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15137219535256289182008-08-10T21:21:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.311-04:00I Know You All Want To Know<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, August 10, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I know everyone wants to know whats going on. Especially since my blogging has lacked. I will tell you. We will talk about it. Just give me some time to sort it all out. Be ready. Blog is coming.<br /><br />And for those of you worried about me - DONT BE!<br /><br />What's done is done and can not be undone.<br /><br />And I don't want it to be.<br /><br />I am going to be JUST FINE!<br /><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/s_6616d5b108cc451d9cb40a2486a19610.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_764122">:]<br /><br /><br />You WILL<br />Be just fine....<br /><br />You're one TOUGH cookie...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a>on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 2:22 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51219792689359345932008-08-08T18:41:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.313-04:00Poetry In Motion: It Was All FakePeople are not always what they seem.<br />A hard lesson learned these last few weeks.<br />Or maybe I have known all along and wanted to believe in all that was good and picked to have a blind eye instead.<br />I have been here before, and had hoped to never be here again.<br />Letting go and moving on.<br />It's the only option I see.<br />Things can not be repaired.<br />There is just no way.<br />Forward I must go<br />And try to live day after day.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53959706422573060142008-08-07T17:57:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.316-04:00People Are Not Always What They Seem<div class="MsoNormal">People are not always what they seem. </div><div class="MsoNormal">A hard lesson learned these last few weeks.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Or maybe I have known all along and wanted to believe in all that was good and picked to have a blind eye instead.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been here before, and had hoped to never be here again.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Letting go and moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s the only option I see.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Things can not be repaired. </div><div class="MsoNormal">There is just no way.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Forward I must go</div><div class="MsoNormal">And try to live day after day.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87471796546574942272008-08-05T21:29:00.008-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.318-04:00I want....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, August 05, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want......</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span>&nbsp;</span>Someone who will call me when they say they will call.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who wants to call!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who will hang out with me with they say they want to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who actually wants to spend time with me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who actually wants to be in a real relationship when they say they want commitment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who will always keep an open line of communication and not run away and shut themselves off when things get tough.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone to be my partner in everything.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who means everything they say.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who will be my best friend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who will stand beside me through the good times and the bad times.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want, because I feel its nothing less then what I deserve.</span></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_759948">Me too! lol, hang in there! I know what you mean!! It's gotta be there somewhere!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, August 05, 2008 - 2:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=421377640#" id="addReplyLnk_759948" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=421377640&amp;commentID=759948" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_759948"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/s_6616d5b108cc451d9cb40a2486a19610.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_761098"><img src="http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/lad6471/animations%20by%20weezie/327.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, August 07, 2008 - 3:18 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32127923298942205922008-08-05T18:21:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.321-04:00Relationships Are Like Glass<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Georgia&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Relationships are like glass.&nbsp; Sometimes it's better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together.&nbsp; ~Author Unknown</span><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Calligraph421 BT&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I just can’t walk away from you. I can not turn my back and let you go. Maybe&nbsp; I should. Maybe it’s what you want. It’s what you need. What I need. Who knows? But, the reality is...I meant to go, and there you were stopping me. Why? Why did you stop me? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Telling me everything was going to be ok. Kissing me the way you do as if nothing had changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You said you were afraid that’s what I was coming over to say. That I was letting go. You didn’t want to give up on us. You said that, looked me right in the eyes more then once and said that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But you have shown me nothing in terms of you wanting to hang on, aside from your words.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I have always said actions speak louder then words. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">And your silence…. It leaves me worried….wondering…thinking…sad….confused….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">How many times do we have to go through this? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I thought our roller coaster was over….that we had sailed our ship and it was smooth sailing from here on out.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You need to do this, need to take care of that. WE need to slow down.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Your life goes on, meanwhile I am left here trying to pick up pieces and rebuild again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I don't want closer. I don't want better. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I only want you</span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Words I have told you over and over.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I knew this would happen...I just knew it....I wanted to save us from this .....and now, here we are....I trusted you damn it, I gave you my all.....I wasn’t suppose to fall in love…it wasn’t suppose to happen to me…..I didn’t want to let you in....but you came in.....I put my walls up and you came over them....climbed right on over…and then just tore them down….... maybe I have no one to blame but myself. I should have known better to let you in. All the signs were there. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Even your own friends warned me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fairy tales are just that, tales…..I honestly believed, we could have what we shared, cherish it, just enjoy it for what it was, the rest of our life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Never asking for anything more then what it was. Nothing more then what we had. That was the reality. We each knew the other had a different life. Reality. At times it hit us in the face. But we knew. We tried to make things better. Tried to plan a little life together. And it was working. We were working. The relationship bloomed and became nothing short of wonderful.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>But you took that all away from me. In a single breath, a single moment, that was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Trust, gone. Hope, gone. Love, broken. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">At first, I was sad. My heart just bleeds. I bleed for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Here I am, deep in a pool of it. Crimson red. I cry a tear. Then more tears following. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Drip Drop, Drip Drop…falling in that pool of blood…..mixing…emotions entwined…entangled….my heart now mangled. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I should hide. I shouldn’t let you see. Not suppose to let you see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Suppose to be strong. Always strong. Never let them see you cry. Crying only makes them know how weak you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>That’s what I keep getting told. But, I can’t help it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I used to be so strong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You asked me not to go. To keep us together. You asked me for time. But what about me? Where is my time? Who is going to help me?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I feel you pulling away again. I feel you leaving my heart. You need to go I am sure and do what’s best for you. I don't want you to. Never want you to. But, can’t you see? I care about you. I want to help you. I want to be there for you. I want to be – us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All this confusion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>How long is it going to take us to find that balance in life? Part of me is running away, part of me is pushing you away, and the other part is hanging on to that last little thread. I am selfish when it comes to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>you after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">CONFUSED! I am so fucking confused I am not clear. What do I do? What direction should I take?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">NUMB! I feel numb. I feel empty. Alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They hear what I am saying…but do they really get me? Does anyone really understand? I am a prisoner in my own mind. In my own life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Behind these walls in which I built. These walls in which you just tore right down, and now, I am left to build them back up again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">CAN YOU HEAR ME? Calling out to you? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I want to make things better for you, easy for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I do not want you to know I am hurting. I want <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>to hide that from you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>I want to smile and go forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But what is the price I am going to pay?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Time, you asked me for time. But how long am I suppose to wait?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I may be hurting, but I understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I may be angry, but that’s just my own fault. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I just need to talk to you. We need to sit down and just get everything out in the open. Not just bits and pieces and fragments of our thoughts, but all of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: top;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I know a time or two we thought about giving up, I am glad that we never did. Glad you never let me go. I am thankful for the time I have shared with you. For every day with you was a special gift. Every word from you, embedded in my mind forever to be cherished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So much inside of you I have seen. The real you. I just wish you would not shut me out now. I miss you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So much still there between us…..but, so many things have changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All I want is to hang on to that last little bit of thread, that last little bit of hope that someday we will work through all this. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But the other part of me is so afraid that I am going to be left here, alone, hanging on by myself to nothing at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Silence…all I am getting from you right now is silence….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19565426993880526882008-08-04T13:30:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.323-04:00Poetry In Motion: Lost<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;">Lost<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;">I am so LOST<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Can not find my way<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Can you help me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>HELP ME PLEASE<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;">I need out<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>~OUT~<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>out from these grips<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>controlling grips<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>grips you have on me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;">Can you just not see<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Just wont leave<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Leave me<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Let me out<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #00ccff; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 16.0pt;">© C.H. 2005<o:p></o:p></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65171770834780902472008-07-31T10:36:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.325-04:00The Dad<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 31, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_419910497" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know I have not talked much lately and their is reason for that. Just a lot of things going on right now that I really just have to keep to myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But right now, I need to vent. I am confused about how I should be feeling. Well, that goes for a lot of things in life these days, but right now I am talking about my so-called Dad. Yes, that one. That one that you all pretty much know the story about so really I care not to rehash it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I get up this AM and my mother informs me that my cousin Tim (Olivia's Dad) called her and said he saw on the news that my dad was in an accident. One person dead, one person in critical care.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I do not know how to feel. I go numb. My dogs need food. I have to shower. So in the shower my mind flashes 12 years of my life. Then it flashes a huge fall out in his driveway last year after I landed in MI.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Honestly, their was a part of me that wished he was the one who was dead. And I feel like shit for saying that, but I can not help it. This man ruined me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">His sister gave me a bday card. She left it a few days before my bday on my porch. I wasnt home. However that card came at a really bad time, a time that started the downfall of some other things in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So I kept it to myself. I did not share. But my aunt had said my grandmother and father both missed me very much and that she had hoped I could make peace with my father and be a part of the family again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">As soon as that shower stops, that same aunt calls. I&nbsp; hear my mother telling her that she will tell me, that its up to me and such.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">My mother tells me hes in the hospital and its up to me whether I want to go see him or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then she finds the article online. Different then the story the news is running.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">*******************************************<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. --</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A Montrose man is dead following a two-vehicle crash on M-13 near the Sheridan Road intersection in Albee Township on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">State police said 49-year-old David Lloyd Carey died when his Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck collided head-on with a vehicle that was attempting to make a left turn from the southbound lane of M-13. Carey was pronounced dead at the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Police said the other driver, 51-year-old Larry Richard Schramm was transported to Covenant and is expected to recover from his injuries.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The crash remains under investigation, but police said speed an alcohol are not factors in this crash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>..TR&gt;<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">************************************************<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, here I sit. Wondering what I should do. I dont really want to go to the hospital. It has been a year since I have seen this man. A man who ruined my life and years later I found out was not even my biological father! I know my going to the hospital will make me look like the bigger person. That I should maybe say "get well soon" that maybe a part of me would like to make peace with everything and move forward in life. But right now, my feet are failing me and I can not seem to move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I thought about writing a letter. I can certainly pour it all out in my words. I had to do it once to him before when I was in therapy years ago. I could certainly tell him everything I need to get off my chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">But is that a new Chapter I want to write? A can of worms I want to&nbsp; open.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I just do not know. It so hard to think about with everything else I am facing right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I wish I had a magic wand to make everything all better.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know I had said I was not going to get into much personal things anymore, but I have so many family and friends here that know my life and what happened, and I had just hoped maybe you guys could offer some guidance.</span></div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_757697">There are so many unknowns and kind of knowns for me here, but I think that you should do what is right for YOU...if that means going to the hospital and saying "I'm glad your going to be ok, but I don't want to have a relationship with you." then do that. If you just can't seem to make yourself go, then don't. And don't feel bad about that. Don't do it for someone else if it is going to cause you unnecessary stress. {{{{HUGS}}}} Good luck with your decision!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, July 31, 2008 - 6:51 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_757697" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497&amp;commentID=757697" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_757697"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/128/s_6af76b3e3ddc45398b3fa4740e0a2daa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mickey Finn</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_757747">Try to make peace. If you don't make the effort, you'll regret it. If the attempt does not go well, at least you will have the peace of mind knowing you tried.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, July 31, 2008 - 8:54 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_757747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497&amp;commentID=757747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_757747"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/102/s_6616d5b108cc451d9cb40a2486a19610.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_757864"><img src="http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c4/lad6471/parts2/ecz_as_spring_begins_.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br />xxx<br />Thinking you you.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">◣ωәәΖíә◢</a>&nbsp;on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 1:06 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_757864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497&amp;commentID=757864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=149528092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_757864"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_757931">I don't know Chrys.. Do you feel like some kind of closure is missing for you? Or do you feel the need to see him "just one more time?" Etc.. if You need this then by all means ..go. But don't do it out of a minor guilt cuz he is in a hospital.. I let my daddy go, He is still around but doesn't even know I had Aidan.. my choice there and Aidan is now 4.<br />Go with your heart (not mind)<br />Much love and our thoughts are with you.. ~Hugs~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 8:15 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_757931" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497&amp;commentID=757931" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_757931"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_758028">Well ya know me sis. I would let the bastard rot.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 1:10 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_758028" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497&amp;commentID=758028" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_758028"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_758398">I agree with the majority....he is not your blood...sooo.....don't do it out of guilt! If you do this...do it because YOU want to.<br /><br />He has had nothing to offer you over the past year. Yeah...maybe he would come see you if the tables were turned.....but you also didn't ruin 12 years of his life.<br /><br /><br />Do what is right for CHRYS! I have tried to call you several times lately...but I guess I can kinda see why you may not have answered...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 8:27 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497#" id="addReplyLnk_758398" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=419910497&amp;commentID=758398" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13750065012482628082008-07-26T22:28:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.328-04:00MaybeMaybe...we meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.<br /><br />Maybe...when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new one which has been opened for us.<br /><br />Maybe...it is true that we don't know what we have got until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.<br /><br />Maybe...the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best ofeverything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.<br /><br />Maybe...you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of and want to do.<br /><br />Maybe...there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a spouse, a friend, a child -- so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real.<br /><br />Maybe...the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.<br /><br />Maybe...you should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other person, too.<br /><br />Maybe...you should do something nice for someone every single day, even if it is simply to leave them alone.<br /><br />Maybe...giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but, if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.<br /><br />Maybe...you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; Don't go forwealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.<br /><br />Maybe...you could send this message to those people who mean something to you, to those who have touched your life either positively or not, to those who can and do make you smile when you really need it, to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down, and to all those whom you want to know that you appreciate them...Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59320741240856553812008-07-24T21:13:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.330-04:00Distance, Again<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 24, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Sometimes in life, things happen. We don't know why, but they just do. Something smacks us upside the head and our entire world just changes. I got smacked. And honestly, I care to not talk about it. But I posted this blog a few days ago, and now it seems to mean&nbsp;&nbsp;more to me then ever. So I am reposting it for myself. Because as I find some direction, I have to keep telling myself something...... Distance will not kill me.<br /><br />I want to tell all my friends that I love you and you mean the world to me, no matter how far apart we are.<br /><br />And thank you...<br />***************************************<br /><div class="blogContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Distance is not the end of the world in a relationship.<br /><br />Distance cannot, and will not hurt a bond between two people that is based on mutual respect, trust, commitment, and love.<br /><br />Although you may feel like you are losing faith in your relationship at times, hold fast and trust your heart!<br /><br />I, like you, truly believe that love &amp; relationships are what make your life special, and that ones built on love &amp; understanding are always worth preserving, regardless of the miles that may separate two people.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_755166">I hope everything is okay with you, sis. I know about distance all too well, and how stressful it can be. I am always here for you if you need to talk...love ya.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 1:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=417881233#" id="addReplyLnk_755166" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=417881233&amp;commentID=755166" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_755166"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_758392">Somehow I missed this the first time...but I LOVE IT!<br /><br />It rings so true to several relationships I have right now....not just with Joey but with family and friends that live far away. It is hard keeping up/in touch...but that is what has to happen to keep that bond.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 8:04 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15590908925435448502008-07-23T16:08:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.332-04:00Dear Diary<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary</div><div class="MsoNormal">July 23, 2008</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is the email I sent my girls updating them on all the shit that has went down with Mike and I the last few days.</div><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Just wanted to update you, I know things were fine when we talked last with Mike and I. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I spent the whole weekend with him. Saturday he went to my family reunion, then we went and saw the new batman movie, then&nbsp;we went out to Lansing to meet all his friends for the fights show on TV. I had such a good time and met his best friends and his best high school friend, Jill. She’s kind of a homely girl, but so nice and he enjoyed that we got along.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sunday,&nbsp;(me him and Jill) went to eat lunch. He left his keys in the apt and so he and I went to the mall and Jill met the apt manager (Tammy, that woman that causes probs on myspace and such) to get in his apt to get his keys. So we swing back by to get them and we drive to my house. The plan was&nbsp;to get his van since he had left it there, load up some of my stuff and get things going. Monday I was gonna get over to some staffing places and then Tues we would hang and so my birthday. Well on the way to my house Sunday, after him and Jill talking about the whole Tammy thing like I was not even there did not settle well with me. I know mike was just trying to not cause conflict because he doesn’t want to piss me or Tammy off. Tammy lets him slide with being late on his rent and shit, if he pisses her off, she’s likely to turn on him. And she wasn’t really happy to hear I was moving in. Oh well. Fuck her; I have had enough of her shit anyway. So anyway, we are driving back to my place and he’s all like, Chrys talk to me what’s wrong. You look like you have so much to say. You didn’t even want to hold my hand while we were walking around the mall. Talk to me.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So I just let it all out. I told him the deal with Tammy is getting on my nerves. The fact you and Jill just sat there and talked about me like I was not even sitting there really made me want to crawl under the table and hide. It was hurtful to me. And then I told him, here we are trying to plan our life together and I wonder, is she going to be a constant thorn in my side? Am I going to always have to walk on eggshells for the time we are living in this apt? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">And he’s talking and trying to tell me over and over there is nothing and never was nothing with Tammy. He said they have had a few lunches, dinners, etc but nothing more then friends. I know she likes him. And i know she wants more. My thing is , he knows that too and he uses that for favors, like ceiling fans in his apt he doest have to pay for, he gets to park in the covered parking and that’s $35 extra, doesn’t pay, he gets another parking spot free for his other van and only 1 parking for 1bdrm apt people. SO I was going to have to park in the visitors parking. (wtf, right?) And he gets to pay his rent whenever he feels like it. She will cover for him.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Fine, whatever. So he’s using her and she wants more. That’s his fault that she’s causing us problems. Not mine. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So we go on and on and I let out about well we are suppose to be in a committed relationship, this myspace shit, this secret phone calls and text, and dirty texts and over excessive flirting with people have to stop. It’s not fair to me, your playboy days have to come to an end or this is not going to work. I do not want to be in an open relationship anymore. They are too hurtful and cause too much pain. I thought I had made that clear and I thought this is what you wanted. Me. Not anyone else, but me.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Then he gets into all this about how sorry he is. He’s telling me all about the dirty texts (he never questioned me on knowing or if I was on his phone) and how the girls live so far away and that’s all it is. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well it has to stop. Bottom line. He agreed. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">There is more, but you get the general idea. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So we get to my house and we start talking about our relationship and how he’s just scared. He’s scared of letting me down, letting himself down and just is afraid of being broken hearted again. I was like, that’s just life and those are the chances you have to take sometimes. You and I we are good when we are together, we see that. We just have to be willing to take that chance. Its scary for me too. For many of the same reasons he is scared.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well then it started to storm and it was getting really late and I knew he needed to sleep. He was like babe, we are OK. I am gonna go home, grab a nap and get to work. You finish up your laundry, get your stuff packed and come over in the morn. We will get you a key made and we will do this, it will all be ok. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Monday gets here. I call. No word. I wait. Wait. Wait some more. Finally here from him about 3pm and he’s telling me he just got up. I told him I called some places and had some apt set up for interviews at the staffing agencies. He gets a call. Lets me go and never calls me back. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I tried to text him, and he replied he wasn’t home, out running errands would call me later.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />He didn’t.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I tried calling and texting him all night while he was at work.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So here it is Tuesday, my bday. I am thinking well, are we gonna go out or what.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">No word. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I am flipping out by this point. I literally spent all day in bed crying. I had talked to Shannon for about an hour telling her everything and once I got off the phone with her I went into hysterical fit on my bed. Just crying , so my mom comes busting in all pissed off as hell screaming and carrying on, fuck this and fuck that and fuck him and all that did was piss me off even more.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So Tues night, late I finally get a text from him. I am getting cold feet. I am a piece of shit and I am so sorry but I just do not know what to say!<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So I call him. No answer. He texts me saying he was on the phone. I call again. And he answers and I am like PLEASE just talk to me.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">He’s like you know I went home Sunday night and I just kept thinking about things and kept telling myself its going to be ok. We are both scared and we are going to do this together. But I just got so nervous. Then Monday he got all caught up in some serious child support problems and basically they made him feel like a piece of shit that was worthless and never going to amount to anything. So that got him all clouded in the brain. So Tues he was busting ass trying to find some job leads and he just kept thinking about things.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I am like you couldn’t fucking call me and tell me what’s going on?? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I was so upset and so pissed. And hurting. He ruined my bday. HE DID! And I let him.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So I am sitting here talking to him about all the stuff with the interviews and moving and life and &nbsp;just crying and we are trying to figure things out and just not able to come up with any answers. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">We got off the phone.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I sent him a text @ 4am today with the hopes I could come over and get my stuff that was left there over the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">He calls me with this - my place is your place, call me when you are ready to come over, we'll get your stuff together, we will talk more about this and we will figure something out.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So I sleep a few more hours.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">And let me tell you I know this is a lot to take in, but this is the SHORT version. There is so much we talked about and said. I just am in such a daze that I cant really think of it all.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">These last few days have been such a roller coaster and I am so run down. I feel like I could sleep for days.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I have been on the phone with Shannon and Jules for so long that my brain hurts; I mean...those girls can talk!! And it’s been every day I have cried to them.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So, I get to his house, he jumps in the shower cause I just woke him up. I am sitting there twiddling my thumbs thinking to myself, what am I going to say, what’s he going to say, what’s gonna happen? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">He starts with small talk, whats the weather like outside and blah blah. I am thinking, yikes, this isn’t gonna go well. So he sits down across from me and just stares at me and I see his eyes water. (they did this in the car Sunday night, this is not a normal thing at all for this man)<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">NO<br />I cant bare that no more. This is not a man who cries. I doubt he ever has to be honest with you. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So I am like, Mike, talk to me. Tell me what’s going on inside your head. I am here. Let’s get this all out. And he’s just shaking his head telling me he just doesn’t know what to say or what to do.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">He finally starts to spill shit. We get it all out there. Our relationship, how it started, what it is now, how it just went from 0 to 60 in 2 seconds. He just felt overwhelmed and now that the child support people are after him because they don’t think he’s applying himself good enough with the job he has and basically made him feel like worthless piece of shit because even tho he is working he’s not making the amount of money he used to so therefore his payments have been less. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">He wants me to move in. He wants us to be together. But right now he needs to get his shit together and take care of himself.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I can respect that. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Our time to live together is just not now. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">He told me he thought I was going to give him the ultimatum that we do this or I leave.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">No, I told him. I don’t want to throw our relationship away.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />I mean, yeah we have been kicking it for almost a year now, but within the last 2 months is when we really started to get serious. SO yeah, we did go full speed ahead without really thinking. It just seemed like a good thing to do. And it is, just not right now.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So, I am back at my place, and just trying to put things back together and motivate myself to get back out there and find another job. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">He told me he worried so much I was going to leave him and that wasn’t what he wanted. He just wants to get his shit together because, for one he just needs to, and for two I deserve to have someone secure and stable. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">He is right.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">How can I argue that?<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I am sad. I had looked forward to moving in with him and squashing this distance between us, as well as being back in the city. I miss living in the city. And not having to commute 50 million miles to work and shit.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">You know, I feel like I am living that saying - if you love something set it free if it comes back it was meant to be and if it doesn’t it wasn’t yours to begin with, or some crap like that.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Even though I am not setting him free, I just feel like I am giving him his space to get his life together. So he can be a better person for himself and once he’s happier with himself, then he can be better for me. He told me he’s not had anyone in his life (he’s pretty much just been single and dating for last 4 years) who wanted to be with him or love him, everyone has tried to change him. Its hard for him to get used to having someone who WANTS to be there with him and for him. He wants to be better for himself, for me, for his son. And that’s a big thing. He said I make him feel like a better man, that he wants to stop living life just getting by and actually do something with it. I guess I make him want to be a better person is what he was trying to get at. That makes me feel good, that I have that impression on him. That he wants to do better so that WE can be better. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I am trying to be optimistic, but I don’t know if it is working to well.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I have my doubts. Sometimes this distance kills us. But I guess you just have to do what you have to do in life.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Because the truth is, my heart just won’t let him go. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />He asked me for some time to get his life straight. He has to do what he has to do.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So, I guess that’s about it. I didn’t stay but a few hours. His dad was waiting on him to come over. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Part of me is OK, but a part of me is sad too. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I guess I just live life as we have been and hope for the best and that things will work themselves out in the end.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">I don’t know honey, I just don’t know. All I know is I have to get my life together too. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">So maybe in the end, this is the best thing for both of us right now. And maybe, our time is later.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Ok..There is my babble update.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sorry it was so long and sorry for all the typos. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now you are pretty well up to speed on what’s going on.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48073900411324632642008-07-20T07:10:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.335-04:00Poetry In Motion: You Found MeYou found me<br />When I did not want to be found.<br />I wasn’t looking<br />Didn’t want anyone around.<br />You picked me up<br />You dusted me off<br />When I had fallen to the ground.<br />I came here,<br />Running away to hide<br />But you saw a glimmer<br />Of that girl buried deep inside.<br />You didn’t give up on me<br />Even if I was blinded and could not see.<br />There you were<br />Day after day<br />Always there to guide me<br />Holding my hand along to way.<br />You found me.<br />You poked at me<br />And prodded some more<br />Little by little you changed me<br />And I wanted more.<br />Time after time,<br />Day after day<br />You found the real me hidden deep inside.<br />I want to keep this girl around, this me<br />I want her here to stay.<br />No longer wanting her to run and hide.<br />I see a new life<br />With wide open eyes.<br />Baby, I am glad –<br />You found me.<br />C.M. 7-13-08<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_753099">I can soooooooooooo relate to this, sis! I call Rye my "Spidey" because she managed to scale my walls!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 12:28 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=416626620#" id="addReplyLnk_753099" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=416626620&amp;commentID=753099" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_753099"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_758393">This is cool! I love it.....I know about being found when it was totally unexpected...hahaha!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 8:06 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26145648953073396762008-07-14T16:39:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.337-04:00IntegrityAgain, not one of mine but something I found and wanted to keep, as well as pass along.<br />Enjoy,<br />~Irish~<br />****************************************<br />"If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters." -Alan Simpson-<br />+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+<br /><br />Integrity<br /><br />Practice integrity with those things that don't really matter. And your integrity will shine brightly in the things that matter most.<br /><br /><br />Integrity, by very definition, cannot be turned on and off. True integrity is indivisible. To be able to act with integrity in any area of life, You must live with integrity at all times, In all situations. Otherwise, you are merely attempting to imitate integrity, And that is an exercise in futility. Practice integrity even when you're sure that no one else will ever know.<br /><br /><br />That will build in you a true, living integrity that does not need to be announced.<br /><br /><br />Be quick to forgive and slow to offend. For integrity has no use at all for holding grudges.<br /><br />Live each moment with integrity, and make it who you always are.<br /><br />For a real, living integrity can take you places you otherwise could never go.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14228292381873478802008-07-13T14:26:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.340-04:00Blogging Isn’t Much Fun Anymore (Why I have Cold Feet)This is the original blog I posted on MySpace, sort of explains the "Cold Feet" a little more.<br />****************<br /><br />Blogging Isn't Much Fun Anymore<br /><br />I have come to realize that blogging just really is not much fun anymore.<br /><br />I can remember years ago when we all first started. 360 Boulevard. That is where so many of us met up. We shared stories we wrote. We share poetry we had written. Our words were critiqued. It was a way for so many of us to share our writing. Then we got to know each other as friends. We became family. Our blogs then turned a little more personal. Letting our friends know what was going on in life. Seeking shelter, solitude and advice from others. We formed a bond. We were a unit. It was nothing for me to turn out story after story and get 1000 hits and over 50 comments.<br /><br />I can remember days when The Crow and Irish would collaborate on stuff and it was like an online flurry to flock and read chapter after chapter. That was when it was fun.<br /><br />But then 360 started to have its issues. One by one people started to go elsewhere and many of us landed on MySpace.<br /><br />I still have my 360 page. Sometimes I just copy a post that I had on MySpace. But no one comments or really visits since 90% of my friends are on MySpace. Just a random few who left MySpace and like to just stick to 360.<br /><br />Ahhhh good ole MySpace. The blogging continued. AS time went on more and more real live friends arrived. People I knew from work, in life, my family, people I went to high school with, people I went to college with, people I met through other friends, people I partied with, and people I worked with. Oh great. A free forum for me to talk to all my friends instead of dealing with a cell phone/long distance phone bill.<br /><br />MySpace provided a great place for me to let everyone know what's up in life without having to spend all day on the phone.<br /><br />I met more and more like minded people as time went on. I have made some awesome online friends.<br /><br />I have seen people lose their homes and start all over, I have seen car accident, motorcycle accidents, charity events, kids being born, people getting married, peoples kids graduation, I have seen people get sick with cancer and beat it, unfortunately I have seen some not beat it, I have lost friends to murder, I have made friends, I have shared hopes and dreams of seeing Ireland, I have met people in Ireland, I gained a brother, I have seen relationships end and I have seen so many begin. I have watched people fight; I have been dragged into the middle always trying to be the peacekeeper. I have seen in all over the years.<br /><br />I remember once Elonna and I used to talk about how we were going to write scripts out of some of the things that went on – we were bound and determined to have a national best seller on our hands!<br /><br />These friendships are what keep me on MySpace. Real life and online. Friends are what make the world go round. A person can never have too many friends.<br /><br />Once I moved to MI away from all my friends in OK it became a wonderful tool for me to easily keep in touch with all of them. I let them know what's up in life and they let me know. Trust me when I say, this has saved all of us on cell phone bills. Even those of us on unlimited plans – MySpace is just so much easier! Especially when it seems like everyone is on different cell phone carriers.<br /><br />But the blogging just is not the same. I know I have had a few people tell me my stories and poems have helped them in so many ways. To just know someone else has gone through what they have gone through in life. Knowing they are not alone. These are the reason I chose to share the things I do. Long gone are the days where comments and hits are coming in by the dozens. And that's OK. I realize people have life going on. We all have roamed off in other directions. Stopped blogging, stopped commenting…for whatever the reason.<br /><br />I have hit a crossroads in my life. Where does one draw the line about what is personal/private and should not be shared and what should be? I mean, I want to continue to let my friends know how things are in life. But at the same time maybe I should just send a private message through email instead of blogging. My blog is set to private, but many of us know even that's not a guarantee to keep outsiders off. My page is private as well. So even with a double block, there are some of us out there who still know the old MySpace back door secrets to getting it.<br /><br />I have to come to some sort of a compromise. Not just for myself, but for dude. MySpace has caused us some problems and I don't want that anymore. I care about him and our relationship enough to respect him and his opinions. I am willing to compromise.<br /><br />I had thought about leaving MySpace altogether. But I just have too many real life friends and family here to do that. I have thought about many different things.<br /><br />But in the end, for right now I think super duper personal blogging with halt. I think my jokes and and silly posts are fine. I am debating on my poetry. I think general Hi, how are you? I am ok blogs are ok. But I think the personal stuff will just come to a halt.<br /><br />So, if you don't see a post for a while, it's not because I have left. It's just that blogging isn't what it used to be for me anymore.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5824343840883691902008-07-13T14:21:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.342-04:00Fail ForwardThis isn't one of my writings, but I happened to stumble across it when looking through my CherryTap/Fubar Stash stuff. I wanted to see if I had anything I wanted to keep before I deleted that account. This was certainly something I felt worth passing along.<br />**************************************************************<br />Fail Forward<br /><br />The next time you find yourself envying what successful people have achieved, recognize that they have probably gone through many negative experiences you cannot see on the surface.<br /><br />An old jokes like this: Never ask whats in a hot dog while you're eating one. The idea is that if you did know what's in it, you'd never want to eat one again.<br /><br />A lot of failure goes into success.If you really want to achieve your dreams I mean really achieve them, not just daydream or talk about them you've got to get out there and fail. Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward. Turn your mistakes into stepping-stones for success.<br /><br />TAKE A RISK AND BE WILLING TO FAIL FORWARD TODAY.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56929409334875483702008-07-13T14:20:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.345-04:00DistanceDistance is not the end of the world in a relationship.<br /><br />Distance cannot, and will not hurt a bond between two people that is based on mutual respect, trust, commitment, and love. Although you may feel like you are losing faith in your relationship at times, hold fast and trust your heart!<br /><br />I, like you, truly believe that love &amp; relationships are what make your life special, and that ones built on love &amp; understanding are always worth preserving, regardless of the miles that may separate two people.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56083970338377319682008-07-12T13:47:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.347-04:00Cold FeetSo, I am sitting here - setting up these blog feeds.<br /><br />I was going to sync with some blogs folks here in MI. Couple of guys set up their own blog site. Which I thought was really cool. But the had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TOS</span> that stated nothing pornographic. Well that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">didn't</span> seal the deal with me since Erotic Confessions would break that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TOS</span> in a heartbeat.<br /><br />Now I am thinking to myself again, I really need to stop doing that. Should I have this blog fed into the BA Group? Should I feed it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Facebook</span>?<br /><br />Do I even want to venture out of the box again?<br /><br />I have to ask myself these questions because recently (for those of you who don't know) I've stopped "dating" and become "in a relationship" with my dude. Which is great. But my dude is NOT an online person AT ALL! He only has a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MySpace</span> to promote himself and his friends because they are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MMA</span> Trainer/Fighters and Sports Management Companies. He is much, much, MUCH more private then me and we have had to come to some compromise over my blogging.<br /><br />As he puts it, having his personal business out there for all the world to see is just weird to him.<br /><br />I can understand that.<br /><br />So as I put this blog together I go off thinking to myself, what can I write about? Is he going to think all this stuff I write about is personal? Where do you draw the line?<br /><br />All I know, is I love to write. He tells me to buy a diary and keep it private. Duh, I have those. I have so much I keep private.<br /><br />I don't know, but my cold feet just might very well turn in to writers block if I am not careful.<br /><br />~Irish~Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62809822392326010872008-07-12T13:04:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.349-04:00Here We Go (again)This is just going to be a generic "Hello" post for now. Just to say hello. *waves*<br /><br /><br />Most of you already know me from other random blogging sites. Lets see, their is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">myspace</span> (which I will be keeping) the original 360 most of us all met on (which has pretty much died out) Then we had Cherry Tap now known as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fubar</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wtf</span>?? who came up with that??) Oh there was Hi5, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bebo</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TagWorld</span>, and some other randoms that have been deleted. Oh and let us not forget I also have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Facebook</span> which I will be feeding this blog in to at some point in time.<br /><br />Like I said, if you were connected to me at any of these other sites you already know who I am.<br /><br />Others of you will be new to my world. Will have to give The Crow a heads up for pulling me out of the rut and making me see that the talent is there ( I hope it is anyway) and that I need to dust myself off and get that writing going again.<br /><br />So, here I am. I hope you will pull up a chair and stick around for a while.<br /><br />Because I have so many real life friends on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">MySpace</span>, it will stay. The blogging there will be different then it will be here. The 360 is just there because a few people fell off the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">MySpace</span> radar and so I copy/paste a blog or two there just to keep them posted on life.<br /><br />Blogger and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Facebook</span> will all tie together (eventually) and even though their are some people on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Facebook</span> who know me in real life, they are about to see the "real" writing I can do.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Uber</span> personal stuff will be left behind. Names will be changed and characters of life will emerge.<br /><br />Useless Ramblings, Poetry In Motion and Erotic Confessions will return.<br /><br />Now then, let me find my bottle of motivation and I will be on my merry little way.<br /><br />I might <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">repost</span> some old material just to get the juices (no pun intended there!) flowing!<br /><br />~Irish~Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54633483138213842532008-07-09T19:17:00.009-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.892-04:00Blogging Isn’t Much Fun Anymore<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, July 09, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have come to realize that blogging just really is not much fun anymore.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can remember years ago when we all first started. 360 Boulevard.<span>&nbsp;</span>That is where so many of us met up. We shared stories we wrote. We share poetry we had written. Our words were critiqued. It was a way for so many of us to share our writing. Then we got to know each other as friends. We became family.<span>&nbsp;</span>Our blogs then turned a little more personal. Letting our friends know what was going on in life. Seeking shelter, solitude and advice from others. We formed a bond. We were a unit. It was nothing for me to turn out story after story and get 1000 hits and over 50 comments.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can remember days when The Crow and Irish would collaborate on stuff and it was like an online flurry to flock and read chapter after chapter. That was when it was fun.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span>&nbsp;</span>But then 360 started to have its issues. One by one people started to go elsewhere and many of us landed on MySpace.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I still have my 360 page. Sometimes I just copy a post that I had on MySpace. But no one comments or really visits since 90% of my friends are on MySpace. Just a random few who left MySpace and like to just stick to 360.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ahhhh good ole MySpace. The blogging continued. AS time went on more and more real live friends arrived. People I knew from work, in life, my family, people I went to high school with, people I went to college with, people I met through other friends, people I partied with, and people I worked with. Oh great. A free forum for me to talk to all my friends instead of dealing with a cell phone/long distance phone bill.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MySpace provided a great place for me to let everyone know what's up in life without having to spend all day on the phone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I met more and more like minded people as time went on. I have made some awesome online friends.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have seen people lose their homes and start all over, I have seen car accident, motorcycle accidents, charity events, kids being born, people getting married, peoples kids graduation,<span>&nbsp;</span>I have seen people get sick with cancer and beat it, unfortunately I have seen some not beat it, I have lost friends to murder, I have made friends, I have shared hopes and dreams of seeing Ireland, I have met people in Ireland, I gained a brother, I have seen relationships end and I have seen so many begin. I have watched people fight; I have been dragged into the middle always trying to be the peacekeeper. I have seen in all over the years.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I remember once Elonna and I used to talk about how we were going to write scripts out of some of the things that went on – we were bound and determined to have a national best seller on our hands!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These friendships are what keep me on MySpace. Real life and online.<span>&nbsp;</span>Friends are what make the world go round. A person can never have too many friends.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once I moved to MI away from all my friends in OK it became a wonderful tool for me to easily keep in touch with all of them. I let them know what's up in life and they let me know. Trust me when I say, this has saved all of us on cell phone bills. Even those of us on unlimited plans – MySpace is just so much easier! Especially when it seems like everyone is on different cell phone carriers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But the blogging just is not the same. I know I have had a few people tell me my stories and poems have helped them in so many ways. To just know someone else has gone through what they have gone through in life. Knowing they are not alone. These are the reason I chose to share the things I do. Long gone are the days where comments and hits are coming in by the dozens.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>And that's OK. I realize people have life going on. We all have roamed off in other directions. Stopped blogging, stopped commenting…for whatever the reason.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have hit a crossroads in my life. Where does one draw the line about what is personal/private and should not be shared and what should be?<span>&nbsp;</span>I mean, I want to continue to let my friends know how things are in life. But at the same time maybe I should just send a private message through email instead of blogging. My blog is set to private, but many of us know even that's not a guarantee to keep outsiders off. My page is private as well. So even with a double block, there are some of us out there who still know the old MySpace back door secrets to getting it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to come to some sort of a compromise. Not just for myself, but for dude.<span>&nbsp;</span>MySpace has caused us some problems and I don't want that anymore. I care about him and our relationship enough to respect him and his opinions. I am willing to compromise.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had thought about leaving MySpace altogether. But I just have too many real life friends and family here to do that. I have thought about many different things.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But in the end, for right now I think super duper personal blogging with halt. I think my jokes and and silly posts are fine.<span>&nbsp;</span>I am debating on my poetry. I think general Hi, how are you? I am ok blogs are ok. But I think the personal stuff will just come to a halt.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, if you don't see a post for a while, it's not because I have left. It's just that blogging isn't what it used to be for me anymore.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_747342">I know I am totally OK with the personal emails in getting updates!!!<br /><br />Just as long as I know what is going on...lol<br /><br />Glad everything is falling into place for ya!!<br /><br />~Hugs~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 6:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=413343262#" id="addReplyLnk_747342" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=413343262&amp;commentID=747342" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span></span></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89862444154603731062008-07-08T21:54:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.352-04:00Thanks Daizybug- you goofy girl<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, July 08, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Have I ever told you guys how blessed I am to have such wonderful friends???<br /><br />Well, I have great friends!<br /><br />My goofy Shannon decided to give me a new ringtone. So yesterday she zips it to me and I got a huge smile over it. Everytime I call Shan, this is what people are going to hear!!!! hahahaha<br /><br />So then I had to add it to my phone. It doesnt much apply to her, but I set it as her ringtone anyway *sticks tongue out at her* (because I can)<br /><br />I then had to zap the video on over to my girl Jens page cause , well its right up her alley! LOL.<br /><br />Anyway - give it a listen, it will all become clear to you and then you have have a smile too!<br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/llmGx2WHeww?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/llmGx2WHeww?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This was never the way I planned</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Not my intention</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I got so brave, drink in hand</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Lost my discretion</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not what, I'm used to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just wanna try you on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm curious for you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Caught my attention</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The taste of her cherry chapstick</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl just to try it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I hope my boyfriend don't mind it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so wrong</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so right</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Don't mean I'm in love tonight</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">No, I don't even know your name</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It doesn't matter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Your my experimental game</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just human nature</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not what, good girls do</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Not how they should behave</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">My head gets so confused</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Hard to obey</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The taste of her cherry chapstick</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl just to try it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I hope my boyfriend don't mind it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so wrong</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so right</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Don't mean I'm in love tonight</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Us girls we are so magical</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Soft skin, red lips, so kissable</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Hard to resist so touchable</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Too good to deny it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Ain't no big deal, it's innocent</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The taste of her cherry chapstick</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl just to try it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I hope my boyfriend don't mind it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so wrong</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It felt so right</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Don't mean I'm in love tonight</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I kissed a girl and I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I liked it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_745345">Someone at work played this the other day! Did you know she used to be a Christian singer??<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, July 09, 2008 - 6:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=413166778#" id="addReplyLnk_745345" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=413166778&amp;commentID=745345" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_745345"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_747337">I LOVE this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is soooo catchy and addictive! hehehe<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 6:15 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=413166778#" id="addReplyLnk_747337" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=413166778&amp;commentID=747337" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3683223471041425662008-07-08T21:48:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.354-04:00Changes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, July 08, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">So I am sitting here trying to beat boredom. Knowing I need to make a change. But too tired to even care right now. Just trying to figure out the best plan of action. Or maybe I am just procrastinating. Who knows. All I know is my myspace is going to go through some changes.<br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_745346">Yeah, it sure is...it's almost acting like 360! LOL!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, July 09, 2008 - 6:49 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85974374281064791342008-07-08T16:05:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.357-04:00Dear Diary: Part 2<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary</div><div class="MsoNormal">Part 2</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess I need to rehash what went down today. Don’t really want to. Too tired really. But if I don’t, then I will never get it done. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I talk to Mike. Well back up, Sunday I had talked to Mike. We had been trying to make plans to hang and per usual, things did not pan out. Which is ok cause we have been spending a lot of time together lately since I quit my job and am looking for work down in Lansing. We just found out we got this apt we been wanting. So now it’s just a matter of time before we get our asses moved in. I just hope he doesn’t drag his ass on getting his paycheck stub and deposit money over to her. Anyway let me get back on topic. So Sunday we had tried to make plans for him to come out after his route. He calls me Monday am to tell me a friend of the family passed away 4<sup>th</sup> of July. So his parents and such were going to be heading down to Ohio to go. He had asked me to go, but I needed to be at the doc office today to get signed up for free health care. Anyway I did not hear from him all day so I just assumed he was riding along with his dad. I get a call about 3am today, he didn’t go. Told me all the stuff he got in to. And he’s on his way to Ohio now. We talked and talked. He told me how much he missed me and we just had an awesome conversation. Which we usually do. I had sent him some naughty vids of me the other day which he thought was just cool as hell.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have to admit, my trust has been hard. You see the leasing manager Tammy, on his myspace has been leaving status messages in regards to hanging out with him and such. I have tried to talk to him about it and he always got cold and angry about it. I tried to let it go, but it just really ate at me. Seems every time we could not hang out, she had some message about her honey and blah blah.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well yesterday I had put the pic back up of me and him. I was missing him and that pic makes me happy. Who cares right? We are a couple, so what’s the big deal. So I go to leave him some funny comments, hoping he will come home to a laugh after the funeral and on her page I see that message about how I don’t know about the past 12 months. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So I texted mike to call me when he had a chance. He was on his way to the burial, funeral session was almost over. I told him about it. He got so pissed off and he was just so mean and hurtful. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have no idea what to think anymore. I want to believe him. Want to always trust him, but it’s so hard. He has told me so much about her. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, we talked again a few hours ago. He says he chewed her ass out. Told her time and time again they were just friends he did not want a relationship with her. She told him she liked him. And he’s like trying to tell her what kind of shit are you trying to pull putting that on your myspace? And she tried to tell him I started it by putting that pic of us up. WTF kind of shit is that?? This woman is 40yrs old. Act like it. So he’s telling me all this stuff and its just in my brain. Swirling around. Pondering. Wondering. And now he wants to get rid of h is myspace. I don’t want him to. I like having him on my page. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Part of me feels played. The other part of me tries to put all the pieces together and form some solid history that I can trust. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I want nothing more then to build my life with this guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So I am trying to just put it behind me and move on. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopefully things will get better. Anyway, there is more, but I am too tired. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18671877394548320642008-07-08T15:56:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.359-04:00Dear Diary<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">#1</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So here I am, all happy, we got our apt and blah blah, then I come to leave you comments and see this<br /><br />Tamtam doesn't think SHE knows about us for the past 12 months<br />Mood: Frustrated<br /><br /><br />What the hell is going on???<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">#2<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Subject: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Words I Can't Speak<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Body: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Sometimes I can write better then I can talk. So I am just going to spill my heart here because I don't want to call and bother you and not sure when you are going to talk to me.<br /><br />I said I trusted you - I meant that.<br />I gave you my heart - because I think you deserve to have it.<br />I told you I loved you - I meant that too.<br />I said I wanted to build this future with you - I meant that with every inch of me. <br /><br />Everything I have ever said about us - meant every word of it.<br /><br />I have seen you grow so much as a person over the last few months. Our relationship has bloomed and everything is so wonderful.<br /><br />I dont love half heartedly. I love with all of me. I don't feel or say things I don't mean. I hope you realize that by now.<br /><br />I said I was sorry - and I am. I can not take back any words or action so all I can do is tell you - "I'm Sorry."<br /><br />I want more then anything to forget this and continue forward to our future. To build on that life we been talking about, that we dream of. That I know we can have.<br /><br />I was not trying to cause drama like you might think. I believe in you and in us and all that we can be together. I came to you because I was hurt. Seeing those words stung. I should always be able to come to you when I am hurting, or for anything for that matter. Hurting because here is this man that I care about, simply love and adore and here is this person who doesn’t want me to. Who is trying to bring hurt. <br /><br />I did not mean to make you mad baby. That is the last thing I wanted to do today. All I wanted was to be there for you today in your time of need as you grieve for the loss of your friend. <br /><br />I dont want you to be mad at me. I just wanted to talk to you because I was hurt. I needed to find comfort in you. Her words hurt and I can not help how they made me feel. <br /><br />When I asked what was going on, that was not me accusing you of anything. I have listened to everything you have ever told me about her. That was me asking out loud, like thinking out loud what is up with her. Please understand that. I was thinking why is she doing this? If she is your friend, they why can't she be happy for you. Isn’t that how friends are suppose to be? <br /><br />I know this could not come at a worse time for you. And for that I just feel terrible about. I wish I could take it all back and make it all go away. <br /><br />I love you Mike, and I just want to continue to move forward. <br /><br />I have thought about leaving myspace altogether. But I have too many real life friends and family here to delete it. So instead, I am just going to delete all the blogs, all the personal stuff and revamp it. I would like to use it to promote our business. The store, website and such. <br /><br />I wanted to apply for that loan today, but there were a couple more things I wanted to talk to you about before I did. <br /><br />Just know I love you and you are in my heart. Know that I want to continue forward.<br /><br />xoxoxxo<br /><br />PS - I am ready to start packing! *hearts and smiles* <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30064977587692039882008-07-03T13:50:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.361-04:00On this day - One Year Ago ~Stay Strong<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 03, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_411554068" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/05/feelings-and-my-road-trip_26.html">One year ago today</a> I had to say good-bye to my beloved<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/still-hanging-ingrams-part-2_24.html"> grandmother</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Funny how after all this time I can see her just like it was yesterday. That memory forever in my mind. But yet there are so many things I can not recall. Strange how your mind holds on to certain events and yet chooses to let others go.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had originally planned to start writing about all these great memories I had of my grandmother. But right now I am too selfish to share them. Instead, I keep thinking about how the events after her funeral pretty much changed my life forever.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I knew driving back to OK that this would be my last "trip" back home.&nbsp;I went back to work, gave my 2 weeks, let Marcus know I was leaving and by the end of July I was here in Michigan with my family and leaving behind everything and everyone I had ever known.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes I feel if I knew it was going to be as hard as it was I may have just stayed in OK.&nbsp;There have been times when I just wanted to pack my things and run back to what was comfortable, familiar, safe. Back to my friends who loved me and missed me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I could not.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For too many years I have run from things. And this was the year I had to tell myself NOT to run away.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is something here worth holding on to. There is someone here worth building a life with.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So as I think about my grandma today and how much I miss her, I also think about all those life lessons she taught me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes letting go and letting someone else in will be the best investment in life you can make.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running away will solve nothing. We all know this to be true. So instead of running away, this time I choose to run towards life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My grandparents always told me I was strong. And for once I am choosing to believe them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I look to my past as memories, lessons learned. I look to my future with bright sunshine eyes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will stay strong, I will continue to move forward and build that life together which we both want. And I will forever her e my grandmother say – " I love you Chrystal, you stay strong."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32901199015746664992008-07-02T18:36:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.364-04:00What is this TRUST in which you speak of?<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is this TRUST in which you speak of?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought I had things figured out. I thought I had let feelings go. I thought everything inside of me was signaling FULL SPEED AHEAD &amp; ALL SYSTEMS GO.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I thought wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Trust is not coming to me so easily. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Trust lies at the heart of a strong relationship. I think my relationship is stronger now then it ever was. I try very hard every day to not think about the past. To not let the actions of others in the past portray my outlook on my present life and future.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When my trust is lost I feel betrayed, angry and taken for granted. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But what is trust? <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For me trust is when we take as fact some belief we have, for which there is only partial evidence. For that very reason there is an element of uncertainty and risk involved. Whoever we are trusting may not always live up to the faith we are putting in them. That is just a fact of life.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I talk of "placing my trust" in someone, which shows that it involves an action rather than just my feelings.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But I also see trust as something that must be earned. I may trust other adults according to how much I know of their character, attitudes and behavior. I will only give a person so much trust; the rest will come with time. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Another way I see trust is as something that is inspired in someone when they are trusted. You place the trust, let go, and believe they will rise to the faith put in them. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When trusting I must be fully aware of the weakness of human nature and ready to forgive when someone lets me down. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This is where all the feelings and emotions start to come in. Going from one level of trust to another. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">From this I can see that I am capable of having different ideas of what it means to trust. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My ability to trust may be affected by my upbringing and past experiences too. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is very easy within a relationship to assume we view trust in the same way as our partner, but assumptions can be misleading and lead to disappointment and hurt when things go wrong.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We all long for someone who has chosen us, who respects, honors and cares for us, someone with whom we can be real, who accepts us for who we are and will stand by us through anything.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I am hoping as I move forward and make these changes in life with dude that this is what I have found. That the trust I have given him, the trust I have put in to him will not falter and let me down. I hope that as we make these plans together in life that he is the one who will respect me, honor me, care for me when I need it, be my rock when I always need him, he is always real with me, honest with me, and will stand by me through thick and thin. Every day I look for that positive ray of sunshine and think to myself – “I hope he is not the one who is going to abuse my trust, one to lie to me, cheat on me, and treat me poorly.” <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As I honestly do not think I can pull through another relationship like that.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I see all the changes we have made together over the last 10 months. We have both grown in so many ways, together and separately. I see all the good that is between us now and that’s what I hold on to. That’s what I hold close to my heart and hope that trust will prevail and that I CAN give him that.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There are several steps towards learning to trust again. It usually helps to acknowledge your own feelings and the reality of the hurt. The first step forward is forgiveness, choosing not to hold what has happened.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I have to learn that despite my past and his – that it is just that. In the past. I have to forgive those that have done me wrong and let go. I have to forgive his past mistakes and understand that we are heading towards our future.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But why is this so hard to do????<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The second step is to begin the rebuilding process, with both of us choosing to live in honesty and openness with each other. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I think we are well on our way with that. But sometimes I see something, or hear something that just makes me go…HUH? Are you kidding me???? And I question it. I bug about it. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This is going to involve some adjustment to the picture I have of our life together and some adjustment to my own behavior as well as his. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Finally I need to allow the time that is necessary to adjust to what is happening, to allow the new approach to life to bed down and become part of our lives together.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After all we are two separate people who led two separate lives now a couple starting a life together.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So maybe in the end, trust is just going to work itself out and come in time when it’s ready. At least I have been able to give him a little, so he’s got something to work with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33211908462598805582008-06-28T14:47:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.366-04:00Ride for Olivia<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, June 28, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Today is the day. After months of planning , months of surgery and treatments ... we are finally upon the day where we are going to Ride for Olivia.<br /><br />As many of you know Olivia is my cousins oldest daughter who had a brain tumor/cancer surgery back in march and another one just a few weeks ago.<br /><br />Today we are having a charity motorcycle ride to raise money to help cover the costs the insurance will not pay for.<br /><br />It looks like rain and clouds , but I know with the dude, my family and friends - there is sure to be lots of sunshine.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><div class="blogRealName" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Joey Vagance</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_740087">Have fun sis n makes heaps o money.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 10:25 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80243230891667951322008-06-27T21:30:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.368-04:00HAPPPPPPPPYYY!!!!!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, June 27, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Life is all about changes, and I have certainly have had my fair share. I am on yet another path, another change.&nbsp; A huge one. But a wonderful one. And all I can say is.....<br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So despite the stresses of finding a new place to live and looking for a new job - I am not doing it alone. I have dude with me every step of the way.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_740088">So glad to see ya happy darlin.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 10:25 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79957608093223951572008-06-24T19:52:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.370-04:00I QUIT!!!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, June 24, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">First let me say I am typing this on my phone so excuse all the boo boo that could occur. Now to the matter at hand. I quit. Oh yes I did. QUIT!! Left that damn toxic workplace behind. Too much I care not to get in to here. I am finding my inner peace and moving on to bigger and better things.<br /></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_737889">Damn girl....what a day!! haha<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 11:25 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408909049#" id="addReplyLnk_737889" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408909049&amp;commentID=737889" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_737889"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_738079">WHOA!!! congrats. . so you got a new job?<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 12:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408909049#" id="addReplyLnk_738079" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408909049&amp;commentID=738079" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_738079"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_739255">Congrats sis. Sometimes you have to do what's best for YOU in order to keep your sanity! And inner peace is MUCH more important than a paycheck.<br />Better life awaits you with Dude and new apartment, job that you will love when you find it, and happiness at last. On to the best part of your life, which starts NOW!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 1:00 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408909049#" id="addReplyLnk_739255" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408909049&amp;commentID=739255" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_739255"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_739443">Congrats!! It reminds me of the song 'take this job and shove it!' love ya girl!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a>on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 6:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408909049#" id="addReplyLnk_739443" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408909049&amp;commentID=739443" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80627698500329792692008-06-23T10:48:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.373-04:00Detoxing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, June 23, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_408431598" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am detoxing my life in more ways then one today. I woke up this morning with a new sense of self<span>&nbsp;</span>worth. I was reminded over the weekend of the girl I was, the girl I am and the girl I am going to become. This person I have reached during the interim is not who I really am and I no longer what to be this way. No longer am I going to allow the negativity and drama of others to bring me down and ruin what I have accomplished so far in life and what I am going to accomplish in the future.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Some people do not realize just how negative they are. All I can say is if you are unhappy with your life and your job, then do something about it. Stop making the rest of the world listen to your bullshit.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If you read my last blog, you know pretty much where this is coming from. I have a co-worker who is just plain miserable. Miserable with her life and miserable with her job. And she will let you know it, on a daily basis. I have tried and tried to turn a deaf ear and try to make things as pleasant as possible. I tried to become a friend to her because it was obvious to me she needed one. Not to mention she is back here in the accounting department with me, so I have to spend 9hrs a day with her. I tried to make the best of an ugly situation. I went out with her after work, sharing a few drinks on numerous occasions. It made things much easier to deal with when I started to see their was actually a good person inside of her. However, couple of weeks ago that all came to a screeching halt when she purposely betrayed my friendship one night at the bar after I had left. Ever since then I have been trying to limit my time with her. Back to putting up the brick wall and not letting her get over it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As most of you know there is a guy who works here that is friends with my family. Well this person and this girl have whatever in the hell that they have going on. It's like high school drama that I am constantly getting dragged into the middle of whenever shit falls down. And I am constantly being forced to try and pick sides. Not going to happen. And this drives the both of them crazy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If the day is quiet, she will purposely look for something to stir the pot with. So now, I am the bad person, the bad friend because I do not want to listen to her anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am moving on with my life. Moving away, getting a new job, and building a life with dude. This makes her crazy. I am changing the situation I am in while she remains miserable and idle. Is this my fault? No. But somehow today it has become my fault. Whatever, I have no time to let this get to me anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">She said to me the other day, why do the guys at the bar like you and how is it you have a boyfriend and I don't?? WTF I don't need that kind of bullshit in life. Nor those kind of friends.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I am detoxing my life from all the negativity and holding on to that sunshine that flows on my path.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My time here is limited and I am just going to make the best of it …. Grin and bare it if you will.</div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_736917">Yay for you! Life is too short to be around negative people! Why do the guys at the bar like YOU and why do YOU have a boyfriend and she doesn't?? The answer is OBVIOUS...you have a sunshiny personality, have a lot to give and then there is the fact that you are gorgeous! What does SHE have to offer? The care takers of the world usually end up getting hurt, but the alternative is letting the others change who we are. That just doesn't work out too well. So good for you! {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 11:57 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408431598#" id="addReplyLnk_736917" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408431598&amp;commentID=736917" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_736917"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_737247">Oohhh my.........."F" all these back-stabbing Biotches that we work with!!<br /><br />Girl...I feel ya on this one......soooooooooooo feel ya!<br /><br />Move on with YOU....leave them with mud on their faces!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 10:01 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408431598#" id="addReplyLnk_737247" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=408431598&amp;commentID=737247" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14339953171413904742008-06-20T10:28:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.375-04:00How Can People Be So Mean???<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, June 20, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_407613442" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes I am truly amazed at the behavior of some people. I often sit here wondering –"what did I ever do in life to deserve this?"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That answer is always clear to me. NOTHING!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a good person with a good heart and a good soul. I am not a mean, evil, vindictive person, nor do I purposely bring hatred or harm to others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, when people enter my life that end up being this way, it just leaves me wanting to run as far away as possible.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I try my best to always be a good person. I know I have my heart on my sleeve. It is always how I have been and just really can not help it.<span>&nbsp;</span>I try to see the good in everything and every person. Including this particular person.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Only right at this moment I can not run. I am stuck and I do not like it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I am convinced that perhaps the good in this person will never be true and honest because this person likes being mean and hateful and the ramifications it brings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So instead my only choice is basically to suck it up and grin and bare it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And hope the drama doesn't keep catching up with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not an easy task.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It is running me down and ruining the person I am. I am tired constantly, I can not sleep, I am so stressed out, my internal issues are back and in full force again (could or could not be stress related again), I come home every day and just lie in bed and cry. It's all I can do anymore. My brain runs in 50 million directions wondering how I ever let myself fall in to this trap of letting another human being dictate how I feel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What is worse, I KNOW I am stronger then that. But I think I have just reached this point in my life where I have had to fight for so long that I have no strength left.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have had to hit the pause button on life too many times just in the last couple of weeks. Turning myself off to the life going on around me. It may not be a good thing to do, but for right now it is the only way I can cope.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am slowly cutting my ties. But yet feeling badly about it. But I just can not let another person treat me like shit because they think it makes them feel better about themselves with the hopes they will look<span>&nbsp;</span>better in others eyes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*SIGHS*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For those of you wondering if I am talking about my dude, you can rest assured everything is fine and dandy there. He has been my saving grace through all of this and our future shines so bright. I am looking forward to that day I can put all this behind and we can laugh about it together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Until then I just have to keep looking ahead.</div></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_735702">Ahhh sis I am so sorry yer goin thru this shite. ~holds ya in me arms for a brotherly hug with teddy in between us~<br /><a href="http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/joey_v/?action=view&amp;current=cute-teddy-bear.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/joey_v/cute-teddy-bear.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 3:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=407613442#" id="addReplyLnk_735702" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=407613442&amp;commentID=735702" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_735702"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_735762">Never for 1 moment did I think it was the "dude"! I have an idea, but it doesn't matter that much...ANYONE hurting my girl is looking for trouble!! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}} Don't ever let anyone change who you are!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 6:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=407613442#" id="addReplyLnk_735762" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=407613442&amp;commentID=735762" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_735762"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/84/s_1d58997801cd4975a1415f8831a6dbc1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Timothy Dougherty</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_735787">Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.<br />Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown in "Peanuts"<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a>&nbsp;on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 7:49 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=407613442#" id="addReplyLnk_735787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=407613442&amp;commentID=735787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_735787"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_735898">Sorry to hear this as well! But girl I have been there.....had to cut those ties and push forward before.....it is hard at first, but for the best I have found. No room for "toxic friends" I say...for what it is worth...lol<br /><br />~hugs~<br />&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16757694686441607832008-06-15T12:25:00.007-04:002011-08-10T12:02:41.377-04:00Another Father's Day Passes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, June 15, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First – to all the great dads out there - Happy Fathers Day and this likely will NOT be a blog for you.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am feeling rather blah today and I knew I would.&nbsp;Dude and I had this conversation the other day about how this day was just not going to be a good day for me.&nbsp;I tried to explain why. I mean, he knows about the dad and father history. He said to me "You are such a strong woman why do you let this stuff get to you?"</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don't "LET" it. It just does. I can not help what happened to me in the past. And I try like hell to be a better person and not let it get to me and quite frankly I think I have done a very good job of that.&nbsp;However, Fathers day just does not settle well with me.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I tell him he just doesn't understand because for one he has a dad, a step dad and he is a dad.&nbsp;</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe that was not the right thing to say. I feel bad about it now. But it's the truth. How can anyone possibly understand how I feel unless these things have happened to them as well?</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know dude means well.&nbsp;He is pretty awesome like that. But now I wonder, does he really mean that. Does he really look at me with the past that I have and think – wow she's amazing to have gone through the thing she has gone through and that makes her such a strong woman today. Or does he look at me through love blinded eyes and say that because the truth is I am damaged and he really just does not know what to say, as often many in my past have done.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway……</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First of all I don't think you need a day to tell the great dads how wonderful they are. They should be told that often. Second, it's so over the top that it's just another way for Hallmark to pull money out of people. And lastly, until you have walked a mile in my shoes you will just not "get it".</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fathers are supposed to be good to their daughters. Mine were not. I was abandoned not once, but twice by my biological father and my dad tortured me for 12 years. Did I mention that I now live in the same state as these 2 loser??? Once the next city over , the other just around the corner and up the street a ways???? GRRRRRRRRRRRR</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My grandfather is no longer with me.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At least I no longer have to go to my ex-in-laws and put on a happy face trying to save grace for their father's day celebration.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, excuse me if this day just doesn't settle well with me.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am strong. I am a survivor, but that does not mean I am not without feelings or thoughts. And sometimes I can't control certain emotions and such.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today would be one of those days.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I march forward, as this survivor has always done.</span></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pmNbC89yhWY?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pmNbC89yhWY?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_406020339" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>"Daughters"<br /></strong>I know a girl<br />She puts the color inside of my world<br />But she's just like a maze<br />Where all of the walls all continually change<br />And I've done all I can<br />To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands<br />Now I'm starting to see<br />Maybe it's got nothing to do with me<br /><br />Fathers, be good to your daughters<br />Daughters will love like you do<br />Girls become lovers who turn into mothers<br />So mothers, be good to your daughters too<br /><br />Oh, you see that skin?<br />It's the same she's been standing in<br />Since the day she saw him walking away<br />Now she's left<br />Cleaning up the mess he made<br /><br />So fathers, be good to your daughters<br />Daughters will love like you do<br />Girls become lovers who turn into mothers<br />So mothers, be good to your daughters too<br /><br />Boys, you can break<br />You'll find out how much they can take<br />Boys will be strong<br />And boys soldier on<br />But boys would be gone without the warmth from<br />A womans good, good heart<br /><br />On behalf of every man<br />Looking out for every girl<br />You are the god and the weight of her world<br /><br />So fathers, be good to your daughters<br />Daughters will love like you do<br />Girls become lovers who turn into mothers<br />So mothers, be good to your daughters too<i>[x3]</i></span></span></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=278813745" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733092">Your feelings about Father's day are exactly the same as what I feel about Mother's Day. I buy her a card but nothing else and I spend an hour looking for any card that doesn't say "I love you, Mom". Cause I don't. I understand completely.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a>on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 1:39 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339&amp;commentID=733092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; line-height: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_733092"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=187305004" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Briana</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=187305004" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_e91edbca46753fefdb2eb8ee43c300d5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Briana Murphy</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733093">I can totally relate my friend - the way you feel about this day is the same I do. I did the breakfast thing early this a.m. with my father-in-law, and got it out of the way. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my father-in-law, but I had other things on my mind about this shitty day. I hoping my father, where ever he is - is enjoying this day with his "other" family. You take care my friend, and if you ever need to talk, let me know. Do something today that makes YOU happy........xo<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=187305004" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Briana</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 1:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339&amp;commentID=733093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=187305004" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_733093"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733098">My father and I went through hell and back and became very close, very attached to each other-- then he passed away 2 years ago (ironically 2 days after Father's Day) and my life has never been the same. Nor will it ever be, and Father's Day sucks now!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 1:56 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733098" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339&amp;commentID=733098" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_733098"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733143">While my childhood was completely different from yours, I understand your right to hate this day! And yes, I agree that all great fathers should be celebrated everyday and not just once a year! The same with mothers. I am blessed to have 2 wonderful parents and wonderful in laws. My father in law passed away 1 1/2 years ago, so it's just my dad now...1200 miles away but often on my mind! My daughter in laws father was never there for her and abandoned her when she was young, but today they are spending the day with him because he has just a few months to live. I hope she gets what she needs from this but I am afraid she is just going to feel abandoned again when he dies. Don will be there for her because he is a great dad and a great father in law! Have a good day in spite of the "holiday" and celebrate YOU! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 3:54 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733143" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339&amp;commentID=733143" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_733143"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/128/s_6af76b3e3ddc45398b3fa4740e0a2daa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mickey Finn</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_733190">It is a shame, how good fathers are screwed over by the systen, and society in general.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 6:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339#" id="addReplyLnk_733190" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=406020339&amp;commentID=733190" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62271060631452473982008-06-05T06:45:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.163-04:00Within Reach.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, June 05, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Within Reach</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever wanted something so bad you could almost taste it? If course you have, we are only human after all. We live in such a fast paced society that we are trained to want something, need something and then expect to get it right then and there.&nbsp;However, there are just some things in life that this process just does not work for. Love and trust are huge examples. Trust me on this one. I have tried every avenue to make these things happen faster with no luck. It is not that I am not capable of these things. I just think I have shut myself off for so long that maybe the problem is not that I can't, maybe it's just that I wont. Even better yet, that I no longer know how.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dude and I are on this path. We started out on a very rocky uneven unpaved road. As time went on we kept walking. We hit a few road blocks and moved around them. We hit a few dead ends but found a new path. Now this path seems long. Despite that there is a rainbow at the end of this walk. I see it. He sees it. I have no patience. I want this rainbow and I want it now. It is frustrating to see the things we want, the life we want to have, knowing we can and will get there someday but that we have to go through all these trials and tribulations of life to get there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know there are some out there that do not want Dude and I to be on this path. And that's OK. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions about things. But the ordeal with that is this is me, my life and my heart. It is going to do what it wants to and what seems right despite all the mud. It is for me to make the choice. And it will either work or it won't. Nothing in life comes with a guarantee. People can change.&nbsp;And only time is going to tell if we were meant to be. I know how I feel about him. I know how I see our relationship. I see everything else going on around us. I am not blind, nor dumb. Quite simply I adore him. We all know this by now. And what we have together is awesome. Everything else is trivial at this point and will get worked through as time marches on. Life stops for no one; I learned this lesson long ago. I refuse to sit back and watch life pass me by.&nbsp;I am walking this path with him. We are taking this journey together.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EnSNCll82qg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EnSNCll82qg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have watched this movie – PS I Love You more times in the last month then I care to admit.&nbsp;Mostly cause I just have a thing for all things Irish (duh!) but because it's just a great story. And the soundtrack is even better.&nbsp;There is song on there called More Time. That's what's playing in this blog. The message is clear. Things are just going to take time.&nbsp;As long as that time is spent walking that path with him, then everything else in life will just fall right in to place.</span></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sy0fIyongdI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sy0fIyongdI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More Time by needtobreath</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 12px;">promised you the world again<br />Everything within my hands<br />All the riches one could dream<br />They will come from me<br /><br />I hoped that you could understand<br />That this is not what I had planned<br />Please don't worry now<br />It will turn around<br /><br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine<br />So say what's on your mind<br />Cause I can't figure out just what's inside<br /><br />I hoped that you could understand<br />That this is not what I had planned<br />Please don't worry now<br />It will turn around<br /><br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine<br />So say what's on your mind<br />Cause I can't figure out just what's inside<br />So say alright<br />Cause I know we can make it if we try<br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine<br /><br />We're off to new lands<br />So hold on to my hands<br />It's gonna be alright<br />It's a whole lot brighter<br />So stand by the fire<br />It's gonna be alright<br />Yeah, the road gets harder<br />But it's not much farther<br />It's gonna be alright<br />You know that it ain't easy<br />Please believe me<br />It's gonna be alright<br /><br />Please don't worry now<br />It will turn around<br /><br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine<br />So say what's on your mind<br />Cause I can't figure out just what's inside<br />So say alright<br />Cause I know we can make it if we try<br />Cause I need more time<br />Just a few more months and we'll be fine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_727799">I need to see that movie! Have heard lots of good things about it. Chick flick!<br />Great song, too. I am so nervous about Rye moving here in 3 weeks. Sort of excited and scared at the same time. Happy, for sure, but going from LDR to having her 3 miles away is going to be a major change.<br />I think I need to blog, too! Lol!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Sunday, June 08, 2008 - 12:16 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38088334324182725552008-06-03T19:12:00.006-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.166-04:00Poetry in Motion: Repaired<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, June 03, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br />Sometimes I feel like I'm dreaming my way through life<br />and I set myself apart from the reality it takes to survive<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I don't know if its love or the shadows I'm reaching for<br />but every time I tell myself I can't take this anymore<br /><br /><br />Something lifts me, and my destiny is in a perfect view<br />though it seems I wait on the edge of a dream, I can feel my<br />future with you<br /><br /><br />With such constant emotion, and this never ending will<br />I can face every broken hope, and know I'd love you still<br /><br /><br />I've faced a lot of changes and I've accepted every one<br />Had my share of heartache from so much sacrificial love<br /><br /><br />I've watched my dreams just shatter, leaving me to question why<br />is it too much for a broken woman to ask if she's given wings to fly<br /><br />And I've waited for something to make me feel that its alright<br />though my faith seemed to vanish all along those lonely nights<br /><br /><br />I never knew in time that love would come and take me by the hand<br />after all that's gone so wrong in my life, I still had a chance<br /><br /><br />and then came you...........<br /><br />now everything that was once broken , with words so softly spoken<br /><br />are slowly being mended and repaired, no longer frightened, no longer scared<br /><br />I see a future - right there I see....something so wonderful, right in front of me.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_725401">good stuff<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, June 03, 2008 - 8:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=402344861#" id="addReplyLnk_725401" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=402344861&amp;commentID=725401" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_725401"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=160786995" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Richie RaMpB</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=160786995" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/104/s_e2f23ab47e684a59950ba456573d1bdd.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Richie Baldi</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_725573">You gave love a life, a personality! Wow!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=160786995" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Richie RaMpB</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, June 04, 2008 - 12:37 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77524526916579891512008-05-30T06:38:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.169-04:00Patience......Just For Him<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, May 30, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_400867655" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Patience.<br /><br />I have ZERO!<br /><br />I used to. But these days I am just so worn down on waiting for life to change. I guess maybe it would not be so bad if I was not stuck in certain situations that I am in.<br /><br />I want HIM and I want him NOW!!<br /><br />LOL.<br /><br />I have been hearing this song on the internet radio at work a lot this week. I guess I just need to slow down and invest in a bottle of patience. I see the future, its so bright. Its just frustrating trying to get there. Trying to get on that path in life.<br /><br />Anyway...cutie patootie and I are going to be just fine.<br /><br />I will find patience...one way or another...</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/twDsyH_7iw8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/twDsyH_7iw8?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">1..2...1,2,3,4)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Shed a tear 'cause I'm missing you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm still alright to smile</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Girl, I think about you every day now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Was a time when I wasn't sure</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But you set my mind at ease</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">There is no doubt you're in my heart now</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Said woman take it slow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll work itself out fine</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All we need is just a little patience</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Said sugar make it slow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And we'll come together fine</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All we need is just a little patience</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">(inhale) Patience...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Ooh, oh, yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Sit here on the stairs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">'Cause I'd rather be alone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">If I can't have you right now, I'll wait dear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Sometimes, I get so tense</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But I can't speed up the time</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But you know, love, there's one more thing to consider</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Said woman take it slow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Things will be just fine</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You and I'll just use a little patience</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Said sugar take the time</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">'Cause the lights are shining bright</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You and I've got what it takes to make it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">We won't fake it, Oh never break it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">'Cause I can't take it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">...little patience, mm yeah, ooh yeah,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Need a little patience, yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just a little patience, yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Some more pati... (ence, yeah)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I've been walking these streets at night</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just trying to get it right (Need some patience, yeah)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's hard to see with so many around</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You know I don't like being stuck in a crowd (Could use some patience, yeah)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And the streets don't change but maybe the name</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I ain't got time for the game</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">'Cause I need you (Patience, yeah)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Yeah, yeah well I need you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Oh, I need you (Take some patience)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Whoa, I need you (Just a little patience is all we need)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Ooh, this ti- me....</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_723125">OMGODDESS that is one of me and Rye's songs. Figures!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 10:52 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=400867655#" id="addReplyLnk_723125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=400867655&amp;commentID=723125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_723125"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_724051">Patience is somethin I have definitely learned to have in this life.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, June 01, 2008 - 1:24 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=400867655#" id="addReplyLnk_724051" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=400867655&amp;commentID=724051" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_724051"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_724217">Killer tune...<br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/c2ca1058a798.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/c2ca1058a798.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Sunday, June 01, 2008 - 7:32 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15719381397763567602008-05-29T13:03:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.171-04:00I just have to say.......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, May 29, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_400594767" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii18/23whiskers/scream.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div>I need to vent for a spell. I have kept a lot bottled up and I am afraid that if I do not let it go I am going to do something I will end up regretting.<br /><br /><br />First thing - my job. I DO like my job. So don't get me wrong there. Its a decent job and the people (some of them) are alright. Their are a few that drive me crazy. But we are all going to have those at any job we have. We can't all get along. Although I generally get along with everyone, that doesn't mean I have to like them or really like dealing with them. But the thing is the company is starting to fall apart. Well not starting - it has been for some time now. Trying to dig them self out - but not doing a very good job. The owners just don't want to open eyes and see things for what they really are. I guess they just think it is all going to wash away on its own. *rolls eyes*&nbsp; So, today - this week - is the worst ever. We are out of money and I just cut over $90,000 worth of payroll checks and we still have another $50,000 or so in direct deposit that need to be pushed through today and we have been pretty much told to wait.<br /><br /><br />WTF!<br /><br />WAIT??<br /><br />No!!&nbsp; I&nbsp; HAVE to be paid. Seriously. As I am sure everyone else needs to as well. This sucks.<br /><br />And the gas prices. Are you kidding me??? With a 30minute drive to work it is almost to the point that I can not even afford to go to work anymore.<br /><br />Kind of ironic isn't it???<br /><br />It has been almost a year since I parted my ways. As I look at my life today I see I have changed. I mean, I am still Chrys - but their is a part of me that really isn't me at all anymore. I do not know if that's good or bad. People think I am blind to some things. But I am not. My eyes are wide open. I just choose to not deal with things anymore. Certain things that is. No point really.<br /><br /><br />I want so much out of life. I had hoped that during my year here I would have found me and would have made it and gotten on my feet. Picking myself up, dusting myself off and pushing forward.<br /><br /><br />And I guess I am doing that, just not at the pace that I had liked.<br /><br />I have become privy to certain events about my ex. Certain things I would have rather of not known about. And this has left me feeling a lot of hurt. More hurt then I ever thought I could feel. Hurt that is slowly boiling into anger.<br /><br />When I was talking to my dude the other night and sort of mentioned this - I became rather choked and realized I just could not even talk about it. And he's someone I can talk to about anything. I began to feel weak. And that was a feeling I did not like. So I pretty much just said I could not talk about it and he told me not to worry - better days ahead. Sunshine and smiles....thats what my dude is to me.<br /><br /><br />And he's right. So then that takes me on a whole new path that gets me frustrated. I have a wonderful man in my life now. Everything happens for a reason and if not for those reasons I would not be with him today. But even that is not without it's problems. The distance. That's a huge ordeal with us right now. Neither one of us really in a position to change that right now. And that makes things even more frustrating. We are trying to make changes. Trying to find our path together in life, but every time we think we have found that path life ends up dicking us around.<br /><br /><br />Life. I have that stuck feeling again. And we all know what happens when I start to feel stuck. I run.<br /><br />But what good is running going to do for me?<br /><br />Nothing.<br /><br />Not like I really have any place to run to.<br /><br />I mean, I know all my peeps back in OK want me to come home. But thats really not an option.<br /><br />So here I am stuck, wanting to run with no place to run to.<br /><br />All I want is for me and dude to find our path and get on it.<br /><br />Patience.<br /><br />I have none.<br /><br />I want out of the situation I am in with home life and work.<br /><br />I want in the situation with my dude.<br /><br />Why does it have to be so hard to get what I want?</div><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_722722">Oh man, can I relate! We had issues with getting paid on time when I worked in the Tucson office of my agency. I mean, every f-ing payday it was "are we getting paid? and when?" SO I switched to the Casa Grande office full-time, and my pay is always on time now. BUT it's a 70 mile drive each way, and as you mentioned, gas prices are RIDICULOUS! Yes, I get mileage checks but it does not cover all my gas anymore, much less wear. tear, and maintenance on the car...<br />Then on to the long-distance romance. *sigh, grrr* Rye lives 235 miles away...about 3.5 hours... and so we see each other about one weekend a month --if we are lucky. It is so frustrating, more than once I have wanted to just give up. Now she is moving here in a month, and I am worried about my space! Afraid of being too close...blah blah!<br />Anyway, I get the whole I want it all, I want it now feeling! {{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 4:38 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=400594767#" id="addReplyLnk_722722" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=400594767&amp;commentID=722722" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_722722"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 50px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/s_36b4b7e10bcb49fdafea9305e4a12710.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Art Reid</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_722795">I know your pain, I still looking for work after my last job stopped paying me. There's nothing as draining as working for a company in the decline.<br />I hope things get better, I really do,<br />Best of luck<br />Art<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a>on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 6:59 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9187480474208156812008-05-26T15:05:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.173-04:00Never Quit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b>Monday, May 26, 2008&nbsp;</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></span><br /><h1 style="font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Never quit</b></span></h1><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>The only way to lose is to quit. As long as you continue to make the effort, you have not lost.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Everyone experiences setbacks. However, those who achieve the most experience the most setbacks because they persist as long as it takes to reach each goal.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Does it ever seem that you are blocked in every direction? That's the time to get creative, become more flexible, and open yourself to the possibilities that are most certainly there.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Sometimes when you get stuck in a rut, the rut can suddenly and unexpectedly run out. What a great opportunity that can be for you to climb out of that rut, look around, and see all the valuable things you've been missing.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Never quit. Use each setback, each disappointment, and each success, as a cue to push on ahead with more determination than ever before.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>Never quit, and you will create the life you choose.</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>-- Ralph Marston</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b>**************************</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How does that saying go? Winners never quit and Quitters never win? Or what is that other one about the road you are battling always seems uphill?</span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Don't Quit When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill...</span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yeah, thats the one..LOL</span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So...I have been trying to keep focused on the big picture.</span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Forward...moving forward. Don't go back.</span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I just keep asking myself over and over...WHEN? When will everything fall in to place? When is life going to stop being in the "starting over" phase and on to the next?</span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'll never have an answer. So I just keep trolling forward.</span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></span></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_720989">This is a really good one! We all have to remember this one at times...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, May 26, 2008 - 3:28 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=399435365#" id="addReplyLnk_720989" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=399435365&amp;commentID=720989" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_720989"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_721001">Just keep putting one foot in front of the other! Some times it feels like every time I try to get on my feet, life kicks them out from under me...I've been there, but it does get better, at least for me it has. {{{{HUGS}}}} one lesson at a time!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, May 26, 2008 - 3:58 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=399435365#" id="addReplyLnk_721001" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=399435365&amp;commentID=721001" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_721001"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_721065">I hear you sis! Just keep going forward, because quitting is not an option, even though that bridge looks mighty tempting at times!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Monday, May 26, 2008 - 6:03 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></b><br /><b> <br /></b>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71934713053022065712008-05-23T06:44:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.176-04:00Just A Little Something<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, May 23, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />You know..even when I am going through my own BS in life I can still manage to be happy-go-lucky. Even at my worst I can still find laughter in life.<br />One thing I will never do is purposly turn my back on friends when I am going through my bouts. Our lives may not cross as they should sometimes(thats just life), but that does not mean I am not here for you. I will always do the best that I can.<br /><br />I am still here. Still willing to lend that shoulder - no matter whats going on in my own life.<br />I AM HERE FOR YOU!!!!<br />*****************************************<br />Count On Me - Default<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I know that life ain't always good to you.<br />I've seen exactly what it's put you through<br />Thrown you around and turned you upside down and so you<br />You got to thinking there was no way out<br />You started sinking and it pulled you down<br />It may be tough you've to get back up<br />Because you know that life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />You can count on me<br />Cause' I will carry you till you<br />carry on<br /><br />Anytime you need someone<br />Somebody strong to lean on<br />Well you can count on me<br />To hold you till the healing is done<br />And every time you fall apart<br />Well you can hide here in my arms<br />And you can count on me<br />To hold you till that feeling is gone<br /><br />I wonder why nobody's waiting on you<br />I'd like to be the one to pull you through your darkest times<br />I'd love to be the light that finds you<br />I see a silver lining on your cloud<br />I'll pick you up whenever you fall down<br />Just take my hand and I will help you stand<br /><br />Because you know that life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />You can count on me<br />Cause' I will carry you till you carry on<br />Anytime you need someone<br />Somebody strong to lean on<br />Well you can count on me to hold you till the healing is done<br />And every time you fall apart you can hide here in my arms<br />And you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is<br />Gone so you can live today<br />Seems so long to yesterday<br />Keep on counting on me to carry you till you carry on<br />Carry on<br /><br />You know that life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />You can count on me cause I will carry you till you carry on<br /><br />Anytime you need someone<br />Somebody strong to lean on<br />Well you can count on me to hold you till that healing is done<br />And every time you fall apart<br />You can hide here in my arms<br />And you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is gone<br />Remember life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />That you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is gone<br />Remember life ain't over yet<br />I'm here for you so don't forget<br />That you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is gone</span><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_719394">you are a good friend Chyrs. . and you deserve the same thing back. .<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>&nbsp;on Friday, May 23, 2008 - 7:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=398056375#" id="addReplyLnk_719394" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=398056375&amp;commentID=719394" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_719394"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_719514">{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br />Great point, sis. I know you are there! I'm always here for you too!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30242195967788965132008-05-22T15:24:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.178-04:00Poetry in Motion: Think...I gotta goooooooooo<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, May 22, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Wish I could talk</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Wish I could find my words</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Thoughts</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Ideas</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Jumbled around inside of me</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">It's a complete mess</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">maybe my own insecurities...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">On my face is a smile</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">that mask I have to wear</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Maybe I am just gone for a little while</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">who knows how long</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">or really even where</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_719007">I am having the shits of a day...week...month...year...myself sis. I am really relating to this blog. Me and my secretary at work joke about jumping off a bridge together when times get rough. Care to see if we can get a group rate????<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Thursday, May 22, 2008 - 3:58 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397738198#" id="addReplyLnk_719007" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397738198&amp;commentID=719007" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_719007"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_719128">{{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, May 22, 2008 - 6:35 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397738198#" id="addReplyLnk_719128" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397738198&amp;commentID=719128" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85785768846654804362008-05-21T06:44:00.006-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.181-04:00Poetry In Motion : Shattered, tattered, bleeding and bruised<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, May 21, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_397212745" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Shattered, tattered<br />bleeding an bruised<br />Lost and broken<br />visibly confused<br />Left feeling cold alone<br />and used.<br />unfairly Judged<br />unfairly Accused.<br />Deranged and Vile<br />feeling abused.<br />I sit on my&nbsp;swing with my head in my hands.<br />No one can help me now ive entered my own land.<br />Personality one.<br />Filled with toxins.<br />Personality two<br />Someone u thought you knew.<br />Personality three<br />Someone who always agrees.<br />Weak Minded<br />Yearning to be strong.<br />This fights been going on for far too long.</div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_718385">love it</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 11:06 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397212745#" id="addReplyLnk_718385" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397212745&amp;commentID=718385" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_718385"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 50px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/s_36b4b7e10bcb49fdafea9305e4a12710.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Art Reid</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_718577">Very powerful.Painful sharp and to the point.<br />Thanks<br />Art</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 5:47 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397212745#" id="addReplyLnk_718577" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397212745&amp;commentID=718577" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_718577"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_718609">Dark...but very awesome!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 6:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397212745#" id="addReplyLnk_718609" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397212745&amp;commentID=718609" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_718609"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_718695">Whoa....wonder what's going on in that head of yours!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 9:12 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397212745#" id="addReplyLnk_718695" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=397212745&amp;commentID=718695" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27232727355634890302008-05-20T06:25:00.009-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.183-04:00What’s Up With Chrys - May Edition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, May 20, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I know its been a while since I have done a "whats up with me" blog. Truth is, I am feeling very lost when it comes to my writing these days and I am not really sure why. I have a lot of stuff going on in my head but I just can not seem to commit it to paper , or to a word document for that matter.<br /><br />I am stressed. I am frustrated and I have a lot going on. But yet I feel like I am doing nothing at all. I feel like I am a puppet on a string being pulled along by another and not really feeling anything.<br /><br />I thought my wall was gone. Or at least a few bricks had been removed and there was a big enough space for someone to fit through.<br /><br />It is possible.<br /><br />However I am finding certain things hard to do.<br /><br />Trust.<br /><br />Ugh.<br /><br />Thats not really what I wanted to talk about anyway so rather then get me all twisted about that I am going to move on to something else.<br /><br />Work.<br /><br />Life in general.<br /><br />I am racking up those student loans as we speak. Still plugging away at school. Debating about whether I want to take a summer break or not. I am afraid if I do that in the fall I will not want to go back. But I just do not want to quit this time. I really want to see it through to the end. Even if the road gets a little bumpy.<br />I went on a eating out for lunch going out drinking after work binge being stuck on pop for energy. Breaking myself of that. I want to join a gym but just really do not have the time/patience/money to do such so I have been downloading a lot of work out videos on my pc to do here at home and just trying to get motivated. Once you get stuck in a rut, its hard to break out. The treadmill has gotten really dusty and I guess its time to kick the dog off of it and put my ass back on it.<br /><br />Funny sight to see, my dog Casey sleeping on the treadmill.<br /><br />Still working. For now. The place is ok and I like the job alright, but the company isnt making money and its a struggle to pay its 1000 employees a week. And then their is a girl I work with who is just freaking miserable all the time and fights with this guy there who happens to be friends with my family. So the two of them constantly drag me in the middle and its making me miserable. I want to quit. Today is the first time since I have been there I have thought about turning in my resignation for reasons other then moving with my dude. (and thats a whole other issues we arent going to get in to!)<br /><br />Trying to figure out a path in life with my dude. Seeing if there is a future there and whats going to happen.(ok so I went there a little LOL)<br /><br />Also, been in touch with&nbsp;quite a few&nbsp;people lately about starting my own fetish website with pics, my stories that I write, maybe in time some movies I will produce. A friend of mine told me about a website she uses so I have been looking in to that. Just seeing whats out there. Obviously this wont been something I will get into a great deal until I get out of this house and in to another place. But at least for now I can start getting my feet wet with it.<br /><br />Olivia is having good days. So thats a good thing. But they had to take her in last week for a blood transfusion. Thats not a good thing. But she seems to have taken it well. So thats a good thing. Its just been a back and forth battle. Poor baby.<br /><br />We are doing a charity motorcycle run for her on June 28th. Those of you in the area that are interested hit me up for details. Be great to have you ride along with us!<br /><br />Ok, thats enough for now - as much as I hate to - I need to get ready for work.<br />~Chrys~Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21301852762741775892008-05-16T10:19:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.186-04:00Homesick<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, May 16, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />have come to the conclusion I am homesick.<br /><br />I miss the weather, I miss the waters , I miss the people, places and things that I know.<br />But most of all , I miss my friends.<br /><br />Friends who love me. Cherish me. Accept me as-is. Friends who are not mean or cruel or try to do shady things.<br />Ever since I have moved here it seems I have met nothing but evil vindictive people. (ok, not EVERYONE!!)<br />The walls are up higher then ever and people wonder why on the outside I am so tough to get around.<br /><br />Well people - stop being so damn MEAN !!<br /><br />I just want to go home. I want to feel the sunshine on my face, the grass between my toes. I want to hug my friends and never have to miss them again.<br /><br />My Daizybug turns the big 3-0 tomorrow and it is breaking my heart to no ends that I will not be there to celebrate with her. We had talked about this day in the past. How I can now officially call her "old"&nbsp; (LOL!) But..I am missing out...my best friend Wally and his beautiful wife Bren are having their 1st baby....I watched this relationship from the begining and it is so AWESOME...and he texted me the other day to tell me they were having a BOY!! And as excited as I am I am sad I am not there to actually watch them as a couple go through these things....<br /><br />Guess I am just in a funk....I miss my peeps....but I wouldn't leave cutie patootie behind.....<br /><br />So for now...just try to keep smiling and think about the things I do have...<br /><br />They are still very much a part of my life....even if 1000 miles seperate us.....<br /><br />I MISS YOU GUYS!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_715444">I miss you like crazy. No one to rumage through stores, lunches, walks, etc....<br />It SUCKS!!! But I enjoyed our time and think you should come back , soon. At least to visit. You know he can come too. We can break him in and put him through the blender to see if he can hang.....lol<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a>&nbsp;on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 1:00 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=395099562#" id="addReplyLnk_715444" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=395099562&amp;commentID=715444" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_715444"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_715628">Poor baby...I am sorry your feeling homesick. ~~~hugs you...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 5:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=395099562#" id="addReplyLnk_715628" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=395099562&amp;commentID=715628" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_715628"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_717171">My dear poor child, I know how that feels.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 3:13 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31503335463135645302008-05-13T20:46:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.188-04:00Love Myself<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, May 13, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;">To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.</span></div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><div align="center">—Oscar Wilde</div></span></i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div align="center"><br /></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><div align="justify">Love yourself. Love the things that make you you.Your values and talents and memories.Your clothes, your nose, your woes. If you love yourself, you can jump into your life from a springboard of self-confidence. If you love yourself, you can say what you want to say, go where you want to go.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div>The world can be a tough place, and some of the billions of people out there will try to knock you down. Don't join them. Do things that make you proud, then take pride in what you do. And in who you are.<br />This is me learning to love myself as-is even though I am a constant work in progress. This is me learning to be comfortable in my own skin and be proud of who and what I am.<br /><br />If I can't love myself, how can I expect anyone else to love me?<br />~Chrys~</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_715307">yeah, love yourself. . I do that everyday. .. LOL. . wait, wait. . do hands count as love? LOL<br />Just kidding. . . I know I have been reeling lately, I have realized that I have shut down all the sweetness inside of me. . . the nectar of me is now inaccessible. . . I figure it is my survival instincts kicking in as my heart heals. . and now I question everything I think and feel. . "Could I really trust someone enough to love again?" "Do I really want to be in a relationship?" "Can relationships actually work?" OH, I love me all day long and all day strong. . but that doesn't mean I am going to let anyone else get close enough to do so with me. . . not yet anyway. . not until I see the beauty of the stars again and the peace of the sunrise and the laughter in my babies eyes. . not until I am healed and whole again. . . or as close as we can get in this life. . . you know what they say about broken people, right? "Broken people are dangerous; they know they will survive." I guess I still need more time. .<br /><br />I love you girl. . you are worthy of the world. . I hope you get out there and get you a big bite of it, SOON!!!<br />xoxoxxoxoxox<br />me<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 10:33 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=393915511#" id="addReplyLnk_715307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=393915511&amp;commentID=715307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_715307"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 50px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/s_36b4b7e10bcb49fdafea9305e4a12710.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Art Reid</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_718364">I struggle with this one myself. It's hard to do sometimes even though there's no choice.<br />It's a good struggle.<br />Art<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a>on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 10:13 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=393915511#" id="addReplyLnk_718364" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=393915511&amp;commentID=718364" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54435359390436090142008-05-08T18:57:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.191-04:00My Own Person<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, May 08, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogSubject" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"><br /><b>Category:</b>Romance and Relationships</div><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_391865183" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczU5LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvZzMxNi9pcmlzaGNoaWtpbm9rL0Z1bm55JTIwU3R1ZmYvP2FjdGlvbj12aWV3JmN1cnJlbnQ9Z2FtZW92ZXIuanBn" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Funny%20Stuff/gameover.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">"I didn't even see the purpose of marriage. Now I see the goodness in having a partner. But I don't belong to anybody; I belong to the world."<span>&nbsp;</span>~Erykah Badu</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was listening to the radio on the way to work the other morning and the DJ was talking about Erykah Badu and her new article coming up in a magazine. They were talking about this quote as well as some other things she had said and I had a little light bulb moment and you all know how that it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Marriage isn't for everyone. Many of us see that now. I know some people are very content and happy with it. That's great. It worked for you and that's perfect. I am not knocking marriage. I am not some bitter woman who is dead set against it. It just did not work for me. The marriage I was in was not built on the things a marriage should be built on. I just felt like it was a piece of paper that basically signified a name change and that we were a couple. Big whoop. It made me feel like a piece of property. Like I belonged to someone. That someone had to always know my whereabouts and happenings in life. We are suppose to WANT to share that, not feel like we are FORCED to share that, and after a while that's what marriage felt like. A giant FORCE.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If I could change the quote and make it my own it would go more like this –</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">" For me I did not see the purpose of the marriage. It became something we thought we SHOULD do next instead of what we WANTED to do. Now I see the goodness in having a best friend, a partner. But I don't belong to anybody; I belong to myself."</div><div align="center"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 50px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/48/s_36b4b7e10bcb49fdafea9305e4a12710.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Art Reid</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711218">That sounded like my first marraige too...wasn't that what we were supposed to do?<br />Two years of pure hell except she was the control freak and I worked myself to death and hated going home and dreaded wondering exactly when the complaining blaming and everything else would start after I came trough the door.<br />I learned my lesson. I'm in my second and last marrage now, when I met Dawn, my wife it was like it wasn't even a question...This was what it's all about and has been ever since.<br />I also know plenty of happy people who have gone through thier lives single too.<br />Good post,<br />Art<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Art in DC</a>&nbsp;on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 5:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=391865183#" id="addReplyLnk_711218" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=391865183&amp;commentID=711218" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=279267635" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_711218"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711495">Ooooooooo...........I sooooooooo agree with your "changed" quote!!!!!<br /><br />Love it!!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 7:15 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=391865183#" id="addReplyLnk_711495" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=391865183&amp;commentID=711495" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_711495"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711758">Both quotes are good..the changed one fits you perfectly! As you know, Don and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary this year. Obviously, it worked for us! My first marriage lasted 2 years only because I was too damn stubborn to admit I made a mistake! LOL! But that was a very long time ago (obviously!) and I agree that marriage is not for everyone. I had an uncle that could live with someone for years and things were great...until they got married! Then they would fight, he would cheat and the marriage would be over quickly, LOL! His last wife...they lived together for over 20 years before they got married...they were barely speaking when he passed away 2 years ago! So do what is right for YOU, and forget the rest! You should never have to lose yourself when you blend your life with another person's. {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 8:39 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14932784679862458572008-05-08T03:21:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.193-04:00Damaged Thinking<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, May 08, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am damaged. Well not me personally, but my heart is. I guess parts of it always have been.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know I talked the other day about trust. And learning to trust someone again. And that L word. Learning to (dare I even say it) give someone that again as well. I thought it would be easy. I thought wrong. It has not been easy. I mean I am a very loving person and I have a huge heart with lots of love to give to the right person. My friends know this because I love them to pieces and I have no problems with telling them so. I care. And sometimes I care too much. I give. And sometimes I give too much. And many times in the end I have gotten hurt. But when it comes to a serious relationship – my giving meter goes off the rector scale then my care meter follows suite. As for L , well there is a lot there. A lot to give, but it is a scary thing.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I realize many of you know the stories. We have been friends a good many of years. The rest of you, family, just know.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I really don't want to get into the grave details anymore. Point is I have suffered a lot of abuse at the hands of men in my life. Sexual, physical, mental, verbal&nbsp;etc. Cheated on. Lied to. Used. Abused and just all out mistreated.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And don't get me started on the women that have been in my life.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No wonder I have such a bitch wall build around me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Who can I trust these days?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Me. I can trust me.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Point is I have let a lot from my past go.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I refused a long time ago to accept that things were my fault and be that girl. I am a survivor and I will continue to always be so.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Over the years I have loved and lost a lot of people because they have hurt me in some way. The ones I did finally let in and trust 100% I lost due to very sudden deaths. Life is cruel. And yet I continue on. I have always tried to keep these things behind me. To always look at life with sunshine and rainbows. To always seek out the positive.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But as you have heard me mention these last few blogs I am having issues with finding that girl who sees that.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to be that strong girl again but I do not want to have to shut people off to do so. I want to be able to trust and love. Especially him. He should not be penalized today for the actions of others in my past.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But his own actions have left me feeling….how can I put this…..uncertain.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But I feel damaged. Made of scars. I feel I am not whole, but rather broken into a million pieces. I am frantically picking up these pieces that are scattered all over the place trying to put myself back together as I continue to build this relationship with him.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I constantly live in a state of fear that at any moment he is just not going to accept these parts of me. That I am far too damaged for him to want to deal. Or that he is always going to have his door open and at a moments notice I am going to be left behind while he moves on to the next best thing.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I often wonder is the saying true – once a player, always a player? Or can people really change. Can someone in open relationships ever truly commit and be just with one person? I wonder…….</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I am only going to find these answers deep within myself.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_710695">kisses sweetie. . . lots of kisses. . . .<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 9:05 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=391356051#" id="addReplyLnk_710695" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=391356051&amp;commentID=710695" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_710695"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=82330424" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/s_96a667ab6ed425fc38de4ce2f9bb0e29.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711337">I believe that when the heart breaks and mends itself, the scar tissue actually increases the&nbsp;<myspace>size</myspace>&nbsp;of the heart. So only in breaking does it expand.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a>&nbsp;on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 1:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=391356051#" id="addReplyLnk_711337" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=391356051&amp;commentID=711337" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_711337"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711492">No matter the outcome...your true friends are here to help you pick up the pieces...if need be.....just remember not to shut us out.<br /><br />WE ALL ARE STRONG SURVIVORS!!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 7:12 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78631722768222712772008-05-06T06:17:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.196-04:00~IrishChik~ Meets Sybil Starr - Part 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, May 06, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczU5LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvZzMxNi9pcmlzaGNoaWtpbm9rL0ZyaWVuZHMvP2FjdGlvbj12aWV3JmN1cnJlbnQ9QV9GUklFTkQuanBn" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Friends/A_FRIEND.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~IrishChik~ Meets Sybil Starr – Part 2</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*yawns*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wow! What a day yesterday! As soon as I post this blog I will be posting pictures as well. There will be more coming as we get the ones off her cam and phone. The ones being posted are off my phone and cam. We wanted to take more, but we were having so much fun we just didn't take the time to do so!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So .. yeah, had a BLAST yesterday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We started off with Guinness and Nacho's (my guess in honor of Cinco de Mayo LOL!) and talked, and talked and I am sure we gave the pub an earful with our constant chatter and giggles. Our waiter had a good time, she made him blush which was pretty funny.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We walked, we shopped, and we shared ice lattes on the terrace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Good time's people…..good times.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It was really nice to meet someone who shares a lot of the same views on life, same interest and is just as open about things as I am.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have made friends up here but I have learned along the way that some people just are not as open as I. So there are things about me and my life that I tend to not share. Not that I am not proud of who I am, but more so the fact I do not want to be stereotyped or judged. I get enough of that with the tats and piercing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">With her – everything was cool because she is the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Very cool.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know life is going to take us in different directions but I have a feeling her and I will be friends for many moons to come.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My face hurts from all the smiling and giggles!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok..gotta got get ready for work and back to the daily routine of life…fun fun…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_709383">BEST DAY EVER!!!! lol<br />you were/are a breath of fresh air. . so you. . and so beautiful. . . the honor and fun was all mine!!<br /><br />"THIS AMAZON PRINCESS WILL NOT BOW TO ANY MAN!!!!"<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 6:55 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=390629690#" id="addReplyLnk_709383" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=390629690&amp;commentID=709383" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_709383"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_709426">I am sooooo glad you found a like-minded soul up there, sis! This is great news, and also glad you got to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in<myspace>style</myspace>!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 9:55 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=390629690#" id="addReplyLnk_709426" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=390629690&amp;commentID=709426" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_709426"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_711484">Woot Woot! Glad you had fun!<br />&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4919808170386793702008-05-05T08:28:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.198-04:00~IrishChik~ Meets Sybil Starr<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, May 05, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/5%205%202008/IrishChikMeetsSybilStarr006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/5%205%202008/IrishChikMeetsSybilStarr006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The long overdue event day has finally arrived.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Superstar on myspace (don't roll your eyes at me; you know it to be true!)<span>&nbsp;</span>~ IrishChik ~ extreme blogger, word writer, quoter, thought provoker, will finally meet super woman Sybil Starr fighter chick extraordinaire.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, now if that didn't make you laugh your ass off – I don't know what will!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But seriously I am taking the day off today to go meet (real name have been left out to protect the innocent, or is that not so innocent *winks*) Sybil.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We have been trying for MONTHS to get a date together where we can just hang out. But with my boring and typical work schedule on top of my crazy pain in my ass school schedule it just could never meet up with her hectic travel schedule for her job. And yes, she really is a fighter chick. (<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3N5Ymlsc3RhcnI=" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">www.myspace.com/sybilstarr</a>) Feel free to stop by and say hello.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We've been talking, we've been planning and now the day is finally here. And I am really excited. I actually met her through cutie patootie. She and I eventually linked up here on myspace but it took a while for either of us to say hello. And once we did, we became quite the chatter boxes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Did someone say – PARTY???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Don't worry, I am taking the camera. *wink*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We shall have good food, couple of drinks, who knows. Good times and lots of smiles and laughter, which I can promise.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I shall report back tomorrow or sometime …</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Enjoy your Monday…I know I will!</div><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_708866">That is great, sis! Have a blast!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 9:35 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10201722069474307122008-05-04T15:08:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.201-04:00A Positive….Even At a Distance…<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, May 04, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_389934950" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am trying my best to stay positive.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Key word – trying.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Some days it is difficult, even for happy – go –lucky- all smiles – me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cutie patootie and I really don't get to spend a lot of time together. Different schedules and the distance tends to really put us in a bind sometimes. So when I thought we would be hanging out for a little while today, I was really looking forward to it. It had been a while since we had spent some time together and we were about due.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I got the call this morning something had happened and it was going<span>&nbsp;</span>to be taken care of, naturally I was crushed. It always seems like it is something.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*sighs*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just want to spend time with him….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But he is safe and right now that's all that matters, given the circumstances.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, I could really sit here and dwell on this. Let it boil and stew. Walk up one path and right back down the other. Being sad about it is not going to help anything. What happened can not be helped so it's not his fault we could not hang out today.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Instead I am going to tell myself, for every day that passes that is one day closer to having the life together that we want. And we will have our time together then.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He keeps telling me I need to just hang in there and be patient..I keep asking, can I buy that in a bottle???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Besides, we have a date this Friday as we have tickets to the WWE !!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczI1NC5waG90b2J1Y2tldC5jb20vYWxidW1zL2hoMTAyL2x1bmFidWc1MTMvP2FjdGlvbj12aWV3JmN1cnJlbnQ9UGF0aWVuY2UuanBn" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Patience" border="0" src="http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh102/lunabug513/Patience.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><span>Read more:<a href="http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik/blog?page=24#ixzz145EHScVv" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik/blog?page=24#ixzz145EHScVv</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77073372893115937652008-05-03T10:32:00.003-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.894-04:00Happy Birthday Elonna<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, May 03, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_389514358" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Today is Elonna's 31<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;birthday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I can remember a few years ago when we would joke about her turning 30. Sadly she spent her<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/11/rip-elonna.html"> 30<sup>th</sup>birthday battling cancer</a> and seeking treatment. We did not get to do that big 3-0 party we had talked about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now, today as another birthday rolls around, I vow I will not shed a tear. Everyone here today knows how much I miss her. Everyone knows how much I love her and will always treasure her friendship.&nbsp;I feel good that I never let a day go by that I did not tell Elonna what a good person she was to be, how much her friendship meant to me and how much I loved her. I feel good knowing while she was battling her cancer and I was going through my divorce I still managed to keep in touch with her. I know how much my cards and letters, flowers and such meant to her. I feel good knowing she left this world knowing her sista loved her dearly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That is why I will not cry. I have mourned my loss many moons over. Today rather then cry I will celebrate. I will celebrate the good times we had. I will celebrate that she is no longer in a world that filled her with pain. But she is now at peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">She is one of my guardian angels. I know she and <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean_05.html">Lonnie</a> are having a good time hanging out together.&nbsp;My sistagurl and the goomba….I know they are having quite a few laughs over me these days….and I know they are happy for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I often wonder what life would be like if she was still here. If any of our Pirate Gang was for that matter…. but these are thoughts I can not dwell on. Everything happens in life for a reason. We continue on. We learn. We stop to listen. We grow and we move on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So as I sit here, thinking back over the years of our friendship - I will celebrate her life just as she would have wanted me to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Tearless.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczU2LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvZzE5Ny90aGVva2lyaXNoY2hpay9Ib2xpZGF5cy9CaXJ0aGRheS8/YWN0aW9uPXZpZXcmY3VycmVudD1waXJhdGVjYWtlLmpwZw==" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Holidays/Birthday/piratecake.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_707864">Wonderful blog...she was a wonderful lady. Wonderful cake for that matter! However, is it okay if I end up shedding a tear? *sigh*<br /><a href="http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/sapphire_tyger/birthday/?action=view&amp;current=MagicalBirthday.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/sapphire_tyger/birthday/MagicalBirthday.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 11:19 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=389514358#" id="addReplyLnk_707864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=389514358&amp;commentID=707864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_707864"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_707896">What a wonderful tribute! I know you miss her and have many wonderful memories! Happy Birthday Elonna!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, May 03, 2008 - 12:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=389514358#" id="addReplyLnk_707896" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=389514358&amp;commentID=707896" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_707896"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/128/s_6af76b3e3ddc45398b3fa4740e0a2daa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mickey Finn</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_708758">Happy Birthday Elonna.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, May 04, 2008 - 11:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=389514358#" id="addReplyLnk_708758" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=389514358&amp;commentID=708758" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6077916533567935912008-05-01T06:48:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.203-04:00Trying.....&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, May 01, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />So, when trying to put together a positive blog (for lets see now.....3 days???) I have come to the conclusion it is harder then I thought it was. I have too many things clouding my mind right now that it is hard to dig happy sunshine and rainbows back out.<br /><br />But - here is my first attempt.<br /><br />School.<br /><br />Let me first say -&nbsp; I hate it.&nbsp; I hate that it takes up so much time.<br /><br />But - there is a positive in all that.<br /><br />I know IT WILL be worth it in the end. To finally be able to say I DID IT. Well, I say that after every class these days. And my grades have been very good. ( I know..I am smarter then I give myself credit for.) So there is my positive. It is a pain in my ass , but it feels good when grades come in, another class is done, it is on to the next, and I know someday there will be an end to it (unless I just keep going) and I will be a better person because of it and more opportunities will stem from my hard work.<br /><br />Patience. I need some. I wonder if I can buy it in a bottle...anyone know???? LOL.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_706689">LOL. . . too funny. . . what about a happy rant? Like. . . I would love to see you wake up today and know that this is a new chance. . today is your day, the best day. . . the best day ever, because you get a new chance. . this is your chance to keep positive and have the best day ever. . .and if you can do that you can do anything, because a positive attitude never gives up under pressure, a positive attitude finds the good, finds the way to make what others call "impossible" possible. . this isn't magic. . it is just the one thing in the world we truly have control over. . our thoughts and attitudes. . . you are in a transition, a cocoon, and when you emerge from all of this, you will be the most stunning butterfly that has the wings to get where she is meant to go. . . I know I am a total cheese ball when it comes to this stuff, but when all else has failed, my prayers and my attitude has gotten me through. . .<br /><br />kisses<br />me<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 8:01 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=388654746#" id="addReplyLnk_706689" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=388654746&amp;commentID=706689" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_706689"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_707430">I have been having trouble being positive too, sis, I know what you mean. {{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Friday, May 02, 2008 - 2:41 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=388654746#" id="addReplyLnk_707430" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=388654746&amp;commentID=707430" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65889012073802624802008-04-30T16:21:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.206-04:00Dear Diary<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><st1:date day="30" month="4" w:st="on" year="2008">April 30, 2008</st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been a crazy ride the last few days. Yesterday especially. While I was at work I landed on Erica’s myspace page. I keep telling myself I am just going to stay off Mike and hers page. All it does is cause me grief and heartache. Sad, I should not have to stay off his page. But the fact it still says Single and looking to network and date breaks my heart. And let’s not even get in to the whole dating site thing. Anyway, she’s been leaving her comments and he’s been approving them. Meanwhile I decide to go ahead and leave one and he doesn’t approve it. So what’s the freaking point? I am so frustrated. I decided to leave him one tonight just to see if he lets it go through. Being Mr. Private and all, heaven forbid if anyone thinks he’s got someone in his life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, went to her page and noticed she put Mike back in her top friends list. Why can’t she just keep barking up her ex’s page and leave Mike alone? I will never understand people who do that shit. Anyway, she wrote a blog about her top friends and here is what she put about Mike.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">15.&nbsp; Mike ~<br />Well I thought that you were a nice guy, until you stood me up repeatedly.&nbsp; Then I got really frustrated with you and gave up on trying to be your friend.&nbsp; However you still amazingly manage to have bad timing.&nbsp; I hope that your job interview goes well, and thanks for going to dinner with me the other night, it was nice to see you.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So let’s go through all this shall we? He has not time to answer his phone or call me. He has no time to hang out with me, but he’s got time for her. Its ok for her to blog about things but I can’t??? At what point was he going to tell me? And what the fuck is that shit all about? So I am seeing red. I stewed on it. Then I am like in my boss’s office crying over it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At lunch I call Mike, no answer. Try again at break, no answer. So I texted him. And pretty much just let him have it. Oh so then he calls. Whatever I don’t have time to talk to you break is over. Course he’s pist. So I call him after work, course no answer. So then he calls me back. He told me he had no intention of telling me because he did not think it was a big deal. He made me a promise he would never keep things from me, he would never do anything to make me suspicious of him and what not. And he pulls this shit. And then he tells me he did not break a promise. I am like what the fuck ever. I don’t care if you guys are friends. But tell me about shit like this don’t make me have to find out from someone else because it does not look good. Pretty much everyone I have talked to about it thinks she’s doing this shit on purpose to try to get to me. Maybe break us up. But the fact remains I can not trust him and just do not know what to do about it. So he tells me she was in town with some friends, called him up and he stopped by, had a water and left. So he says. Her little blurb says more to me. And what’s this shit about his timing?? And what about the job interview????</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am really having a hard time dealing with all this. He’s all telling me I need to have some fucking patience as far as our situation is concerned. I have had nothing but patience since day one, so excuse me if it is starting to run a little thin after dealing with all his bullshit. All I want is for us to figure shit out and get our thing going, whatever the hell it may be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok, I have to go do homework.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63258735886260006622008-04-28T19:44:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.209-04:00Learning to Trust and Love again....Killing the Negativity<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, April 28, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_387236404" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I realize I have been pretty negative lately. Not good for me and not really like me. No matter what life has ever thrown me I have always been pretty good about keep my head above water and seeing the good. These last few weeks I have lost that girl. Sad thing is, I did not even realize it. Me has been lost again. Lost in that bottomless dark pit of stink that I have fallen in to a time or two. And yesterday I found myself there. Quite literally all day. I shut myself off from the world. I was feeling very hurt.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feelings of being lied to, used, mistreated and people just out right being mean for no reason. Instead of my usual "FUCK YOU" I let it get to me. I seem to be a lot more sensitive to mindless bullshit lately. Again, not like me. I have always been a girl who speaks her mind and gives off a big "Who gives a shit" and moves on. But not lately. With all this stuff going on in my life I let it pile on top of it and just let it all boil.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh that lovely witches brew.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Double, double toil and trouble;<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; Fire burn, and caldron bubble.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ewwwww and this brought stench to my humble abode. I did not like it one bit.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I began to text and call some friends, knowing I needed to enlist in the help of others to dig myself out.<span>&nbsp;</span>(Sorry Myca I didn't get to your call…I was chatting away…promise to call you soon! Love you girly miss you so much!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I fell asleep shortly after that but kept waking in the night with random thoughts and just some ill feelings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then came the chat this early AM with cutie patootie. I can't fake happiness with him. It doesn't work. I can bullshit quite a few people but he just is not one of them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yes, me. Full of negativity. Not able to see the good right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't want to be that girl. I want ME back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So…I am searching for her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And in that process I have realized there are some underlying issues.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have to learn to trust someone and love someone all over again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I thought it was going to be an easy thing. Just *poof* and it all was going to be fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nope. I was VERY wrong on that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That is a scary thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know it is never fair to blame or compare someone to events that have happened in your past. But, it also does make one very leery. And it has made me very very afraid to give him my heart. To give him my trust. But at the level we are now, I have no choice. I have to give it to him. He deserves to have it. It is not his fault for anything anyone has done to me. Just as it is not my fault for anything any girl has ever done to him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span>&nbsp;</span>It is all on me to learn how to give that to someone again. It's up to me&nbsp; to be the adult that I am and trust him. To give him my trust. To give him all of me and my heart. No longer should he get bits and pieces of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That my friends is going to take time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />I only hope he is patient enough with me and understanding to know he has some and that there is more to come in time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So while I am working on the trust bit, I am going to be working on finding that positive girl again. So be prepared to read some pretty random blogs because I think the way to finding her is to start finding the things that ARE positive in life and looking at the good things I do have (him *smiles*) and the things I am going to have.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Stepping stones…..(his terms) One step at a time…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*hearts*</div></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 75px;"><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=333528849" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_704081">Hey Chrystal!!!!<br /><br />Boy that's some DEEP stuff right there!!! We have all been there before, but please follow your heart! You try to protect it with an iron case under lock, but that special somebody is gonna unlock your defenses and you know it! LOL! Just give it time....you guys can work it out! Call me....918-636-0362! I'm knee deep in a case of Rolling Rock! LOL!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=333528849" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a>on Monday, April 28, 2008 - 9:41 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=387236404#" id="addReplyLnk_704081" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=387236404&amp;commentID=704081" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=333528849" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_704081"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/84/s_1d58997801cd4975a1415f8831a6dbc1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Timothy Dougherty</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_704086">Trusting your individual uniqueness challenges you to lay yourself open.<br />I believe in trusting men, not only once but twice - in giving a failure another chance.<br />I never comment on a woman's rear end. Never use the words "large" or "<myspace>size</myspace>" with "rear end." Never. I Avoid the area altogether.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a>&nbsp;on Monday, April 28, 2008 - 9:55 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=387236404#" id="addReplyLnk_704086" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=387236404&amp;commentID=704086" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_704086"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_705285">I can so relate!!! You want to be in love again, to feel care free and like there's nothing that can hold you back... and it seems like one yearns to feel that passion and have one's head in the preverbial clouds again... but when it comes to that point, of truly letting go, all doubts, fears, and worries.... and completely trust someone again... however, the reality of fantasy actually coming true, stops you dead in your tracks...<br /><br />And one feels lost again... between wants, needs, and fears... is it worth it? Will I ever be happy if I don't risk everything? Is he the 'One'? Will I regret running away from yet another relationship?<br /><br />All I can say is that I love you girl, and I am always here for you no matter what hole we fall into, or what kind of havoc we cause...<br /><br />Love ya!<br /><br />Myca Jean<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a>on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 4:08 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36983529844549204072008-04-27T16:23:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.212-04:00Dear Diary<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Diary<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><st1:date day="27" month="4" w:st="on" year="2008">April 27, 2008</st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I never did finish the last entry from the other day. Guess that’s OK. Life just keeps going as it will anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Trust. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is that word again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I hate it and it hates me. I will never have it. End of story.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, Erica and her bf Denny break up some weeks ago. I knew it was only a matter of time before she came barking up Mikes tree again. Now all of the sudden she has put him back in her top friends list and he’s approving all her comments but hardly ever does mine. He wants to try to tell me its cause he’s private or they are too mushy or whatever. Well I have tried to talk to him about Erica. How I feel she’s up to no good. Putting a comment of her own lips on his page. He tells me he didn’t know they were hers when he accepted the comment until she called him to ask how he liked them. Yeah, how’s that suppose to make me feel. Since she has come back he’s a lot shorter with me. Doesn’t have time to talk to me. Won’t call me or text me back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is how it all started. Monday I chanced my mood status to say rockin’ and had a good weekend with da’man. I put the pic of me and mike up just for a few hours. I had written this very special blog about the weekend. Not once did anything mention love or the there abouts. Apparently Erica went and nosed over to my page and called him and busted his job. She was picking on him for throwing up love because when she and Denny were together she had her page all decked out with “I love my bf” pics. And he made fun of her for it. Well then she tells him she read my blog. Whatever. I am still trying to figure this out as all my shit is set to private.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been trying to explain this to him all week. But then he tells me Tammy read it too and she was all – oh someone’s in love with you , to which he replies “isn’t everyone?” so I don’t know. She said she read it too. But I KNOW they didn’t. Know way they could. They just had to of read my headline and saw that pic. Oh, Tammy is the leasing agent at his apt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway he calls me at work Monday to ask me if I wrote a blog about the weekend and blah blah. So I am like yeah but it’s not bad. And that’s when he tells me about the whole Erica thing. So then he goes and reads the blog. Of course when he gets off the phone with me he says he will call me back and doesn’t. I get home from work and I have a myspace mail from him talking about how he appreciates my words but doesn’t want his relationship out there in the headlines and how it wierded him out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When he talked to me about Tammy he said it just made him feel weird that people knew his business.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course me, being the emotionally scarred person I am, all these red flags are just like…yeah whatever, you just don’t want people to know you have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>girl because you just want to be a player still.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I will never get past that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t deal with the fact he still has his dating site up. I can’t deal with the fact his myspace still says single and dating. I can’t deal with the fact he has time to talk to Erica and not me. I cant deal with the fact I am pretty sure he went and told her ever thought, feeling and emotion I had because she has since put a new pic on his page about you don’t like be, call bullshit or something and on her page it says I don’t care if I offended you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ouch. All I want to do is cry. And part of me just wants to run away from him.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Honestly, right now, I do not feel this relationship is going to last now. </div><div class="MsoNormal">All week he’s been distant. Not really wanting to talk to me. We haven’t gotten anywhere on the moving in together thing. Now I am wishing I would have never of told anyone at work, but I wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I am sort of at a crossroads right now. Feeling like no matter what path I choose I am going to get a broken heart. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I wrote him a message at myspace, more or less replying to what he had written to me and just trying to get him to understand where I was coming from. And we haven’t really talked since then. I tried to talk to him yesterday, that lasted like 5 mins and he was off and running, saying he had to go eat and would call me right back. Liar. He never did. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I figured this was going to happen. Some girl shows him attention again and I get stuck on the back burner. Even though he tells me he wants to be with me, wants us to be, yes we are in a committed relationship and blah blah. But then why do I keep getting pushed aside?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And why can’t she go bother some other guy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I am able to get in her photobucket. I see these fuck me and sex comments. Just waiting for her to put them on his page. I feel a war coming on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One time he more or less said yeah they had dated or whatever. I could tell something was going on by the comments she would leave him. But then I remember him saying she was gross and there was never anything with them. So whatever. She is pretty nasty. But I am pretty sure there is something going on there. She is suddenly single and they are best friends again. Figure that out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another thing that is bothering me, a while back ago we had this talk about long distance relationships. I tried to tell him every single one of them has turned out rotten. I give and try and always give up. I told him I did not want to be that person. And nor did I want him to give up. He swore to me that he would not be that guy. That he would not give up on me. Well when I was with him over the weekend, last weekend he said to me – I am so glad to you got a car because I was beginning to wonder if we were going to make it or not. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">WHAT?? I was just sitting there in shock. I can understand it was hard for him to always have to come here. But now I have the car and I see him no more then I used to. I had hoped we would hang out again but I guess after spending all weekend with me and now he wants nothing to do with me it seems. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I just don’t know what to do here anymore. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Calling him does no good, he never answers. Texting him does no good he doesn’t text back. I should just leave him alone. I guess I really have no choice in that matter anyway.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46297573867084699402008-04-25T20:34:00.005-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.897-04:00Waiting for this life to change .............<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 25, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;">ometimes I really hate my drive in to work. I feel like I could be using that extra time to lay in bed and just be lazy. But then I have mornings like today when I am just driving along and for whatever reason I get these ideas running in my head and I have to take the time to reflect.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Ahhhhh reflecting....these are the days when I miss my sistagurl Elonna. How she was my looking glass when I needed to reflect. She always brought me such clarity.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">These days I seem to be looking at that glass all on my own. And that's OK. These are things I should be dealing with on my own anyway. No outside influences. But sometimes it is still nice to have that person be your sounding board.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Yesterday Shannon was my sounding board....and even though we are far apart I feel our friendship getting stronger and stronger. ( I Love You! Thank you for listening)</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Life is about to change. Big changes. And the thing is - I just don't know WHEN...or perhaps where for that matter.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I want this change NOW. And its starting to wear me down.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">So as I skip the Cat and Mouse song because all it does is remind me of Lonnie's death and back to Elonna's it brings me to this track....could not of hit at a better moment....</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">So as I troll along in life - one day at a time..I have to remind myself this is NOT ALWAYS how it is going to be....just stepping stones...</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><b>The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Waiting lyrics</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;">Feeling sorrow<br />for all the things you had to steal and borrow.<br />Bring back the days we had before tomorrow<br />relapse and then collapse into yourself once more.<br /><br />Waiting for this life to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />and I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br />This life is going to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />And I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br /><br />Void I can't fill.<br />The doctor tells me to relax and stand still<br />Prescribes me a new pill to quell my anger.<br />Wish I could make her pull herself up off the floor<br /><br />Waiting for this life to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />and I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br />This life is going to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />And I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br />Again, into the day, again<br /><br />Waiting for this life to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />and I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br />This life is going to change seems like it's taking me forever<br />And I can't hold on. This light is breaking into the day<br /><br />Take time to contemplate who you are and where you want to go.<br />[x2]</div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_702169">As usual, I can relate to what you are saying here, sis. I drive an hour to work each day and an hour back. Sometimes I just want to hurry up and get there! But there are times when I appreciate the drive and the time to think, to contemplate.<br />I am pretty happy, but there is more I want from my life, career, relationship-- and more is coming, it will just take time (and hard work). Often I get the "want it all and want it now!" blues myself.<br />Also relate to missing those who have passed on. Grrrrrrrrr it's so frustrating at times!<br />Well sis, keep on driving forward. It's all we can do!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Friday, April 25, 2008 - 12:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=384951744#" id="addReplyLnk_702169" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=384951744&amp;commentID=702169" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_702169"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_702622">{{{{HUGS}}}} Have a wonderful weekend!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 8:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=384951744#" id="addReplyLnk_702622" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=384951744&amp;commentID=702622" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_702622"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_702770">Just remember that God has perfect timing.... and maybe he's working on some things so that your transition will be smooth and perfect, instead of rough sailing. Not to mention, that sometimes, things are worth the wait.<br /><br />Kisses &amp; Hugs!<br /><br />Myca Jean<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a>on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 3:28 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71608694784934709172008-04-24T06:27:00.006-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.899-04:00Dear Blogland<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, April 24, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Dear Blogland,<br /><br /><br />What I should do is say good-bye.<br /><br />It has been a long and good ride. Maybe it's time to move on.<br /><br />But that would only be in vain.<br /><br />What started as a way to showcase my writing, to practice my writing, to share it, turned into a way to stay in touch with the "Pirate Gang" , then turned into friends, family, school buddies, work buddies, etc. Basically turned in to life....<br /><br />So what I am going to do is maybe say - see you later.<br /><br />Right now my writing (poetry &amp; stories) has taken a back burner because I have to write so many papers for class and I just have not taken much time to put forth effort to write much.<br /><br />I take that back, I write, I just don't take much time to blog it.<br /><br />What I need to be spending time on is putting it together for publication.<br /><br />Instead, I took another path. Since I have been so busy my communication with friends and family has lacked as well. Sorry. So I would try to play catch up with blogs.<br /><br />That's fine and dandy.<br /><br />However, there is one part of my life I won't be so open about. I do have respect that some people are much more private then I. I have always known this and thought I was doing pretty good keeping those words at bay.<br /><br />&nbsp;But, I had a happy - feel good moment over the weekend that I wanted to share with a select few of you and although he appreicated my words, was weirded out by it being out there for all to see. And thats ok. Blogland isnt for everyone and I know a lot of people are&nbsp;like that.<br /><br />So you can rest assured I am not going away completly, just much more selective about what I share.<br /><br />Wishing you all well.<br /><br /><br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><br /><span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_701591">I know what you mean, sis. My sweetie is pretty private too, so my blogs tend to be about what's going on with me and not a lot about her and/or our (wonderful) relationship. But I know you and I will stay in touch, so it's all good!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 3:55 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=384385085#" id="addReplyLnk_701591" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=384385085&amp;commentID=701591" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_701591"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_701595">I am so glad someone understands!!! *hugs* my sis!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 4:01 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=384385085#" id="addReplyLnk_701595" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=384385085&amp;commentID=701595" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75074531135946618042008-04-22T15:46:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.214-04:00As He Sleeps<div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes in life you have one of those moments when things just become so clear. Even though it seems I have more questions about life lately then I can seem to find the answer for I have come to terms with some things. I did not realize this until this weekend. What I realized is that I think I have finally moved on in life. For the longest time I felt like I was carrying around some extra weight and that it was just bogging me down. There is still a part of me that is watching this heart of mine. I am still picking up pieces and trying to pull it all back together while in the middle of working on this wonderful relationship with Mike. Trust me when I say it has not been easy. The mending of the heart has not been easy. I am finding it harder and harder to trust people these days. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But, I am learning. I am trying. And right now I feel like he is lucky to get what bits and parts he does get. There have been times on this ride when I just wanted to shut myself off completely. There have been times when I thought I should walk away. But every time I felt that way something always pulled me back. Something. Whatever that something is, it is stronger then both he and I because I know there were times when he wanted to give up too. But now here we are - this place in life. Really not sure what we are doing at this point. Just knowing we want to be together and trying to find our path in life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It is actually sort of frustrating, not really knowing from one day to the next what's going on. Feeling like we are being pulled this way and that. Take this job. Move here. Take that job. Move there. Which way? What path?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But I saw some peace over the weekend. Or maybe I should say I found some peace. After being awake for about 24 hours hanging and working with him I took a nap. I say nap because I was so over tired that my body would not shut down and I was wide awake after only a few short hours. I lay there in the dark listening to his breath. Feeling his warm skin against mine. Just lying there – motionless. The hint of the red glimmer of light from the alarm clock beside me. I just lay there watching him sleep. The peace came over me. I am ok. I am going to be ok. I am so comfortable around him. This is what it is suppose to feel like. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep looking. Watching how his lips curl in his sleep. My breath matching his. Thinking to myself – this is exactly where I want to be. This is exactly where I should be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. He and I have both had some trials when it comes to past relationships. So maybe it was meant to be for us to cross paths when we did. For whatever reason prompted him to leave that first message and say hello – I am glad he did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have found someone that matches me wit for wit. Sarcasm for sarcasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Humor for side splitting laughs. Although I have to admit he is MUCH funnier then I am. I have found someone that accepts me and all my quirks and moods. The reality is he doesn't put up with it! LOL. We are very much alike. Even our moody tempers. This can prove to be a disaster at the wrong moment. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Something else I have also learned. But the old me would have just stewed on it and let it fester and boil up more. But these days I want no anger. I have let anger go. I just want to nip it in the butt and move on. So that is exactly what I am doing. I want to keep this man. I don't want to push him away as I have so often done in the past. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">He makes me want to be a better person. He brings out the best in me. He brings out much in me that I had kept hidden for so long. And that in my eyes just makes him an amazing man. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So as I close my eyes hoping for slumber – there is no ipod – there are no earplugs – I curl up beside him hoping to not wake him, I drift off knowing there is peace inside me. Only time is going to tell what our future holds but if it is anything like I imagine it to be …. Well … life is going to be good. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9232727173851368672008-04-18T09:19:00.019-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.217-04:00Self-Reflection<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 18, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Self-Reflection</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sometimes in life you just have to stop and smell the roses. Or in my case take a long hard look in the mirror.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have become somewhat tight lipped about a lot of things going on in my life as of late. Only giving bits and pieces here and there. And it has been for good reason. For one I am so busy with work and school and I just have so much going on that I really can not keep up with it all blog wise these days. I have to do so much writing for school that my blogging as taken a back turn. It is also because that certain special someone is a lot more private about things then I certainly am, and so I try to have some respect for him and not throw all our life out there. Hence the bits and pieces. But you can all rest assured that when the changes are made in life that are coming, you will know.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For now, I wanted to self reflect on that Ashamed blog. It tore many of you up just as it tore me up having to let those emotions out. But now there is a whole new twist on the situation and as I sit here thinking about it, reflecting on those turns – I have to admit it leaves a very ill taste in my mouth.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I had planned on talking about that turn. But the truth is right now I just do not feel it is worth my time.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What I do feel is worth my time right now is to give a shout out to my girl back in OK, Shannon.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For those of who who did not read the comments left on the other blog, here is what Shan had to say. And she has two profiles…cause she is special like that.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>As&nbsp;</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Shannon:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Honey, any man is lucky to have you. If I were one, I would hang you from a flag pole for all the world to see! You are fantastic the way you are. I love you for who you are. And honestly, I think you look better now than in any of the "Skinny" pics I have seen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>As Daisybug:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love you just the way you are. You are hot and fun and well, shit, everything. Don't be ashamed of who you are. Just because you don't recognize the girl in the mirror, doesn't mean you have lost your way. People are meant to change and people come in to our lives to help shape us and change us. You are still there. I still see my Chrys. But now, I see a happy and glowing Chrys. I don't see the pale and fading Chrys I saw when you were here. Go with it love. Even if it changes again, you are not gone. You are becoming new and improved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And her words hit me right dead center in the heart. As I sit here thinking it was a friend who said something to me to spark that Ashamed blog. And now finding out some things in regards to that, makes me wonder. Why do I even bother letting people in my life? I felt I could trust this person because of the company they kept. But I have learned some things that are making me feel otherwise. And now I have to reflect yet again on how to even handle this situation. But that is a whole other topic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What I have realized is how&nbsp;<st1:place w:st="on">Shannon's&nbsp;</st1:place>words made me feel and really reminded me of the person I am.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When I first met Shannon I never in a million years thought we would be as good as friends as we are now. Even with the thousands of miles between us and lack of daily contact like we once had, she is a part of my life and always will be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I used to think to myself here is this small town girl, she is going to judge me and working with her is going to be miserable. And maybe for a while she did. But this girl has seen me through the worst year of my life. She met me right after gramps died and I was just picking myself back up from that fall. She was there when I found out Lonnie died. She was there when my grandma died. She watched a part of me die every day staying in the marriage. And now, she is watching me come back to life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I often wonder how life would be if I did not take the chance and&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">let her in.</span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If I had done that, I would have missed out on one of the best friends in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have friends around me that have known me since 5<sup>th</sup>grade, but they don't know me like<st1:place w:st="on">Shannon</st1:place>knows me. She just gets it. I don't have to explain things. She just knows. Sometimes I think she knows me better then myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, Shan, cause I know you are reading this….thank you for opening up your mind and your world and accepti</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">ng me just as I am. Thank you for always being there and still being there. But most of all, thank you for loving me. I love you.</span></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And that is why I let people in.</span></span></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_697118">You forgot to mention how wise she is! LOL! Her words about changing and growing could not be more true. Anyone that makes you feel bad about who you are may not be worth your time. If they can't see the beauty that even comes through the computer, something isn't right. And I am not just talking about the outer beauty...That smile outshines any flaw you might have (I say might because I don't see any!) but the eyes and the words reflect the inner beauty. There are a few of you I have met on here that bring out my maternal instincts, LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}} I am so glad you and Shannon gave each other the chance to form this friendship!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 9:39 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=381321577#" id="addReplyLnk_697118" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=381321577&amp;commentID=697118" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><label id="NewDiv_697118"></label></span></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_697189">Girl! Not sure who made you write that Ashamed blog......and I did read it. Can't remember if I commented...BUT<br /><br />There are plenty of people who love you just the way you are!!!<br /><br />We have become tight too and I glad we finally made contact after just passing each other in the virtual world.<br /><br />Don't let others drag you down girl...."Shake them haters off!" HAHAHAHAHAHA<br /><br /><br />WOOT WOOT!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 12:43 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81459129979490920922008-04-16T07:04:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.219-04:00Poetry In Motion: Ashamed<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, April 16, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vczU2LnBob3RvYnVja2V0LmNvbS9hbGJ1bXMvZzE5Ny90aGVva2lyaXNoY2hpay9EYXJrbmVzcyUyMEZhbGxzLz9hY3Rpb249dmlldyZhbXA7Y3VycmVudD1Bcy5qcGc=" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/As.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ashamed</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why are you ashamed of me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What have I done?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why can you not talk about me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What's wrong with me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Look at me when I am talking to you-</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Do you hear me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Are you listening?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What is it about me that makes you want to hide?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hide me away like some old ragged stuffed animal you used to play with as a kid and now just discard into some old ratty box.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is it because of the way I look?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The way I act?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The sound of my voice?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Pleasantly plump, heavy, chunky, larger, plus size or just out right fat, what ever you call it, it's all the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Do you think I don't look in the mirror day after day and say to myself "Chrys, what have you done?"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Despite my size, I am not an ugly girl. I am beautiful inside and out and should not be hidden away like I am nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I thought I was something.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now I am beginning to wonder.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is that really all I am worth to you?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Something to hide away and drag out whenever the need suits you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Agony and Pain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's all I feel right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Mass confusion.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As if every day already isn't a struggle for me, now this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I wake up this morning, looking in the mirror and I realize I no longer recognize the girl looking back at me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Where have I gone?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What have I done?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And why are you so ashamed?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">C.M.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/84/s_1d58997801cd4975a1415f8831a6dbc1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Timothy Dougherty</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_694093">Ashamed of the many frailties they feel within, all men endeavour to hide themselves, their ugly nakedness, from each other, and wrapping up the true motives of their hearts in the specious cloak of sociableness, and their concern for the public good, they are in hopes of concealing their filthy appetites and the deformity of their desires.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 - 12:49 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=379961576#" id="addReplyLnk_694093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=379961576&amp;commentID=694093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_694093"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_694970">{{{{HUGS}}}} I love you...you know I do!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 - 6:20 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15667616972546189202008-04-14T21:05:00.007-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.222-04:00You cut me open.....Bleeding Love.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, April 14, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">You cut me open and I keep bleeding your love……keep bleeding your love…</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">It does not matter what choice I make, I am not going to make everyone happy. And that's just the way life is. I can not worry about that. What I have to worry about is what is going to make ME happy. What is going to make Mike happy? That's what is on my plate. Us rocking the world. Not what my friends think, not what my family thinks. Not that I don't love all of you, but this is my life. My choice to make. What I want is him. What I want is a happy and better life for him and for me. For us together. What is wrong with that????</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">I understand people care and they just want what's best for me. That's awesome and I appreciate that. But I think maybe this time only I know what's best for me. And if I don't, the truth is I am about to find out.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Where ever he goes, I go. End of story.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">I can hear the nay sayers now….but Chrys….this or that…….and the truth is I know exactly what you are thinking and know just what it is you want to spill out of your mouth. Trust me; I have already thought it over myself.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Doesn't matter. What matters is what my heart tells me. And it tells me to just be with him. No matter how, no matter where. Make it work. Because we are good together and good to each other. If I stay here, I will miss him, my heart will break and I will always wonder - what if?? If I go, it could very well be the best thing to ever happen in my life. Life is all about choices and chances. This much I know. If their is anything I have learned in the last year, it is that. So - I am off and running.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">And that is fully when I intend to do. Be with him. For the first time in my life there is a inner peace when it comes to him.....I hear it....I feel it....and I welcome it with open arms.</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">And these lyrics pretty much say it all:</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span></o:p></span></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>"Bleeding Love"<br /></strong>Closed off from love<br />I didn't need the pain<br />Once or twice was enough<br />And it was all in vain<br />Time starts to pass<br />Before you know it you're frozen<br /><br />But something happened<br />For the very first time with you<br />My heart melts into the ground<br />Found something true<br />And everyone's looking round<br />Thinking I'm going crazy<br /><br />But I don't care what they say<br />I'm in love with you<br />They try to pull me away<br />But they don't know the truth<br />My heart's crippled by the vein<br />That I keep on closing<br />You cut me open and I<br /><br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />I keep bleeding<br />I keep, keep bleeding love<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />You cut me open<br /><br />Trying hard not to hear<br />But they talk so loud<br />Their piercing sounds fill my ears<br />Try to fill me with doubt<br />Yet I know that the goal<br />Is to keep me from falling<br /><br />But nothing's greater<br />Than the rush that comes with your embrace<br />And in this world of loneliness<br />I see your face<br />Yet everyone around me<br />Thinks that I'm going crazy, maybe, maybe<br /><br />But I don't care what they say<br />I'm in love with you<br />They try to pull me away<br />But they don't know the truth<br />My heart's crippled by the vein<br />That I keep on closing<br />You cut me open and I<br /><br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />I keep bleeding<br />I keep, keep bleeding love<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />You cut me open<br /><br />And it's draining all of me<br />Oh they find it hard to believe<br />I'll be wearing these scars<br />For everyone to see<br /><br />I don't care what they say<br />I'm in love with you<br />They try to pull me away<br />But they don't know the truth<br />My heart's crippled by the vein<br />That I keep on closing<br />You cut me open and I<br /><br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />I keep bleeding<br />I keep, keep bleeding love<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />You cut me open and I<br /><br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />I keep bleeding<br />I keep, keep bleeding love<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love<br />You cut me open and I<br />Keep bleeding<br />Keep, keep bleeding love</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_692377">Like I said before, do whats right for YOU! I am happy for you if you are happy! Follow your heart! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 10:08 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=378904259#" id="addReplyLnk_692377" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=378904259&amp;commentID=692377" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><label id="NewDiv_692377"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_692500">We all have to walk our own paths in live...make our own choices...right, wrong or indifferent.<br /><br />It is all YOURS to make honey...go for it!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 10:57 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63670994094842640122008-04-13T09:02:00.008-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.224-04:00American Cancer Society got 10 inches from ME!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, April 13, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">So, many of you know this story. Why I started to grow out my hair. What started as a bet that I could not go more then a few months without cutting or doing something to my hair turned in to something a little more serious. I wanted to grow out my hair to donate it to the American Cancer Society. They use it to make wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />Well, in the process of growing it out my own life went through a lot of changes. And somehow my hair became a security blanket for me. Weird to try to explain. But it was. It became such a part of me that I found it hard to want to let it go.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />The longer it got, the harder it got for me to manage. Anyone who has been blessed to be around me in the morning when I am trying to get ready knows how much of a pain it is. Whether I straighten it or leave it curly, it takes a good amount of time and patience to deal with.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />I was slowly loosing my patience. Not to mention my hair is just so thick and heavy that the length was just getting to be a huge pain in my ass to deal with.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />So, as my mom was talking the other day about Olivia losing her hair, it dawned on me. *light bulb moment*<br /><br />I am finally going to do this. I am going to let go. Granted she's not going to get MY hair, and likely will not even get a wig since she is only 4. But, I just knew it was time.<br /><br />So yesterday I hacked off a 10 inch pony tail. Placed it in a bag and off it will be sent. Then I had my hair colored to freshen it up a bit and off went at least another 2 inches.<br /><br />So when all was said and done…off was TWELVE inches.<br /><br />I posted pics in my pic section.<br /><br />Despite how hard it was for me to let go…. it made me feel good to know I was doing my part to help.<br /><br />Now, for those of you who are going to whine about how short&nbsp;I cut off my hair…<br /><br />this I say to you:<br /><br />1. It is only hair and it will grow back<br /><br />2. It was for a good cause<br /><br />3. It WILL grow back!<br /><br />4. I am still cute damn it!<br /><br />5. It makes things so much easier for me in the morning!!!<br /><br />6. It WILL grow back…hehehe…..<br /><br /><o:p>&nbsp;So go check out the pics in the pic section on myspace!!!</o:p><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_688828">Good for you!!<br /><br />It IS for a GREAT cause...and it WILL grow back! My sis did 13 inches one time to Locks of Love for the same purpose.<br /><br />Good Job girl...warm fuzzy feelings!<br /><br />Good Karma will make it's way back your way for your good deeds...indeed I do believe!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 12:18 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_688828" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=688828" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_688828"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_688868">Thanks girl! It was a long time coming...just so hard for me to let go of.<br />I certainly hope Karma makes it way back to me soon...I sure could use a good dose of it right about now.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 12:33 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_688868" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=688868" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_688868"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_688869">I certainly do my best babygirl!!! Have I told you latley how much I miss you?!?!?!??!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 12:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_688869" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=688869" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_688869"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_689027">I pretty much had to recite the same things when I cut mine. Now that I am used to it, I really like it. After taking off all the weight, it was time for a new look anyway! And like you said...it WILL grow back!!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 1:40 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_689027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=689027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_689027"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_689034">I went backwards...now its time to work on the weight part...again...:)<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 1:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_689034" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=689034" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_689034"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_689427">Looking good baby...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 6:52 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_689427" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=689427" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_689427"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_690865">awwww my sweet bri...thank you<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 6:15 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_690865" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=690865" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_690865"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_689762">Hmm I am sure I left a comment, but it seems to have disappeared! Ok what did I say? I think i said something about not having the patience to let my hair grow long enough to donate it...and something about Olivia...I guess I missed the part about her getting chemo. I thought her biopsy's came back negative. I look at my Cameron and think about someone his age undergoing something like that and I can't imagine the strength it would take! {{{{HUGS}}}} to you and Olivia!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 8:42 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_689762" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=689762" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_689762"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_690870">I don't know where my patience came from to be honest. But the last time I got it cut was right before I moved here to MI. And it had grown a lot in that time. As for Olivia, there was a part of the tumor that came back positive for something. I just am so confused about all of that so I have not posted anything latley. Love ya momma!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 6:17 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_690870" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=690870" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_690870"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_ce21eb000e92423a88b1f159a924437e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sybil Starr</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_691239">Just in case no one has said it yet, you are awesome!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">★Sybil Starr★</a>&nbsp;on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 10:30 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_691239" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=691239" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=358645704" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_691239"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_691480">awwww....xoxox...so are you sybs!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 1:13 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_691480" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=691480" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_691480"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_691545">Good for you Sister!!! And thank you for doing it!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 2:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036#" id="addReplyLnk_691545" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377879036&amp;commentID=691545" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38352040929141950292008-04-11T19:28:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.227-04:00The smell of .....Freedom and Bullshit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 11, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />First, the good note. The smell of freedom is slowly rising in the air. I bought a car. :) One step to be moving in the right direction. If that wasnt a long over due needed thing!<br /><br />Second, the why I am pissed off note. The smell of bullshit is in the air. Its thick, heavy and just plain skank. It doesn't make me very happy at all.<br /><br />The more I try to stay away from it the more it surrounds me.<br /><br />Bullshit.<br /><br />I smell it a mile away.<br /><br />And quite frankly sick to death of it.<br /><br />Putrid and I want to vomit.<br /><br />I will not tolerate it any more.<br /><br />I am tired of being lied to, used, stepped on, made to feel like I am not important, and just out right treated like crap. I don't deserve it and do not appreciate it.<br /><br />End of story.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=17618717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Póg mo Éireannach thóin!</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=17618717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/130/s_93887a7364c04ec0a5c5e59b3e2272eb.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Flectere si nequeo Acheronta movebo</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685216">Let it be told lass~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=17618717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Póg mo Éireannach thóin!</a>&nbsp;on Friday, April 11, 2008 - 8:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377031152#" id="addReplyLnk_685216" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377031152&amp;commentID=685216" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=17618717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_685216"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 75px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=278813745" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685242">I know exactly what you mean!! Say it loud.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a>on Friday, April 11, 2008 - 8:51 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377031152#" id="addReplyLnk_685242" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377031152&amp;commentID=685242" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=278813745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_685242"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685288">{{{{HUGS}}}} (no bullshit!)<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, April 11, 2008 - 9:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377031152#" id="addReplyLnk_685288" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377031152&amp;commentID=685288" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_685288"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685342">YAY!!! on the car........hmmmmm on the Bullshit.......sounds like a story!!<br /><br />And ooooo do we have some catching up to do!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Friday, April 11, 2008 - 10:52 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377031152#" id="addReplyLnk_685342" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=377031152&amp;commentID=685342" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_685342"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_685472">Yay on the car! As for the other thing--<br />~hands sis an industrial<myspace>size</myspace>d shovel~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 1:55 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26178391312483272152008-04-06T15:05:00.007-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.229-04:00Banging My Head Against A Brick Wall<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, April 06, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am lost and I don’t like it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hitting my head against a brick wall – over and over again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Doesn’t even matter the damage it will cause.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am just to the point where I don’t even care anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am tired of feeling like I am stuck up against this wall.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This ugly road to no where.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sitting here in life trying to better myself and just feeling like I am constantly hitting a dead end.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No where to run. No where to hide.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Honestly, just no place to go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Frustrated I just see myself spinning out of control.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">One way ticket out of here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Home.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Far far away.<span>&nbsp;</span>Back to that familiar place and familiar faces.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sunshine on my face.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">People who care unlike the selfish cards I seem to be surrounded by as of late.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want out, but I see no way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Like a prisoner in my own world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Trapped inside my own little bubble.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This is not the life I imagined for myself on that summer July day when I left what life I had ever known behind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nope. Not at all. And I am beginning to think I will never see that life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Trapped and dead inside.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Too much swirls in my brain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The only thing I hear over and over –</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don’t want to be here….but I do want to be with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">FYI - I actually wrote this about 4 days ago. So some feelings have changed. But I still have a lot on my plate to get in the direction I need to be going.</div><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_680114">Awww poor baby! I wish I could snap my fingers and make it all good for you! You and cutie patootie, in OK with great jobs and good friends! Scratch that...you and cutie patootie in IRELAND with great jobs and good friends! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, April 06, 2008 - 4:47 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87575329731861218742008-04-03T19:16:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.232-04:00It’s Been Hard To Say Lately.....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, April 03, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes I find it hard to say what I mean. Or just hard to say anything at all. I know this comes as a shock to so many of you, but it’s the honest truth. I have been feeling at a loss for words lately. I feel so overwhelmed. Consumed. Over powered.<span>&nbsp;</span>I have these feelings inside of me I am not sure what to do with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feelings I had long forgotten.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When my feet landed on MI soil the LAST thing I was looking for was a solid relationship. I had just gotten out of one and just wanted to hang lose for a while. That news didn’t please a couple the people I had dated. Oh well, can’t please everyone. Then I met him. Instantly drawn, instant connection, instant everything. Everything just went off and running. It’s been amazing since day one. We connected on so many levels. But it took a long time for my guards to come down and it took a long time for me to just finally say, OK Enough! And let things be. Even now, it’s hard for me to deal with sometimes. It took a long time for us to get to this point that we are at right now. We both have been jaded in the past. Both not really looking for what we found. I certainly was not expecting to find someone like him. Certainly not expecting to have feelings for someone much less really be in a relationship with someone. Yet, here I am. Here we are.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It’s weird when you stop thinking only of yourself and all the sudden you find yourself saying "we" instead of "I". There seems to be a lot of that going on between us lately. It really makes one stop and take a step back and look at the whole picture. I tend to look at the whole 7 months we have been together and maybe that’s not the best of ideas. We had such a rocky start. More like jet turbulence. And I often look back wondering why I did not leave. Everything was red flagged from the beginning. But I was just so hung up on that connection we had that I just did not want to give up on that. What little fight I had left in me thought he was worth fighting for.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span>&nbsp;</span>These days we are much better and in a much better place.<span>&nbsp;</span>Sort of. I mean he’s absolutely wonderful but there is so much on our plates right now. Separately and together. Different cities, the miles, the distance, different lives, different jobs…just everything.<span>&nbsp;</span>And now that we are where we want to be with the relationship, all this other stuff is just putting a wedge between us. We want to be together. We want to spend more time together. WE<span>&nbsp;</span>WANT….. But sadly, life doesn’t always give us what we want. So we just frustrated sometimes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Because of these feelings and thoughts I am finding it hard sometimes to spit things out to him. Choosing my words carefully. Not really sure why, for this is something I can not really seem to wrap my head around and understand. I have not ever been one to choose words but rather have always been that person to speak what’s on my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think maybe it’s because I do not want him to feel my frustrations in life. I don’t want him to have to carry the burden of what I am going through in life on top of his own trials. It’s like I feel the need to protect him somehow so he can do what he needs to do in his life. I do not want him to worry about me or the things I got going on here. And the last thing I want him thinking is that I am having 2<sup>nd</sup>thought about this relationship because that is no where near where I am going with this. If anything I want him in my life more and more with each passing day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">However I do wear my heart on my sleeve and I am pretty sure my feelings show and that maybe I don’t have to say anything at all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36042506383601481652008-03-30T19:17:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.234-04:00I Don’t Want to Run Anymore.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, March 30, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I Don’t Want to Run Anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There, I said it. I want to make a change. I don’t want to run away anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to keep my feet firmly planted on solid ground. I want to hit this head on. I don’t want to be scared and turn around and run quickly away as I have done so many times in the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When times in relationships get tough I tend to break. I tend to just throw my hands in the air and run away. Especially long distance ones. But this time, it’s different. I am keeping focus on what we DO have instead of what we DON’T have. But it is proving to be more difficult then I thought. This person has been in my life for quite some time now, and we have had our share of struggles. But no one said things in life were easy, right? But for once I just want something in life TO BE EASY! Is that really too much to ask for these days? I have never had an easy life. I just wish for once something could become a little easier to deal with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I find myself in this relationship full of more questions then answers. I worry. I can’t help it. I want more then anything for this relationship to work and I AM very willing to put forth the needed effort.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For the first time in a LONG time I am not only thinking about myself but including someone else in my life as well. So many thoughts, feelings, and emotions that have been living dormant inside of me for so long that I am not even sure what to do with these feelings to be honest with you. It is somewhat overwhelming. But I welcome it. Just as I welcome having him in my life 100%. I no longer want to just give him bits and pieces of me but rather all of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I realize – when he’s gone I miss him. I know we have been over this before. It is no longer this; oh I will see him in a week or so – no big deal. But now it’s this, Oh hell, I really miss his crazy ass. And I am not sure what to do with those feelings. Missing someone like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I’ve never been one of those girls that HAS to have someone in their life. Much less someone clinging to them. Never been one of those girls who felt like they had to spend every waking minute together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am still not that girl. However, I feel different somehow. I want to see him. I want to spend time with him. I just want to be with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And with the different lives, schedules and distance, sometimes it just is not possible.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just feel stuck in life. Not in the relationship mind you, but rather just this situation I am still facing in life. It has been such a hurdle to get over and sometimes I feel like I am never going to be able to jump over that mark and get to the other side.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess only time is going to get me over that hurdle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Some things in life are worth fighting for, and I feel Him – We- Us – are something worth fighting for.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Me and Him…against … or shall I say, taking on the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I shall take his hand and take this walk with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*And to you – if you are here reading this, cause I never know when you are gonna pop on by….just know – you will ALWAYS have my 100% full support on anything that you choose to do.*</div><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_674030">Ok, so I don't know if this is an option, but since you feel so connected to him , can you look for a job in his town? Can you pick up and move, yet again, to be closer to him? I am not saying to move IN together, but just be in the same town so you can see each other more often! Just a thought! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, March 30, 2008 - 9:13 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44132297395374996352008-03-28T06:14:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.237-04:00These Words In Which I Write<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, March 28, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />These words in which I write - who would have ever thought they would touch people in the way that they do.<br />Recently, I was made aware of someone who felt my feelings , who had walked my path, my words brought lightness in, my words made a smile, my words brought inspiration.<br /><br />Who would have thought.<br /><br />These words in which I write.<br /><br />I know I never did.<br /><br />This is not the first time someone has come to me and told me such things. But, every time is like the first time.<br />I know their are people in my life who are not as open as I. They do not understand how I can be so open about things.<br /><br />Let me let you in on a little secret.<br /><br />I am not as open as many of you think I am. I choose to share only what I want. Thats the beauty of my words. I can choose how little or how much. I do pick my words very carefully.<br /><br />If someone smiles from my words.... then thats the beauty of my words right there. A smile. That is one of lifes most treasured gifts.<br /><br />At least for me it is.<br />~smiles~<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_672178">You always make me smile! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, March 28, 2008 - 6:56 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75546602768314568862008-03-25T21:48:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.239-04:00.....Realize......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, March 25, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Sometimes things happen when you least expect them to.<br /><br />Sometimes feelings and emotions come pouring out when you don’t expect them to.<br /><br />And it hits you. Like a ton of bricks. Like a huge freight train rolling.<br /><br />Then you are left wondering...confused and just overwhelmed with these emotions.<br /><br />Life.<br /><br />Life is happening right before my very eyes.<br /><br />I think it was put on hold for a while as I was getting myself back together. Now the puzzle is being worked on. As one more piece gets put in place - the pieces turn from 100 to 500 and I wonder, will I ever be done?<br /><br />No. Life is constantly changing, evolving. Never idle. Never still.<br /><br />Now that I am putting pieces back together, getting life back in order, I am idle no more. But rather moving forward at a very fast pace.<br /><br />It once scared me. Even though I am now overwhelmed, I welcome it. Its comforting.<br /><br />The last few days I have really felt alone. I am surrounded by all these people, but yet I feel as if I have no one in my life. I feel empty. Or shall I say, I felt empty. I guess I was just getting homesick and missing my friends. Or maybe its just because everyone is going every which direction these days, especially the family closest to Olivia.<br /><br />Or maybe sitting in a hospital for hours on end can just play with your mind.<br /><br />Today I realized....there is someone. Thoughts. Feelings. Emotions. Things I pushed inside for so long. Tucked away in a little corner behind that door in my mind and heart. I locked the door and threw away the key.<br /><br />Somehow, someway that key has been found.<br /><br />I could grab the master key and lock it again. Keep that door locked.<br /><br />I realize..... I dont want to.<br /><br />Its time to let someone else in.<br /><br />I realize...... its ok.<br /><br />I realize.... I am not alone.<br /><br />I realize.... we are what we are......<br /><br /><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_670732">Life seems to just zip on by, the older we get! Some days I wish I could slow it down and enjoy more time with my little ones! I can't believe that in just 1 year and 3 months I will be FIFTY! That does not seem possible.<br />Anyway, even when we seem to be idle, we are moving forward...changing and growing and becoming.<br />I hope things continue to go well for Olivia and the tumors that are left can be shrunk down to nothing!<br />Have a great day! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - 7:02 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79971435664393602892008-03-21T06:17:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.242-04:00Bringing Out The Light<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, March 21, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/With%20Wings/green-18.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><br />I am the strong one. I am the positive one. I am the one they will all lean on today. I am the one who will offer a shoulder, a hug and my smile.<br /><br />That will be me today as I head down to the hospital. Today Oliva will have her surgery to remove the tumor on her brain/spinal cord and the rest of them on her spine. It is going to be a long surgery and my family needs me.<br /><br />&nbsp;They need me to be the one who is strong. They know this of me, they count on me for this.<br /><br />Sitting here with the sun rising in the sky , I see prism rainbows begin to dance on my ceiling and feel happy and confident that despite the events, my day will have a good start.<br /><br />I always try to find light somewhere in my world. Even with so many life challenges, there is always a ray of sunshine either outside or in my heart. When I think of this, how much love is within my heart I feel most at peace regardless of what kind of things I have had to go through in life.<br /><br />When challenges appear in our lives, we must remember that it’s not the end of the world. This is something I always have to tell myself. I will get through this. I will prevail. We have an option of how we look at what is happening around us.<br /><br />I have learned to ask myself "What do you want of me, and how can I help?" Never give up hope that things will get better. I trust myself to know, things will get better.<br /><br />Sometimes their is a straight road ahead, and then we hit hills, valleys, and roads with no guardrails. When the path gets rough, we must remember we can make a difference by saying daily affirmations, empowering others, and never giving up on our dreams for a peaceful world. Sometimes it may seam we are on an island and bear the burden of our world on our shoulders - alone.&nbsp; But do not forget we are all connected to one another. Some way. Some how.<br /><br />We can lift our spirits and make the day brighter for ourselves and those people who surround us.<br />Find that peaceful , special place in your heart as I have and start your day by being happy instead of waiting for happiness to fine you.<br /><br />Much Love,<br />Chrys<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_666599">Very insightful. I always try to look for the lesson when things are rough...and also 1 positive thing (I usually find more!). I will pray that things go well for Olivia. I will also pray for continued strength for you and your family. Please keep me/us updated on her condition. {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, March 21, 2008 - 7:28 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368885324#" id="addReplyLnk_666599" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368885324&amp;commentID=666599" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_666599"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/84/s_1d58997801cd4975a1415f8831a6dbc1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Timothy Dougherty</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_666887">hello Chrys,<br /><br />I enjoyed this interpretive literary composition of your feelings, it is you.<br />I always like to think , Love is like God you can't find God , God finds you so spend your time loving you for now . Some people are here to give and some just take or try to add up what they can get from you to what they are willing to give to you. When people can learn that we are not just thing's and more than a part of their life, things will change, we only pass time .<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tim</a>&nbsp;on Friday, March 21, 2008 - 12:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368885324#" id="addReplyLnk_666887" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368885324&amp;commentID=666887" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=261687472" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_666887"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_668729">After reading your last blogs and feeling your pain and frustration (I can't imagine being in a serious emotional conversation with someone who has to "put you on hold" in order to talk to someone else) I am so happy to see a "walking in the light" blog from you! Remember that you create your own universe and that your thoughts and feelings are what make your world. YOU do it-- it is not done TO you!<br />Love you sis, and keep walking in the light. It's beautiful here! ;)<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Sunday, March 23, 2008 - 1:06 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368885324#" id="addReplyLnk_668729" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368885324&amp;commentID=668729" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19613577916329738472008-03-19T21:02:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.244-04:00I HATE This Wicked World<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, March 19, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This Wicked World</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes in life things are thrown at me that I just do not want to deal with. Or for a better choice of words just really can’t deal with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I like to think of myself as a strong woman. I have been through a lot of shit in my 32 years of life. I often joke that I am a walking talk show episode ( or FIVE!) and the truth is – it’s not funny. But that is how I choose to deal with the things that have happened to me. It is how I get by in life. I have to smile. I have to laugh. Because you know what? I am still alive and things could certainly be much worse.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right now I am facing some ill feelings that I just do not want to have. Life has thrown a huge ordeal my way and I do not know really how to handle it. Maybe I am just not sure HOW to handle it. SCARED to handle it. There are just some things in life I do not deal with very well. Things like death, destruction, and terminal illnesses – those types of things. And I know we all have our own way of dealing with them. But, since the ordeal of my childhood I tend to push myself inside , tuck myself away and not deal. Not talk about it. Not feel. And just shut myself off. Physically and emotionally. I can’t help it. It’s all I know. Right now all I want to do is crawl into my bed and not ever leave it. Just tuck myself away. But I think about those 6 months after gramps died and I have to have a war with myself to not ever go back there. I think about how I just lost Elonna not all that long ago. How every day is a struggle. Not being able to share my life with her. Tell her all the things I am going through. Just that friendship, that bond that we had. It makes me sad. But I push forward. At least I try to. Right now, I am on the edge. I feel myself being pulled. I am going to fall down. I just know it. I am not strong enough to handle something else right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A couple of hours ago I just got news that my cousin/his wife and their oldest daughter who is 4 are being life flighted down to the other side of the state. She was complaining the last few days her head hurt. So my cuz wife took her in for a check up today. What they found was not good. A brain tumor. As soon as they landed she was going to be rushed in for surgery. I don’t really have any details as my mother went into hysterics and pretty much shut me out and was off and running. She is over their house now spending the night with their other daughter who is 3. My mom is close to these girls. She has helped with them since they were born. They are more like grandkids to her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All this does is make me think how wicked this world really is. It makes me question so many things. But most of all, just really puts me in a funk and makes me just not want to be a part of it.<span>&nbsp;</span>I think about those I lost<span>&nbsp;</span>recently, my grandparents, Lonnie, Elonna and Terry. And I often wonder what my world would be like if they were still here in it. Then my mind flips and I wonder – is it better where they are? A world free from hurt, pain, frustrations, anger and destruction?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am so often reminded of who I am and what I have been through. I can’t decide if this is something I should be proud of or not.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It’s obvious I need someone to talk to, right? So I tried. I tried to talk, choking back the tears. Not wanting this person to hear me cry. To feel my frustration. But it didn’t matter because in a matter of minutes I was being pushed aside for another phone call with the option that this someone would call back. Right. At that moment, I needed you to be my friend. And you made me feel like shit for even calling and bothering you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So this has me upset. My friends are my most cherished prize in life. I would bend over backwards and do anything I could for any one of them and they know that. And if it were any of them calling me with something they needed to talk about – the rest of the world can wait until I am done.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I would never push my friends aside at a time when they needed my shoulder. Ever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don’t want to hide inside and for once I tried to reach out and that’s what happens.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This world just sucks and I don’t think I want to be in it. May as well just stay hidden, its much safer that way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*ugh*</div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_662810">Allow yourself to cry...get those frustrations out. I'll work up a spell for the baby....hang tight Sister - we're here for you.<br />XOXO<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 10:27 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368409454#" id="addReplyLnk_662810" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368409454&amp;commentID=662810" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_662810"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_666727">Awww......you know you can always call me!! We end up talking for an hour minimum...lol.....and you know I could get you out of that funk and make you laugh!!<br /><br />I hope you get to feeling better! This seems to be going around...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Friday, March 21, 2008 - 10:37 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368409454#" id="addReplyLnk_666727" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=368409454&amp;commentID=666727" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67775372346152349082008-03-15T16:16:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.246-04:00Poetry in Motion: ~Words Like Poison~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, March 15, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Words like Poison</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why must you constantly</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;spew your negativity?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">One day….and the next</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;over and over… so perplexed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I decided long ago</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;to better myself and grow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why can’t you just be proud?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As I stand alone on this new ground.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Instead all I hear are lies</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;too many questions.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Who, what, where, when</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and why’s.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why must you always</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;rain on my parade?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Never my sunshine</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;instead always the shade.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I could sit here and ask myself all night</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;why do you make it all feel wrong?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And that I can never</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;do right?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Do you blame me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;deep down inside</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">for the past</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and the pain you carry around and hide?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why can’t you open your eyes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and see</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">what you are doing</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;to me?!?!?!?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~Words by Irish~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *sighs*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">©&nbsp;<st1:date day="15" month="3" year="2008">3/15/08</st1:date>&nbsp;C.M.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_659979">{{{{HUGS}}}} I am proud of you. {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 5:55 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169#" id="addReplyLnk_659979" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169&amp;commentID=659979" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_659979"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_659988">aww i love u momma!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 6:17 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169#" id="addReplyLnk_659988" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169&amp;commentID=659988" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_659988"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_659994">awww Shan, if only it were that easy! As this was actually written towards the MOM!<br />If you can believe that. Which I am sure you can at this point in our friendship.<br />Miss you ,love you bunches.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 6:42 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169#" id="addReplyLnk_659994" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169&amp;commentID=659994" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_659994"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 75px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=341832406" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Notary&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=341832406" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_659995">This sounded like words that could be written towards a parent...it is ashamed it has to be like that...but as a "pleaser" myself....I feel ya girl!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=341832406" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Notary&nbsp;</a>on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 6:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169#" id="addReplyLnk_659995" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169&amp;commentID=659995" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=341832406" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_659995"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/128/s_6af76b3e3ddc45398b3fa4740e0a2daa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mickey Finn</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_660084">Nice... although I'm not one for poetry (it's kid of gay), this one is really heart felt. Good job.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 9:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169#" id="addReplyLnk_660084" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169&amp;commentID=660084" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_660084"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/128/s_6af76b3e3ddc45398b3fa4740e0a2daa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mickey Finn</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_660086">I meant that it's "it's kind of gay", not "kid of gay". WTF!!!!! I got to cut back on my alcohol consumption.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mick</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 9:38 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169#" id="addReplyLnk_660086" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=367127169&amp;commentID=660086" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81620621" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17082981605745764852008-03-13T07:11:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.249-04:00Just A Short Ditty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, March 13, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Just wanted to take a minute this morning before I head out the door to work - saying hello - and letting you all know life is well.<br /><br />I am adjusting to the new job quite nicely. Lots to learn and keep in my brain - but as with all jobs it will get easier with time.<br /><br />This school session is almost over. Online classes are only 6 weeks and this has been a icky 6 weeks. My first 6 weeks was not this hard. Of course it was just a basic class and I was only taking one. Now I am taking 2, an Acct and Law class and they are kicking me in the ass. Thank goodness they are over in 2 weeks. Then I think I am just going to take one class at a time from here on out. Or at least until the "new job" settles.<br /><br />Things are slowly falling in to place. One step at a time. I seem to be sharing many more smiles these days. Especially with cutie patootie. And thats a very good thing.<br /><br />Anyway, I am off. I will catch up with all of you soon! I know I have a mailbox full of messages to reply to and I promise I have not forgotten you!!!<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_658303">YAAAYYYY for liking the new job and the more smiles! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 7:27 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=366474817#" id="addReplyLnk_658303" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=366474817&amp;commentID=658303" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_658303"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_659528">Welcome back to reality! hahahaha<br /><br />YaY for more smiles and good times!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Friday, March 14, 2008 - 10:22 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90584209157813768272008-03-09T16:08:00.008-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.251-04:00Do wah ditty, ditty dum ditty do....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, March 09, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I have no idea what to say.<br /><br />Did I just say that?<br /><br />Of course I did. I am the only one here clickety click clicken away at this keyboard. I should be doing other things, but yet here I am. Wondering what the hell I could be writing about. Or is that should be writing about? Hmmm..either way.<br /><br />There is a lot going on around me these days. Especially the last few.&nbsp; I could sit here and rave about how fun hanging with cutie patootie is. Or go on and on about how maybe I could just call him by his name at this point and not just blabber on some cutie -make - me - wanna - grab- the - barf - bag - and - vomit - name. I think we are past that stage now. Thank goodness. Any more barfing and people around me might think I was becoming bulimic or something. Ew! LOL!<br /><br />But seriously, he IS fun. He makes me laugh. And I do mean laugh! Like the kind where you get going so hard you take a breath and you snort kinda laugh. He makes me smile. And most of all he just lets me be ME. Quirky, dorky, silly, goofy..me. &nbsp;Its a whole new world of raw emotions and feelings that I have not felt in a long time and really not quite sure what to do with. So right now, just sort of just letting this go with the flow.<br />Ok, enough about him. :)<br /><br />What else....<br /><br />School. Blah. School. Who wants to talk about that. Bore. Yawn. Ick. I am begining to wonder what was I thinking going back to school. But I also keep telling myself that at least I AM doing it and it WILL be worth it in the long run. So I just keep trying to do my best and plugging away at it.<br /><br />Laaa deee dah<br /><br />Next.<br /><br />Work.<br /><br />Yes, Work.<br /><br />I start a new job tomorrow and let me tell you I am SCARED shitless. Nerves. Worries. Ugh. Who needs that. Not to mention the pressure.<br /><br />I am feeling a mental breakdown coming on and I have not even started yet.<br /><br />EEEEECCCCKKKKK!!!<br /><br />No! No! NOOOOOO!<br /><br />*deep breaths*<br /><br />I know, first day jitters. I am sure (at least I hope) that in time it will all pass.<br /><br />Uh huh...I'll just keep telling myself that.<br /><br />Ok, I am off. I got homework to do.<br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_655034">You don't need to worry...you will do great! You have a wonderful personality and you will win them all over with that beautiful smile! Just hope you like the job!</div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br />Cutie patootie is an acceptable name if you or he doesn't want his real name used. It doesn't matter that much does it?</div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br />While you are starting your day at your new job, I will be reading my new book and waiting to see if I get selected as a juror. Not sure how I feel about it. I sure don't want a boring case, but on the other hand, I don't think I want a long one either! Short and to the point...like me, LOL! Anyway, I am sure tomorrow is going to be a long day!&nbsp;</div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br /></div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br /></div><div id="CommentDiv_655034"><br /></div><div id="CommentDiv_655034">{{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6284456821467229982008-03-06T20:10:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.253-04:00My Ding-A-Ling :Survey Says<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, March 06, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.Are you scared of people hearing you pee?<br />ummm no, why would I be?</span><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?<br />Ben &amp; Jerry's Dublin Mudslide.....( I can thank my *we-pod* partner in crime Brett for this addiction)<br /><br />3. Spell your name how it sounds.<br />C-h-r-y-s&nbsp;&nbsp; derrrr teeee deerrrr<br /><br />4. Name one word to describe your personality?<br />Oh hell...I only get ONE word???&nbsp;&nbsp; Lets see....outgoing</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5. What are your top 3 Turn Ons on the opposite sex?<br />his big strong shoulders, that sparkle in his eyes and that smirky smile...*drools*<br /><br />6. Describe your Boyfriend/Girlfriend in 2 words:<br />I will describe that special guy in my life as - Funny FUCKER! LOL<br /><br />7. Where do you see yourself in 6 years?<br />away from here..<br /><br />8. What is your favorite piece of jewlery?<br />actually I have 2, a gold shamrock necklace jules got me for my bday last year, and my claddah ring that was my grandmothers that she got in Ireland</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">9. What type of service is your cellphone?<br />piece o'shit</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">10. What do you hate most about New York?<br />can't say I hate anything about it since I never been there. Might like to visit, but the fact that its so over populated and everything and everyone is just on top of each other might not be a way of living for me. I prefer to have my space.<br /><br />11. What kind of car is your dream car?<br />1965 Black Chevy Camaro SS&nbsp; - but if someone wants to give me a new charger, I would drive it. LOL<br /><br />12. Can you leave the house without makeup?<br />sure why not? I don't much like it cause I think I look pretty shitty without it, but I have done it before and its not that big of a deal.<br /><br />13. What are your top 3 favorite stores to shop at?<br />Old Navy, Bath and Body Works, Lane Bryant<br /><br />14. Do you consider yourself to be good-looking?<br />hmm.. I don't. And thats the honest truth. People think I have an ego, and I am pretty confident and comfortable with myself for the most part. But by no means do I think I am good-looking. Cute , well maybe. :)<br /><br />15. What do you miss about being a kid?<br />their are parts of my life about being a kid I dont miss. But I wish I could be carefree with no worries in the world like that again.<br /><br />16. What is your favorite animal?<br />Dolphin&nbsp; (there is a song called Dolphin by Poe, that has a lot to do with my tattoo as well as just being my fave animal)<br /><br />17. Did you have a good Valentine's day?&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">it was like any other day. I dont need a hallmark holiday for him to have to tell me he cares.<br /><br />18. Apple, Orange, Cranberry juice?<br />I like them all.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">19. Do you get enough sleep at night?<br />NO!<br /><br />20. Favorite Channel on T.V ?<br />Spike and whatever else happens to show the fights<br /><br />21. Are you dating the person you text most?<br />uh huh...<br /><br />22. Whats your favorite color[s]?<br />green<br /><br />23. What do you want?<br />life , to win the lotto, security, love , ummm just name a few things</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">24. Who was the last person you shared a bed with?<br />oooyyeeeeee.....tisk tisk tisk ...such a handsome lil devil he is :)<br /><br />25. Do you talk to yourself?<br />all the freaking time<br /><br />26. Do you drink milk straight from the carton?<br />sometimes<br /><br />27. Who knows a dark secret or two about you?<br />Their are lots of people who dont know lots of things about me. But those close to me pretty much know it all. I am an open book. No surprises that way.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I guess 28 ran away.<br /><br />29. Do you like Batman?<br />sure, whats not to like about Batman<br /><br />30. Who did you last hug?<br />cutie patootie ...oh crap, I said I wouldnt call him that anymore...*ugh* LOL! Oh , that handsome devil. hehehe<br /><br />31. Do you swear at your parents?<br />I don't associate with my dad....and my mom, I swear while talking to her , but I don't swear at her.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">32. Do you like anyone now?<br />YES I DO!!! got a problem with that??? huh? huh? Yeah I didnt think so.<br /><br />33. When was the last time you lied?<br />I don't lie , its pointless.<br /><br />34. Obama, Hillary, McCain, or Huckabee?<br />The lesser of the evils<br /><br />35. Is your birthday on a holiday?<br />nope , but I can make it one hehehehe<br /><br />36. What instant messaging service do you use?<br />Yahoo<br /><br />37. Last thing you cooked today?<br />I didn't cook anything today<br /><br />38. Did you have a nap today?<br />nope..we were not having none of that !!!!<br /><br />39. Who's house did you go to last?<br />we came to mine</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">40. What are you currently listening to?<br />whatever is blasting on the tv in the living room and my countless pounding on the keyboard.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">41. Why is the sky blue?<br />cause its reflecting off his eyes.....ummm I dunno, it sounded good.<br /><br />42. Do you like green beans?<br />yep<br /><br />43. Do you swear a lot?<br />Fer fucks sake?? who me?<br /><br />44. Where did you get the shirt you're wearing?<br />Old Navy<br /><br />45. Have any regrets?<br />nah...live learn and just move on<br /><br />46. Do you use an alarm clock?<br />only when I have to<br /><br />47. Where are you?<br />home, in my room<br /><br />48. Do you ever snort when you laugh?<br />HELL YES! When I get rolling their is bound to be a snort happening<br /><br />49. Whats the first thing you notice on the opposite sex?<br />when he smiles at me :)<br /><br />50. Do you wear underwear?<br />ummmm no... did you like that answer?? hahahah yeah I do , come on now<br /><br />51. Who/What would you like to see right now?<br />Who??? him...always him..&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What???? some freaking SUNSHINE</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">52. Are you social?<br />very much so<br /><br />53. Are you afraid of the dark?<br />No...I embrace the darkness these days. I know I am always going to be taken care of and safe.<br /><br />54. Do you miss someone today?<br />Fuck yes, and he just left. How pathetic is that???&nbsp; *rolls eyes at self*<br /><br />55. Who is the last person you kissed?<br />See 30<br /><br />56. Are you happy with your life?<br />eh..things could be better...but whats going on in life is just a stepping stone to get me where I need to go. I get frustrated and I vent. And I just keep moving forward. Things could be worse....so they really are not so bad. And he always makes me smile and keeps me going in the right direction...what a rock :)<br /><br />57. Last person who you told your problems to?<br />Mike<br /><br />58. What are you doing tonight?<br />I am thinking about watching a movie...but if I do that I will feel guilty because I have homework that always needs to be done.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">59. Who's your best friend?<br />I have lots of wonderful friends that I love dearly. They know who they are.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">60. Do you think he/she will always be there for you?<br />We all know where we stand. I will be there for them as I always have been, just as they will be for me.<br /><br />61. What is your myspace song right now?<br />I have like 100 on my playlist, go have a listen...<br /><br />62. Do you prefer to text or IM?<br />I like both...<br /><br />63. Who'd you get this survey from?<br />Shannon, my favorite Fairy....I met her through Elonna....<br /><br />64. Do you believe the number 6 is the number of death?<br />no.. and I dont even need to talk about it.</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53415752447494894572008-03-05T19:32:00.009-05:002011-08-10T12:02:09.964-04:00Poetry In Motion: I Am Always With You ~ Just Believe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, March 05, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="date" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="body" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;">I am always&nbsp;with you<br />Never, am I far away<br />Look to the sky<br />See that star twinkle up high?<br /><br />I am with you<br />Just call out my name<br />listen for my heart beat<br />Just believe.<br /><br />In your dreams<br />I am with you<br />Just close your eyes<br />Just believe.<br /><br /><br />Do not worry<br />I am with you.<br />Do you feel my hand<br />Touching your skin?<br />Close your eyes.<br /><br />Even though we are&nbsp;apart<br />I am with you<br />Every where you go.<br /><br />Mind, body and soul<br />I know you miss me<br />For I miss you, too.<br /><br />I am with you<br />Hear the gentle breeze<br />There you'll find my whispers.<br />Listen closely.<br /><br />Each new day<br />I am with you..<br />Just close your eyes and believe.<br /><br />C.M.</td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50363766366356978232008-03-02T23:13:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.256-04:00The Negative Inside<h1 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">Sunday, March 02, 2008&nbsp;</span></span></h1><h1 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;"></span><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Gothic%20Dark%20Vampire%20-%20NO%20Blood/Pediophobia_by_larafairie.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Right now I just want to scream. I am letting things eat at me that I should not. Worrying about things that should not be worried about right now. But I can not help it.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">After spending all day with my nose in the textbooks pouring over accounting problems and law cases I just wanted to sleep. But that's not going to happen. So I grab this book I have to write a report on for law class and I get a chapter done and my eyes just give out. And for those that are going to ask if I had my glasses on. I give you a big fat YES I have had them all ALL day thanks. So then I get frustrated because I feel so overwhelmed by all this class work I have to do. Or maybe I just feel overwhelmed that I am not doing it right. But, better yet, that negativity has crept in and is telling me how stupid I am for trying to go back to school. I am not a book smart person. I never have been. College has always been a struggle for me.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">These negative voices have been barking at me all day. And I think I just broke myself.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">These eyes, they fail me and my brain hurts. To top it all off I can't seem to shut off the leaky faucets parading themselves around my eyes. I hate crying. I am not a crier. Where is all this coming from?</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">No matter what shit life throws at me I have always been able to still grasp what is good and try to see the whole picture and focus on the positive and what I do have. I try anyway. And when I fail, I cover it up really well.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I seem to be doing that a lot lately. Covering up that darkness that drags around inside of me.<span>&nbsp;</span>I am trying to find a way to let it out. Usually writing has been the way for me. But I am so tied up with school work and brain overload that I can not even complete a passage when I right. I have all this random shit all jumbled on every piece of paper I can find to put it on. Thrown in a shoe box. None of it makes sense. Its just randomness mess on paper. Like I said in past blog, rhymes with no reason.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm sitting here, frustrated with school. But I continue to plug away at it and just try my best. I am frustrated about the whole life/living/car/money situation but yet I continue to try to put forth the effort to keep going forward. I don't want to end up back in that place after I was when gramps died. I can't allow myself to go back there. Every day I have to struggle with getting out of bed and not staying in there like I did then.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">I am just so tired and so run down. Emotionally burnt.</span></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I do have a job interview in the AM that could certainly shed some light on the situation.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have some sunshine in life to look forward to. Cutie patootie has been a wonderful rock for me to lean on. As well as the love and support from all my friends close to me. Those seeing the struggle. Knowing what I am dealing with up here.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then my brain wraps around all that and starts to question all the what-if in this relationship with cutie patootie. There is so much distance between us now, isn't this job going to put that much more between us? And here we are back at square one having to deal with not only distance but crazy ass schedules as well. My brain starts to focus on the wrong things and I lose sight of what we DO have. Funny, as I sit here writing this I am reminded of how just this morning I was texting him trying to keep things positive about the distance and such.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I try not to think about it. But it's hard. Every long distance relationship I have ever been in has turned out to be a disaster. And I know one should not compare relationships or blame the current for something someone in the past did. I preach this quite often. And this really is not the case. If that was the case I would have put the breaks on this by now.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Right now I want to focus on the big picture. I want to continue with school. I want to believe I am smart enough to do this. I would like to get this job and be able to get some things paid off and take care of so that I am able to someday get out of here and go where ever it is I need to go. That is going to take time and patience. I want to think about the things we want for our self, for each other, for us. Those are the things I WANT to focus on. Life. Me. Him. Us. Together.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I wonder, does he have that? That patience. Does&nbsp;he want this too??<span>&nbsp;</span>Is he willing to hang around and work on us while I work on these things to get me to get us where we need to be? Can I make him see that it will be worth it in the end? Is what I can give him right now enough to carry us through these times? Are we as a couple strong enough? Or are all these things just going to be the deciding factor that no it's not enough and no he's not willing to wait because he wants someone closer or just something more. More time. More this. More that.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are the things playing over and over and over in my mind right now.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why can I not shut that off? Why does NOW have to be one of those times when the negative just wants to ruin everything.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I wish I could shut it off.</span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">If only I knew how.</span></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">3/3/08 - AM update</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I talked to cutie patootie last night, literally 3 seconds after I posted this - and feeling much better about a lot of things. I just needed to vent and let things go. Sooooooooooo...I'm off to my job&nbsp; interview and will catch up to all of you later.</div><h1 class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>&nbsp;</h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_649307">First of all {{{{HUGS}}}}! Now, the leaky faucets are caused by the darkness that needs an outlet...let it out! Cry and get all the bad, negative stuff out! Well, that's what I do...have always done and it always made me feel better. It took a long time, but I figured out all those negative, self depriciating thoughts came with the hormones...whenever my hormones get out of control, I beat myself up over little things and what I see as my short comings. It doesn't matter what anyone says or does, I have a hard time seeing beyond those negative thoughts. Now, when I recognize them for what they are, I acknowledge them and then banish them! Could hormones be playing a part here? I don't know.<br />As for the school stuff...is there someone you could get to help you where you are struggling? Maybe a professer or someone in class that could study with you and help you over the rough parts?<br />As for the relationship thing? I don't know for sure, but I think if you two were not strong enough for the long distance relationship, it would have "broken" by now.<br />Gotta go get ready for work! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 8:37 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=363323298#" id="addReplyLnk_649307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=363323298&amp;commentID=649307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_649307"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_649579">ahhhh my momma...always there to give me sound advice when I need it most. *hugs*<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Monday, March 03, 2008 - 3:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=363323298#" id="addReplyLnk_649579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=363323298&amp;commentID=649579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span>Read more:<a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=363323298#ixzz144KzKIdq" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=363323298#ixzz144KzKIdq</a></span></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37508261097638769112008-02-27T19:19:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.258-04:00Poetry in Motion: These Feelings of Mine<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, February 27, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_362053504" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These feelings of mine</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I always try to hide.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Stuffing them deep inside</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Covering my face.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hiding from the insanity</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">so no one can see the real me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What the point.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Of letting someone see?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All they do is run</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">before it's even begun.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Waste of time really</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No point in letting you see</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">the real me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">©&nbsp;<st1:date day="27" m..?2?="" year="2008">2/27/2008 C.M.</st1:date></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=242089271" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">DeeKay's Back</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=242089271" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/66/s_d2f2beae9a3d6c9dbce87e153af3447c.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_645058">I feel you so much with this one Babygirl!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=242089271" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">DeeKay's Back</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 7:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=362053504#" id="addReplyLnk_645058" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=362053504&amp;commentID=645058" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=242089271" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_645058"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_645108">{{{{HUGS}}}} sometimes it just doesn't seem worth the effort, does it?<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 9:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=362053504#" id="addReplyLnk_645108" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=362053504&amp;commentID=645108" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_645108"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_645597">I feels so more motion in this poem, and alot of beauty in you. oxoxo<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 8:50 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=362053504#" id="addReplyLnk_645597" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=362053504&amp;commentID=645597" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52710442158643432442008-02-25T14:36:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.261-04:00Poetry In Motion: Rhymes with No Reason<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Monday, February 25, 2008</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My brain is screaming</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">yelling at me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What the fuck are you doing?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Maybe it's my own insecurities –</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">fucking with me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">laughing</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">taunting</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">these damn voices in my head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Jumbled mess of words</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">sayings and rhymes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">None of it makes sense anymore</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Close that door</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">throw away the key.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What the point of my words</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">if they no longer make sense to me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What's the purpose of that dream?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">when it will never be mine, it seems.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Real or make believe</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">doesn't matter</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">it's all over for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No point in a jumbled mess</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">of rhymes with no reason.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">© C.H. 2/24/2008</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_642925">Cool! Dark, but cool! Rhymes with No Reason.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, February 25, 2008 - 7:51 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=361303767#" id="addReplyLnk_642925" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=361303767&amp;commentID=642925" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_642925"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_643261">Sounds like lif in general...but great words honey!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 12:03 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70645353480859878832008-02-24T21:17:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.263-04:00Poetry In Motion: Follow the Yellow Brick Road.....away<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, February 24, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/dance_magda/wizard_large.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/bfrogjules/movies/yellowbrickroad.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><br />Follow...<br /><br />Follow...<br /><br />Follow...<br /><br />Follow the yellow brick road.<br /><br />So I have been following this path for quite some time<br />not sure if the path is really even mine<br />Constantly told go this way<br />or that.<br /><br />Am I freaking going the right damn way???<br /><br />Is this my path?<br /><br />I know I am not the Tin Man - no need for a heart.<br /><br />Mines to big and to much of a weight for me to part.<br /><br />I know I am not the Scarecrow for I am in no need of a brain.<br /><br />Mine seems to work just fine , until I have to crack open the text books. And then its a strain.<br /><br />I can't be the Lion for I know I have courage. One does not face things in life I have and have some sort of courage to keep going forward. Although, I have to admit there are times when I am scared as hell!! Perhaps I am going through one of those times.<br /><br />Perhaps I am Toto - just a follower , because I have lost my way.<br /><br />Or its Dorothy.<br /><br />I click my heals three times....<br />There is no place like home...<br />There is no place like home...<br />There is no place like home....<br />(damn I am still here)<br />But where exactly is home?<br /><br />Where I am now just does not feel like home to me.<br /><br />And to be honest, I am wondering if it ever will.<br /><br />Is it there? Or how about there?<br /><br />Or is it there and this is all part of life's grand master plan?<br /><br />Maybe this is just a stepping stone to take me on the right path to where I am suppose to be.<br /><br />I am clicking my heals three more times...<br /><br />Click....Click...Click<br /><br />Only this time I am saying...<br /><br />Please show me the way<br />Show me my path on down the yellow brick road.<br />Because I am on the path...<br />that path to walking away.<br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l188/obsessed_with_staind/heels/yellowbrickroad.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_642087">What a cool poem!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, February 24, 2008 - 10:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=361102727#" id="addReplyLnk_642087" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=361102727&amp;commentID=642087" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_642087"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=139607821" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Holly</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=139607821" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/65/s_1f5d205b24874b3db4a2ccea65f52efe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_642092">Dammm I know what you mean...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=139607821" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Holly</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, February 24, 2008 - 10:47 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=361102727#" id="addReplyLnk_642092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=361102727&amp;commentID=642092" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=139607821" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_642092"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_642431">Well you can just come back here!!! We will take you.<br />And the Wizard of Oz..come on were ya thinkin about me? LOL<br /><br />MISS YA BUNCHES!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a>&nbsp;on Monday, February 25, 2008 - 10:44 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20898629877081788132008-02-21T10:46:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.266-04:00Poetry in Motion: ~~Cutie Patootie~~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, February 21, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I dig him more</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">with each passing day</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">whether he's close</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">or far away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">"Distance makes the heart grow fonder."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Or so the saying goes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This is something I often ponder</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wondering</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">if this is really something</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But, who knows?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No way to be certain</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">if some day</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">he is going to pull that curtain</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">and take that exit</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">stage left.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Busy times</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Busy life</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes I just have to say....</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's not always going to be that way</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Steps in the right direction</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just believe.....</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Taking everything in stride</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">moving forward</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">not looking back</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm letting him inside.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The distance isn't always easy</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">but nothing is life really is</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He's worth fighting for</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">and I am not giving in.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Slowly the wall comes down.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Brick by brick</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Mile by mile</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Smile after smile……</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*hearts*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">© C.M. 2/20/2008</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32992319616025940172008-02-19T09:01:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.268-04:00Poetry In Motion: Never Break Me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, February 19, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I thought you would be different<br />But you just turned out the same.<br />Same as him<br />and him<br />and Oh, whats his name?<br />Shame on you for making me hurt<br />Oh, but how I have learned.....<br />You will never break me<br />or get under my skin<br />Love me<br />Hate me<br />Whatever...<br />But never this again.<br />(C) C.M.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75852054756346964032008-02-17T22:13:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.270-04:00Who ME??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, February 17, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I just had to post this. I know , have not blogged in a spell. Got some things brewing, just not sure where to run with it.<br /><br />Lets just say - for now - been Following the yellow brick road...<br /><br />Today I met up with a blast from my bast. Someone I went to school with for MANY years. We have had a few laughs today. And he put me in touch with someone else ... and I just have to share a part of that email.<br /><br /><span>""You were always one of the smartest girls I knew at&nbsp;Foster or E.C., but also one who was approachable and&nbsp;always nice and polite&nbsp;to me."""</span><br /><span><br /></span><br /><span>Awww..now how nice is that?</span><br /><span><br /></span><br />Smart? Who me? Boy, I had them fooled huh? Just kidding.<br /><br />But that other part....yeah...me.<br /><br />I know the things I went through growing up. And all my life I have been that girl. That girl that was always nice to everyone. That girl that never picked sides in a fight. That girl that was friends with everyone and never judged. That girl that was never in a click but always very much her own person. That girl that always had a smile on her face. Always.<br /><br />I wasnt nice because I had to be, I was nice because I wanted to be.<br /><br />Friendship has ALWAYS been a big deal to me.<br /><br />So...thats my feel good juice for the moment. To know that someone remember that after all this time...appreciates that...<br /><br />Folks, thats what life is all about.<br /><br />When I get down and out because at times I feel like people use my niceness and some step on me and hurt my feelings and I have to take the time to weed these people out and walk away from them. I think about the people I have made a difference to in their life...and I feel good about me and my big heart.<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_634448">That is a really nice thing to happen! To know someone remembers you like that! {{{{HUGS}}}} Have a great week ahead!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, February 17, 2008 - 10:43 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27034448153311894622008-02-14T10:33:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.273-04:00Happy Valentines Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, February 14, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Love%20Hugs%20Kisses/Hearts/?action=view&amp;current=waterscar.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Love%20Hugs%20Kisses/Hearts/waterscar.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div>Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes while I was dealing with I have now termed "The Crud" I can not remember the last time I was that sick.<br /><br />Anyway back to work today and classes start back up again. So its back to busy bee time.<br /><br />Wanted to take a minute to tell you all that even tho I have never been a fan of Valentines (cause you shouldnt need a day to tell someone you care about them...not to mention all the pink and red foo foo frilly shit all over the place *barf* LOL) anyways....ummmmm...what the hell was I saying???<br /><br />Oh yes...to all my wonderful friends and family:<br /><br />HAPPY VALENTINES DAY.. LOVE YA!<br />xoxo<br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Love%20Hugs%20Kisses/Hearts/?action=view&amp;current=Be_Mine_by_xxANGeLiCFRuiTCaKExx.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Love%20Hugs%20Kisses/Hearts/Be_Mine_by_xxANGeLiCFRuiTCaKExx.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_631210">Glad you're feeling better, sis. I have to admit this is the first Vday where I have had a sweetie who actually DID something to make me feel special in over 10 years, so I am pretty happy this year!<br /><a href="http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/sapphire_tyger/?action=view&amp;current=valentines.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/sapphire_tyger/valentines.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 6:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357801682#" id="addReplyLnk_631210" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357801682&amp;commentID=631210" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_631210"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_631370">Valentines Day quit being "Valentines Day" for me 22 years ago when I had my first child...on this day! So now it's Happy Birthday Boomer, Steak, Salad and French Vanilla birthday cake! LOL! Hope yours is a good one! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 8:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357801682#" id="addReplyLnk_631370" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357801682&amp;commentID=631370" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_631370"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">banesil</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=100488823" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/s_2c63de3dc2ad1b64b2d0cd8a9b2be2ae.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Scott Bohn</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_631589">Hope you had a happy Valentine's day!<br />*hugs*<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">banesil</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 10:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357801682#" id="addReplyLnk_631589" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357801682&amp;commentID=631589" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_631589"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_631807">I think Valentine's day kinda stinks ha ha! Anyway I hope ya had a great Valentine's day and Love and peace to you my beautiful friend xoxoxoxo ;* (smooch smooch) ♥<br /><br /><a href="http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p88/irishdog36/?action=view&amp;current=Celticheart.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p88/irishdog36/Celticheart.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Friday, February 15, 2008 - 2:53 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357801682#" id="addReplyLnk_631807" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357801682&amp;commentID=631807" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_631807"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_632411">Valentine's day...ughhhhh...mine sucked.<br />Hope you are doing okay baby...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Friday, February 15, 2008 - 9:55 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24345555087377054402008-02-13T01:58:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:38:39.145-04:00Some People Should NOT Be Allowed To Have Dogs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, February 13, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">OK, so I am ANGRY. Not just a little pissy, not panties in a wad, but all out ANGRY!<br /><br />SOME PEOPLE SHOULD NOT EVER CONSIDER OWNING A DOG!<br /><br />PERIOD.<br /><br />END OF STORY.<br /><br />My little happy ending for Cain and Casey ended in a disaster.<br /><br />Ugh.<br /><br />Here I am sick, dealing with this crud and going out of my way to get these dogs to these people because they just can't wait....only to have to get my sick ass out of bed again today to go get them.<br /><br />WHAT??<br /><br />Oh yes you heard me right.<br /><br />The guy calls me this AM and says the dogs would not poop/pee when they took them out, they did on their floor and that they kept them up all night crying.<br /><br />DUH!<br /><br />Its called "adjustment period" wise ass.<br /><br />You just got 2 dogs that were taken away from their only mom and the home they knew. They are scared and they are confused. Its going to take time to retrain them to your home , family, area, etc.<br /><br />Well he wasnt having none of that and told me to come get the dogs.<br /><br />So, I went, coughing and bitching all the way.<br /><br />I called the Boxer Haven.<br /><br />Some people should not be allowed to have dogs.<br /><br />The end.<br /><br />*swallows some meds, blows nose, coughs...*<br /><br />Going to go lay back down now.<br /><br />PS- no worries. Dogs will stay with me and when I move out mom has agrees to take care of them for me so I need not find them a new home.<br /><br />Would of been nice if she would have offered before. Then I could of saved all of us from this.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_630346">They know where a good home is. It's a sign.<br />Hope you get to feelin better.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 6:58 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357523818#" id="addReplyLnk_630346" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357523818&amp;commentID=630346" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_630346"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_630787">Bless you and your mom for saving those beautiful boxers! Im so sorry that you all are going through this. Send the boxers in fed ex boxes to me and I'll take very good care of them (I wish) Just kidding but I would take them for sure. I think the Boxers rescue team need to hear from ya about the boxers' loyalty to you and those new people pick them up so they need to know the history about the boxers' relationship with you before they decide to get them. GOOD LUCK CHRYS!!! ;) ♣<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 1:29 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357523818#" id="addReplyLnk_630787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357523818&amp;commentID=630787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20275443881477458332008-02-12T20:43:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:38:39.148-04:00Mastering the Art of Letting Go<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, February 12, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Animal/Boxer/?action=view&amp;current=s462dpi12.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Animal/Boxer/s462dpi12.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I have mastered the art of letting go. All things considered. Today I had to let go of that last little bit of life I left behind. Today the dogs, my babies went to go to their new home. I never thought I would see the day I had to make the choice to let them go. And it certainly was not an easy decision to make. But I had to look at it from all sides of the box. It was never a choice for me as to whether I would leave them behind in OK. Marcus didn't want them. The only reason he wanted Cain was because of how he looked to his friends. He was a prize. Something to show off. See a pattern here? I know I do. If you don't, look a little closer and read between the lines you might just see something you missed before. Anyway, I knew Cain and Casey would not be left behind. I knew if I did and he got mad for any reason, he would just give them to who ever without a second thought. Or just drop them off at the pound. Besides, they were MY dogs. I bought them, I paid for them and I took care of them. So I packed them up with a few of the things I brought into the relationship and headed up here.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I thought being here, things would be easy. I thought by now I would be working, making money, having some things paid off and in my own place. As you all know, things did not happen as planned.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Because of that, the dogs suffered. I don't mean that in a bad way. I did all I could for them here with what I was given, and yes they were with their people momma and that's pretty much all that mattered to them. But I am so wrapped up in trying to get my own life back on track that they were just not being all that they were used to. Play time, attention, running, a yard, etc. So I felt it best for them and me to find them a new home. I got in contact with the Michigan Boxer Haven Rescue who in turn put them on their website. In a matter of days I had a family who wanted them. A family who wanted BOTH of them. I talked to Jennifer for quite a while. Called the Boxer Haven back and said yes, I want them to go there. The Haven does a reference, background and house check. They passed. YEAH. Then I talked to Rich, the husband a few times. GREAT family. I could not have asked for a happier ending to this story. This family had been around boxers. They have a 14yr old son. A HUGE house that the dogs will have freedom to all of. A huge backyard that backs up to 50 acres of apple orchard. And I know them two; they will love to run it…..every last acre.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was really sad driving them this morning. In just a funk. Didn't want to get rid of my dogs. Then just really started to get down on myself. It's my fault. My fault my life is the way it is. Were my choices to make. They should not be the ones suffering. This is best for us both. Once I go there and met Rich and got a tour of the house and Cain and Casey sat with him for a bit, it just felt right. I knew I was making a family very happy. I knew my dogs would bring them many years of happiness and joy just as they did me. And that my friend is a better feeling then anyone could ask for.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In the end, when I went to leave, it was hard to keep moving forward and not looking back when they cried for me. But this is how my life has to be now. I have to keep moving forward, one foot in front of the other. Not looking back and dwelling, but rather looking forward and see what I HAVE done this far and what I am GOING to do.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So as I say goodbye to the last little bit of the life left behind, I say hello to the life I am going to have. And I welcome it with open arms.</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5M7tgD3q0Zg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5M7tgD3q0Zg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">~PS~</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And to my "Rock" thank you for "holding my hand" thru this and just being my sounding board when I needed you. It means more to me then you will ever know. Your words , simple as they may have been, helped me deal with one of the hardest things I just had to do.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Thank you.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">*hearts*</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_629640">Knowing you were doing what was best for them, had to make it a LITTLE easier. You did th eresponsible thing. I know you are going to miss them terribly, but you knwo they went to a home where they will be taken care of and loved. {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 9:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357329512#" id="addReplyLnk_629640" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357329512&amp;commentID=629640" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_629640"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_629657">I honestly felt it was meant to be - for so many reasons. And I am welcomed any time I want to visit. I am thankful for the Boxer Haven and feel blessed in many ways for Rich and Jennifer. Thanks for the hugs momma...I needed that !!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 9:29 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357329512#" id="addReplyLnk_629657" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357329512&amp;commentID=629657" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_629657"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_629778">You did such a noble thing and you loved them so much that you gave them up for something the boxers will really enjoy and doing what is best for them. You did such a honorable thing. God bless ya hun! ;)<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 11:18 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357329512#" id="addReplyLnk_629778" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357329512&amp;commentID=629778" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_629778"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_629825">I love art very much, I always wish that I will meet someone in the art gallery. And it will be romance and beautiful in my vision of love.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - 12:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357329512#" id="addReplyLnk_629825" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=357329512&amp;commentID=629825" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63356361520599370412008-02-08T09:50:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.275-04:00You’re Not That In To Him Either~ Or Am I?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, February 08, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Love%20Things%20-%20Misc%20Pics/91043039_b7238987df_o.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You're Not That In To Him Either</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I got this book (thanks Jules) and it's called "Be Honest – You're Not That In To Him Either: Raise Your Standards and Reach for the Love You Deserve."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Interesting.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well not really because the truth is, it was rather boring. I read all 150 odd pages in a couple hours.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(boring or not, Jeran you are next on the list to read it LOLOL I am sending it your way!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am still trying to figure out what the big deal is about this book. But it's been in every magazine I have read for the last few months and Jules saw it on Dr Phil along with another one that I am reading and will get into that one at another time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">First, I want to say I am not being rebellious and trying to go against everything my friends are telling me or the advice they are giving me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I CAN NOT help the way that I feel about a certain someone. I am NOT a light switch and can't just turn feelings on and off. I know there are people out there like that. But unfortunately for me I am not one of these people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know it has been easy for me to walk away from&nbsp;<st1:place>LOT</st1:place>&nbsp;of people the last 6 or 7 months. But for whatever reason, this person is not one of them. Not that I really want to walk away from him anyway. Maybe just a few steps backwards, but certainly not completely away form.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I feel like the relationship I have with this person is putting a wedge between some of my friendships. I don't want this to happen. I love my friends to death. And I know they only want what's best for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I realize me and this person have been on a roller coaster ride since the very beginning. I've done some things, he's done some things. But life goes on. Shit happens. I am not blind. Not stupid and I was not born yesterday. I am pretty sure we all know this by now. But I do happen to see the GOOD that IS in this person. Mind you, the good does not over ride the shit side I had seen, but none the less it is still there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The fact remains – YES I AM THAT IN TO HIM</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And you should not judge me, but just love me no matter what choice I make.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok now that I have all that out of the way. I happen to think this person is absolutely adorable. And when we are together – it's as if nothing and no one else matters. We always have the best of times. It's when we are apart that the roller coaster tends to weave its way in. Different schedules, different lives. But the biggest issue being we somehow got off being on the same page and moved along to different pages – not to mention different chapters altogether. And, that's ok. Doesn't make either one of us a bad person.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Love%20Things%20-%20Misc%20Pics/fight-8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not going to say I am sorry or say I am the one at fault for my emotions. Because – well, because one can not control emotions. Not these kind anyway. And I should not have to apologize. So, it's now on me to be the one to take a couple of steps backwards so that we are back on the same page again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have given this person my heart, and it's pretty obvious he does not really want it. At least not on that level. And that's OK. Goes back to the being on different pages and so forth. So, I have taken it back and am closely guarding it. Not quite sure what to do with it at this point.<span>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know everyone thinks I should just walk away completely. But, I just can't. I can't. We've tried walking away a couple of times in the past and we always end up walking right back in to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This one is on me to work out. And I will. My own way. My own time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't know guys. I really don't know. But just know, I do hear you and I am listening.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*blows you a kiss* We are best friends for a reason. That will never change. Just please don't let this put a wedge in our friendship.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~xoxox~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Chrys</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">PS - and about that other ordeal I got going on...Oh thats a big HELL NO and I CAN promise you (those that know what I am talking about will get this) that is a line I WILL NOT CROSS!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Love%20Things%20-%20Misc%20Pics/Best-Friends-3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_625273"><a href="http://s72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Friends/?action=view&amp;current=12456266-62417671.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Friends/12456266-62417671.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />It has been a roller coaster...lol...but we love ya anyway!!<br /><br />~HUGS~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 12:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_625273" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751&amp;commentID=625273" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_625273"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_625314">Girl I was where you are now a few yrs back. I understand what your talking about how when the 2 of you are together nothing matters. It took me a long time to finally break down and end that relationship. I loved him and how I felt when we were together except for one factor. He was still stuck in the 90's and didnt want to grow up and be a man. He was great fun to be around, always had a blast; but when it came to the real world forget it lol. Im not saying your hunny is anything like my ex, just that in the end you have to do what is right for you. I couldnt take the stress anymore and got out. I already got 3 boys, didnt need another one lol. If you see potential I say go for it, you'll never know if you don't try. If it doesnt work, well its a lesson learned. You'e dealt with heartbreak before, you'll move on. BUT if it does.....thats what to think about. ~Hugs~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 1:23 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_625314" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751&amp;commentID=625314" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_625314"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_625644">Everyone is different, therefore everyone communicates and functions on different levels or languages... We love you, and will be supportive of you no matter what... because in this life, we all have different lessons to learn... life isn't easy, because if it was, we wouldn't appreciate the valleys after climbing the mountains!<br /><br />Love ya!!<br /><br />Myca Jean<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a>&nbsp;on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 8:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_625644" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751&amp;commentID=625644" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_625644"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_625661">Seems all the words of wisdom have already been given, LOL! You can't change how you feel, no matter how much you wish you could! As the saying goes "It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all". Your eyes are open, you know the score...you're a big girl. I think the friends that are giving you a hard time are just wanting to protect you from a heatbreak.<br />The next book that should be on your list is Wokini by Billy Mills. Trust mom on this! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, February 08, 2008 - 8:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_625661" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751&amp;commentID=625661" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_625661"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_626052">~nods head in agreement with Mom~ Sounds like everyone is just tryin to protect you..maybe more than is needed eh? If they are your friends.. then they will continue to be.. And love simply is.. if we could just help who we fall for this world would be a lot easier..and not nearly as exciting.. No matter the type of love you are given... simply cherish it in all forms. That is how I make it..lol. ~hugs~ and yes.. our love to you too Chrys.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, February 09, 2008 - 9:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751#" id="addReplyLnk_626052" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355954751&amp;commentID=626052" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_626052"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=10328229" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Iceman48602</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=10328229" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/124/s_96e0a6b5ab083de608e59e46d5a3ffcd.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Gary Voit</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_628805">HEy! How are you sweetie? I was touched by this blog cuz it reminds me alot of myself and how I had things at one point. Crazy huh... Wish I was that guy who you are talking about who had a chance to have your heart cuz I would put it right close to mine keeping it warm and safe from all harm forever. We could write a book instead of just a few pages and still be on the same page....LOL Hope to hear from you again real soon and I hope all is well your way and you're feeling better...HUGZ@U always<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=10328229" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Iceman48602</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - 12:18 AM&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35726109695157641922008-02-07T14:28:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.278-04:00Reflections On This Time Of Year<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, February 07, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Love%20Things%20-%20Misc%20Pics/187465100_l.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">I seem to reflect alot this time of year. More so then usual. Part of it due to it being a new year. But the rest to being that part of me that still holds on to the dream that not all romance is dead in the world.<br /><br />It's the romantic in me ( I can't help it. I try to hide it, but its no use) - I see people in love and even just holding hands its a beautful thing and I realize how time is slipping through my own hands. Tick Tock Tick Tock. I stop to think to myself - I can not believe its Feb already. Seems like just yesterday we were bringing in the new year.<br /><br /><br />No amount of money could ever replace the feeling you get from the one you love and truly being loved back,the world could be caving in all around me and its all right because I see the look in his eyes and vica versa---that is deep. The feeling is deep. For that moment in time nothing else matters.<br /><br />I want that moment to come back....<br /><br />So for those of you celebrating love this Valentines, remind yourself you shouldnt have to have a holiday to show that person how much you love them. It should be something you want to do all the time. And never be afraid of it, because you never know when its going to be taken away from you.<br /><br />~xoxox~<br />Chrys</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44493923694120274212008-02-06T16:21:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.280-04:00Stepping Off My Throne<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, February 06, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Princess%20Sweetheart%20Beauty/?action=view%C2%A4t=IRISH.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Princess%20Sweetheart%20Beauty/IRISH.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Princess%20Sweetheart%20Beauty/?action=view%C2%A4t=princess.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Princess%20Sweetheart%20Beauty/princess.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Stepping Off My Throne</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been trying to write this topic for a while now. Every time I think I am done things change in life or something else happens and it's like I have to scrap the whole thing and start over.&nbsp;&nbsp;So instead of telling a tale to make the whole thing fit together, I am just going to get to the point.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyone who is lucky enough to be closest to me knows here rules the Queen of Open Relationships.&nbsp;&nbsp;I use the term lucky very loosely as these people know it has not always been an easy ride. But I do it because every time I have tried to be in a committed relationship I always get hurt and cheated on. So I just got to the point where I said "Fuck It" and made the relationships open.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Pretty much every relationship I have ever been in, with the exception of only a handful, was an OR on some level or another.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Today, this is me stepping off my throne and passing that crown on to someone else. I no longer want to be Queen of anything. I'll just stick to Irish Princess status. LOL.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know OR's are NOT for everyone. There is a certain level of commitment and trust that comes along with an OR. (Or just simply not giving a fuck and keeping yourself at a distance making sure the walls stay up, the heart stays guarded, and the feelings are kept to a minimum.) Mutual respect, boundaries, rules, and just straight up honesty are needed in ANY type of relationship. These guidelines are different for everyone and every relationship. Some look at it as being a swinger, some look at is as letting a 3<sup>rd</sup>party in your bedroom, some look at is as being totally committed to each other, but you both have a lil flavor on the side.( with the partners consent of course) Whatever, however you look at it, view it, see it. Been there done all of that.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If you want to be in a relationship, be in one. If you want to date and play the field then do that. But come on - stop trying to do both.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But you might be saying to yourself right now "Hey, wait – how can you have a commitment and be in an OR?" Well that depends on the type of relationship.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Confused?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah – so am I these days.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This is why I have decided to step down.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p>But lets not confuse "dating" with an OR.</o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to find that "one."&nbsp;&nbsp;Just me and that person. I want to love just that one person. Give them all of me, not just bits, pieces and parts of me. I want that one person I can focus all my attention on and not be partially focused because there is someone else in our world too. I don't want to worry about outside influences from either party any more.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want that one to give me the same in return.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want that one person I can tell anything and everything to. That one that will take me at my worst and my best. The one who will accept me as the person I am now and the person I will grow to be as time goes on. Someone who is willing to accept the situation as it is now and sees that with time and patience things will change.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want that one to ultimately be my best friend.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is this seriously too much to ask for?</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am beginning to wonder.</div><div><br /></div><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxpPtfabwkQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxpPtfabwkQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm looking for a lover not a friend</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Somebody who can be there when I need someone to talk to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm looking for someone who won't pretend</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Somebody not afraid to say the way they feel about you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone who understands how I feel,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who can keep me real and who knows the way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The way I like to have my way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone who takes me there,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wants to share, shows he cares</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Im Thinking you're the one that I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me? (Could you be?)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm looking for someone to share my pain (Uh)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who I can run to, who will stay with me when it rains</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who I can cry with through the night</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who I can trust who's heart is right</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone who understands how I feel,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who can keep me real and who knows the way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The way I like to have my way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I'm looking for someone who takes me there,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wants to share, shows he cares</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">im Thinking you're the one that I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be this one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">take for granted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">How much I care (How much I care)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And appreciates that I'm there</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Someone who listens</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And someone I can call who isn't afraid of love to share</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Is it you? is it you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe you're the one I've been waiting for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one for me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Could you be the one I need?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_624126">Yer actions are very normal and it would be healthy for you to keep those castle walls sky high! Keep those fucking Trolls and Ogres out! Ya need a REAL knight or prince charming. Ya got to give yourself a lot of time to figure out who you are dating. Have fun you're so young and I'll pray for ya! ♣ †<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, February 07, 2008 - 3:09 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355387899#" id="addReplyLnk_624126" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=355387899&amp;commentID=624126" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14340570808557200892008-02-04T19:06:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.282-04:00Weekend Update<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, February 04, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />One of these days I will finish up the blog I have been working on and get it posted. But for right now I just wanted to say hello to everyone and give you a quick update.<br /><br />I posted some new party pics from Saturday night. So go check them out on MySpace!<br /><br />Went out for a bit on Friday night - ran into someone I had not talked to in about a month or so. Could have lived without that. NO MORE DRAMA.<br /><br />I also spent some time reading this book. "Admit it, You are just not that in to him either...." ..and just you wait until I post the results of that!<br /><br />Saturday I worked for a couple of hours. Then went to Kelly's. She is a girl I work with. Cool chick! *waves* We went to eat at this awesome Mexican place. YUM! About time I had some good Mexican food. The last few places I went around here were yucky! Nothing like the Tex-Mex food back home. But Kel gets 2 points for showing me this place. Then we went back to her place and got ready. Waited for Rebecca and Kim. Then we headed to Patty Flemmings Irish Pub. Misty met us there. We had a few drinks while Becca ate. Pretty good music going on there. Some funny guys sitting over by us doing their chair hip hop dances. Becca got pics of them, but I didnt post them. We left there and went to downtown and partied the rest of the night at Meinbergs. The place was kick ass! We drank, we talked, we laughed and we danced our asses off. Good time. Good music and lots of great people. I met SO many fucking people that my head is spinning. *big smiles*<br /><br />I CANT WAIT TO GO BACK!<br /><br />Me and Kel got back to her place it was almost 3am and we ate our leftover mexican before heading to bed.<br />Sunday&nbsp; I woke up way too early to her kitty wanting in and her dog needing to go out. LOL. But it was OK. We hung out a bit and dealt with some things. I got back to my place ... hmm think it was almost 11am.<br />I felt bad cause I knew my mom wanted to go out. But originally I had a date for the night. (*waves*hey Jim!!) and I had to cancel because I just knew I was going to get stuck working late. And didnt want him to have to drive all that way to town. So my mom wanted to go out. But I had already made plans with Kel. So I promised my mom I would hang out with her for Super Bowl Sunday.<br /><br />So we headed up to the local watering hole. Chips, dip and wings. Having a grand time since we freaking know everyone in there. Guess who walks in??<br /><br />Ugh. yeah. Who I now refer to as "The Jerm" aka Jeremy.<br /><br />Him and his dad. I turned myself around and did not look his way all night. I thought once he was heading over to say hi, and maybe he was going to until I gave him a dirty ass look and looked back at the tv so he headed to the bathroom.<br /><br />Fucker. Stay away.<br /><br />So far so good. Lets hope he continues to leave me alone or things will have to get ugly.<br /><br />So I spent today sleeping in and recovering. No hangovers. But lack of sleep!<br /><br />Back to work tomorrow!<br /><br />If you have not checked out the pics go have a lookie loo. We had a great time.<br /><br />So thanks to Becca, Kel, Kim and Misty for a great time. And thanks to Kel for letting me crash and your place and to Becca for loading all the pics!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4346436799404566102008-02-02T11:09:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:01:39.636-04:00Tag ME!!!! ~ Twice~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, February 02, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Tese are the rules - Once you have been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird random things, facts, or habits about yourself. At the end, you chose 10 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" on their profile and tell them to read your latest blog."<br /><br />Here are my ten people I'm tagging:<br />I'm not gonna tag anyone. Just because I am going to be a party pooper!!! LOL.<br /><br /><br />Here we go:<br /><br />1. I am a disorganized mess. Things look like they are neat and tidy and in their place. But to me its a&nbsp; huge mess. But I know exactly where everything is. Perhaps a bit OCD about things.<br /><br />2. I am addicted to gum. I chew it constantly. (hello bubblicious)<br /><br />3. I am a germ phobic when it comes to my teeth. I sit down or walk around the house when I brush them. I take FOREVER. And when I am away from my toothbrush - this is where the gum comes in!<br /><br />4. I used to have this habit where I would fold my dirty laundry before putting it in the basket. *rolls eyes at self* I am slowly breaking myself of that. Mostly cause I am so worn down when I get home from work I literally just kick my clothes off and push them in the closet. When I sit down to sort them on laundry day I find myself folding them. LOL<br /><br />5. In college I was the only "lil sis" to the frat house that was not in a soriety.<br /><br />6. My ex made me talk to a shrink about sex therapy because he thought their was something wrong with being Bi. That it was a phase. And that I wanted sex all the time. hmmmm...apparently I am not so wacked out after all.&nbsp;I was declared perfectly sane and normal. LOLOL!<br /><br />7. I admit I left Oklahoma to hide. Sorry :(<br /><br />8. I am not graceful. Rather a big dorky clutz. I fall out of the bed, I trip over my own feet, gum falls out of my mouth.......but at least I can laugh at myself.<br /><br />9. I love&nbsp;ice cream&nbsp;and I can eat it any time of the day. Even when its below zero outside.<br /><br />10. I truly am a survivor. I have suffered more pain, abuse, drama, heartache and death in my 32 years of life then one person could only hope they never have to see. And these days, I am very much happy to be alive even if life sometimes drags me down.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41262291812452389852008-02-01T10:42:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.285-04:00Married Men & Gossip<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, February 01, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_353726458" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Married Men and Gossip Mongers</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is it with married men that just because they are "taken" seem to make them more "wanted" by the female population? It's like, well if another woman has him, he MUST have the good stuff.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really people. Get a grip.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what is it that married men are never happy with what they got? I have been trying to figure that one out for so many years now that I think I have given myself a permanent migraine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, I do not know any married man that is truly happy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well wait, I take that back. My great friend Wally is so truly madly deeply in love with his wife Bren. Yes they are newlyweds but they are the sort of couple that when you are around them you just KNOW they were meant to be and will likely be together forever. They have such a strong bond. They are the type of couple that really makes you want to puke from all the mushy gushy love they exude from their self, but at the same time it's so wonderful to be around and makes you think, WOW! There is still hope that soul mates and true love really do exist in this world! (I love you guys and miss you bunches!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So back to this whole married thing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I work with this married guy. Not just one, but a few. But I am talking about this one in particular. He's just one of those people you can instantly bond with. Well, maybe not everyone. But there are some common interests that seem to have brought our conversation together in the first place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all know I am adorable. LOL. I can't help that. We all know I am a flirt. But I am harmless and I mean nothing by it. If I am really meaning it, you will know. And that rarely happens. But I am also a personable person. Meaning I can talk to anyone about anything. It's just how I am. I am a dork and a giant goofball so laughing is always bound to happen. People pick up on that. They see me talking to others and they see I am easy to talk to. When you work with someone in such a close knit environment it's nice to talk to them and be friendly. And laughter helps to pass the time. Especially when clients get crabby.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm at work Tuesday night. In the back room putting some files together. He must have had a slow moment or something because he comes and pulls up and chair and sits by me. We start talking about life in the south and how things are so much different for us up here. He's only been here 2 years or so, coming from Atlanta. Yeah, quite the change. So then he's telling me about his life, his wife, his baby and soon to be one on the way. I never thought anything of it. Still don't. Just a friendly banter between 2 co-workers who just have something to talk about to kill some time. Although I pretty much got his whole life story in 20 mins. NO BIG DEAL. He's just southern friendly. We like that!!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>&nbsp;</span>Well my boss comes in to let him know there is a client for him and she's being silly and just picking on him, asking him what is this break time? He just laughs. She just looks at me and shakes her head. Right. Like I had his arm twisted and made him sit back there with me. *insert big old eye roll here* I was working on my files while he was chatting. So no barking at me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get to work Wednesday. It's late in the day and sort of slow. So me, one girl and the boss are already in a case of the giggles. Another girl shows up that works with us. We are all chit chatting and all the sudden there is this SUV just parked in front of the door. By now it's dark and we can't really see. So boss lady is like go open the door so they know we are open. So girl goes to the door and goes…its XX. And starts laughing. Boss lady is like what is he doing here? He's not working. And she laughing, looks at me and says go tell him no loitering. So my dumb ass goes to do so. Mind you it's freezing out and I just go running outside. WHOA! Not good idea. Insta freeze. And insta laugh. I see XX is pimping out the fur coat. I was like OH HELL NO! Are you furry??? Is it real?? And so I go check it out. He's all telling me he dropped some scripts off at Wal-Mart pharmacy which we share a parking lot with and he's got to get his wife from bible study in a bit. And he's all just chat chat chat. I am like dude, seriously its too freaking cold out here. I have to go back in, come in and talk to us. So I go back in. And boss lady is like you need to leave that one alone! He's married! DUH!! Really is that what that gold ring around his finger means? Ohhhhhhh I thought it was just to be pretty. Seriously. I know better then that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok SERIOUSLY!! Where in the hell is that coming from? Just because me and XX have had like 2 conversations since we started working together and we laugh makes YOU think there is some underlying meaning to it all?? I am trying to tell her their isn't nothing going on. I am NOT interested. He's MARRIED. And well, I just won't go there. I know what that shit feels like.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, if someone is going to think I MIGHT even be going there, what's that say about me?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmmmmmmmm</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have given no ideas to anyone – so they can just sit there and gossip all they like.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GOSSPIERS! I HATE THEM!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So he comes in to sit and hang. Girl comes over and she's like I am going to get up in ya'll biz and you aint even talking about anything cause he on the phone! I am just cracking up because these people by this point are really thinking there is something about to brew.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So he gets off the phone and he's like what time you get off? Umm 8. Girl it's after 8 lets bounce. Oh whatever. You got a wife at bible study to pick up. And he just starts laughing. He leaves and all the girls are talking about how cute he is with all his dimples and stuff. I am just sitting there shaking my head at them all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think he's funny. He thinks he's funny. That's brilliant.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, so Thursday (yesterday) he comes in to work. Comes right over and starts chit chatting. I am laughing. He takes a client. Then he has an appt. So I keep walking past because I have to check to see how far along he is to let his appt know. Every time I walk past he winks at me. Dude. Really is your winker broke or what? Because when you married that winking shit is only meant for the wife. Stop that!<span>&nbsp;</span>And me being the dork I am, all I wanted to do was flip him off for shits and giggles and I can't do that in the office so I just smile at him and shake my head. I laugh it off.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gossipers eyeballs and ears hard at work right now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So then it's about time for me to leave. I go get my keys to start the car so it's warm when I leave. He follows me to the back and is like Hey I get off at 7 too but I am almost done. You can't leave until I do. WHATEVER DUDE. I am so out of here. So I go sit with a couple of the girls to talk about today's snowfall and they I put on my coat to leave. He's just standing there glaring at me trying to deal with his clients. I waved my hand up in the air and said, I am outta here. And headed out. I pull the truck around and see he's standing at the door. HA! Seriously, did he think I was going to wait for him???</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OH<br />MY<br />GAWD!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am cracking up laughing as I sit here typing this. Because part of me really isn't thinking too much about it. But the other part of me is just thinking, eh he's bored; he's got issues maybe he just wants someone to talk to. Maybe he just needs a friend. And really, what the hell is wrong with people who have friends that are the opposite sex? Married or not. That shit drives me absolutely bonkers. Who the fuck knows and who the fuck cares because I am not about to get tangled up in the web.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So to those of you who even thought I was going to go there! BAH! Shame on you for thinking that!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I AM NOT that girl!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I sure think its funny the people at work apparently have something to talk about.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I think the whole ordeal is just funny.</span></div></div><br /><br /><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_618218">People ALWAYS have to have something to talk about!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Friday, February 01, 2008 - 4:43 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48478161305900591422008-01-30T23:14:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.288-04:00Poetry in Motion: The Devil’s Spawn<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, January 30, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have to rant. If I don't I am just going to explode!!! Well, at least my damn head will anyway. I am on my way out the door to work and I hear from Steve.(oklahoma dude)&nbsp;WTF dude? What gives you the right to just walk in and out as you damn well please? I am so sick of this shit. And sick to death of the fact he NEVER listens to me. I tell him to go away, does he listen? NO. After a month of pouting I get this text from him out of the blue the other night while I am at work. Full of the most random shit ever. I, being the smart ass that I am texted him back saying – Who is this? Oh that set him off. I just ignored him. I guess he didn't like that because he tried to talk to me today. Just started talking like nothing was wrong. WHAT the hell planet did you come from? I would NEVER in a million years expect him of all people to fall into the "asswipe zone" but yes he has fallen. And there he is going to stay. And this is me walking in the other direction. It's pretty sad considering this is at least 15yrs of friendship going down the drain. But I just can not deal with it anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">THEN I get home and I am getting IM's from Jeremy. He would be the asswipe who wanted to use me to get his girlfriend jealous. I say "just friends" he acts like he's all cool with that. I guess not. Whatever dude.&nbsp;Apparently he read my blog before I was able to delete him off my myspace. Today he gets the balls to try to talk to me. Telling me I was his best friend and how he thought I understood him. First off, how can someone be your best friend when you have only known them a couple of weeks?? *rolls eyes*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Dude, you need to get a grip on reality and leave the booze alone. (too bad hes not going to be able to read that.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am too nice. I should not even talk to these asswipes to begin with. But I am just one of those people that when you say something to me, I just have to say something back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I hope I have made myself clear to the both of them. If&nbsp;being a total bitch to them didn't work and they keep bothering I am going to have to send in the weapons of mass destruction.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am SICK to death of the toxic drama they keep spewing my way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Too bad neither of them are on myspace to even read this...oh well...makes me feel better to just spit it out there....</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 3pt; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The Devils Spawn</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Spastic</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Bipolar</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Asshole Disorder.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Bullshit producer</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wanna be seducer</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Manipulative</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Liar</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cheater</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Commitment phobic</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Uncommunicative</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Loser</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">User</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Abuser</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Douche bag</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Fucker</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I HATE YOU!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Selfish</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Self Centered</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Disrespectful</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Uncaring</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Unloving</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Moody</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Mean</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cruel</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Disorganized MESS</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hateful</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Random</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Useless piece of shit!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I HOPE YOU ROT IN HELL!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Egotistical</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Vain</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Narcissistic</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Bastard!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Spew on that for a while.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">1/30/2008</div>C.M.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_616094">Umm WOW! I sure am glad I am not a guy right now, LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}} You tell them, girl!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 11:40 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=353233235#" id="addReplyLnk_616094" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=353233235&amp;commentID=616094" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_616094"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_616186">Creeps after creeps after creeps they just too fucking everywhere damn! I'll pray for ya hun! ♣<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, January 31, 2008 - 1:37 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=353233235#" id="addReplyLnk_616186" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=353233235&amp;commentID=616186" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_616186"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_619272">HaHa...good one....I love the poetic justice...it is too bad they can't read it!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, February 02, 2008 - 2:56 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47284938035891724642008-01-30T15:23:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.290-04:00~Pain~Wednesday, January 30, 2008<br />Todays blog was going to be a topic that I have been working on for quite a while. I work on it - then push it aside. I was going to have it up today - but I got sidetracked. Nothing new there. Have to get ready and head to work now.....So until then I am going to leave you with the lyrical feelings.<br /><br />~Pain~<br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n8oSDESi48w?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n8oSDESi48w?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br /><br />You're sick of feeling numb<br />You're not the only one<br />I'll take you by the hand<br />And I'll show you a world that you can understand<br />This life is filled with hurt<br />When happiness doesn't work<br />Trust me and take my hand<br />When the lights go out you will understand<br /><br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br /><br />Anger and agony<br />Are better than misery<br />Trust me I've got a plan<br />When the lights go off you will understand<br /><br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing<br />Rather feel pain<br /><br />I know (I know I know I know I know)<br />That you're wounded<br />You know (You know you know you know you know)<br />That I'm here to save you<br />You know (You know you know you know you know)<br />I'm always here for you<br />I know (I know I know I know I know)<br />That you'll thank me later<br /><br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Pain, without love<br />Pain, I can't get enough<br />Pain, I like it rough<br />'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Rather feel pain than nothing at all<br />Rather feel pain<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br />fairreegrl <br /><br /><br /><br />One of my absolute favs.. ~hugs~ and our blessings Chrys<br /><br />Posted by fairreegrl on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 3:53 PMChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7925863001771087092008-01-27T10:22:00.007-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.292-04:00Don’t Assume ( a rant about my blogs and surveys)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, January 27, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lets get something straight.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">One should NEVER EVER EVER assume they know who or what exactly my blogs are about.&nbsp; Nor should you assume that about my survey answers as well.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Chances are - if you assume - you will be wrong.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">There are only a handful of people that are so close to me that they know my life day to day.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">This is my own little corner of blog land. My own little online journal. I write about whatever I want at any given moment.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I am a writer. Its my hobby, my passion in life. My words are my saving grace during stressful times. My words are my life line when I am lost and confused. My words are just a part of ME.&nbsp; I am always writing things down. Tablets of paper follow me where ever I roam. I write on menus/napkins when I am out to eat if something runs through my brain. I write in the margins of magazines if something sparks an idea. I write whenever and anyplace I can so long as a pen is in hand.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Sometimes it takes a while for the idea to be completed. Especially the poetry.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I try to remember to put a date on my writings so that the reader knows a time frame. But l am not perfect and have not always kept up with this.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Sure, my blogs are automatically&nbsp;dated as the day of posting, but that does not mean I wrote it that particular day.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">And when things take a darker turn - as most of my poetry does - please don't dwell on that. Its just how my words work. I have darkness inside that comes out in my writing. Doesnt mean I am hurting myself our out to do harm. Just means that how I choose to express myself in my words.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Those that know me in real life know not to worry. I write, I let it out, I feel better and then I move on. Back to smiles and being&nbsp;sunshine.</span><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_610939">And we like the smiles ans sunshine! We all have those "dark" days...some choose to get it out by writing it down (you) and others let it out in different ways...cleaning (NOT me, LOL), screaming, driving fast, lashing out at innocent (or not so innocent) people, etc. I used to write it and then burn the paper symbolizing releasing it from my life. I have always been a cryer, too...I cry, washing it from my mind and life. It's the release that is good no matter how you release it unless you are putting yourself and others in danger (as in my last 2 examples!). {{{{HUGS}}}} Keep writing...you have plenty of talent!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 10:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=352006591#" id="addReplyLnk_610939" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=352006591&amp;commentID=610939" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_610939"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_610957">LMAO!!! Dark poetry? I don't know what you are talking about.. lol. You mean we all have differing emotions at different times? No WAY!! lol... sorry but I completely feel ya on that one.. and I was catching up on the past blogs that I somehow missed.. I can't believe you got so much crap on your top list.. Personally I do the same thing and just cause Lonna isn't number one doesn't mean that she is any less in my heart.. I agree.. people can be stupid.. Sending lots of love Chrys and tons of hugs!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 11:17 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34025554129066473372008-01-26T22:09:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.295-04:00Useless Ramblings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, January 26, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_351870231" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Words%20on%20Icons%20and%20such/The%20Written%20Word/Write-1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Words%20on%20Icons%20and%20such/The%20Written%20Word/write.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Words%20on%20Icons%20and%20such/The%20Written%20Word/write-9.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Useless Ramblings</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just some useless muck. Got too much rambling through my brain today. I need to let some of it out before the madness takes over.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feet stuck unable to move. Once again I see myself standing at the cross road. What direction do I go in? Do I listen to my heart? Do I listen to my brain? Follow the words of others or go my own way? I no longer know where I am going. But I know I don't want to relive where I have been.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I opened my heart, opened my world and let a person in. Now I feel like I am the one paying the pied piper for that sin. All I wanted was for that person to act like I mattered to them. Just wanted them to care. Only asked that they talk to me and to just be there. Why was it so hard for that person to let down their wall and let someone else in? These are answers I will always seek but never know. Now all I feel like doing is letting go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Look and me. Look at you. My inner and outer beauty overrides. What was it I saw there? Everyone says "not that great, you can do better, what's gotten in to you?" It's the glimmer in your smile, the sparkle in your eye, the winks that flash. The humor that spills the laughter that roars. But all that is gone now. I'm shutting the doors. All you do is hurt me and cause me pain. Crazy. Insane.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">""You know I love you, I really do. But I can't fight anymore for you. I don't know…maybe we will be together again…sometime…In another life…."" ~The Veronicas</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Words%20on%20Icons%20and%20such/The%20Written%20Word/stupidwords.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_610936">{{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 10:40 A</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31360382857275617292008-01-25T09:17:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.297-04:00Quickie - The Best<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Friday, January 25, 2008&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">J<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;">ust a quickie to say hello.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All is well and fine here. The drama has passed. Thank goodness. Letting go of some things and making some changes.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Funny how my long time friend (steve) back in OK was pouting and being a baby for like a month about the whole OK trip. I kid you not when I say he texted me last night - LIKE NOTHING WAS UP! Fuck that shit. Buh bye. Seriously saying good bye to someone after that many years is not easy. But - its too toxic to stick around&nbsp;deal with it anymore.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">As for the rest of the drama - gone. Done with it&nbsp; and just sweeping it under the rug.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I deserve the best, expect the best, want the best. If you can't treat me as the best -as friends or more then friends - then you dont deserve to have me in your life. End of story.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I dont have time for the games, bullshit and drama. Check it at the door or dont come through my door.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Getting back to&nbsp; being ME!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Too many prospects in life to wait around for people to stop playing games. This game is OVER.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Its peak tax season. That mean...BUSTING ASS! Yesterday I worked almost 11hrs. CRAZY! I had forgotten how much of a mess tax season gets. Looks like today is going to be just about the same.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Class is on break for about 2 weeks. Which is good since peak is taking so much of my time.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I hope all of you are doing well. Will catch up this weekend.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">~Chrys~</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_608549">Keep rockin' it Sister!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 1:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=351324844#" id="addReplyLnk_608549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=351324844&amp;commentID=608549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_608549"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_608579">SO glad to see a positive blog from my sweet sis! I hope busting your ass translates into cash flow for you!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, January 25, 2008 - 1:56 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=351324844#" id="addReplyLnk_608579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=351324844&amp;commentID=608579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_608579"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_609808">Whooooooooooooo freakin' hooooooooooo!!! YaY...the Drama is gone!! Amen sista...check that shit at the door.<br /><br />I too am glad to see a positive blog once again! Get back to being YOU &amp; you will find it is a much happier place.<br /><br />~HUGS~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Saturday, January 26, 2008 - 12:58 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=351324844#" id="addReplyLnk_609808" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=351324844&amp;commentID=609808" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_609808"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_610255">I want more than a quickie from you babydoll... winks...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, January 26, 2008 - 7:41 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1658729623416219432008-01-23T17:43:00.006-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.299-04:00Blowing Up Bridges (i.e.Squashing the Drama)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, January 23, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://s56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/?action=view&amp;current=hauntedbridge.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/hauntedbridge.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Burning Bridges</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am sitting here thinking about all of the things and people I have had to let go of in the past couple of years. And then I zero in on the last 6 months. I have had to let go and walk away from a lot. Some of I wanted to some of it I didn't really want to but had to. Then I realize how many people I have let in my life as of late. I guess this to be expected when you are suddenly single and thrust into a whole new world 1000 miles away from your old one. But many of those people I had had to walk away from and just let go.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>This has never really been a problem for me.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I don't let people get too close for this particular reason. I deserve to only have the best in life. And that includes all aspects. If you shit on me or bring me drama I will walk away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I have had more then my fair share of people shit on me in the last few days. (one person claiming to be my friend only cause they wanted a fuck buddy – that was Saturdays drama, then Sunday I thought ok, will be nice (fuck I am too nice) and let this other friend prove to me he just wants to be a friend only (cause that's all I want – even after the last drama he caused me) only to feel like a used piece of meat to make his girlfriend jealous. Not a good feeling at all.) My so called very best friend, that I have known since like 7th grade is being a HUGE baby because I did not come to OK for New Years. *rolls eyes* and so now hes just being an ass.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">"If you can't handle me at my worst you don't deserve me at my best." ~unknown</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I ran across that quote many years ago. And it follows me around often. We all have bad days and I am no exception to that rule. So I am always understanding to others when they have a bad time in their life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't ask for much. Just for you to be open and honest. And not bring me or cause me drama.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But you know what they say – Actions speak louder then words…and thats why my action is to walk away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_604267">Understanding and patience are the keys that you got to have in order to be in a healthy friendship so if that isn't the case then the friendship would be in shambles... I really like it when ya put that actions speak louder than words so that's what I have been doing lately to see how my friends treated me so I had to let some of my ex friends go cos they really don't respect me and love me enough to have me as their friend so they simply don't deserve me as their friend so hun I hear ya loud and clear so hang in there kido! ;) ♥ ♣<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZyZWVjb2Rlc291cmNlLmNvbQ==" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img .."myspace="" alt="Myspace Layouts" border="0" layouts"="" src="http://img.freecodesource.com/gallery/images/banners/prod_647_35751.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZyZWVjb2Rlc291cmNlLmNvbQ==" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Saint Pattys Day Graphics</a><br /><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 12:12 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=350403000#" id="addReplyLnk_604267" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=350403000&amp;commentID=604267" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_604267"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_611345"><a href="http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e27/ace603wendy/?action=view&amp;current=strongwoman.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Strong woman" border="0" src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e27/ace603wendy/strongwoman.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 27, 2008 - 4:52 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26356915050861935152008-01-22T16:27:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:02:09.967-04:00Poetry in Motion: ~Crushed~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, January 22, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center">This feeling crushing me<br />Crushing the life from my very soul<br />A heavy slab of loneliness upon my weary head<br />Awake for days<br />No sleep to come<br />Just left with this feeling to overcome</div><div align="center"><br />Crushing the tears from my very head<br />Bowing my head I begin to cry<br />The silent tears streaming down my cheeks<br />No voice left to scream<br />Just silence surrounding my soul<br />No longer feeling whole<br />Curled up tightly in a ball<br />Wishing it would subside<br />So I can once again feel the light</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">C.M.</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=45267287" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">SCOTTIE</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=45267287" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/20/s_fb5806fa172d4e99a17b4a388553b600.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_602738">Sorry to hear of your melancholy mood my friend, but the words are very well written! :)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=45267287" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">SCOTTIE</a>on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 5:01 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86826439523973174402008-01-21T22:42:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.302-04:00Poetry In Motion: I Am Not The Enemy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, January 21, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The feelings I fight<br />In this battle of emotions,<br />My mind keeps swirling<br />With all these commotions.<br />Bitter thoughts and words<br />Of the past do dwell,<br />Keeping my guard up<br />Of the feelings that fell.<br /><br />I am not the enemy<br />Of a war I fought,<br />The explosions of battle<br />That drained my thoughts.<br />Being a victor to overcome<br />What was a bitter past,<br />To walk in stride<br />To go forward at last.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">C.M.</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47615587654469227522008-01-21T16:02:00.006-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.304-04:00Taking A Step Back - Again<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, January 21, 2008</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Gothic%20Dark%20Vampire%20-%20NO%20Blood/593595509_139e0ceaf7.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Tired of being on the outside – looking in</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feeling like life is sin after sin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Taking a giant step back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Evaluating my life – people, places and things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Tired of people trying to run my life</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What's best for me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What I should do</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Where I should go</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not to mention, the company I keep.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sick sick sick of it. So, I am taking a step back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I need to breath…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am tired of my good nature being taking advantage of. I am tired of being stepped on. Tired of being hurt. Tired of the one being left behind. Tired of feeling the pain. &nbsp;I am a good person with a good heart that would never hurt someone on purpose. So why do people have to be that way towards me? I will never understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>I am searching for that inner peace again. After this past weekends events I find myself sitting here evaluating every last detail of my life. Wondering what needs to change to better me. Latley, I feel like I am constantly doing something wrong. That maybe all the shit that keeps falling down around me is my own fault. But the reality is IT'S NOT!!! The only thing that is my fault is I keep letting the wrong people in my life. But how do you really know before its too late? I used to be such a good judge of character. I have let myself get cloudy.<br /><br />I have had to say good-bye too many times in the last 2 years. I really do not want to do it anymore.<br /><br />I blame my heart. My heart is just too big. I see the good in everyone no matter how little they have. I have been told I am too nice. Too honest. Too understanding.<br /><br />I always thought being nice, understanding and honest were good qualities to have. I might need to rethink that.<br /><br />I found myself hiding from the world today. And I don't like doing that. I just feel so beat down and don't want to deal.&nbsp;These are the days when I put on my hard shell. And I hate that. I hate having to be that girl. But its the only way I know to protect me and my inside feelings.<br /><br />Am I always going to be on the outside looking in?<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_593110">Taking back control...is a good thing! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 5:33 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=347136484#" id="addReplyLnk_593110" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=347136484&amp;commentID=593110" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_593110"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ar3©</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=68162802" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/141/s_4703a96bb33847aa84434b82487c30f5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Albert Ruiz</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_593741">I totally feel every bit of it.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ar3©</a>&nbsp;on Monday, January 14, 2008 - 5:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=347136484#" id="addReplyLnk_593741" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=347136484&amp;commentID=593741" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18906557953359861792008-01-21T02:15:00.007-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.307-04:00Sick of Men and the Bullshit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, January 21, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Seriously, if I have deal with one more stupid fucked up childish game playing weasle that doenst know what the fuck he wants or just wants to sit around playing the pawn I am going to invent some poison gas that I will leak into the air and kill off the eintire fucking male population. Ok maybe not the ENTIRE population, just the fucking stupid ass bottom feeders that call themselves men. I have had enough.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">((NOTE: Please understand that I am not talking about ALL men. I realize their are some decent ones out there in the world. ))<br /><br />*Oh, I will call you back. Fuck that no YOU WONT. You never do. So why even say it.<br /><br />*Oh, I care about you. FUCKING LIAR. No you dont. Stop feeding me your bullshit, because if you cared then it would seem like I mattered.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">BTW - I CAN and I DO smell your bullshit a mile away. Don't try to act like I was born yesterday.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br />*Oh, I want a future with you someday. FUCK THAT BULLSHIT because if you did, you would be doing something about it NOW!!!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">* Don't use me&nbsp;or abuse me because you will lose me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">*Don't be my friend just because you think it will get you some where. I only want REAL and HONEST people in my life.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">*And certainly don't bring me in to your world to make your ex&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: 13px;">jealous</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">.</span></span><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">* Don't make plans you have NO intention of keeping.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">* And good lordy, while I am at it, how hard is it to pick up the phone, pop off and email or an IM these days?<br /><br />I AM DONE! DONE DONE DONE<br /><br />It is absolutly ridiculous how fucking stupid and immature guys are being these days.<br /><br />GROW THE FUCK UP YOU STUPID ASS M*THER F*CKERS</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I am sick to death of dealing with you game playing, committement phobic, liars, cheaters, stuck on your exes, blaming me for shit I didnt even do cause who ever fucked up your past and ruined your bullshit future...She is not me and I dont deserve that shit.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">DONE!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Now someone please pass me another tequilla shot....</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">thank you</span></div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600747">Hands the Irish one a shot of tequilla...and a Guiness. Oh yeah and a {{{{HUG}}}}! Some boys are dumb. And they smell bad. The good thing is they are capable of learning. And showering. Some are not, so it's a good thing there is tequilla. And Guiness. Hope things get better for ya!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=600747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_600747"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601015">I know they are not all bad. But I have had to deal with THREE stupid asswipes pulling some retarded dramatic bullshit this weekend and its just made me go NO MORE DRAMA!!!!!<br />Thanks for the Guinness, that was much more needed then another shot of tequilla!<br />BTW- for anyone whose counting, I only had TWO shots of the stuff and TWO bud lights (oh hush its all the podunk bar has on tap, well that and Amber Bock or however you spell that)<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601015" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601015" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601015"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600804"><a href="http://s72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Profile%20Images/?action=view&amp;current=tequila.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Profile%20Images/tequila.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/Duane32/?action=view&amp;current=bottomfeeder.png" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Bottom Feeder" border="0" src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/Duane32/bottomfeeder.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l272/the_strange_one4848/?action=view&amp;current=scum_eliminator.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="scum elimination" border="0" src="http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l272/the_strange_one4848/scum_eliminator.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 11:10 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600804" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=600804" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600804"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601020">OMG! I love these pics!! They SO need to go in my comments!<br />Thanks girl for being the laughter in my bitch fest this weekend!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601020"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600839">Hmm, explains why my new honey is a woman! Sooo been there and not going to do that again, sis!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 11:35 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600839" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=600839" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600839"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601022">I think I am just a drama magnet. The last 2 girls I met brought some crazy stuff. *rolls eyes* Isnt anyone out there normal??? LOL...yeah yeah I know - what IS normal?? hahah<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:38 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601022" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601022" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601022"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">KRISTI C</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600848">I really wish you would tell us how you really feel &amp; not keep it all bottled up inside ;D I'm sure it will get better(hopefully) some men just can never,ever,ever grow up no matter what.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 11:45 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600848" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=600848" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600848"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601027">HAHAHHA girl... You know I have always been like this!! You should know, we had how many classes together in high school!! LOL Yeah I know they are not ALL bad... but I just seem to be a drama magnet latley. UGH!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:39 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601027"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600858">I agree with you, they are clueless, they love play with ours hearts and feels. If seems like<br />men don't have the passion for women and they want us to fight for them,but, instead of fighting for us. These men are now days are very sorry and lazy. Believe me, I feels your pain.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 11:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600858" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=600858" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600858"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601028">ahhh Tabby...I wish we DIDNT have to feel each others pain. *hugs* Keep smiling girl.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:40 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601028" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601028" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601028"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600913">Ahh jeezuz...feeling fucking inferior here about now...but yet I have to agree in a way that...men pretty much suck.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 12:53 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600913" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=600913" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600913"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601032">awwwwww babydoll...plz don't think this was directed towards you in ANY way...<br />However, your bf would fall in to the bottom feeder category. Sorry love, you know I hate him.<br />You just keep smiling for me Bri.... xoxoxo<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601032"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">banesil</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=100488823" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/s_2c63de3dc2ad1b64b2d0cd8a9b2be2ae.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Scott Bohn</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600949">*passes you a tequila shot*<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">banesil</a>&nbsp;on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 1:52 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_600949" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=600949" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=100488823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600949"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601034">*grabs the glass and kicks it back*<br />Thanks!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601034" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601034" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601034"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601039">*hugs*<br />Jen you are the coolest! We'll have to toast that sometime together LOL!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:46 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601039" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601039" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601039"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=16621116" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">«•†~ SnakeGuru ~†•»</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=16621116" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/14/s_1bc6b9ed09bbd524c5c4887aafc9d0aa.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601001">Love you too babygurl... MUAHHHHHHHHHHH,,, ( been there done that... but with women...so I know how u feel.. TRUST me... and u KNOW it... )<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=16621116" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">«•†~ SnakeGuru ~†•»</a>&nbsp;on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 3:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601001" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601001" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=16621116" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601001"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_601044">awww Aeryk - we tight - we cool.... we go waaaaaaaay back LOL<br />Yes, I know you know. And you know I know. Phew, say that 10 times fast! LOL.<br />Anyways, you know (oh here we go) this wasn't directed to you. You know I love ya!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 4:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_601044" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=601044" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_601044"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_602125">Girl in my opinion most "men" should have been born hermaphrodites. That way they can stay at home and play with themselves all day and leave the female population alone!! In other words...they can go fuck themselves!!! LOLOL!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 11:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_602125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=602125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_602125"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_602409">OMG! Girl you is crazy!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 9:14 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769#" id="addReplyLnk_602409" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349503769&amp;commentID=602409" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76578179845194338032008-01-19T20:09:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.901-04:00I HATE Stupid People ( A Rant)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, January 19, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I Hate Stupid People!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Are you tired of the mushy gushy blogs? Yeah, me too. For now anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So let's get back to some regularly scheduled programming.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Time to rant.&nbsp;A full fledged straight up IrishChik bitch fest. Or as someone likes to call it *getting all&nbsp;<st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>up in here* (you are such a goofball)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I hate stupid people. Yes, I said it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just do not understand the why's of some people these days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just because you are book smart, doesn't mean you are smart. Know the difference. Stop acting like otherwise, we can all see right through you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Acting stupid just because you are trying to be cute. Sorry, but its not working. I ain't feeling it. And neither are those around you. Trust me on that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There is a difference between stupid, idiot and dumb. It is up to you to figure that out. It's NOT my job to teach you. You are grown. Do it yourself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If it came out of my mouth then I am pretty sure I know it did, don't ask me – "are you sure?" Duh – you are stupid.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If you hear what I say, why do you ask me – What did you say? Then repeat my shit back? This is not a game of pete and repeat. That's just you being stupid. Stop it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And let's talk about them stupid ass people who feel the need to stir the pot so to speak and cause drama just because they have no life and nothing better to do. Hello loser! Get a fucking life and leave me and my friends alone!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was hanging with my girl Jeran last night since Jules felt watching the Horse Whisper was much more important then listening to the rants of her girls (OMFG!) and so Jeran and I&nbsp;are discussing the fruitloops that seem to be out in full force.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">PUUUHLLEEEEZE people. Are you fucking kidding me??? There's this guy. He likes Jeran. But there is a girl that likes him. Ummm hello, we are in the real world, shit happens. Apparently this girl isn't very happy that my girl got the attention of this particular man. Well excuse me, but when the fuck did you all the sudden sign ownership papers or something?? Last time I checked, people were not real estate assets to be bought and sold. Or owned. So, this girl obviously has no fucking life so she goes and blogs about how she has realized who her "real friends" are and blah blah blah. Ok, whatever. Get over it. He doesn't like you. Get a grip.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have said it once before and I will say it again: I HATE DRAMATIC TRIFFILING ASS BITCHES who come out to start shit on purpose.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">YOU ARE STUPID!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And while we are on the subject of stupid, let me now switch my rant to something else. My friends list. The whole idea of you coming to me and whining that you can not see my friends list or any other matter regarding my list is just plain stupid. But since everyone seems to have a fucking issue with it, let me clarify some shit for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Once upon a time I very proudly displayed my friends list. Now, that's not to say I am no longer proud of my list because I am. But I got tired of all the drama it caused.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Once upon a time Terry was my 1 and Elonna my 2. Well, things change. Right? Life.&nbsp; Terry wasnt my first 1 on myspace. Shit happens. Things change. Terry is no longer with us and in time someone else rightfully deserved to move to the 1 spot. Despite all we have been thru this person has not been moved from my 1 in about 5 months. Before I hid the list, I had a lot of people bash me for "demoting" Terry. And I never really spoke out about it. So this is now me speaking out.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If anyone and I do mean ANYONE thinks they know Terry better then I DO, then feel froggy to jump forward and let me know. Because T and I had a long talk about his life, his fate and what was to come and we also had a long talk about the person who is now my 1. So you know what, don't you worry about a thing. All T ever wanted was for me to be happy, and if 1 makes me happy, THEN FUCK ALL OF YOU!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I say the same thing to everyone who has gave me their 2 cents about the person who is my 1 now. Those of you who are my real friends, you know this likely does not apply to you because you just "get it" If you don't "get it" well then, there is nothing I can do to change your mind about him so you are just going to have to love me as I am and accept it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So then why did I move Elonna? It wasn't because I thought to myself, OK she has passed on, no longer in my world , at least not in this realm, lets move her down and move the living closer to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I grouped my friends and family together in a way that made sense to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">UGH.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I deserve NOT ONE single bit of shit I got for moving Elonna. That girl was my BEST friend and SHE KNEW how much I loved her.&nbsp;So why is everyone so worried about my friends list?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let me say this – ALL THIS FRIENDS LIST SHIT IS STUPID!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why are you all up on my page snooping in my friends list all worried about shit anyway?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I got so sick of all the shit, I just hid it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to unhide it. I am proud of my friends and family. I don't want to hide them. I just don't want to hear no crap from anyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have almost 300 friends and only 40 spaces. These spaces tend to go to the people I am closest too, have known the longest and are close to my heart. I can't help that more of you have me in your top friends list then I have space for. I can not put you all up there for the world to see. I appreciate the fact that you think I am worthy enough to be in your list. But please understand my reason for my list. Whether I keep it hidden or choose to show it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Don't make me CALL YOU STUPID LOLOL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And for the couple of you who think I have something to hide – I give you the palm of my hand and say OH PLEASE..YOU JUST ARE STUPID! Cause anyone that knows me – know I have NOTHING to hide. I am who I am. What you see is what you get. You want more, read the blogs. Still not satisfied? Just ask me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">DON'T BE STUPID.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, rant over.... *blows everyone a kiss* (and one extra special one to you)</div><div style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MySpace Comments:</span></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599633">HAHAHA....PMS is such a bitch....well and so are stupid people!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />I think Jules was watching Ghost Whisper...LOL.<br /><br />Oh and thanks for that extra special kiss......HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...J/K<br /><br />I luv ya for who you are girl...and glad to have each other's backs!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/DAEMYENISAIAH_06/?action=view&amp;current=JEALOUSY.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="JEALOUSY" border="0" src="http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/DAEMYENISAIAH_06/JEALOUSY.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599633" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599633" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599633"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599651">PMS is a fucking CUNT! Yes I said it C-U-N-T...at least this month...thats what I get for skipping them for the last 4 months....*please pass the midol*<br /><br />But seriously, stupid ass bitches need to be shot , right along with the rest of the tards.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:23 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599651" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599651" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599651"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599634">Get it strait, it was GHOST WHISPERER!! LOLOL<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599634" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599634" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599634"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599648">LOLOLOL..I got all this shit to bitch about mami and all you got to say is that??? hahahahaha goofy girl...luvs you<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599648" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599648" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599648"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600014">AMEN kevin! And good on you for being neutral!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600014" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=600014" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600014"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599661">Haha, no girl I just have soo much to say in reply to stupid people it would fill up this comment space, cuz most people just need to keep their mouths shut!! And that is being very diplomatic and nice about it!!! Arrrrrgh!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599661" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599661" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599661"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599667">No FUCKING joke<br />Jeeezus we gonna have to wash my mouth out with soap before this night is over.<br />I AM SICK TO DEATH of the bottom feeding scum bags...that call themselves me. FUCKING WAIST OF DNA.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599667" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599667" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599667"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="20" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600451">That should be *MEN not me....bayjeezus what a dork....LOL!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 5:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600451" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=600451" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600451"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599666">Seriously, if I have deal with one more stupid fucked up childish game playing weasle that doenst know what the fuck he wants or just wants to sit around playing the pawn I am going to invent some gas that I will leak into the air and kill off the eintire fucking male population.<br /><br />It is absolutly ridiculous how fucking stupid and immature guys are being these days.<br /><br />GROW THE FUCK UP YOU STUPID ASS M*THER F*CKERS<br /><br />Now then, if you are sitting here questioning whether or not I am talking about you.... rethink that.<br /><br />Ok that rant done and over with.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599666" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599666" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599666"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599671">Ok first please don't kill off the ENTIRE male population...I have grown very attached to the ones in my life and I would like to keep them. Just kill off the stupid ones maybe...LOL!<br />No games, no drama...just some {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 9:50 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599671" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599671" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599671"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600012">No worries mamma, would just be the stupid ones! LOLOL<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:44 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600012" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=600012" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600012"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599721">Lol, you go sis. I can't tell you how much shit I have gotten over the choices on my top 40, and at this point I really don't give a shit! Same with how I choose to decorate my page, and what bulletins I choose to post. The fact that I am now with a woman in romantic relationship bothers some people who think we should not be so "obvious" or "tasteless" in how we choose to express our love for each other. Fuck 'em all!<br />Hmm, I had a hysterectomy 16 years ago, so no periods...but maybe the PMS thing is going around! ;)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 10:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599721" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599721" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599721"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599733">Eccckkk SIS! Seriously...if people cant handle you and Rye, then maybe they should rethink being on your myspace..that is why its called MY SPACE our little place in the world to do what we want!! More power to you two!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 11:07 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599733" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599733" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599733"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599745">I got to agree with Cathy, dont kill the whole race. There are a few out there Id like to keep around. But if you want to take out my ex, go for it. Hes a waste of space as far as im concerned lol. Oh and you might want to double check some of the ages of the ppl on your friends list. If they bitchin bout whose number 1. Sounds too much like teenage drama lol!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Saturday, January 19, 2008 - 11:15 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599745" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599745"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600017">Jess- No worries, just the stupid ones...and your ex would fall right in to that category!! I've been cleaning out my list, so hopefully the bitchers are just about made all their exits.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:47 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600017" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=600017" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600017"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600019">I think you are safe Eric LOL!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600019" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=600019" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600019"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Beeg</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=133902747" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/74/s_1c09789890e0e272f027948687a2b9ac.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_599998">I hear ya sista! There's nothing more I can add to make this a perfect blog. Myself - I just have no time for stupid. Two Kudos for Chrys!! ~Beeg<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Beeg</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:10 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_599998" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=599998" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_599998"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600021">Girl whats the world coming to? Ugh...I am telling you....Stupid people of the world just need to form their on congrigation and leave us simple folk alone! *hugs* to you B.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 10:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600021" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=600021" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600021"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ar3©</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=68162802" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/141/s_4703a96bb33847aa84434b82487c30f5.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Albert Ruiz</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600408">ur awesome! for what it is worth I like the idea of no friends list. in fact i was debating over asking you how you do it. ;)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ar3©</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 4:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772#" id="addReplyLnk_600408" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=349134772&amp;commentID=600408" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=68162802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_600408"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_600450">Oh Albert... thanks sweetie! I wish we got to hang out more in Stillwater before I left, you totally ROCK!! I'll be back to visit, so you will have to come up from OKC and hang out with me and the gang...Hopefully Tod will come too. I'll pop you a message on how to hide your list. :) *hugs*<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 20, 2008 - 5:35 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73865283505132931622008-01-15T15:11:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.309-04:00Whats Up With Chrys - New Year Edition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, January 15, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Sorry I have not been around to say hello to everyone my PC had a huge crash the other night and nothing I did could save it. So, it will have to go off to the repair shop, either that - or it is an excuse for me to buy the laptop I wanted LOL. So for now, I have my aunts PC hooked up in my little corner of the world.<br /><br /><br />The job I was working cut hours, slow time of the year I guess. Not good news for me.<br /><br /><br />Still trying to get the Real Estate Appraisal work going, just waiting on slow poke people in city hall to get my license to me.<br /><br /><br />I just got hired back at HR Block. Most of&nbsp; you know I worked there in the past in OK. So I am pretty excited to be back. I wont be doing taxes since I missed out on the tax classes they give in the fall, but I am in the running to take them this year, for next season. I am still pretty excited about it anyway, to just be doing what I am doing, which is basically administrative.<br /><br /><br />School is going well...and as a matter of fact, now that I have access to the net again, I better get moving ...homework to get turned in today.<br /><br /><br />Busy busy.....<br />See you all soon<br />X's and O's<br />Chrys<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_598709">Welcome back to myspace world....haha<br /><br />Busy is good at times to change the pace of your mind.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 9:10 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69277953398987611502008-01-13T18:29:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.311-04:00Taking A Step Back<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tired of being on the outside – looking in</div><div class="MsoNormal">Feeling like life is sin after sin.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Taking a giant step back.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Evaluating my life – people, places and things.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tired of people trying to run my life</div><div class="MsoNormal">What’s best for me</div><div class="MsoNormal">What I should do</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where I should go</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not to mention, the company I keep.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sick sick sick of it. So, I am taking a step back. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I need to breathe…..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88020815491270782992008-01-13T16:16:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.314-04:00Poetry in Motion: Putting On the Breaks<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, January 13, 2008&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Putting On the Breaks</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No more giving</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nothing left for you to take</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am putting on the breaks</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And stopping here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will no longer give an inch</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just for you to take two.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not playing this game anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not going to wait for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know what I want in my life</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know where I stand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Its time for me to take back my control.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;&nbsp;Time to regain the upper hand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">© C.M.&nbsp;<st1:date day="12" m..?1?="" year="2008">1/12/08</st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:date day="12" m..?1?="" year="2008"><br /></st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:date day="12" m..?1?="" year="2008"><br /></st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:date day="12" m..?1?="" year="2008"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></st1:date></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_593107">I read strength in that. You go my Irish beauty!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 5:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=347134921#" id="addReplyLnk_593107" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=347134921&amp;commentID=593107" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_593107"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_593210">You go girl! Woot Woot! Good for you!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Sunday, January 13, 2008 - 7:08 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39294274969766758472008-01-11T18:47:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:38:39.150-04:00The Boxer Blog - Letting Them Go<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, January 11, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Letting Them Go</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This might just be one of the hardest blogs I have ever had to write. I take that back, it's right up there in the top 5. But this one has nothing to do about death, thank goodness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">However, it has everything to do with my furbabies, Cain and Casey.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been pondering a lot about them lately. I do not like the situation I have put them in. And it's just breaking my heart. I don't want to adopt them out, but I feel like right now I am not giving them the best the deserve and that hurts worse then thinking about letting them go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My dogs are used to having their own yard and "house." They are used to being able to come and go as they please and being able to run free. They are good dogs and I have always given them the best that I could. When it came time to leave the ex , part of me wanted to leave the dogs with him only because that was the only house they had ever known and I knew he was not going to be moving from that house any time soon. I was snapped back in to reality when I was again reminded of one of our many differences. He's just not an animal person and it has always bothered me how he treated them.<span>&nbsp;</span>So, I brought them up here with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I thought things were going to be easy up here, and I have sorely been proved wrong on that. When it was summer and heading in to fall it was no big deal. I would take the dogs out and we would just sit outside and chill for a few hours. When I had things to do, I would just tie them up outside. Which I hated – just because they can't really run around like they are used to. But at least they were outside and not all penned up on the front porch (which mind you is enclosed).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Once the temps started to drop the time outside became less, they were moved off the porch and in to the back part of the house. I see old habits with Casey that is starting to return. And I see Cain has lost some of his muscle mass.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let me mention here also – I HATE the way my mother treats them. I do not even like how she treats her own dog, the poor thing. But seriously, screaming and yelling at the top of your lungs to my dogs solve nothing. Trust me.<span>&nbsp;</span>Being stern with them is one thing, but yelling, sorry, doesn't work. And it bothers me. It bothers me a lot.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We have shared some not so nice words on this before. The outcome is never pretty. Last time she got so mad she threw a fit and took off in her van someplace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hmmm…see, wonder why I don't have or really want kids???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I mentioned to her that I had been thinking about adopting them out. She flipped out on me. Like this was her choice to make. She has told me more then once she does not want to take care of MY dogs. She told my aunt that I couldn't go down to<st1:state><st1:place>Florida</st1:place></st1:state>with her because she wasn't gonna take care of them. This is stupid, because she does. She has to take care of her dog, so she takes care of mine while she's doing so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway..I could go on about that forever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">She said to me she is planning on fencing the yard when summer gets here and that the situation they are in now is only temporary.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's not the point. The point is they are MY dogs and me and MY dogs do not plan to live here forever. And you have made it clear that you do not want to take care of MY dogs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The point is, MY dogs deserve better then what I can give them right now. Sure I love them. Sure I take care of them. But I just feel like they deserve so much better.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I think about the situation I am in and my future, sure I want my dogs. But, I do not think where I am heading is going to be a plan that includes such large animals. Those of you with large animals know just what I am talking about. Your housing options are greatly limited. And the ones that allow such beasts (LOL) cost twice as much as the others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not only do I have to think about what's best for them and their future, I have to think about my own as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Maybe this is where I am suppose to throw in that quote about when you love something sometimes you have to set it free.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So this is something that's been weighing heavy on my mind for some time. It's quite depressing really. But it is a choice I am going to have to make in life at some point.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">MySpace Comments:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_590896">Ohhh girl....this blog is totally heartbreaking. I could never give up my dog!<br /><br />I know one of yours is a rescue and she has responed to you well. If you have to give them up...they will greatly miss you being the Mama they have ever known.<br /><br />Whatever your decision is ... I know it won't be easy.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, January 11, 2008 - 7:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=346572208#" id="addReplyLnk_590896" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=346572208&amp;commentID=590896" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_590896"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=8909823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~Bossy~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=8909823" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/109/s_a321ba8665c44015ae105c15cebc9e34.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_591027">The fact that you are keeping a rational mind about the situation is good. As much as you love your dogs, you know what is best for them more than anyone else does. It's definitely a decision that weighs heavy in the heart, but it will all work out as it should :)<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=8909823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~Bossy~</a>on Friday, January 11, 2008 - 9:02 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=346572208#" id="addReplyLnk_591027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=346572208&amp;commentID=591027" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=8909823" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_591027"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14834776" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">His Crazi Ladi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14834776" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/114/s_c7b5675ce2334d2cbe6011b375407326.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Marrissa Hernandez</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_591551">i now how u feel... we have a big yard but we don't have money to put up a fence and we have 6 dogs... they are small dogs, but there isn't enough space for them and they love to run...... picture this.. the space for them is like 6 ants on a cracker... not much space to move...... but we are saving money to get that yard fenced... but until then we have to let the dogs out 2 at a time....<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14834776" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">His Crazi Ladi</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, January 12, 2008 - 5:37 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8107271102164803272008-01-10T16:25:00.007-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.316-04:00Pass The Ice Pick, Please<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, January 10, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m298/BRWeaponPics/Hand%20to%20Hand/icepick.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Pass Me the Ice Pick, Please.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, it has come to my attention that apparently I have a block of ice around my heart.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Who me??</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What?</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Are you serious? Sweet, kind hearted, giving, caring, me???<br /><br />WHATTTTT?</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wait.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let me ponder upon this for a spell.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*this is me pondering..tapping fingers on the desk…thinking…….tick tock…tick tock….LOL*</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, maybe this is really possible.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I really thought I had cleared a path for this person and began the process of letting him in. But what I didn't see was- despite doing that, I still had this façade that I had to be this "tough as nails" girl that nothing you did or said was going to get to me. I kept a lot of thoughts and feelings bottled up. And at some point, I closed the door to the opening gate on that path. For good reason. But then I filled those feelings with a lot of witty, sarcastic and often crass comments.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But in all fairness, he's done so too.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am sure by now you are all wondering who this great mystery man is. Who is it that has my brain going around in fifty directions and questioning Cupids arrow. Well, it's really no mystery if you have been paying attention.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So as I hand him the ice pick so that he can begin to chisel away the ice for his tea *LOL* I think I must say it's a two way street. And as I said last night – it is time for us BOTH to start removing some of the layers of bricks on our walls and let the other in. It's ok to be scared. But, there is comfort in the fact we are doing it together and we don't have to go at it alone.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This relationship has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. I don't want to bump heads anymore.&nbsp;No more games, no more miscommunications, no more breaking plans, none of that…no more of it. It is time for openness, communication, honesty, trust and respect.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">To quote him "I just want smooth sailing." Can't say that I blame him one bit.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So to you honey I say -&nbsp;&nbsp;I want nothing more then to just set sail with you. To embark on this journey together, me and you – conquering all the obstacles life throws our way. Together.</div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/moolude02/journey.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And to that I just say – "aye, aye, Captain…lets set sail, you lead the way."</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j9NkBxxHxAc?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j9NkBxxHxAc?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not far down to paradise</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">At least it's not for me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And if the wind is right you can sail away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And find tranquility</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The canvas can do miracles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just you wait and see</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Believe me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not far to never never land</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">No reason to pretend</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And if the wind is right you can find the joy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Of innocence again</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The canvas can do miracles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just you wait and see</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Believe me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Sailing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Takes me away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">To where I've always heard it could be</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just a dream and the wind to carry me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And soon I will be free</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Fantasy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It gets the best of me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When I'm sailing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All caught up in the reverie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Every word is a symphony</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Won't you believe me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not far back to sanity</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">At least it's not for me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And when the wind is right you can sail away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And find serenity</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The canvas can do miracles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just you wait and see</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Believe me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-large;">MySpace Comments:</span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_590511">Lol, you scared me sis, I thought at first you were going to "whack" somebody! Hmm, I have been working with criminal drug addicts too long!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, January 11, 2008 - 1:02 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=346218616#" id="addReplyLnk_590511" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=346218616&amp;commentID=590511" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_590511"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_590880">Roller Coaster indeed!! But hey...board the ship girl and say Ahoy Maties...LOL<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, January 11, 2008 - 7:26 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=346218616#" id="addReplyLnk_590880" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=346218616&amp;commentID=590880" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80008398264622694312008-01-09T23:47:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.318-04:00When YOU Are Gone<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, January 09, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center">I do not know if the person this blog is intended for will read it or not. Sometimes he trolls my corner of the blog world - sometimes not. And thats OK. Price you pay sometimes. Maybe I will just have to point him in the right direction. *winks*</div><br /><div align="center">This person went on a little trip and I found myself thinking **I hope he goes and has a good time, he needs the break from work, needs to recharge his batteries** and I thought **well I will just talk to him when he gets back** No biggie. Not the first time we have spent time apart or out of state from each other.</div><br /><div align="center">But this time it just FEELS different. (dont roll your eyes girls , I can see you!)</div><br /><div align="center">I did not expect to talk to this person while he was away. But I did.</div><br /><div align="center">And each moment - cherished.</div><br /><div align="center">But I am finding myself with this gut feeling. Not this "Oh I miss you see/talk to you in a few days" but rather this "I MISS YOU and can't wait to see you" feeling.&nbsp; I know - hard to explain. But thats just how it is.</div><br /><div align="center">I don't know whats going on. My thoughts , feelings, emotions - its almost as if Cupid has found his way back into my room (read previous blog if this makes no sense to you) and is dangling his damn arrow in front of my face again.</div><br /><div align="center">I am proceding with caution. That squishy heart feeling and all. (again reference to previous blog)</div><br /><div align="center">So to that person - I truly missed you. I hope you had fun. And can't wait to see you when you get back.<br /><br /><br />Too mushy for you? awwwww TO BAD! LOL...*kisses* ...seriously - put down the barf bag.....</div><br /><div align="center">~XOXO~</div><br /><div align="center">Chrys</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ttOgLhXlNHw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ttOgLhXlNHw?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I always needed time on my own</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I never thought I'd need you there when I cry</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And the days feel like years when I'm alone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And the bed where you lie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">is made up on your side</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you walk away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I count the steps that you take</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Do you see how much I need you right now?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The pieces of my heart are missing you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The face I came to know is missing too</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All the words I need to hear to always get me through the day</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And make it OK</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I miss you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I've never felt this way before</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Everything that I do</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Reminds me of you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And the clothes you left</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">they lie on my floor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And they smell just like you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I love the things that you do</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you walk away</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I count the steps that you take</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Do you see how much I need you right now?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The pieces of my heart are missing you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The face I came to know is missing too</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And when you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The words I need to hear to always get me through the day</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And make it OK</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I miss you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">We were made for each other</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Out here forever</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I know we were</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Yeah Yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All I ever wanted was for you to know</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Everything I do I give my heart and soul</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I can hardly breathe, I need to feel you here with me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Yeah</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The pieces of my heart are missing you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The face I came to know is missing too</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">When you're gone</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The words I need to hear will always get me through the day</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And make it OK</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I miss you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><img height="1" src="http://www.metrolyrics.com/images/l/2147442983.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="1" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_588954">Hmmm check his bow...seems like the arrow might have already hit it's mark...{{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya, girl...you know I do!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 8:08 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=345971175#" id="addReplyLnk_588954" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=345971175&amp;commentID=588954" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_588954"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_589203">We'll see momma - we'll just have to wait and see!! love ya!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 12:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=345971175#" id="addReplyLnk_589203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=345971175&amp;commentID=589203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span>Read more:<a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=345971175#ixzz13mv3cUYW" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=345971175#ixzz13mv3cUYW</a></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48511335735896191942008-01-05T19:12:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.321-04:00Loves Question & When Do You Say<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, January 05, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Love%20Things%20-%20Misc%20Pics/What_does_Love_mean_to_you__by_Ligh.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Everyone keeps telling me I am going to find someone who is going to completely turn my world around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think that time has already come and gone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I wonder, is this one of those times when you really only get one chance in life?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Did I let that one chance go? Did I let it pass me by? Or have I really even seen it?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How do you know?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Does anyone really know the answer to loves life questions? If you do, I sure would like to talk to you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And while we are at it what is love anyway?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There are times when I think I just might have a clue, but then Cupid comes along and sneaks his way into my room in the middle of the night and steals back his arrow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I also hear a lot of – "Whoever you give you hear too will be a lucky man."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hmmm…Does he even know he is lucky? Or is he just taking it for granted?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want that person in my life -</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You tell them things that you've never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. But together you know the difference between the ones that will and will not come true. Together you take every last thing life has to throw your way.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>When something wonderful happens, you can't wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are.&nbsp;</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><em>The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn't exist at all.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day's work and always brings a smile to your face.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>In their presence, there's no need for continuous conversation, but you find you're quite content in just having them nearby.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><em><o:p></o:p></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><em>You open your heart knowing that there's a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible.&nbsp;</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><em>You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that's so real it scares you.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate that will remain loyal to the end.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><em><o:p></o:p></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><em>You find everyday you want to know more, learn more, and just be with them more.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br /><em>Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.</em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But how do I know that person is really out there?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In the past and even present when I thought their was someone close to being this person, or&nbsp;could be this person in time, I have always been proved wrong.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I wonder, am I about to be proved wrong again?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is their a point when you just throw in the towel and say "enough is enough already" or do you just keep moving forward , holding on to those hopes and dreams that someday that "one" just might cross your path.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And how do you know they are the "one" ?? Is Cupid going to give me my arrow back at that particular time? Will the bells and whistles ring? Fireworks?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHAT?? Someone please explain this to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why should I keep looking? Why can't he come find me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Seriously.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I find myself giving my heart to someone that quite possibly does not want it. And it's making me sit down and really think about love, connections, compatibility and soul mates and I am finding it is leaving me with more questions then answers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess that's why they call it "The Dating Game" because the reality is it really is just a game after all and we are all just the pawns in it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As many of you have noticed (and called my ass out on) my last few blogs have been pretty down. Not full of all the quirks and comments you have come to know and adore.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Well, that's because yet again, I find myself with a heart being squished. Not so much broken, just being squished.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not liking this feeling.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I have spent the last couple of days just trying to get my head on right about it. Trying to reevaluate the situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Puts me right back at square one. More questions then answers and what the hell is up with Cupid?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Heartbreak/ththisayweshootcupidandseehowhelike.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_585462">I have been question love a million really, and I just don't believe in it.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Monday, January 07, 2008 - 12:57 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344675112#" id="addReplyLnk_585462" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344675112&amp;commentID=585462" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_585462"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_587957">If I had the answer to those questions, I would be filthy rich and I would have already taken you to Ireland, LOL! Seriously though...I think it's different for everyone. I got lucky with Don. It hasn't always been a smooth easy ride (for either one of us), but we made a choice to work together on the problems. Before I met him, I had been very much in love with someone who obviously didn't return my feelings. He used me and he hurt me bad. So I "settled" for someone I wasn't in love with because I didn't think I would ever feel that way about someone again...don't get me wrong...I loved my first husband...I was just not IN love with him. It's no wonder it didn't work. Then I met Don and everything I thought I knew about love and being in love changed. Here was a guy that I didn't even LIKE when I first met him...and all of a sudden I had fallen in love with him! I spent many moment pondering THAT one, LOL! We will be celebrating 25 years of marriage this year! I was so busy looking in the wrong places and he was right in front of me the whole time! Don't give up, your day will come... we just don't know when! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 - 8:01 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344675112#" id="addReplyLnk_587957" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344675112&amp;commentID=587957" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3394979552288240222008-01-04T19:45:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.323-04:00I Am A Woman Who....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, January 04, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_344381034" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><a href="http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/About%20Me/?action=view&amp;current=h-iamwoman.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/About%20Me/h-iamwoman.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm the woman who will put her head on your shoulder, not because she's sleepy, but because she just wants to be that much closer to you...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who just likes to be kissed for no reason at all…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who says, "ok, but you owe me..." jokingly not because I actually want something from you, but because that means I get to spend more time with you...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman you can take absolutely anywhere and I will have fun because that's just the type of girl I am…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who feels she is incredibly picky, but when I find someone I like I want to spend the whole night curled up in their arms...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm the woman who little things mean a lot…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />I'm the woman who will never forgets all the sweet little things you do for me...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who never gives up hope even when I tell others I have...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who once I let you into my heart, there's always a place there with your name on it….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am the woman that if we spend time apart I will never forget you….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves to be affectionate...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who you can talk to about anything...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who laughs at your jokes... even the ones that might not really be all that silly…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will make you laugh, even it means being silly in public…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will have many inside jokes with you and will remember each one...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will brag about you to all of my friends...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will listen to you talk... and actually hear what you are saying….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who really does want to be friends after a break up...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm the woman who's not afraid to admit when she's wrong or made a mistake….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm the woman who is not afraid to apologize….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves it when you hug me for no apparent reason...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves it when you hug me from behind or kiss me on the forehead…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves you for you, and doesn't care what other people say about us...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who loves the feeling when you take me by the hand without saying a word …</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and serve it to you with pleasure…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who will kiss you on your neck, for no reason, anytime, anywhere….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I'm the woman who really wants you to be her best friend too….<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Boyfriend/z86347686.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_583210">You go girl!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 10:04 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344381034#" id="addReplyLnk_583210" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344381034&amp;commentID=583210" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_583210"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_584044">Oooooooo I sooooo love this!!<br /><br />And I love the last graphic too!<br /><br />These are all so true...if only the dumb asses would wake up and see...haha.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, January 05, 2008 - 7:55 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344381034#" id="addReplyLnk_584044" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344381034&amp;commentID=584044" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_584044"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_585463">Power to us woman<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Monday, January 07, 2008 - 1:00 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344381034#" id="addReplyLnk_585463" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=344381034&amp;commentID=585463" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48091331686296358952008-01-03T19:34:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.325-04:00I AM A Super Woman<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, January 03, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a woman hear me roar!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">ROARRRRR!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Umm yeah I don't know where that came from, but OK. Just roll with it. LOL.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've been thinking – oh lord here we go again, I know what you all are saying.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But no – really – It's a GOOD thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am open and honest and I expect you to be the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am loving and caring and expect you to treat me with the same compassion and respect.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am able to trust but you have to earn that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a giver. I love to give. But I won't do it for just anyone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am someone who will treat others the way I want to be treated.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am smart. I may not always act like it, but watch out because I just might surprise you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am beautiful. Inside and out. Just because I am not a size 2 doesn't mean I am a fat lazy slob.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a work in process. Always changing always evolving just like the world around me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have a huge heart and am willing to love those that deserve it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a good girl with a lot to offer – anyone in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have feelings and emotions just like you and they hurt when they get stepped on. I am only human after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am strong but I have my moments of weakness. Doesn't everyone?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am moving forward and not looking back. At least I am going to try !!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am never going to be perfect, but then again – who is?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a simple girl - I enjoy the simple things in life. I don't need a&nbsp; life full of "things"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am always going to try to do my best in life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am me, just me. Simple, honest me. I just want to be loved for who I am, unconditionally.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've said it before and I will say it again : I AM a Phenomenal woman – YES that's ME!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But MOST of all – I am a SUPER woman and I deserve to be treated as such!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Do what you say and say what you mean!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p>&nbsp;*******************************************</o:p></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E2o7ct_cgm4?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E2o7ct_cgm4?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581840">LOVE you!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 6:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343978031#" id="addReplyLnk_581840" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343978031&amp;commentID=581840" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_581840"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_582287"><a href="http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u30/bosslady727/?action=view&amp;current=superwoman.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="to be or not to be" border="0" src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u30/bosslady727/superwoman.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb7/kelmwalk/?action=view&amp;current=superwoman.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="superwoman" border="0" src="http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb7/kelmwalk/superwoman.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x305/pksamuelu/?action=view&amp;current=Superwoman.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Superwoman" border="0" src="http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x305/pksamuelu/Superwoman.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, January 04, 2008 - 1:31 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343978031#" id="addReplyLnk_582287" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343978031&amp;commentID=582287" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_582287"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_585464">Beautifully well done, my dear.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Monday, January 07, 2008 - 1:02 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46053390393354883932008-01-02T15:57:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:54:56.262-04:00You Can’t Keep A Good Woman Down<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, January 02, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br />Ok Ok..<br />This is my blog, and these are my feelings.<br />We ALL have our ups and downs and I am certainly no stranger to that.<br />Right now, I have some things going on that are sort of dragging me around.<br />But its nothing that can not be fixed.<br />I just don't want anyone to worry.<br />As you all know I don't stay down for long.<br />I will be fine, always am.<br />I blog to get things off my chest. It helps me to get it out. I don't care if anyone reads it, I do it for me. That last blog was more for my girls, to let them know I hear them. I am listening.<br />So at this moment right now...this one..<br />NOW!<br />I&nbsp;REFUSE to be down.<br />I&nbsp;AM taking control.<br />You just can NOT keep a good woman down.<br />I have TOO many positive things going on in life that I need to focus on.<br />I can no longer spend my time thinking about the shoulda, woulda, coulda's.<br />Time to take back the moment. Take back me.<br />And ME is going to be just fine.<br />I AM a good woman.<br />Me.<br />Just as I AM!<br />***********************************************<br />A good woman is proud.<br />She respects herself and others.<br />She is aware of who she is.<br />She neither seeks definition from the person she is with,<br />nor does she expect them to read her mind.<br />She is quite capable of articulating her needs.<br />A good woman is hopeful.<br />She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true.<br />She knows love, therefore she gives love.<br />She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated.<br />If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.<br />A good woman has a dash of inspiration<br />and a dabble of endurance.<br />She knows that she will at times have to inspire<br />others to reach the potential God gave them.<br />A good woman knows her past,<br />understands her present and forces toward the future.<br />She knows that the world is her playground.<br />A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past.<br />Instead, she understands that her life experiences<br />are merely lessons meant<br />To bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self-love...<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_580822">And you are the best kind of woman!! We all love you!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 7:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343642151#" id="addReplyLnk_580822" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343642151&amp;commentID=580822" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_580822"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581172"><a href="http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/twaters87/?action=view&amp;current=strongwoman.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="strong woman" border="0" src="http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/twaters87/strongwoman.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Rulahk/?action=view&amp;current=Strongwoman.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Strong Woman Poem" border="0" src="http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Rulahk/Strongwoman.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 12:12 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343642151#" id="addReplyLnk_581172" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343642151&amp;commentID=581172" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_581172"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581291">YAY!!!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 2:04 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343642151#" id="addReplyLnk_581291" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343642151&amp;commentID=581291" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_581291"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581409">That's my girl! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 8:10 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343642151#" id="addReplyLnk_581409" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343642151&amp;commentID=581409" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23690721282441941862008-01-02T14:51:00.013-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.328-04:00Breakdown<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, January 02, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Breakdown</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yup, I am having one. Someone please call the loony bin because I need to be put in a straight jacket and have my ass stuck in a padded room.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Sad/breakdown.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm lost. Yes, me. I lost me. Somehow over the course of the last few months I seem to have been tangled in a web that I can't quite seem to break free from.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So after talking to my girls yesterday (I love you guys!) at first I was like…damn girls, get off my case and just try to understand. But then, all of the sudden I was smacked upside the head (thanks&nbsp;<st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>…*kisses babygirl*) and it really made me stop and look at things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">They told me I have changed. Have I?? Really? What happened to me? I don't look any different. So, what do you mean I have changed? I mean you guys are so far away from me now, can you really see that?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In the actions of&nbsp;<st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>~bitch slap~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OH~ I get it now. Tough love girls, tough love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Sad/breakdown-3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It was always ME my friends came to. I was the strong one, the one dishing out advice. The one showing them that no woman needs to deal with that kind of shit in their life. I am a survivor of some much shit forced upon me at the hands of men. I was never ever going to stand for any worthless bullshit, ever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have become THAT girl. That girl I vowed to never be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've always been this strong girl that never took any shit from anyone. I have always spoke my mind and let things be known.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Always happy go lucky. Always giving a smile. I still got smiles....however, they just dont feel the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't know when exactly that girl left. But I am putting up with stuff I should not be. Keeping feelings and thoughts bottled up that I should not be. I hold back. I hide. And somehow along the way, I have become weak.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What in the everlasting hell?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I feel sick. Tired. Beat down. Drained.&nbsp;My body aches. My mind roams. I can't focus. I can't speak. My words are lost to me. All I want to do is sleep the days away.&nbsp;But I can't do that because I can't even sleep. I just lay there, looking at the walls that surround me. Watching the numbers change on the clock. Flipping from one tune to the next on my ipod.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Sad/av-girl-that-hurts-ani.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have come to the conclusion that perhaps my depression is back. And I am not feeling so good about that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have so many good and positive things to look forward to, why can I not seem to focus on that??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want ME to come back.&nbsp;I want the real happiness and smiles. Not the mask. I want the strong girl. I want her back. But I am afraid she is lost and can not find her way back. I am afraid to even speak about how I got here.&nbsp;And that's not me, when have I ever been afraid to talk about anything???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Sad/smileforyou.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And it's really not even one thing, but rather one thing on top of a huge combination of other things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I can't even sit here and compose myself in a blog.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Sad/breakdown-5.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*******************************</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Seriously.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I think I am going to go see what's going down on the school front and perhaps see if there are some hours I can log at work.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Maybe I will come back and edit this later.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But let me just say&nbsp; -&nbsp; I realize I need to take back control, and trust me, I fully intend to.</div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PcubOkw5g7c?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PcubOkw5g7c?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b>"Breakdown"</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Open up the book you beat me with again.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Read it off one sentence at a time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I'm tired of all the lines,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Convictions and your lies.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">What right do you have to point at me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, I'm sitting alone thinking about it all over coffee.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And still crowdin' my space are the things you still hold against me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You cannot save me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to break up this love,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Keep it together now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to break.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Read it all, no need for separating here.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You see what you want and try to justify.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All your little lines,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Convictions and your lies.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">What right do you have to point at me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, I'm sitting alone thinking about it all over coffee.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And still crowdin' my space are the things you still hold against me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You cannot save me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to break up this love,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Keep it together now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It's not the time to break.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Open up the book you beat me with again.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Read it off one sentence at a time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to break up this love,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Keep it together now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Well, it's not the time to break,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Breakdown.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_581163"><a href="http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s150/joalien86/?action=view&amp;current=lightbulb.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="lightbulb" border="0" src="http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s150/joalien86/lightbulb.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />HaHa....glad to be one of the ones to offer up some "tough love" and help click that light bulb back on!<br /><br />~Big Hugs n Luv~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 11:59 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343615602#" id="addReplyLnk_581163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=343615602&amp;commentID=581163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_581163"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 330px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;">I am always here for you sis, hope you know that. I feel bad that I have not been more in touch with you and stayed more up to date! {{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}} sweetie!<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88639533904184154752008-01-01T15:19:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.330-04:006 Months From Now<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">6 Months from Now<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">So, in another one of our serious talk “talks” one of the questions Mike asked me was “Where do you see yourself in 6 months?” I had a hard time with this one. I had been dealing with so much crap the last few months, that lately it had been hard to even focus on the day ahead of me. Honestly, I am not sure what answer I gave him, I am sure it was some cop out type deal. About how it was tough and I was not sure. Blah blah. Truth was, I wasn’t sure. At that moment, it was hard for me to think that far ahead. I think I did tell him something about getting life in order and getting back to school and what not. But, it really got me to thinking. And, it gave me a good blog topic. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">So, I have had some time to think about it. And now here is my feeble attempt to answer it properly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">I am not sure where our relationship is going to go. I know I want him in my life. And I hope we grow stronger with every passing day. And I hope that 6 months from now, we are still together and just growing stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;;">I hope to be well under way with school. I really want to get my bachelors in Accounting once and for all. And there is a part of me who wants to follow that high school dream of going to MSU, so maybe I will decide whether to go there for my Masters.&nbsp;</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21510711204919525472008-01-01T10:16:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.333-04:00Lesson Learned<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, January 01, 2008&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/goingunder.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">First, let me get out of the way the whole&nbsp;<st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>&nbsp;ordeal because it has been a question that has been asked quite a bit lately. I had the chance to come visit for New Years. Like a dummy, I pitter pattered around trying to figure out what I wanted to do and lost that chance. To be honest, now I do not know when I will be back for a visit. With work and school starting in a few days, I just do not know when I will be able to make it down. As for moving back – right now I am just trying to get through today. Who knows what the future holds.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Second, I really wanted to write a Happy New Year blog but this is as far as I am getting with that.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, Happy New Year and I hope it brings each of you many new blessings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Thinking about this past year throws me in turmoil. Today I find myself thinking about last night, the would have been, the should have been, and the wanted to be. All I can think about is – how did I end up like this?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I feel stuck. My feet want to take off running but the rest of my body just won't move.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am angry at no one but myself.&nbsp;&nbsp;I know a few of you are thinking I should not be angry with me. It wasn't me who did any thing wrong, and that my anger should be directed towards a certain someone else. Problem is, I have I hard time being mad at anyone. And I always blame myself. This time is no different. I blame myself for letting the situation get along as far as it did.&nbsp;<st1:state><st1:place>Me.</st1:place></st1:state>&nbsp;No one else did that but me. I blame myself for believing. And I blame myself for letting my guard down and becoming weak. Because that's really how I feel right now, weak.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's not a good feeling to have. It makes me very emotional. So my mind starts to race and I think about all that I have gone through and lost this year. I don't look at what I have done or accomplished because at this point I can't see any of that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's almost like I have been beaten at my own game. I made the choices. I made the moves, and I lost.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not religious, but spiritual. I believe in magic and Karma. She can be a real bitch when she wants to be. I believe what goes around, comes around. What goes up must come down.&nbsp;&nbsp;So I believe those who have done me wrong will get theirs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Mystical/karma/karma-7.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Mystical/karma/karma-2.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Mystical/karma/Karma-9.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have learned my lesson.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am standing at the crossroads. Feet stuck, ready to run. And I hear this song which could not come in to my life at a better time. As I listen to it over and over I feel a little bit of strength return. I now want to focus on this New Year. I want to focus on life. And I want to focus on what I have done and what I will do.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's what I want. If only my feet would move.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m_hdRtx2HMQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m_hdRtx2HMQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Lyric:<br />He broke my heart<br />and now it's raining<br />Just don't rub it in<br />I'm at your door<br />I feel so crazy bout'<br />You say I told you so<br />You saw it long ago<br />You knew he had to go<br />I finally came around<br />I'm back on solid ground<br />Can't let it get me down<br /><br />(2x)<br />It's alright<br />it's alright<br />It's alright<br />It's alright<br /><br />Yes I was burned but I called it a lesson learned.<br />A mistake overturn so I call it a lesson learned.<br />My soul has returned so I call it a lesson learned.<br />Another lesson Learned<br /><br />Sometimes some lies can<br />take a minute to fully realize<br /><br />His tears your eyes<br />30 seconds to apoligize<br />You give him one more chance<br />just like the time before<br />but he already knows you'd give a hundred more<br />until that night in bed, you wake up in a sweat<br />Your racing to the door<br />Can't take it anymore<br /><br />I was burned but I call it a lesson learned<br />I steak a return but i call it lesson learned.<br />My soul has returned so I call it a lesson learned.<br />Another lesson learned....<br /><br />Life perfect, aint perfect if you don't know what the struggles for<br />Falling down aint falling down if you don't cry when you hit the floor<br />It's called the past 'cause im getting past<br />and i'm nothing like I was before.<br />You ought to see me now.<br /><br />I was burned but I call it a lesson learned<br />A mistake overturn but i call it lesson learned.<br />My soul has returned so I call it a lesson learned.<br />Another lesson learned</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Words%20on%20Icons%20and%20such/Lessons/thlessonslearned.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Words%20on%20Icons%20and%20such/Lessons/learnedmylesson.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />&nbsp;<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_579954">Honey...on this 1st day of the New Year...anything is possible! Time for new choices...perhaps a new path...and definately new prospects in life.<br /><br />All we can do is our best to learn those lessons...and not make the same mistakes twice. The lesson is the most valuable part of a negative situation.<br /><br />And YES...Karma is a Bitch! They will get their's!<br /><br />~Big Hugs~<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 - 12:24 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74937015486148815422007-12-31T16:17:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.335-04:00Just Pondering Upon Thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, December 31, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Holidays/New%20Years/Happy_New_Year.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just Pondering Upon Thoughts</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As I sit here thinking about today and what it would have been, I start to think about the whole year in general. I don't want to think about what today would have been. I don't even want to think about anything related to that.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span>But, sometimes I just can not help it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Instead, I want to think about what I want today. But then, that just leaves me feeling hopeless and blue. After listening to what my heart and gut where telling me yesterday, well really the last few weeks, I am not holding my breath for how I want things to turn out today.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I wanted new memories, and many laughs for a new beginning. We shall see. But I am not holding my breath. The track record here is a force to be reckon with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am still faced with that crossroad. And I am certain today will be the day that causes me to have to make the choice once and for all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't want to. And I hope that I do not have to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For once, I want to be proved wrong. For once I don't want excuses.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But, I just can't shake this feeling that what was to be a new beginning, is only going to be in reality, a false start.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I go about my day – floating along, acting as if nothing is wrong. I feel myself pulling out that familiar mask out of the box and placing it upon my face.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'll go about my night – dying and crying on the inside – with the mask in place so all that everyone will ever see is the smile upon my face.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Holidays/New%20Years/New_Years__by_unwanted3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_577996">{{{{HUGS}}}} Wouldn't it be nice if life were not so complicated? I hope you have a great 2008...you deserve an awesome one after the one you just had. {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, December 31, 2007 - 7:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342992025#" id="addReplyLnk_577996" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342992025&amp;commentID=577996" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_577996"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_578031">Poor sis! I hope things work out so that you are HAPPY soon. {{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Monday, December 31, 2007 - 8:13 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342992025#" id="addReplyLnk_578031" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342992025&amp;commentID=578031" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_578031"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_578275">I really... really...know this feeling very well. Love ya babydoll.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Monday, December 31, 2007 - 9:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342992025#" id="addReplyLnk_578275" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342992025&amp;commentID=578275" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_578275"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_578950">Girl as we said eariler...it shouldn't be this difficult...but somehow it turns out that way.<br /><br />I am sure my story can top yours.....but we shall see when we share later! hehe<br /><br />To a GREAT 2008!!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, January 01, 2008 - 6:29 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88864438093980887272007-12-29T19:26:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.337-04:00Poetry in Motion: Ode To You<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, December 29, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You walked into my life</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All calm and collected</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Confident and cool</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I knew sooner or later…..</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At that moment I would be affected.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But as I sit here and ponder</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All the things that make me wonder</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Do I really want to walk the line</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">To make you mine</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">and me be yours</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And play this little game in life.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(C) C.M. 12/29/07</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_576380">Hmmm........the question that we all ask at times I suppose. ~scratches head~ hehe<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 11:01 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342403119#" id="addReplyLnk_576380" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342403119&amp;commentID=576380" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18499936194956582242007-12-29T18:43:00.007-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.340-04:00All I Will Ever Be - Just Me - Part 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, December 29, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;">~On Being Irish~</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/irish%20girl/irishgalcoolbanner.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/irish%20girl/irishgirl.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Ok, so evidently<a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/12/you-think-you-know-me.html"> my blog raised more questions </a>then it gave answers. Well, good. I am complicated, I admit that. And I like to keep you guessing. So, just when you think you know me and have me figured out, you will soon find out that this is not the case.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">There is something that I must address. I usually stay clear of this conversation because there are too many out there that take it to the extreme. But the fucktards in this world won't leave me alone. So let me just answer it once and for all.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">We all know I am Irish. (duh!) I don't think it matters how much or how little. But, I will tell you anyway just because I am tired of getting asked this question and constantly feeling like I have to prove to people how Irish I really am. I am proud of my heritage and I am proud of where my roots come from. I know what my family had to endure to be able to come to</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">America</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">and give me the life I have now. I know their struggles. It was not easy for the Irish in</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">America</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">. But, I am not going to get in to that here. Plenty of Irish History books for you to read if you want to know about it. This isn't one of those situations where someone feels that just because I was not born in</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">Ireland</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">I am not Irish. There are those people out there. And that's fine. However, it still stands that my heritage is Irish.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">So, growing up I was in a dual household. My mother's entire linage being Irish and my fathers being German and Italian. Good mix huh? The kids I grew up with and hung around were all German descendents. So, it was only natural that I follow that path in life. It made things easier. And we could all relate. One of my best mates, I will never forget her grandmother. She was transplanted here directly from</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">Germany</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">. I loved going over her house all the time to listen to stories and look at pictures. This woman was an amazing treasure. And I learned a great deal from her. Not to mention the baking she did! YUM!! At any rate, I never really felt complete. And I certainly did not carry the sort of pride that I carry with me today.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">A few years ago I found out I was adopted by my father. My world as I knew it had crashed. Who was I really? Where did I come from? Well, I got my answer. I found my real father and we began to speak. Another Irish family all the way back in the linage. His family actually came over before my mother's family, but, in time, they all ended up in the same towns together. At any rate, for events I care not to go in to, that relationship dissolved. But at least I am left with some sort of idea of who I am and what I am.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">And that my friend, is indeed, Irish blood thru and through.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">The next part is, NO, I will not talk Irish politics with you. I know what I know, I know what I stand for and what I believe in. Asking me the wrong questions isnt going to help. You will not get an answer out of me. Not the answer that you want anyway. I will give you one that's so round about that you still will be left wondering. Just don't go there. I am all about freedom of speech and matter of opinion. It's all good well and fine. So, you wonder then do I even know what's going on over there? Honest, yes I do. Thankfully I have family and friends there that are pretty adamant about making sure information I know is true and correct. Things I can not find out for myself. I most likely know more then you. But this isn't a contest to see who knows more then who about what. What it is just plain stupidity in the first place. It's not my job to teach this lesson to you. It's not my job to explain what's going on to you. If you are interested, then it's your job to make sure you know what's going on. Facts. Know them, learn them. The facts are what is going to make this world a better place for you and me. I don't care if you are in</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">Ireland</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">or in</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">America</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">. I don't care if you are 1% or 100% Irish. It makes no difference to me because I can spot a wanna be fake ass wishing they were real IRA rolling ghetto thug a mile away. Its one thing to stand for what you believe in, it's another to make a total ass of yourself in the process. Sometimes, you just take things too far. Please, just don't bring that shit here. I want no part of it.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">If you have been paying attention to the friends who leave comments, seeing as how I currently have my friends list hidden, you might just learn some things about the questions on my "irish beliefs"</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Having said all that, I am sure you are now thinking to yourself that I must really not give a damn about the motherland. That I have no cares as to what's going on over there. And that's totally bullshit. Those that are close to me and know me; they know where I stand and what I believe. I don't need to clarify it for the likes of you.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">I will give you one fact. I proudly stand for&nbsp;</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="color: black;">Ireland</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="color: black;">and its people.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Pride/thIrishnationalheritage_tm.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Pride/ththbonobyme.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></o:p></span></div><br /><br /><b>MySpace Comments:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_576218">You go girl! My Irish is diluted, but it's still there...and I would LOVE to visit Ireland someday. And Scotland. I want to find my castle...the one I saw in the past life regression. It's in Ireland, although I was English. Its a long story I will share with you one day if you want. Anyway, you don't have to prove anything to me. Your HEART is Irish, no matter what the bloodline says. {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 7:50 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342393369#" id="addReplyLnk_576218" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=342393369&amp;commentID=576218" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_576218"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_576336">YAY!!! You go girl!<br /><br />I LOVE my heritage!! My heritage being mostly Irish as well as German and a little Indian. They all have their own unique history &amp; we all should be proud of our ancestors!<br /><br />If people love you for who you are...no clarification should be needed!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Saturday, December 29, 2007 - 10:17 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74402006937762514772007-12-26T14:09:00.006-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.342-04:00You Think You Know Me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 26, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You think you know me, but the reality is you have no idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You think you want to be with me, but that reality is you are in love with this "idea" of me. I can clearly see I am not the girl you are picturing me to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I knew what I wanted then, and I know what I want now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nothing has changed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not "insta-girlfriend"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You can not blow me up and let me rise</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You can not plug me in and watch me go</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok so I had this great idea for this blog. But now as I sit here to write it, it's almost like I just do not even care. I don't even know if my words are even worth putting out there right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am really frustrated with people who pretend to be listening but don't really "hear" what the fuck I am really saying. They just zero in on certain words and take everything out of context.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">SICK SICK SICK of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Because the truth is, if you really knew me then you would know that this is one of my pet peeves in life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not your normal every day girl next door. I did not wake up one morning and say hey "self, lets strive to do everything in life opposite of what the girl next door does just to be different."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's not how life works for me folks. I did not purposely set out to be different, I just am.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And if you can not deal with me and the way I am living my life, then quite frankly, you should not be in my life to begin with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Words%20and%20Sayings/ICONS-3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573149">LOL...this is great....reminds me of the whole we have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason...listen hard and speak easy.<br /><br />~shrugs~ We all know people like this...the ones that make it one-sided or don't listen...but they eventually learn.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 4:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341448910#" id="addReplyLnk_573149" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341448910&amp;commentID=573149" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_573149"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573531">{{{{HUGS}}}} Some people just suck!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 10:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341448910#" id="addReplyLnk_573531" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341448910&amp;commentID=573531" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28606944383038574902007-12-26T11:48:00.021-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.345-04:00Dating Defined<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 26, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dating Defined<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't know how much clearer I can make it then this. I am single, I am dating...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">These are excerpts I have taken of the web.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">It's like this, dating is supposed to be where you are getting to know someone and deciding if you guys are compatible but are free to date other people.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><i>Dating can be defined differently </i>- it can mean that you are exclusively seeing someone,&nbsp;<b>or</b>&nbsp;that you are casually seeing them and other people. The only way to really define it is to talk to the person you are seeing to clarify it or ask them straight out to have an exclusive relationship with you.</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">In the stages of a romantic relationship you have:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dating - </b>it is not exclusive, you can see other people.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Relationship </b>- you have decided to be exclusive and see if there is a chance for a long term relationship together.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Dating is not</b> a committed relationship you can talk and flirt and 'date' others without being committed when you are in a RELATIONSHIP that means that you should be committed to that person however sometimes this is not the case... but if you are trying to get to know someone on a different level then you should date them first to see if you like what you have and if you do then start a relationship.. It makes it a lot easier for a committed relationship to last.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Dating is</b> just that- someone asks someone out, and they go someplace for the time specified. You Date someone, to get to know them, to see if there is anything there between you, to see if a relationship should begin.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">If you have made no commitment to each other, then you are free to Date other people. After Dating, comes the relationship, where you may be getting more feelings for each other, and wish to see more of each other and Begin being more intimate, etc.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Dating is</b> a relationship where you are getting to know each other better with the possible intent of taking things further into something serious and committed. You don't have to be sleeping together to be dating, in fact generally you should wait until you are exclusive before doing so. You are getting to know each other on a personal, emotional level.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">It's when you go out on dates and get to know each other. You are not yet "boyfriend and girlfriend".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Dating is</b>, essentially, getting to know someone over an extended period of time to determine if a relationship is something worth pursuing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">MySpace Comments:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573144">AMEN Sista! This is a great blog! We all know what "dating" is...but sometimes that black and white reminder is much needed...lol.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 4:06 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341448037#" id="addReplyLnk_573144" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341448037&amp;commentID=573144" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_573144"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573427">I hear ya!!! Anymore the whole couples thing whether it be dating or relationship can be so overrated that it's almost not worth the time, effort and heartache that comes with it. Hang in there...in time without the search the "Right" one will come...until then have fun and play the game!!!<br />love ya, miss ya!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 8:25 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341448037#" id="addReplyLnk_573427" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341448037&amp;commentID=573427" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7608031352882710642007-12-26T10:24:00.006-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.347-04:00A Letter To......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 26, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I hate that I care so much. But that is my weakness. Caring about those in my life. Those that I consider close and hold near to my heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But I am not always so strong. I am human and my feelings do hurt. For the most part it is easy to blow off and forgive things, but not so easy to forget.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It hurts me to this that you don't even care enough to call me and let me know what's up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">YOU were the one who wanted someone in your life that was open, honest, and communicative on all levels. I feel I have always given that to you. I have let you in and opened my world up to you. I listen when you speak and actually hear what you are saying.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We've talked about that we don't want to lose this – that you want to work on this – but how can we do that when it feels so one sided? I miss the fun IM chats. I miss the random messages on myspace. I call because I care. I text you because I want you to know at that minute I am thinking about you. I leave you comments because when I see them, I laugh and want to share that laughter with you. I am far from obsession/possession/clingy. And I hope you are smart enough to know the difference.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You wanted us to work on having this good strong solid friendship. The best of friends. But how can't I do that when we consistently make plans only for you to blow them off?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I understand your life. I know how busy you are. I know how things just come up with work and you have to go at a moments notice. I get your schedule. But, I also know there are so many ways for you to contact me. I have done nothing but give you your space to do what you have to do in life. But I think I am worth a phone call when you have to cancel plans. Actually, I am worth so much more then that – but this is all I have ever asked of you. Why is it so hard?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I find myself at this crossroad not sure what direction I should go in. Continue to move forward or go the other direction. I am afraid if I continue on this path these things are just going to keep happening. And I just can not continue to feel stepped on and hurt.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't want to feel like that and I sure as hell don't deserve to be feeling that way. I want to feel like I matter. I was to feel like I am cared about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But perhaps, this is quite possibly too much to ask as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">SIDE NOTE: this letter was written along with yesterday's blog @3am. There has since been some communication with me and this person in regards to some of the things mentioned here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether things change, that will remain to be seen. I know this is pretty cryptic and that no one really knows what this is about. And that's ok.&nbsp;&nbsp;Its just a moment for me to get my words out there, for me. I know at least 3 of my girls know what's up and they are likely sitting here rolling there eyes at me. And, that's OK. I just wish everyone could see inside and really understand how I feel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Love%20All%20Sorts/insidehearticons-9.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center"><b><br /></b></div><div align="center"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_573139">I have been there girl! I know these feelings! You just gotta do what makes YOU happy and you know your real friends will fall in line beside you.<br /><br />And you ARE worth so much more...this person just needs a swift kick in the ass...hehehehe<br /><br />~Hugs~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 4:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341443194#" id="addReplyLnk_573139" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=341443194&amp;commentID=573139" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_573139"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_574065">Okay, I know I am a lot like this person you are referring to, and sometimes Rye probably feels like you do. She would like to be closer than we are, and I am always "needing my space." I guess all I can say is, the person gives you as much as they can, what they are capable of, and it doesn't sound like they are going to change, no matter how many times you talk about it. Are you able to accept that? I so far have not had to cancel plans, but if I did, yes I would call. However, there are times when I say "I will call you tomorrow," and I don't, for whatever reason. I guess I need to look at things from her side more. Anyways, this blog has been very enlightening for me, sis. Thanks for sharing!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 1:36 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63872923249685453742007-12-25T21:22:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.350-04:00Walking Away this Holiday Season<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, December 25, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Walking Away this Holiday Season</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I find myself walking away this holiday. Here it is&nbsp;<st1:time hour="3" minute="0">3am</st1:time>&nbsp;and I am wide awake. I am sitting here in bed, writing this initially with pen and paper. I might just try to scan it in so that you can feel the authenticity of it, but we will have to see how big I can make it so that you can even read it. (NOTE: as I type this…you see it will not be scanned!! LOL 3am writing and typos suck!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At any rate, I finished a long letter to **** – which I fully intend to get to him somehow. (and you can read it as the next blog) Whether I post it here as a blog (oh he's gonna love that) or read it to him over the phone. I know I have not talked about him much here, but that's because I promised him I wouldn't. Not getting in to details. I have already heard enough. But yes, he is still a part of my life and it is a long and complicated story that I do not even care to get in to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am finding myself at a cross roads with him. I have come to the conclusion that if certain issues can not be resolved, then I am just going to have walk away again. I say again, because I have tried to do this more then once. Our relationship is starting to become too toxic with my feelings and emotions. I don't want to have to do it. But I really see no other alternative at this point. We have been down this road, we have talked about it, and things seem to change, but then they fall back into the same old routine again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have already had to walk away from someone yesterday. I did not want to. This person was someone I truly had started to care about and treasure our friendship. Those close to me know how I value my friends. How I treat them, how I care about them. How hard it is to let someone get close to me on that level. I let him in. I let him get to a boundary not many people get to. I opened up old wounds and talked to him about those things. We like each other, we care about each other and I thought it was a mutual understanding that our friendship was a wonderful and cherished thing. I did not want to ruin that by dating. I thought he was ok with that. But recent events show me otherwise. It's been too much of an emotional battle since the very beginning. This constant back and forth. This person wants more from me then I can give him. It has become too toxic. So, I made the choice to walk away. Better for him in the long run because it's obvious to us both that he cant or just doesn't want to handle being just friends.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have so much stuff going on around me. I can not have any more added drama. I just can not. I am trying very hard to remain strong and get through the Holidays.&nbsp;&nbsp;For the last few years I have hated this time of year. I had hoped this year would be different, but it has proved me wrong once again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am ready for it all to be over with so I can get on with my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">SIDE NOTE: so, this was written @&nbsp;<st1:time hour="3" minute="0">3am</st1:time>&nbsp;this morning. It's not&nbsp;<st1:time hour="20" minute="0">8pm</st1:time>&nbsp;in the eve. I hid from the world today. I had to. So distraught about life and things in general that I just did not want to deal. When I did come out of my shell, I had some IM offlines from this particular person I walked away from. So, I replied back. And then a conversation started. At the end I finally got fed up and said I was done and leaving. And the persons reply was "well I will be sure to pass all of this along to XXX"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was like WTF??? Come to find out it was HIS Mother.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I deleted this person of my friends list, as well as his band. No more. The end. Good bye.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></b></div><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><b><br />&nbsp;</b><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_572346">Good-bye crazys of myspace!! I LOVE that work toxic...it describes some people so well!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 11:20 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63287646969134282172007-12-22T15:03:00.005-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.904-04:00Two Angels Came To Me - Tribue to Elonna<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, December 22, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Fairy%20Fantasy%20Wishes%20Dreams/TowardsTheLight33222.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The next blog I wrote was initially supposed to be Part 2 of the Just Me blog. But something happened yesterday that was pretty well out of the ordinary. Full of many emotions – good and bad. And I just felt the need to write about it, because in the end, it brought me much peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My Angel Elonna brought back into my life, if even for just that moment, another "Angel" who I am going to keep anon, per her request. For reasons I do not wish to go in to and only need to remain between me and her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">She was my sister. She was my best friend. She was so much to me. She was going to spend the rest of her life with my brother.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>We had our lives all planned out. And we would sit for hours and just be girls and giggle about things. We had been through so much together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As the season approaches, I really find myself being a scrooge, I do not really like the holidays this year. For so many reasons.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>One of them being, my first without three my best friends and my grandparents.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So as I was sitting here yesterday, talking to my other best girl, Julie, I got this message from "Angel"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All these thoughts started to roam my mind. I had been at least 6 months since we spoke, that was brief and it had been another many months prior before that. We said our cordial hellos and then it was off and running.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>We ran right into Elonna. For this person had felt / heard Elonna telling her to contact me. To talk to me. And, it was a conversation full of so much emotion. I laughed. I cried. I remembered my best friend. This person shared stories with me. And it was at that moment I truly understood how much I DID mean to Elonna in her final days. And that brought me much needed peace to put some closure on her passing. I had always felt my moving away from OK in her time of need was the worst thing I could do. I felt pain, I felt guilt. I was sad I could not be there for my girl. So I sent her cards every day since the day we found out she was sick. I sent flowers on special days. Did what I could from a distance to let her know, I was here, I still loved her, was still her friend, and was always going to be by her side.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Angel Elonna sent "Angel" to me to let me know some things. And I want to say Thank You for the gift you have given me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, what I am going to share next is a special tribute from our "Angel" about Elonna.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*passes around the box of tissues*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And if any of you want to pass this along….cause I know not all of her friends are here on my list…please….please….pass this along to them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Elonna/1161018559_l.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/candles1.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Elonna/1161018744_l.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Lonnie/thiwillrememeryou.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">J</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">oan Osborne sang a song several years back called&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">"One Of Us" I listen to this now as I write this<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Tribute that I hope reaches all those who Elonna<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Loved and all those who loved her.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">This year we said goodbye to Elonna Utt as she left<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">our world and went onto the next.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Now some may<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">not believe that such another world exists.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Perhaps even Elonna herself did not believe for a<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">long time.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>This story holds within it a conversation<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">that was shared between myself and Elonna's<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">father Otto Utt several weeks after her passing.<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">First I have to say that my personal friendship with<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Elonna may not have been as great as some who<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">are reading this now.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Perhaps it even pales in<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">consideration greatly;<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>However, if it is one thing I<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">am able to say now .... It was, and certainly still is,<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">as real as I could ever have it be.. Even if words are<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">not able to be spoken directly to her now or too few<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">were spoken before she left our world.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Thank you<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Elonna for touching my life in a way that lives on<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">now.... I pray that your pain experienced while in<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">this world is taken away (as your father enlightened<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">me to believe that we can pray now for healing in<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">the past as there is NO such thing as TIME in the<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">realm of our heavenly existence).. I pray that you<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">are looking down on all loved ones and touching<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">them with the Grace that you have shared with<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">me.. I thank you for the time I had to share with<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">you here.. I smile at the thought of your silliness<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">and your straight forward approach to things in<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">life.. and I<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>consider myself blessed to have had<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">you.. even if for a short time.. in my life.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Now...without further hesitation.. Here is my story<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">to share with you now so that you may also be<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">touched and realize that we do in fact still have the<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">presence of our departed Elonna with us now and<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">will see her again.. One day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Anyone who has ever spent anytime online in<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">forums like MySpace or Yahoo Messenger KNOW<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">the likes of the fruitcakes that are out there.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Actually to say that there are "fruitcakes" is pretty<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">much saying it nicely.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Liars is more likely a better<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">description.... perhaps even completely<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">psychologically unbalanced individuals who prey<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">on the likeness of others is an even better<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">description.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Then again.. it is not fair to say that<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">everyone is like this.. NOT at ALL.. As a matter or<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">fact.. There are likely MORE "normal" (whatever<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">that may really mean) people out there who are<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">just looking for some companionship and<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">friendship to share then anything else.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>People just<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">like me.. People just like you.... waking up in this<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">world day by day.. Looking to connect with others<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">who understand us.. Who share things that we<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">share in common.. Someone to laugh with…Play<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">with..<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>And just enjoy life with; and this... This was<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">the type of friend Elonna was to others on such<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">forums AND how I came to meet her as well.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Like how most people meet online... Thru a friend of<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">a friend.. is how I came across to meet her<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">aquaintence.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Not to reserved at first at all I pretty<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">much threw myself out there with a "No holds<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Barred" approach (which is one of the best things<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">about being online.. The ability to do such things<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">without really feeling any ramifications with<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">people who don't REALLY know us).<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I may add<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">that I am not the easiest person at times to perhaps<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">accept... I've been known to push limits.. cast my<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">own judgments.. be totally and unbearably<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Attention Deficit... Ramble.. AND express my<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">insurmountable questions secondary to paranoia<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">about who people REALLY are online.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>BUT even<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">with all of this.. Elonna would laugh and joke with<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">me.. Accepting me as I was.. Ignoring what she felt<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">was not applicable to her.. Trying to set me straight<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">about what was.. But nonetheless always offering<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">her friendship to me in pretty much an<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Unconditional way.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>The only time she ever did<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">seem to place stipulations on anything was when<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">she felt her friendship with another person would<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">be compromised.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>She never wanted to do this. She<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">really truly did care about her friends.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>She loved<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">them.. each one.. And if you are reading this...<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">undoubtedly .. This includes you.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Well, personally speaking.. Things for me became<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">too convoluted to continue on in the online forum<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">so I opted out.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>When doing this I pretty much kept<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">a distance from most everyone.. Which included<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Elonna.. However, I heard that she had found out<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">that she had Cancer.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Again, like any good<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">paranoid person I questioned the validity of what I<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">was hearing.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>What was really going on?<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I did not<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">really know. I always wished her well of course and<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">wanted her to be okay but I<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>never really called her<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">or contacted her to get into the details.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I just felt it<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">was in my best interest to try to keep out of the<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">circle still.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Days turned into weeks... Weeks turned into months<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">and within the year news came that she had passed<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">away.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Could this be?<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>She was far too young.. far<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">too full of life and love to be gone.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>NO NO NO..<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">this just could NOT be the case I thought to<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">myself.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>This had to all be some kind of<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">misunderstand.. Just part of the online insanity<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">that I knew about which was always seemingly<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">going on.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Struggling with the notion of to call her or not I<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">opted to listen to the inner voice and just call her.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Truely believing that such a phone call would yield<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">her giggling voice on the other end to explain to<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">me some totally ludicrous story about some drama<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">online.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Much to my disbelief and sadness, when I<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">called what I found out was NOT what I had hoped<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">for.. that it was just some misunderstanding of<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">sorts.. but that she had.. in fact.... died.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">As I spoke with her father and tears rolled down<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">my face while asking God and her to forgive me for<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">my previous disposition I noted that her father..<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">much like Elonna.. was very open.<span yes?="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>He shared with<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">me some of the events of her passing and the<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">miracles that surrounded them that allows them<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">now to live in peace knowing that Elonna is in a<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">better place.. not in pain any longer and will see<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">them and all those who loved her again some day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Her parents, being quite religious in nature,<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">prayed constantly for the healing of Elonna's<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">cancer.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Her father had spoke to me about praying<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">for people of their congregation, speaking on<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">tongues and the healing of many many many<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">people.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>He had felt confident that God would not<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">take Elonna.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>He was stricken with grief and<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">disbelief when<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>she died.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>He expressed to me that<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">he and his wife Linda still believed that even after<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">she was deceased that she would come back to life<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">with prayer.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>So they sat bedside at the hospital<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">and before accepting what had happened.... they<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">prayed.. Prayed for their daughter to come back.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">However, for as great as their faith may be.. it was<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">not what was going to happen.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Their daughter was<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">gone from this world and they had to leave her<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">there. He told me that she suffered greatly when<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">she was living with her cancer.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>He told me that she<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">was in great pain every day.. Constantly.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>He knew<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">her pain and suffering was over now and that<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">offered comfort to them.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>He told me how he still<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">struggled with accepting this.. How this could be..<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">he had felt as if he had delivered other peoples<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">children from the likes of death thru prayer.. Why<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">not his own.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Then he told me of the angels "Mercy and<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Grace"... the Angels whom ultimately shared the<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">events of her leaving this world and entering into<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">the next.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>In a dreamlike manner, he experienced<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">the witness of watching his daughter Elonna in the<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">final moments of her life here on earth.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>He told<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">me that when she passed she was not in pain.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>He<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">watched as she left her body and found it all to be<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">very "neat".<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>His words as I noted them were.. "As<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">she left her physical body and was traveling on in<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">spirit she said ....."This is NEAT...COOL...Thank<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">God it is finally over" He told me that her spirit<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">was taken to the "Lord of Lords and the King of<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Kings" and there her spirit waits as he and his wife<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">are building their ministry and in some spiritual<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">way a BANK ACCOUNT of sorts which is building<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">&nbsp;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">her extended grace in heaven.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Now, you have to<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">understand this is all still very shocking to me.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">These are the notes that I documented that I am<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">sharing with you now.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>They may not be verbatim<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">(with the exception of my quote above of Elonna<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Stating ... "This is NEAT...COOL...Thank God it is<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">finally over")<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>BUT the sentiments are accurate<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">and this man of God has undoubtedly convinced<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">me..'ohh ye of little faith' that Elonna is in fact at<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">peace and we will see her again one day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">I am sending along now her fathers email address<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">if anyone would like to share any sentiments with<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">him.. Particularly this Christmas season as is the<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">first year they are having the holiday without<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Elonna.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I can't tell you what you need to do with<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">this information.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I knew it was something I felt led<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">to share.. perhaps Elonna nudging me along to so<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">so before the holiday so that YOU could share with<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">him that his daughter was loved and is being<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">thought about fondly... I dont know.. Here is his<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Email address:<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:OttoUtt@prodigy.net" style="font-family: Verdana; text-decoration: underline;">OttoUtt@prodigy.net</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">I realize that those of us who knew Elonna spoke<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">at times that there may have been some hardships<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">in her personal life within her family.&nbsp; Don't we all<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">have them?<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>If this is what you are thinking now<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">perhaps you may try to put that aside now to be<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">able to show unconditional compassion~~ I believe<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">he did love her very much and any and all comfort<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">to him and her family would be something Elonna<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">would want now.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">That all being said. This IS the Christmas season<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">now,<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I am not going to be a preacher.. as a matter<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">or fact if one would put my life under a microscope<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">I may even look like the anti-Christ.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>However, I<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">will say that much like the birth and existence of<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Christ being that of a miracle in our world we have<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Miracles surrounding us each day.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Otto Utt's<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Testimony to Elonna's passing, to me.. is definitely<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">one of them.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>I share this you.. so that.. if you are of<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">the belief that this is it.. that you may reconsider.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">So that you too may start now to understand that<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">our spirit will go on to another world.. a world not<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">known by us.. a world that even someone like me..<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">full of paranoia and "ye of little faith" truly<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Believes in.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>We are all headed somewhere.. I hope<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">to be headed to same place Elonna is one day..<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">you loved her and so I am sure you would too.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">In closing.. May God bring us all peace and<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Wholeness in this lifetime and prepare us<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Adequately for where we all must travel to one day.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">May the Spirit of Christmas touch all of us in ways<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">that allow us to see the miracles of life right here<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">right now.<span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">In loving memory of Elonna Utt 1975-2007</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Lonnie/ththrip1.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_569451">Even though she removed me from her friends list towards the end, I still felt the loss deeply. I obviously was not as close to her as you and some of the others, but she always had a sweet comment for me and I considered her one of my "kids". I will keep her family in my prayers this Christmas season. Thank you for sharing this with us, Chrys!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, December 22, 2007 - 6:25 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=340429894#" id="addReplyLnk_569451" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=340429894&amp;commentID=569451" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_569451"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_570491">~grabs the tissues~<br />Beautiful. I miss her so much.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Sunday, December 23, 2007 - 11:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=340429894#" id="addReplyLnk_570491" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=340429894&amp;commentID=570491" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57986062638373742752007-12-19T19:25:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.353-04:00All I Will Ever Be - Just Me - That Simple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 19, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I was sitting here thinking about myself. Not in a vain sort of way, but just thinking about life in general. Something I don't think about too often as I am too busy trying to put forth my time into others. Things come to mind, about how I am. How I behave. The things that I do in life. I try to put into perspective how my life has ended up the way it did.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">You know, how on every ones profile there is the "About Me" section? And no one ever really knows what to put in there? Yeah well, me either. And today, I thought about it. Thought about it long and hard. And I thought, well that's a perfect topic for today's blog. Lets see how much of a mess I can make myself out to be.</div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">So, here goes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I am simple. In that I really enjoy the simple things in life. I don't need lots of money , fancy cars or things in general. I am not materialistic. I only need what it takes to live life from day to day and survive. I am complicated in that I have many layers to me. Each one as delicate and fragile as the one before it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I have a hard shell on the outside. I do this protect myself. You don't go through the things I have went through in life and not end up this way. But, its for my own benefit really. I am selective about those I let in my world. And just because you are in my world, doesn't mean I have allowed you over my wall. Very few have made it over. And every time someone does and gets pushed out, I put that wall up higher and higher.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">There is always going to be a test with me. I will test you to make sure you are someone that should remain in my world. I don't have time to deal with those that are not accepting and just want to try and change me. I don't need to be changed. I am fine with who I am and the way I am. I am soft on the inside. Those close to me, know this. I am loyal to those that are loyal to me. Love those that love me back. Maybe I care too easily. I have a big heart and am not afraid to admit that. I speak freely of my feelings. And if this bothers you, then perhaps you don't belong in my world. I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I am easy going and pretty good natured. I have my ups and downs like everyone else. I tend to not stay down long. I always try to find the good in life, grab it and hold on to it. I have a choice everyday. When I wake up, I can be in a good mood or a bad mood. I choose a good mood. Being in a bad mood does me no good. I can be difficult and hard to get along with. I am mouthy and just really can be a real bitch. I have a voice. I am not afraid to use it. You will hear me speak. I have opinions and I am not afraid to share them with you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I'm a quoter. I love quotes to make me think. I am a thinker. I love it when people pick my brain. I would appreciate you more if you held an intelligent conversation with me. I am a thought provoker. I will spark something in you to make you think too. I'm not all about sex.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Well, ok scratch that. My sexuality is a big part of my life. However, I am not always about talking sex. So, if that's all you are looking for, you don't need to be here. I am picky , I have my wants, my needs and that's that. If you fill that, then maybe, just maybe you are lucky enough to have me. But I bore easily and it takes much to hold my attention.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">What I AM NOT - I am not in this world to whore friends. I would rather have a few that are close to me then hundreds I hardly speak too. I am not a collector. Nor am I into "cams" and showing my "stuff" to people I do not know. If that's what you are here for, fine. But, if that's what you are looking for here, you may as well save grace and walk away now. Its not what I am about. And its not me.&nbsp;But there it is, so don't ask me to cam with you. I wont.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I prefer the real thing over the cyber thing anyway.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I have a bad habit of keeping people at bay. That wall you know. &nbsp;Random. No feelings, no strings. I may like random hook ups , but that's why they are random, they are meaningless sexual desires being taken care of with no strings attached. I don't know really how to explain it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">However, when I find that "one" - I am prefectly able and willing to be in a committed relationship when its right.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Back to the cam thing, I do appreciate my friends. And its not a big deal when we turn our cams on to see each other and say hello. As a matter of fact, its pretty entertaining when you can see each others facial expressions. To see when some smiles and laughs. Its amazing. And certainly bridges the gap when you are talking to someone miles away. You can certainly feel that much closer.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">And seeing as how most of my closest friends are pretty far away....it can get pretty entertaining!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Ok so back to me. Yeah I have issues with straying, in more ways then one. (mind out of the gutter please LOL)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Live. I live my life from day to day as best as I can with what I am given and I expect you to do the same too. I have a hard time with people who whine about their situation and don't want to do anything about it. Now, before you say anything let me clarify something. Sure, I bitch about things in my life. But, this is my blog and I can say whatever I want. And many times I say things just to get them out and off my chest and I move on. This is my outlet.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Laugh. You have to laugh in this world. If you do not, you will get chewed up and spit out. I like to cut up , laugh and have a good time. Simple really. I try not to take many things too seriously. Life is too short for that. Their are many things I do take seriously. I expect you to keep up to me and know the difference between the two.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Give. You know they saying, treat others as you would want them to treat you? Well, I pretty well live by that. If I respect you and treat you well then I expect the same in return. If you are cold, heartless and unwilling to just be nice, then I don't want you around.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Drama. I despise it and I will run from it. So don't bring it here.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I am who I am and I will never ever apologize for being me. Ever. End of story. If you don't like me for me then you can go away, I don't want you in my life anyway.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Words%20and%20Sayings/staystrong.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I am strong. I've been through a lot in life and had to grow up very quickly. Which in turn makes me hard. I have strong wills, desires, hopes and dreams. And I take them very much to heart. I believe their is a better life on the other side of the pond. I have my weaknesses, just like everyone else. However, they are mine and mine alone. If you are lucky enough to be that close to me, you will have discovered what some of them are.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Words%20and%20Sayings/myspace-girlie-graphics3.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">Just remember I do have my down days just like everyone else, those days when I just do not feel so strong.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">I'm a big kid at heart. I think perhaps I am making up for lost childhood times. Who knows. I just like to have fun and it is what it is.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;">And now, I am just bored. So...going to end this now !!</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/ICONS%20and%20Lil%20Pics/Funny/6687298.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=60301802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Greg</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=60301802" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/55/s_543a5ffc432e4520a383854248f26692.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Greg Maynard</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_567150">Love what I read and I wouldn't want you to be anyone else but just you.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=60301802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Greg</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 9:27 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339651277#" id="addReplyLnk_567150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339651277&amp;commentID=567150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=60301802" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_567150"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_567339">I can really relate to what you say here about yourself, sis! In more ways than one, you speak for me too, much better than I can myself!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 12:53 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339651277#" id="addReplyLnk_567339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339651277&amp;commentID=567339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_567339"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_567374">And yet again you utter something extremely profound and meaningful. You are such a deep thinker and thought provoker. And again I am grateful to have you share your thoughts and to be your friend.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 1:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339651277#" id="addReplyLnk_567374" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339651277&amp;commentID=567374" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_567374"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_568742">Girl...I love every word of this! Each of us are unique and should be loved for that! With what the world brings us each day...we all have to stay strong.<br />--Sent from my Helio<br /><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, December 21, 2007 - 6:48 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339651277#" id="addReplyLnk_568742" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339651277&amp;commentID=568742" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15118500862221323472007-12-18T21:54:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.355-04:00Not So Strong Today<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, December 18, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_339349443" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/baby916girl/comments.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Hurting%20Sad/898c43a4579e93dc7175b70b8bace07f250.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Hurting%20Sad/78e2c181.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The fighter is gone, the strength now weak. And that's ok. I let it happen. Sometimes, I just have to give up and let things be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Everyone talks about how strong I am. How I have survived so much and how proud of that I should be. But the truth of the matter is that's only what you see on the outside. A wall surrounds me. I choose who comes over. I pick who gets to see what. I share only what I want. Deep inside me will always remain that scared little girl, never really ready to face the world. It seems I have tripped. I fell once again and I see the darkness coming at me. It's not a slow and steady pace but instead it is running at me full force.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I let it come. The darkness that is.<span>&nbsp;</span>I welcome it. I feel safe. Secure.<span>&nbsp;</span>I felt it pulling at me, grabbing my ankles. I tried to kick it away. I cried. Oh how I cried. My damn leaky eyeballs have not shut off for 18hrs. But I finally caved in and let the darkness engulf me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't mind the darkness so much these days. It's warm. It's familiar to me and I know I am not there alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now I am sitting here, just so confused and unsure of so much. I feel like an outsider looking in on my own life. Weird, that feeling. To think you are just an observer. Not really living. Just sort of watching from afar. It's numbing. I can't feel, I can't smell and I can't even taste.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A while back ago, I took that left turn. And I am wondering if I should stay on this path or if I should turn around and come back. Stay still. Move forward. Go backwards.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Who knows? All I know is I just want to crawl back into bed , throw the covers over my head, curl up into a ball and just cry some more.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm shattered. Broken into a million little pieces. And today, I just don't feel like picking up those pieces and trying to put myself back together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Hurting%20Sad/EyEFeelLIkeShit06.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566279">I am so sorry baby...I can so totaly relate to everything you say here.<br />~~~Bri hugs for you...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 10:26 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443&amp;commentID=566279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566279"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566288">~sighs~ Just keep hugging me Bri....their has always been safety in your arms.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 10:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566288" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443&amp;commentID=566288" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566288"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566364">Stay in your safe warm place for awhile those pieces will still be there to pick up when you are ready.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 11:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566364" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443&amp;commentID=566364" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566364"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566391">Well......we have all been there. I certainly have had my share of these kind of days.<br /><br />I know some of what you are feeling. We have each other shoulders to lean on honey!<br /><br />Hugs!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 12:03 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566391" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443&amp;commentID=566391" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566391"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566456">I feels your pain<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 1:13 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566456" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443&amp;commentID=566456" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566456"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566596">{{{{HUGS}}}} I have been truly blessed in my life, but sometimes I feel the same way. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with everything and just want to crawl into some safe place until it all passes. Some days, I just don't want to be here any more. But I go on like nothing is amiss because I know this will pass.{{{{HUGS}}}} I hope you get through this quickly...your bubbliness is missed!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 8:01 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443#" id="addReplyLnk_566596" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339349443&amp;commentID=566596" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_566596"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566634">You are healing...this is part of it. Stay in the place that is safe until you are ready to break free. You are not weak, Honey...you are human.<br /><br />Big loves and kisses to you.<br />Patrice<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 10:12 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32879787142673587082007-12-17T22:45:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.906-04:00~Reflections~ (on 2007)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, December 17, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">It has become tradition to do the Reflections blog. Here is this years.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">1) Was 2007 a good year for you?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was a serious roller coaster ride. It had many up and downs. Death. Depression. Heartache. Illness. But, on the flip side, I grew, I lived, and I learned. I had to overcome many things, and I did. At least I am trying to. For me, that is something to celebrate. But life is constantly changing. I am still working on getting my life back in order. Starting over with nothing sure is not easy, but at least I am trying. I hope 2008 slows down a little bit, but thinking about what I know now, it just might continue on for a while longer…..</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">2) What was your favorite moment of the year?</span><br /><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Finally getting that long overdue divorce.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting Terry is up there on the list. He came in my life when I really needed that special something. He taught me that there is still that strong woman inside of me. He taught me it's OK to continue on the path to being me. He made me dig deep inside myself and show him parts of me I never shared with anyone. Despite what he did in life, I will never forget how caring, loving and compassionate he turned out to be.</span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">&nbsp;And let me mention Julie. I have known her for a while, but we did not get close until earlier this year. I felt like I have known this girl my whole life. We have fastly become the best of friends and I love her dearly. She has been my arms when I need a hug, my ears when I need to vent, a shoulder when I need to cry, and my sister when I just need a friend.</span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Moving to&nbsp;</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Michigan</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">&nbsp;and being able to see and hang out with some of my family, as well as meeting some of the great people I have met.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Moving 1000 miles away, leaving all of my friend behind. The loss of Terry, the death of Elonna and the death of my beloved grandmother. Getting in a fight with Sean and after the whole ordeal with Lonnie's death, having to cut ties with Sean.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />4) Where were you when 2007 began?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In Okie</span></strong><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />5) Who were you with?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Marcus. The ex hubby. New Years Eve was our anniversary, so we always went out. We were out with some friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></strong><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />6) Where will you be when 2007 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well it's a toss up to be honest. My family has tradition, and of course I was invited. So I asked a certain someone to be my date, and he promised me. But, who knows with him.&nbsp;&nbsp;But at the same time, I have a plane ticket with my name on it to go to OK.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am confused.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></strong><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />7) Who will you be with when 2007 ends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As stated in 6, it's sort of a toss right now. Either my date and my family or whatever, or my friends back in OK.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />8) Did you keep your new years resolution of 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I didn't make any. I know I won't keep them, so I didn't bother.</span></strong><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />9) Do you have a new year's resolution for 2008?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Yes, to take charge of my health. And get my ass to&nbsp;</span></strong><st1:country-region><st1:place><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ireland</span></strong></st1:place></st1:country-region><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">&nbsp;once and for all. So let's hope this time I will keep them.</span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes. A Love that will forever be with me. Forever a part of me. Even though he is no longer in this world I will never have any regrets.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />11) If yes, with whom?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that.</span></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><b><br /></b><br />12) If yes, do they know?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Of course he knew, for he loved me just the same. Hell, I think he loved me more then I ever loved myself. And that taught me a great thing in life.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />13) Are you still in love with them?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I will always have love for him. He is my dark angel now. My prince of darkness. Forever a part of me.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />14) Do you regret it?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Not at all. And never will.&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><b><br /></b><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes. The divorce marked the break up of me and Marcus after 10 years of being together, almost 5 of them married.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />16) Did you make any new friends in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I sure as heck did. LOTS of them! *blows a kiss to you all*</span></strong><br /><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">ALL of them.... how can I pick just one?</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />18) What was your favorite month of 2007?<br /><b>March and July – me and my gang rocked it out!</b><br /><br />19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2007?<br /><b>No :( ..... But I should have, and now wish I did.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />20) How many different places did you travel to in 2007?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><st1:state><st1:place><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Michigan</span></strong></st1:place></st1:state><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">&nbsp;in July for grandma's funeral, and again the end of July to move</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2007?<br /><b>My grandmother in July, Elonna in October and Terry.<br /></b>22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">YES!&nbsp;&nbsp;Both of my grandparents, all my friends and loved ones back in OK, Elonna and Terry.</span></strong><br /><br />23) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Beauwolf!</span></strong><br /><br />24) What was your favorite song from 2007?<br /><b>Oh I have a few: they may not be new in 2007, but they meant something to me in 2007.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">No One – Alicia Keys<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Her Eyes – Pat Monahan<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Beautiful Disaster – Jon McLaughlin<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Tattoo – Jordin Sparks<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Rest in Pieces – Saliva<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Car Crash – Matt Nathanson<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Paralyzer – Finger Eleven<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">In This River – Black Label Society<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Last Goodbye – Black Label Society<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I Fucking Hate You – Godsmack<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Always – Saliva<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Take Me Away&nbsp;&nbsp;- Avril Lavigne<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ride With Me – Bloodsimple<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Congratulation – Blue October with Imogeen Heap<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Can't Stop the Rain – Cascada<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Don't Say You Love Me – The Corrs<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Haunted – Shane McGowan and Sinead O'Connor<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">9 Crimes – Damien Rice<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Rootless Tree – Damien Rice<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Breakdown – Daughtry<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">My Wish – Rascal Flatts<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">This is How it Feels – The Veronicas<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ok and really this list could go on and on and on, but there is a reason why I have an attachment to these songs this year.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />25) What was your favorite album from 2007?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Hinder, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Daughtry, Bloodsimple</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />26) How many concerts did you see in 2007?<br /><b>Zero, oh wait I went to this Biker Bash in July when I moved to MI and there were a few bands there, does that count, even if they were all local??<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />27) Did you have a favorite concert in 2007?<br /><b>Nope</b><br /><br />28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">More then my fair share… Guinness anyone??</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Only those prescribed, and that was a whole hell of a lot for a while there between the depression, the stomach and intestinal illness, high blood pressure and the back issues. But since moving to MI, I only take my meds to help me sleep (damn anxiety), my blood pressure (see need to get my health in shape!)</span></strong><br /><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Five</span></strong><br /><br />31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Would have to be, putting mike and mine personal bullshit out there like I did. I know I am very open with my life. And I know this is my corner of the blogland and I do have the freedom of speech. I was mad, hurt, angry and confused. I did not take the time to think about anyone else. It was not fair for me to put that out there like that. Some people are private and I should have respected that.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2007?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">~SIGHS~ Yeah, I did…bad girl … and only two people would know what I am talking about, and I am not about to spill it here.&nbsp;</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">hmmm the first 7 months of it listening to Marcus tell me every day he loved me…right.. Terry telling me I had nothing to worry about ..Again, yeah right… and well…there is more, but I am just not gonna get in to it. I pretty much have this deal where I don't trust men and think they all lie. I am working on that issue.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There was a period when I was not very nice to Sean. And I feel badly about that still. But his hands killed Lonnie. That's a hard thing to take. And I know I played a part in it, we all know that by now. And I finally just had enough and Sean and I had a huge fight, and we cut ties. If I treated anyone else badly, it was not intentional.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yeah, I had my moments. And I am working on getting over all that as well.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Since I started working again, I am sure way more then I should.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh! Let's see........ Just call me Grace LOLOL</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2007 and change it, what would it be?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Well I would have slowed down a little bit after announcing my divorce and planned things out a little better. I may have stayed in OK and saw how things worked out for me there. And I would not have left all my shit with Marcus. I would not have poured all my personal shit with Mike in those blogs.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2008?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">To just keep plugging away at life one day at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Visit my friends for sure! And just slow down and see where life takes me.&nbsp;</span></strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />41) What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Got divorced. And hope to never have to do that again.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hmmm I don't think so.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">More time to write. And maybe actually do something with it this year.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />44) What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">July – grandmas death, my birthday, leaving Marcus and moving to MI<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">October – Losing Elonna to her battle with cancer, and losing Terry</span></strong><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Getting a new job, getting accepted in college after a break, finally being brave enough to get divorced</span></strong><br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">depression creeping back up on me, picking some of the wrong guys to go out with , never living up to my own expectations of myself, and my wicked evil self esteem issues that mess with my head.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">My new cool chic glasses…. LOL I can see now when I am reading and on the PC! My other glasses were old and the prescription was no longer good.&nbsp;</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />48) Whose behavior merited celebration?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><st1:place><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Shannon</span></b></st1:place><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">, she finally got up out of that hell hole that was causing her so much stress and anxiety!</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br /><br />49) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yikes! My own – seriously!</span></strong><br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Having a job again, being close to my family even thought I don't see them very much, getting back into school, earning my real estate appraisers license</span></strong><br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />i. happier or sadder?&nbsp;<b>I am about the same as I was this time last year, just for different reasons.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />ii. thinner or fatter?&nbsp;<b>The same as I was…but I would love to change that…</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">iii. richer or poorer?&nbsp;<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">richer in so many ways, poorer money wise</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Exercised, listened to my docs, spent more time with my friends while they were close by</span></strong><br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?<br /><b>Being depressed, blaming myself for so much, worrying about what others are going to think</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">54) How will you be spending Christmas?<br /><b>I don't know, I really just want to lie in bed all day and wish it away.</b><br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">2</span></strong><br /><br />56) What was your favorite TV program?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">UFC, The Ultimate Fighter, Prison Break, Lost</span></strong><br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, sadly, there is someone that has burned me and I just really am still pissed off as all hell about it, so yeah, some hatred is running through my Irish blood right now.</span></strong><br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh gosh, I read so many I don't really know where to start. But my fave is Needful Things by Stephen King; I read it just about every year.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Bloodsimple, A Perfect Circle, Opeth, The 69 Eyes, Death Angel</span></strong><br /><br />60) What did you want and get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just the divorce</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I don't seem to ever get what I want. I want true happiness. I want true love. I want peace within me.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br /><b>Julie came up from&nbsp;</b></span><st1:state><st1:place><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Texas</span></b></st1:place></st1:state><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">&nbsp;and we went out with Shannon and the girls from work. Got tattooed. And partied hard. I turned 32. Whooopeeee<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Perhaps not losing Elonna, Terry…moving…who knows. We really have no way of knowing. Cause if these things did not happen, whose to say something else would not have.&nbsp;</span></strong><br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?<br /><b>I'm just me. I don't follow trends. I like what I like. Comfort. Cool. Calm. Dressed up or down, I am pretty simple.<br /></b>65) What kept you sane?<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh lord, I don't think I was sane much this year. But my friends did a pretty good job of not letting me go off the deep end. Especially Shannon while we were working together in hell LOL<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br /><em><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal;">Colin of COURSE!!! And Cillian Murphy! Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell of Prison Break ..Oh and lets not forget them UFC men LOLOL</span></b></em><br /><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most?<br /><b>The war, still. And all the shite in&nbsp;</b></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ireland</span></b></st1:place></st1:country-region><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">.&nbsp;</span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Life is too short for petty shit. Tell everyone just what is on your mind because tomorrow may be too late. That forever is a lie.</span></strong><br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Well, I'm sitting alone thinking about it all over coffee.<br />And still crowdin' my space are the things you still hold against me.<br />You cannot save me.<br /><br />Well, it's not the time to breakdown.<br />It's not the time to breakdown.<br />It's not the time to break up this love,<br />Keep it together now.<br />It's not the time to break.<br /><br />Read it all, no need for separating here.<br />You see what you want and try to justify.<br />All your little lines,<br />Convictions and your lies.<br />What right do you have to point at me?</span></b><b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br />70) Favorite discovered quote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 16.5pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="snippet4"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That's me."</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">MySpace Comments</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_565522">And still here you are, forging forward, truly phenomenal. Ummmm, but I see no mention of a certain "crow" band in here lol. Guess we are going to do better this next year then?</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 2:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339060274#" id="addReplyLnk_565522" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339060274&amp;commentID=565522" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><label id="NewDiv_565522"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566460">YEAH! ME TOO</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 - 1:15 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339060274#" id="addReplyLnk_566460" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=339060274&amp;commentID=566460" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78934131214214956702007-12-12T15:38:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.357-04:00350 Words or Less<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, December 12, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_337459035" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v720/Elf_Blood/writing.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/srod15/Copyofalvarez.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">350 Words or Less</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I am on the treadmill this morning, flipping through January's issue of Glamour magazine and there is every writers dream come true.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">First, yes chunky butt girl does exercise and second, I have had a subscription to Glamour since I was like 17 years old. Deal with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, I see that Tommy Hilfiger is having a contest to help launch their new perfume, Dreaming. The contest is to write 350 words or less what your Dream is. They will pick 3 winners. And it will become a documentary.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OMFG!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, we all pretty much know what my dream is right? Well the obvious one Ireland. But everyone thinks the only reason this girl wants to go to<st1:country-region><st1:place>Ireland</st1:place></st1:country-region>is just because she is Irish. Well, that's only the half of it. I have a story to tell damn it. Now how the hell am I gonna squash it town to 350 words?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That is not my only dream. So now, I sit here thinking ok, which one do I shoot for? Maybe I need to read the rules. You know that lovely fine print no one ever reads. Maybe I can submit multiple entries if each one is different. I could try for them all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, this is my quest. To try to figure it out in 350 words or less. That's quite a challenge. They also provide you with a link to upload a video. Which is optional. And I am thinking, you know, I don't think they want my drunken chatter youtube videos. So maybe I need to rethink that option as well. They also want a pic. I think I have that made. They should pick me just on my beauty alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*cough cough*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Moving along.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">HAHAHHAAH</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think its time for my voice to be heard and my story to be told.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In 350 words or less………</div><div align="center"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_560862">You got my vote!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 - 9:48 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337459035#" id="addReplyLnk_560862" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337459035&amp;commentID=560862" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_560862"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_562162">Do it baby...you can if anyone can.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Friday, December 14, 2007 - 1:23 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337459035#" id="addReplyLnk_562162" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337459035&amp;commentID=562162" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_562162"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/55/s_95876e1e56c177d4386c78d3d6bb4c1f.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_566336">I think it's a wonderful idea, have fun with it and make it your on. You can do this!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 11:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337459035#" id="addReplyLnk_566336" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337459035&amp;commentID=566336" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-490792125818158042007-12-11T15:36:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.360-04:00Picking Myself Apart Today<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, December 11, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_337123622" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Just having one of those days. And when I have one of those days, I tend to be at a loss for my own words...so this says it all today.....<br />~Chrys~<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>"Going Under"<br /></strong>Pulling myself apart today,<br />To see whats underneath,<br />I analyse the things I say,<br />Its a mystery to me.<br /><br />Why cant I be normal like everyone else?<br />Why cant I become something more than myself?<br />I reach and I'm trying to believe in me,<br />But its just too hard to see.<br /><br />Who am I now?<br />And when will I be found?<br />What if I drown?<br />Im going under now....<br /><br />Lost like a ship without a sail,<br />And terrified to fail,<br />Sick of the sickness that I feel,<br />Its a mystery to me...<br /><br />Why cant I be normal like everyone else?<br />Why cant I become something more than myself?<br />I reach and I'm trying to believe in me,<br />But its just too hard to see..<br /><br />Who am I now?<br />And when will I be found?<br />What if I drown?<br />I'm going under now....<br /><br />I'm going under now<br />I'm going under now<br /><br />Who am I now?<br />And when will I be found?<br />What if I drown?<br />I'm going under now....<br />Who am I now?<br />And when will I be found?<br />What if I drown?<br />I'm going under now.</span></span><br />~By: Saliva~<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8GF0UlgVPiE?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8GF0UlgVPiE?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_559743">{{{{HUGS}}}} It's ok to have one of "those days" occasionally...just don't let them happen too often!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 7:38 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337123622#" id="addReplyLnk_559743" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337123622&amp;commentID=559743" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_559743"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_560101">Remember that though there may be shadows covering you, shadows are created by light. You are never alone, and I won't let you drown.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 - 1:04 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337123622#" id="addReplyLnk_560101" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=337123622&amp;commentID=560101" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45502050489167069132007-12-09T17:09:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.363-04:00Open Book<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, December 09, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My life is an open book.<span>&nbsp;</span>Their has always been a reason for that. As a writer, we all look for outlets to showcase our work. Blogging was always an outlet for me. A place not only to talk about life in general, but to throw some of my work in their as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I started this blogging journey a few years ago, I never expected it to turn into what it has.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Words%20on%20Icons%20and%20such/The%20Written%20Word/f9080dc5.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nor did I ever expect to make the friendships that I have along the way either. Friendships I will keep and cherish forever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Friends/62762scyuj1wg26.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I realize there are many out there that do not understand the whole blogging thing. And that's fine. I can understand that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">While so many of you come to me and tell me how great you think I am for being so open and honest about my life, there is something that I have to confess.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It is not easy. I don't do it for attention. I don't put my personal shit out there for the media addiction. The personal stuff I put out there is first and foremost for, ME. But mostly I do it because as I have stated many, many times I have many friends and family on myspace. And it provides me with a way to keep them updated on life when other things in life keep us so busy that we just do not have time to always communicate with each other. The rest of it, the poetry and stories, that's for me to get feedback on my work.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have learned along the way that there are many things in my life that other people have gone through. And although they choose to not talk about it publicly, they can come to me and talk to me about it. And they do. And that makes me feel good. To be able to sit down and talk to people. To show people YES I went through this in life. And as shitty as it was, I came out on top. I am a survivor and I am a fighter. And you have all seen this. If my stories and events in life help someone deal with something they have gone through, if I can be a friend, then that my friends is the ultimate gift in life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I also have another confession. Some of you may forget that my page is private. So not just everyone can read my stuff. You have to be a friend to read it. And even then, sometimes I put my blogs on preferred list.<span>&nbsp;</span>And I have my reasons for that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have run across a few people in life that don't really like the fact I put my personal life up here. But again, I have to say, my page is private, so it's not like all of blog land is reading my life. And a high ratio of my friends list are people that are REALLY my friends. So talking about life in a blog is no different then talking to them on the phone or in person. So to me, it all makes sense.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The other thing I want to say is I am not as open about life as you think I am.<span>&nbsp;</span>I choose and pick what to throw out there. I am a writer after all. Sometimes I tend to think it writer terms, what will provide the most entertainment? What do my readers what to know about? Stuff like that.<span>&nbsp;</span>I do have my boundaries. (Of course, unless you piss me off LOL ~winks~) But seriously. It is only myspace. And I share only what I want to share. Tell only what I want to tell. Put out there only what I want. There is a whole other person here and life that I lead that you all do not see. Just as I am sure it is the same way with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Funny%20Stuff/myspace%20fun/justmyspace.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So while you think<span>&nbsp;</span>you know me from my blogs and all the crazy bulletins I post, the truth is – there is a whole other girl here that really is worth taking the time to get to know.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~Chrys~</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_557977">HAHA.....that last graphic is mine!<br /><br />I am glad I have taken the time to get to know YOU!<br /><br />We have turned out to have lots in common &amp; you have been a great sounding board and friend during this rough spot.<br /><br />I know we will continue to be good friends thru it all!<br /><br />HUGS!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, December 10, 2007 - 12:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=336471664#" id="addReplyLnk_557977" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=336471664&amp;commentID=557977" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_557977"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_558124">I am happy to be included here! I do know, however, there are some unscrupulous people out there that can back door their way in if they want to...kind of like breaking in to a locked diary. You really shouldn't be surprised when you find some things that don't make you happy! LOL! I can no longer write about the things at work, unless it's pretty general, because there are people there that DO back door in to my blog and read it. But I am the bad guy for writing about it...not the ones who sneak in and read what they are not supposed to...<br />{{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, December 10, 2007 - 8:18 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=336471664#" id="addReplyLnk_558124" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=336471664&amp;commentID=558124" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_558124"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_558197">I am honored and blessed to be considered your friend-- and your sis. Love ya!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Monday, December 10, 2007 - 11:27 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27608293856382431202007-12-07T19:55:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.365-04:00Poetry In Motion - I’m Still Here<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, December 07, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div class="text" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="text" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><div class="text" style="font-weight: normal;">I'm still here aren't I?<br />If I'm still here,<br />I don't think I'm taking that exit now.<br /><br /><br />Don't worry.<br />I'm not dead yet.<br />It's just your paranoia.<br />It's just that little voice.<br />That constant little worry.<br />That constant need for me to reassure.<br /><br />I'm still here.<br />I ain't leaving yet.<br />Life can't beat me.<br />All it's thrown,<br />has only served to train,<br />for what is next.<br /><br />Life can't beat me down that path.<br />Its tried before .<br />You know.<br />You've seen.<br />I'm still here.<br />I always will be.<br />You can't lose me that easy.<br /><br />I'll continue to fight.<br />I'll still battle.<br />I've stopped even knowing the meaning of<br />"give up".<br />I'll always fight.<br /><br />It's what I am.</div><div class="text" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><div class="text" style="font-weight: normal;">A fighter inside...that's me.</div><div class="text" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="text"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></div><div class="text" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div class="text" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555997">*Smile* {{{{HUGS}}}} have a great weekend!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 10:12 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335909736#" id="addReplyLnk_555997" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335909736&amp;commentID=555997" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555997"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_557189">Fignht inside, that deep. Very intense .</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, December 09, 2007 - 8:40 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335909736#" id="addReplyLnk_557189" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335909736&amp;commentID=557189" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5960987560884180922007-12-06T19:10:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.908-04:00One Year Ago Today<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, December 06, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br />One Year Ago Today<br /><br /><br />While sitting here today thinking about what to write I glanced at the calendar and the weight of the world hit me in the chest. Where did the time go? I thought I had more time to prepare the blog I wanted for today?? OMG!! I am such a bad bad bad friend. ~sighs~<br /><br /><br /><br />You see, its once year ago today that our sweet Lonnie was taken away from us. And I really had planned to write this big, heart warming "we miss you" "R.I.P" type blog. And I know that I should, but the thing is over the course of the year I HAVE! More then once. Everyone around me knows I miss him. Many of us miss him. So many things are not the same since that whole ordeal went down. But, in the stage of life I am right now, no more dwelling in the past. I am working on a new life. And this time I choose to not think about all the bad stuff surrounding his death, but rather, the good. Joey and I are closer then ever. There is a brother / sister bond that will never be broken, no matter how many miles end up between us. And I have met some wonderful people that were friends of Lonnie's that are now close friends on mine. Funny how things in life work out like that. And I know, Elonna and Lonnie are together, our little angles. There to take care of each, and us when we need it.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, thinking about the last year…I see just how much my own life has changed. One cant help but wonder, if he were still alive would we have been able to convince Elonna to go to the doctor like we bugged her so much to do. Would she have finally got tired of listening to us? Would the cancer then have been caught sooner and been able to be treated? I often wonder these things. Often wonder had I not cried to Sean about Lonnie and mine troubles would Sean have not raised that final blow that resulted in Lonnie's death. Would Sean and I, or Sean and Joey still be friends? Would our pirate gang still be intact?<br /><br /><br /><br />It's funny how you can sit there and let your mind play out all the sitchys in life. But the truth is no one really has a way of knowing. Who is to say that if those things did not happen, that on down the line something else would not have happened.<br /><br /><br />Life. It is what we make it, only to some degree. Other things we just really have no control over.<br /><br /><br />And everything happens for a reason, right?<br /><br /><br />The old me would have been spending all day worried about the past. Wondering. Thinking. But, the new me, the one who has had a great epiphany as of late has decided that my own life is much too short. I will remember and continue to love those I have lost. But I must continue to move forward and be me. I see what I have done in that year, I reflect and then I see what I have accomplished. And that my dear friends, is a great feeling.<br /><br />I am "I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me."<br /><br /><br /><br />~Chrys~<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>MySpace Comments:</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555137">Everything does have a reason, for without these things, you and I may not be the friends we are today...I feel very blessed to have you in my life :)<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 9:59 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555137" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687&amp;commentID=555137" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555137"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555142">My darling Shan...my bff...I love you more then words can say. You have been there with me thru some of the worst time of my life. And, some of the best. I miss you dearly. But, even tho miles are between us, our friendship remains the same. I am ALWAYS gonna be here for you. With out your love and support, I may have ended up in that padded room after all. LOLOLOL....<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 10:01 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555142" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687&amp;commentID=555142" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555142"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Beeg</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=133902747" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/74/s_1c09789890e0e272f027948687a2b9ac.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555129">Yes you are a Phenomenally Phenomenal woman!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Beeg</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 9:51 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555129" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687&amp;commentID=555129" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=133902747" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555129"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555144">THANK YOU!!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 10:02 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555144" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687&amp;commentID=555144" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555144"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555231">And thank YOU for being a part of mine!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Thursday, December 06, 2007 - 10:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555231" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687&amp;commentID=555231" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555231"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555554">I know...its been a rough year huh. Lots of changes...lots of emotions...lots of hurting.<br />Hoping next year is a better one...love you.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 11:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687#" id="addReplyLnk_555554" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=335578687&amp;commentID=555554" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_555554"></label></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_555578">For you, for me and for "us". But , thats OK, its life, right? I hope next year brings a new start for us both, in so many ways. Love you too babydoll. *blows you a kiss*<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Friday, December 07, 2007 - 12:01 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span><br /></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30231847963849815142007-11-30T14:53:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.368-04:00Epiphany ~ this might very well be the best blog ever! LOL<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, November 30, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">OK, it's epiphany time:<br /><br />A time come in your life when you finally get it.... when in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out .... ENOUGH!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span><o:p></o:p></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Enough fighting and crying and struggling to hold on. And like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back the tears and through a mantle of wet eyelashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is your awakening. You realize that it is time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that there is no such thing as the "right" person around the corner and that in the real world there aren't always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter)(how many times have I said "Once upon a time in a land far far away these last few days?) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are.... and that's OK! They are entitled to their own views and opinions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">And you learn that the importance of loving and championing yourself and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self approval. You must stop moaning and blaming other people for the things that they do to you or don't do. And you learn that there is only one thing that you can count on and that is the unexpected.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So you learn to stand on your own and take care of yourself and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self reliance.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties and in the process a sense of peace and contentment are born of forgiveness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You realize that much of the way you view yourself and the world around you, is the result of all the messages and opinions ingrained into your psyche.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">And you begin to sift through all the garbage you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look and how much you should weigh. What you should wear, where to shop and what to drive, how and where you should live and what you should do for a living, who you should sleep with, who you should marry and what to expect&nbsp;in a marriage.</span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You learn to open up to new worlds and different opinions. And you begin re-assessing and re-defining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You learn that in truly giving that you receive. And there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You learn that principals such as honesty and integrity are outdated ideals of a bygone era, but they are the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You learn that you don't know everything; it's not your job to save the world. You distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs are burned at the stake.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Then you learn about love. Romantic love and family love, how to love, how much to love, how much to give in love, when to stop loving and giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful or intelligent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You learn to look at relationships for what they really are, not as what you want them to be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love, (love is a gift not an obligation) on your terms just to make you happy. And you learn that alone doesn't mean lonely.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a perfect size and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing how to stack up. You also stop working so hard at putting feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK and that it's your right to want things and ask for the things that you want and sometimes it is necessary to make demands.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity, and respect and you won't settle for anything less. And you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you, to glorify you with this touch, and in the process you internalize the meaning of self respect. And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time out to rest. And just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels your soul. So take more time out to laugh and play.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You learn that for the most part in your life, you get what you believe you deserve....and much of that life truly is a self fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working towards making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You learn that the only thing to truly fear is the great robber of all time....FEAR itself! You learn that to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. And you learn that to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and sometimes bad things happen. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primate form ....the ego.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You will learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges INSTEAD OF WALLS. You learn to be thankful and to take the comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted. Slowly you begin to take responsibility for yourself, by yourself and to make yourself a promise never to betray yourself and never to sit around and think "I hate myself"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These are the things in which I have come to realize the last week or so while trying to search for that inner peace in which I so richly desire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And when I think I can not achieve it, I see, it's really been right there all along.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am "I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me."<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">~Chrys~</span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />MySpace Comments<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547794">Yeah I see why we are friends ... like you said before!<br />AMEN sister<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a>&nbsp;on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 3:16 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=333512158#" id="addReplyLnk_547794" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=333512158&amp;commentID=547794" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_547794"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547858">You go girl!!! Rock on Irish Princess!!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 4:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=333512158#" id="addReplyLnk_547858" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=333512158&amp;commentID=547858" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_547858"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_548446">Once again chickie...FABULOUS!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 10:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=333512158#" id="addReplyLnk_548446" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=333512158&amp;commentID=548446" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83970703392912372172007-11-29T08:04:00.010-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.370-04:00Left of Center<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 29, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/among_the_darkness_by_my_dark_desir.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes in life the smallest things hit me with no warning. I don't know where it comes from. Some place in left field. Or left of center. Depending on your own outlook and gravitational pull in life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While trying to move forward I find myself at a crossroad of sorts. Not really sure if I should keep on this path or make&nbsp;the left turn. Or was that a right?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, this blog is going to be way outside the box&nbsp;and rather cryptic in&nbsp;nature just because I don't want to throw too much out right now.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or because I am not sure how anyone is going to handle what I have to say.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't need backlash. I only need faith, love and support.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is pretty much a given that I am always going to do what I want to do. I will listen to those around me, take in and absorb what is being said. But in the end, I just have to be me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I am walking this road, and today their was a huge pot hole. I stepped in it. Made a big splash. Huge. Splatter. Like a little kid in those cute lil plastic rain boots walking to school.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, I laughed. Sure I got a little dirty. But I brushed myself off and went on down the road. Faced with that fork. I went left.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wonder, is left the way to go? Will I be forced to walk this path alone? Will others desert me when they know what I am walking towards?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I should turn around and go back. Maybe. Just maybe.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know. I am so bloody confused.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not blind you know. I can see where I am going. I know where I am walking and exactly what I am walking towards.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know what I want. It's just getting there that might be the problem.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am I really ready for this? &nbsp;Should I just take off running like the speed of lighting. Nah. I think a slow and steady pace will suit me just fine.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is going to be a long walk. Very long.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I might get there, and I might not.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All I ask, is no matter what direction I take, keep walking down the left or turn around and take the right; I just ask&nbsp; you walk beside me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_545573">Ditto what I said on 360! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 8:56 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332954439#" id="addReplyLnk_545573" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332954439&amp;commentID=545573" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><label id="NewDiv_545573"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547315"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w51/xoxoiloveyouxoxoxo/ICONATOR_cbe540710ba856c91e4ed10d81.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 1:09 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332954439#" id="addReplyLnk_547315" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332954439&amp;commentID=547315" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_547315"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/113/s_23c1c577101a4357bf4fc2b123e15346.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Myca Jean Long</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_548683">I'll be here honey!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=104635717" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Myca Jean</a>on Saturday, December 01, 2007 - 1:28 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68581411852196233602007-11-28T03:11:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:02:09.969-04:00While Sorting...The conclusion (for now anyway)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 28, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://hotimg5.fotki.com/a/97_84/204_151/1805669044_aa48c35017-vi.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~On Terry~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, while sorting so many things the last few days I realized that their was something missing. Something that I have sort of been holding on to and just leaving in the shadows and out of the limelight. Terry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why haven't I talked about Terry?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well, that's very very easy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">BECAUSE IT HURTS.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There, simple enough answer?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's been a month since I have heard from him. And his birthday was Thanksgiving. So those thoughts don't make anything easier.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think a lot of the feelings I have been having lately have much to do with all the stuff I packed up and hid away about Terry. I have not really put the cards in front of me and dealt with that loss. I think the drama I just went through only poured salt on an old wound that really was never healed to begin with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;And this constant not knowing that plagues my mind is no help either. His darkness surrounds me. There is no question of that. And it's a given its not going to go away any time soon, if ever. But this not knowing whether he alive still, slowly living out his existence in some cold dark stank cell on death row, or whether he has been executed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Have I ever mentioned I HATE NOT KNOWING?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My words will never ever be able to describe what we shared. I care not to share what we had planned. And words can not fathom the idea of how much and how deep the pain is of him being gone from my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I often wonder if I knew then, when we first met, what I know now, or even what I learned a few months ago, if things would have been different.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, maybe so. Maybe not. There is really no way of telling.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But the point is, he was once mine, we were once together, we once had hopes and dreams and now they are dead. All off it dead.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And now, its time that I put all of this behind me before I make myself sick with frustration, hurt and anger.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am going to heal.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I am going to be just fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">MySpace Comments:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_544303">{{{{HUGS}}}} and more {{{{HUGS}}}} what more can I say? The hurt will ease eventually, but it will never go away. I have not deleted him from my list because that seems so final. I barely got to know him, but he seemed like a good guy.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 7:50 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332752842#" id="addReplyLnk_544303" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332752842&amp;commentID=544303" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_544303"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547308">You will heal honey! We all will...but you have to heal to the best of your ability. I kinda understand how hard this is for you.<br /><br />I am glad you wrote this!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 12:59 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332752842#" id="addReplyLnk_547308" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332752842&amp;commentID=547308" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45001782023496539812007-11-27T22:01:00.013-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.373-04:00I Am "PHENOMENAL WOMAN"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, November 27, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/BBW/bbw0401.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/BBW/bbw0401.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>PHENOMENAL WOMAN</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by Maya Angelou</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pretty women wonder where my secret lies<br />I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size<br />But when I start to tell them<br />They think I'm telling lies.<br />I say<br />It's in the reach of my arms<br />The span of my hips<br />The stride of my steps<br />The curl of my lips.<br />I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I walk into a room<br />Just as cool as you please<br />And to a man<br />The fellows stand or<br />Fall down on their knees<br />Then they swarm around me<br />A hive of honey bees.<br />I say<br />It's the fire in my eyes<br />And the flash of my teeth<br />The swing of my waist<br />And the joy in my feet.<br />I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Men themselves have wondered<br />What they see in me<br />They try so much<br />But they can't touch<br />My inner mystery.<br />When I try to show them<br />They say they still can't see.<br />I say<br />It's in the arch of my back<br />The sun of my smile<br />The ride of my breasts<br />The grace of my style.<br />I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now you understand<br />Just why my head's not bowed<br />I don't shout or jump about<br />Or have to talk real loud<br />When you see me passing<br />It ought to make you proud.<br />I say<br />It's in the click of my heels<br />The bend of my hair<br />The palm of my hand<br />The need for my care.<br />'Cause I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally<br />Phenomenal woman<br />That's me.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/BBW/realwomen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/BBW/realwomen.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/BBW/2eee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/BBW/2eee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">I know who I am. Inside and out. I have said it before and I need to say it again, I will never compromise who I am! Ever. It took me a long time to love me just as I am.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am strong. I am beautiful. And I am ME!</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">~C.~</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_543934">I love Maya Angelou and this poem just fits you to a T!! Love ya!! Stay strong, stay positive!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 1:40 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332509233#" id="addReplyLnk_543934" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332509233&amp;commentID=543934" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_543934"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=113569504" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">KRAZ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=113569504" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/71/s_676467b66955169481b4acc944eefc45.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Mike Kraz</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_544447">I would have to agree, you are quite the woman!!! I know things have been rough as of late between us but I do appreciate the kind texts you send... Thank you Kraz.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=113569504" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">KRAZ</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 9:41 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332509233#" id="addReplyLnk_544447" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332509233&amp;commentID=544447" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=113569504" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_544447"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547321"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa253/bi_jewel234/Blinkies-minis/Phenomal.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />I LOVE this!!!! Woot Woot!! And the new pics are fabulous!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 1:12 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332509233#" id="addReplyLnk_547321" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332509233&amp;commentID=547321" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52188557296301147982007-11-26T19:23:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.375-04:00Sorting Some More - Life & Dating<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 26, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w108/LadyRoslynn/GoddessChrys.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Back in the Dating Game</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, everyone keeps telling me – "Chrys, get off your ass and get back out there"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">UGH</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right now, it scares the fuck out of me. Literally.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I DO NOT know what my problem is. If I did, I would have fixed it by now. Seriously folks, have you ever known me to not be in "boy crazy" mode???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, me either. But, it has happened. It could be due to the last boy, or it could be due to everything else that's going on around me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Who knows?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And really, I am not caring.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All I know - I feel myself hiding. Feel myself pushing certain people away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I can not stop myself.<span>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I CAN'T!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to scream and pull out my hair. You just have no idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know that NONE of you liked Mike. From the very beginning. That first missed phone call that first missed hang out. I get it.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span>I HEAR YOU ALL!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But that does not change how I FEEL. I am not a light switch; I can not just turn feelings on and off. And despite what happened and how things ended, I still see the part of him, the part of us that was good. And that's hard to get over. I know you all read the blogs, and you saw it for what it was. But, there is a whole other story, and another side.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span>&nbsp;</span>His.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span>&nbsp;</span>And trust me; I heard it yelled to me for quite some time. So, standing in both shoes and seeing the entire situation, it's just a mess and miscommunication, misunderstanding and shit on both sides. I am not making excuses for mine or his behavior. It is what it is. But it still does not change feelings. It does not change how when that phone rings and I see his name flashing that my brain says not to answer but my heart sinks. I answer. We talk. I can not tell you enough how awkward it is to resort to being just "friends."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I would be a liar if I said I didn't want him back. If I didn't want to try again. That's the fighter in me. But I am not so sure this is a fight that needs to be finished. I just do not know. I know too much, I have seen too much.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>But, at any point, the reality is, getting back together is not likely an option anyway. He made that very clear during our shouting match.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, moving on is what I have been doing. Although it is proving to be a hard task.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's always been so easy in the past. Moving forward.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>As my girl Myca would say "go on, brush your shoulders off and say NEXT."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I AM TRYING!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">DON'T YOU HEAR ME?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How much clearer can I make it?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I am ready to hang out with a guy again, when I am ready to date – I will know it. I have to do this my way. My speed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So for now all I ask is give me my space and give me my time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Living my life for me. Taking care of me. This is what I have to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">MySpace Comments:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_542775">Hmmm...well my bisexual sweetheart...maybe its time to hang out with a girl for awhile...<br />~~~shrugs and winks...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 1:18 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_542775" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000&amp;commentID=542775" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_542775"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_542820">It's kinda of like crowd control girl, you just have to tell everyone to "back off" until the main act comes on stage. Just think about it as if you're the bouncer of your own life, you just have to take control of the situation and wait until "YOU" are ready and nobody else. Simple terms, but effective. LOL, you know what I mean. It's all down to you mami!! Much love and support even through, during and after the dufus days!! LOLOL<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 2:17 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_542820" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000&amp;commentID=542820" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_542820"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_542902">Don't go back out there because "everyone" keeps telling you you should...this mom is saying "wait a little while", because I am like you...I cannot flip a switch and be over it! These things take time. If the whole friendship thing isn't working for you...tell him! Tell him you jumped in with both feet, giving the relationship everything you had to give and it is not fair to ask you to back it down and be just friends. I know you Chrys...you are doing it because you feel it's better to have him in your life in some capacity, than to not have him in it at all. You will heal faster if you boot him out. It's up to you though, dear one, and I will respect any decidion that you make! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 7:46 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_542902" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000&amp;commentID=542902" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_542902"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_543365">As you know sis, it took me over 10 years to get back out there. So I would never in a million years tell anyone to hurry up and jump back in. If anything, I would recommend taking your time!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 7:40 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_543365" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000&amp;commentID=543365" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_543365"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=48249032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">sinn</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=48249032" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/58/s_a63399d36438f2de3ddb90f9cc418170.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_544848">boys aren't going anywhere and we're not in short demand lol. take all the time you think you need. enjoy a'lil drama free living for awhile... for yourself.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=48249032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">sinn</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 1:55 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_544848" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000&amp;commentID=544848" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=48249032" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_544848"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_547297">Well I agree! Once again.....live your life for YOU!<br /><br />It took me 6 years to really get back out there and look at it all....<br /><br />Do what makes you happy chickie!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, November 30, 2007 - 12:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000#" id="addReplyLnk_547297" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332238000&amp;commentID=547297" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81308390069461448802007-11-26T00:16:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.377-04:00Just Sorting&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 26, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just Sorting</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am trying to sort some things out in my head. It is proving to be much more difficult then I had originally anticipated. ~sighs~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As you all know, there has been a lot of stuff going on around me these days. Lots of thoughts running around in my brain. So, this blog is going to mostly be for me. To just start throwing some of this stuff out there and try to make some sense of it. This is nothing personal towards any family or friends, so I hope none of you take it as such.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The big topic as of late has been the move. Whether I will move back to<st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>or not. And, you know what; right now I still really can not answer this. I just do not know. I mean, I left OK for many reasons. For one, I needed to get as far away from Marcus as possible. Not because I feared him, or felt he would come after me and hurt me. But more so because once you spend 10 years with someone, sometimes it's not easy to just up and say goodbye. It was not the first time I had left him. So I was afraid of those weak moments, us crossing paths, and just having to deal with it. So I ran away. I had to. For no one but myself. As for all my friends, I miss you guys so much. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder what you guys are doing. And it hurts. It is hard to not be there for you. I know a few of you are going through some rough patches right now and it has been so hard for me to not be able to put my ass in my car and come over and be with you. But, I left OK cause I needed to take care of ME. For too long I have put the needs of everyone else before myself. I came to MI to clear my head, to sort my life and to once and for all take care of me. I made the choice to start over, because I felt that's what I needed. A fresh start. It was nothing personal to any of you and it was not because of anything you did.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You guys have been my "family" for the last 20 plus years.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Being in OK, I missed out on so many things with my blood family, that when I was wondering where I was gonna go, the choice became clear. A few people offered for me to stay with them when the divorce came out. And I appreciate that. But, I felt it was time to come to MI and be with family. You guys had me for all these years, now it was their turn. I did not want to miss out on any more things. And once grandpa and grandma were lost, that need to come home became even stronger.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I knew their were going to be adjustments. I knew their were going to be road blocks. Moving across country is never easy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, when I think about moving back it makes me feel like I am taking the easy way out. I look at what's been offered to me. A place to stay, a career, a car, my moving expense all take care of, and to be an hour from my friends. It would be very easy for me to pick up the phone and say "OK" lets do this, and I am off and running again. But, then I have to think about what if that did not work? What if I did not like being back in<st1:city><st1:place>Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city>? All the what if's. Then I am back at square one. I stop and take a look and see what I have had to deal with since I have been here. Mostly I have had to play the waiting game because of the divorce, but now that it is final, things are slowly starting to fall in to place and come together. And its like, do I want to run away from all that I have done now? Shouldn't I at least give it a chance? I mean I really not have been here all that long.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That, and now that I am here..its like..No big deal. I don't know.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Of course, I think the recent events with Mike put me in a tailspin. It's like I told him, when him and I were together, I thought OK, I am going to give this relationship and this move a chance. And now, I don't have that relationship.<span>&nbsp;</span>I am now looking at things with a whole new perspective. I am not sure that's for the best. I am still sorting that one. And there is still a lot surrounding that whole situation. And it's hard, because as much as I am open about things in life, this is just one thing I don't want to talk about publicly anymore. There are a few close to me that know what's going on. And that's all that needs to know. Let's just say, it has affected me. I want to run away and hide. So when the offer to move back came into light, I was ALL for it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know, there are a few of you who DON'T want me to move. And trust me I have listened to you, and I understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But this is me. Decisions. Choices. Life. And in the end, I have to do what's best for ME.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think only time is gonna sort this one out. But for right now, I am still here.</div><br />MySpace Comments:<span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_541656"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/Inu-lover/My%20pictures/headempty.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />No great words of advice....you said it all yourself. This has to be for YOU girl!<br /><br />It took me a long time to quit living my life for someone else.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 26, 2007 - 1:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332000980#" id="addReplyLnk_541656" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332000980&amp;commentID=541656" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_541656"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_541694">Your a pretty awesome lil lady, I'm sure you'll do what's best for you. Life is hard and we all have things that we need to do. I know I wish you the best in all your endeavors and everything that you do, and I'm sure there are lots of others better then me who wish the same! I hope you can find peace in your heart and a beautiful smile for your lips. I know that if you keep working as hard as you are to make things right in your life there is no way you can fail at whatever you do!! I guarandamntee it!! lol But we know how retarded I am!!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 26, 2007 - 1:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332000980#" id="addReplyLnk_541694" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332000980&amp;commentID=541694" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_541694"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_541829">Running away is never the answer. I am glad to see that you already know that! (But if you decide to, you could always come to Texas, LOL!)<br />Anyway, I know things will work out for you. You are strong. {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 26, 2007 - 7:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332000980#" id="addReplyLnk_541829" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=332000980&amp;commentID=541829" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49896182009897541072007-11-24T14:32:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.911-04:00RIP Elonna<span style="font-family: &quot;Comic Sans MS&quot;;">First I want to thank Liz, her sister in law for passing this information along to me. ~hugs to you girl~</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Georgia&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Comic Sans MS&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">As most of you already know by now, our dear, sweet, precious Elonna&nbsp;left this world this past Sunday night around <st1:time hour="22" minute="0" w:st="on">10pm</st1:time>. I wanted you all to know that she left peacefully and without any pain. She went to sleep and never woke up, due to a lack of oxygen. <br /><br />We can all take comfort in the fact that she is no longer in pain, which she was suffering greatly from. She is in a much better place, and she is happy, even blissful if you will. She's looking down on us from heaven, and for the first time in her life she is truly happy. All she ever really wanted was to be with her soul mate, my brother&nbsp;Joey. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Comic Sans MS&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">Liz&nbsp;was in her room on Monday going through some of her stuff (basically getting any "dirt" out before her parents saw) and found the journal&nbsp;she had given her in the hospital the day she was diagnosed with cancer, here is a small excerpt about you Joey...<br /><br />"All I want to do is love him and take care of him...never let any of the ugly of the world touch him again...such a strong man is my Joey.....I am determined to give it to him still, if only there is time...only time."<br /><br />Liz&nbsp;thought that was very touching, and wanted to share it with you all.<br /><br />If anybody would like to send flowers you may send them to Griffin Funeral Home, <st1:address w:st="on"><st1:street w:st="on">1610 C St. SE</st1:street>, <st1:city w:st="on">Ardmore</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">OK</st1:state></st1:address>. The funeral services will be on Saturday, September 30 @ <st1:time hour="10" minute="0" w:st="on">10am</st1:time>. She will be laid to rest @ Rose-Hill Cemetery, in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Ardmore</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Oklahoma</st1:state></st1:place>.<br /><br />Rest in Peace my Dear Sista....<br />Elonna Rochelle Utt<br /><st1:date day="3" month="3" w:st="on" year="1977">March 3, 1977</st1:date> ~ <st1:date day="23" month="9" w:st="on" year="2007">September 23, 2007</st1:date></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29038388477865558212007-11-22T11:22:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.379-04:00Turkeys and Snow - OH MY!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 22, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Good morning everyone, I hope your day is starting off well!<br /><br />Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and offer many blessings to you and yours.<br /><br />Blessed be.<br /><br />We have snow today. Yes! SNOW! Can you believe that?? Well, ok those of you living up here, can. But those of you back home, you know how long its been since we have seen a white turkey day.<br /><br />Anyway, enjoy the day. Be thankful for all the things you do have in life. Cherish that. And try not to dwell too much on the things you do not have.<br /><br />I am off and running. People to see, places to go, snow to play in, food to eat, Guinness to drink, hmmm maybe I will get some pictures! LOL&nbsp; Its fun and maddness today !!<br /><br />Be safe. See you all soon.<br />xoxo<br />CChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10846391610511860802007-11-21T15:02:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.382-04:00Turkey, Bedlam, and more... Lets play catch up<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 21, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Ok first thing on the agenda..<br /><br />High Speed Internet!! Ok for those of you following along, you know since moving here to mid of nowhere, I have been living in the land of the dead dial up. Well, Monday that will all change, as oh'dude from the cable co will be arriving to set up the high speed.<br /><br />Oh you all know what that means.....(Shannon...get that pando ready LOL)<br /><br />Arrrrrr...mateys... LOLOL<br /><br />That also means work and school are about to take off like a rocket and I am going to be a busy little bee. And I welcome that with open arms.<br /><br />Already been busy..hello appraisels... ~winks~<br /><br />Ok, next matter...<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving to YOU ALL! Count your blessings and blessed be!<br /><br />What else....darn it I know I had something else..<br />.<br />Oh yes, thank you for those who asked and sent well wishes, I am feeling a little better.<br /><br />OH! BEDLAM!! How can I forget!!!<br /><br />Yes, so bedlam has approached. OSU/OU and this will be the first bedlam I have missed in 20ish years. So, let me just say, even tho I now live in Green and Blue territory... I still bleed ORANGE!! Oh yes, I SAID ORANGE. I did go to school at OSU and live in da'waters for over 10 years. That certrify's me. Did I mention I did some time on the OSU spirit squad in college?? GO POKES!! Ok ok, for all you die hard bleeding red Sooner fans, I did my time at OU as well...but my heart is just in orange...sorry folks....Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20131714200316658932007-11-21T10:13:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.384-04:00Twisted<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 21, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Twisted</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am so twisted on the inside. And not in a comical way either. There is so much going on inside of me. Mentally and physically that I just want to crawl up into a big ball and just croak. Just let this world pass me on by. I'm feeling ill again these days. My guts are all in knots. I can't eat. My head hurts. I am either freezing or having hot flashes. And food is my worst enemy. Sure we all want to lose a few pounds, but this is NOT the way I like to do it. I have no energy, the treadmill wars have been far and few between. I called my internal specialist back in OK with the hopes of her being able to refer me to someone up here. But I have not heard back from her. If I did not know any better, I would think their was some underlying reason with the ex as to why none of my old healthcare people want to refer me to anyone up here. Seeing as how it was his insurance card I was a proud carrier of. LOL. Yeah yeah, the world is out to get my syndrome. Whatever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It could be stress related. The recent dramatic effects could very well have brought on this onslaught of icky feelings. But I know that even if this were the case, this is only part of the problem. I have in the past made well aware of my internal illness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It could just be an adjustment to the weather. A come on of a cold. Who knows. No telling at this point. All I know is yesterday and today I was feeling pretty horrible.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And if I hear one more pregnancy joke, I swear I am going to rip out every strand of hair on my head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, not really, I rather much like my hair. But, seriously, NOT FUNNY PEOPLE!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Normally I would just laugh it off with&nbsp;some smart ass comment. But given the recent drama that unfolded with a certain someone around here just a few days ago, this time, its just NOT FUNNY.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO I AM NOT! END OF STORY!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As for being mentally twisted. Well, we all knew that already. HA!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok ok, kidding aside. Their really is a lot, and I do mean A LOT going on around me right now.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am twisted on my feelings, my thoughts and emotions. I keep thinking, if I just close my eyes one more time, it will all go away and settle. But that's not happening.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I keep hearing this familiar voice and it just ignites everything all over again. Letting go has usually been easy for me. Walking away, no problems their either. When it's me making the choice to do so.&nbsp;Losing a battle well was never an option for me. I am a fighter. I do not give up so easily on anything. So, it would seem that this would be no different. Even though I should, and I know better. I know there are just some battles that are better left alone. I know this. But I can not make myself leave well enough alone. I suppose I am glutton for punishment. I do like pain after all. But emotional pain, I don't like. And because of all that, I feel myself crawling back into my shell.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Being born in July, I am a true cancer crab all around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But I am not really sure when or if I want to come out right now. I feel like an outsider looking. I am numb. I literally am feeling nothing. &nbsp;&nbsp;I am slowly feeling out all the situations presenting themselves around me.&nbsp;Just the slightest touch. The smallest word. Not really putting a lot of myself out there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;Wondering what to do next. What direction to turn in. One direction I wonder should I be closing in on?&nbsp;Not that it matters cause I feel myself treading further away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Another direction I am slowly walking towards with such fright and terror that I wonder shall I just run away. Would that be easier?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been thinking and looking back in life on so many things these last few days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Life truly has me twisted up inside, in more ways then one.</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_535227">Sis, there is something in the air, as far as cosmically speaking goes. You might want to do a clearing, or have someone else do it, of your aura and energy field. I am actually having this done on Friday, because I am experiencing one mishap/negative BS after another. Just a thought...{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 12:23 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24183936568136022672007-11-21T01:01:00.000-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.913-04:00This One is About Elonna....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 21, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;">*grabs a box of tissues*</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Words will never describe how much I miss my "sistagurl" especially now that the holidays are here.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I was rather surprised to see a message from Liz, her sister in law. I am glad her and I are still in touch. But, what I read sure made me reach for the tissues.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I wanted to share it will you guys, since so many of you were friends with Elonna as well.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><em><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">****The saddest thing happened this past sunday. Lonna came back for her kitty Mia. After Lonna passed, Mia was sooooo sad, constantly walking around meowling for her. Mia stopped eating about a week ago. Mom started feeding her baby food, and she was eating that a lil bit. On Sunday, 7 weeks to the day that lonna passed, mom fed mia some babyfood, petted her till she purred, as mom was leaving lonnas room, mia let out a long sad meow. When she returned about an hour later, Mia was curled up on a pile of Lonna's clothes, dead. Very sad stuff....*******</span></b></em><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">I have no words of wisdom, nothing profound to write here.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">*starts passing around the box of tissues*</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_535249">She wanted her Mama......bless them both.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 1:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330686655#" id="addReplyLnk_535249" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330686655&amp;commentID=535249" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_535249"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_535269">~hugs~ Chrys.. no words really.. I just want to get drunk.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 - 1:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330686655#" id="addReplyLnk_535269" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330686655&amp;commentID=535269" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_535269"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_536161">*sighs*<br />Wow.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Thursday, November 22, 2007 - 12:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330686655#" id="addReplyLnk_536161" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330686655&amp;commentID=536161" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75491715736099268232007-11-19T16:14:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.387-04:00For ALL of you ~ I have Something To Say<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Monday, November 19, 2007&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"></span>~stand up on pedestal~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*clears throat*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let me explain something to you all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What happened with me and Mike had nothing, I repeat NOTHING to do with ANYTHING any of you replied to on those blogs. (That means you too&nbsp;sapph, love u sis)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I made the choice to put our personal stuff out there. That was all me. I was mad, I was angry, I needed to vent. Irish temper got the best of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Maybe it was not the best choice I have ever made, but it's in the past and I can not take it back. And for that I have apologized to him. Some people are just much more private then others. I should have respected that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span>&nbsp;</span>He didn't read it, nor did he even see the comments. But someone he knew did, and told him all about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I am going to leave everything else alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I removed the blogs for MYSELF. NOT him, not anyone else. I no longer wanted that reminder of all the drama that surrounded it. I just want to hold on to the good memories and let the rest die.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm moving along. I AM going to be just fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~gets down off pedestal~</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_534121">~Stands up and cheers as you step off the pedestal!!~ You go girl!<br /><br />You do what is best for you...We ALL stand with you thru the good and bad!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 11:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330193441#" id="addReplyLnk_534121" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330193441&amp;commentID=534121" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_534121"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_534170">I knew you were going to do the right thing and I am proud of ya my Hot ass Irish buddy! ;) I hope ya enjoy yourself when ya go back to the dating pool! Take care and sending ya my Irish Luv! xoxoxoxoxo ♣<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p88/irishdog36/Cloversheart.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 12:51 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330193441#" id="addReplyLnk_534170" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330193441&amp;commentID=534170" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_534170"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_534313">Of course you will be alright...you are IRISH! LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 7:50 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330193441#" id="addReplyLnk_534313" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330193441&amp;commentID=534313" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_534313"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_534402">{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}} sis, glad you are dusting off and moving forward!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 11:16 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330193441#" id="addReplyLnk_534402" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=330193441&amp;commentID=534402" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79659785775284941822007-11-18T17:50:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.389-04:00Why I Liked Him ~sighs~ And Why I Miss Him<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, November 18, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />So, I am getting dressed this morning, when a familiar t-shirt falls to the floor. A t-shirt only a matter of days ago I had pushed into the back of the closet. Not thinking I really ever wanted to see it again. But, there it was, unfolded on the floor. I picked it up, and as soon as my fingers grasped around the black material, every single memory came flooding back. It made my head spin and I had to sit down on the floor at catch my breath.<br /><br />How can something so simple as a t-shirt bring back so much?<br /><br />I suppose only I can answer that, and I am not going to do it here.<br />I put too much out there already. I know, I have always been open about things in life. So my family and friends always know what was going on. But maybe this time, this time was too much. I am sorry. This is me saying I am sorry for throwing personal business out there that involved another person who is more private then I.<br /><br />In my own defense, I was hurting. And I was angry. Upset. Not sure what to think. And I just was wanting family and friends to read it and give me their 2 cents.<br /><br />Lets say, I got a lot more then 2 cents.<br /><br />I thought a few days ago, when all the drama unfolded, I had pretty much made the choice I was moving on. That I was going to move away from those thoughts and memories and continue on in life as I always have. That I was just going to walk away and let go.<br /><br />I am strong. Right? I know this.<br /><br />Every relationship I have ever been in, I was always in control of myself, my feelings and emotions. I have always had the strong hand. Strong willed, strong minded. In control of me.&nbsp;And I was always the one walking away in the end.<br /><br />I don't know what happened. Maybe I do and I don't want to think about it. But, I let go of myself this time. And this time, it hasn't been so easy to walk away.<span>&nbsp;</span>To let it go. Hasn't been so easy to push those moments, those thoughts and feelings aside.<span>&nbsp;</span>And believe me I have tried.<br /><br />It's not the moving on back into the dating pool that's hard, already been asked out by a few fellows. It's the moving on inside my head. And I really don't know what to do.<br /><br />Maybe this time, I am not so strong. This time, I fell and I became weak.<span>&nbsp;</span>And even though I was in the process of moving forward, I guess their was still that part of me holding on to that last bit of string, hanging for dear life, thinking we could fix things.<br /><br />Doesn't matter. Let's just say I got the closure I had been asking for the last few days. The answers that I wanted from him. And with that, even though this is "my" space and my little corner of the blogosphere to say and do as I please, I am now revoking my right to my freedom of speech and not going to discuss this personal matter about him anymore.<br /><br />I know, after everything you are ALL thinking, Chrys, why on earth would you even want to try to work things out. And I have no answer for you. Well, I do, but truth is, I don't want to answer that. Instead, I am just going to repost the blog I wrote, entitled "Why I Like Him" and you can draw your own ideas from that.<br /><br />This one got to me, this one got under my skin. And this one has eaten me alive, chewed me up, and spit me out. But the fact remains, I still miss him.<br /><br />And for now, I will hold on to that familiar t-shirt that holds so many memories.<br /><br />************************************************************************<br />(this part was written the begining of Nov.)<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Why I Like You<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, as Mike and I were having those all inclusive lets be serious and talk "talks" one of the questions he asked me was "Why do you like me?"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ok, first, let's talk about him putting me on the SPOT like that. LOL. If ever their was a day I wanted to hide my face from someone, it was that moment. I am sure my facial expression was a force to be reckoned with, but seriously. How do you answer something like that? I mean, you know how you feel, but how to explain it. How to convey that message in words without sounding like a total sap. Or a retard, whichever. LOL</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I think I just rattled off something about our chemistry, how that's hard to come by, and how he makes me laugh. The butterflies that flutter in my stomach when he's around. Sure that's the truth, but that's not all of it. So, allow me to officially break it down, and tell the world just how this man makes me feel.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, this one is for you Mike… if you ever decide to read my blog, this one should be it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Since the day we first started talking we had this rapport that was a force not to be messed with. Both being a couple of smart asses, it was easy to get into the groove and find common ground to communicate on. Then came the laughter. And not just a few HA HA your are funny fake giggles, but I am talking down on the floor laughing until I can't breath laughter.<span>&nbsp;</span>And it has been like that since the first day we talked, and then once we met in person, that chemistry became ever stronger.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The two of us just have this certain vibe. We are so comfortable around each other, it's like we have known each other forever. We can say and do pretty much anything, and it's ok.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We sometimes seem to understand each other without really even having to say a word.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Every time I think about you, I smile. Every time I see you I want that initial hug and kiss to last forever. The butterflies start to flutter and I feel like a school girl with her first crush again. I had forgotten what that feeling was like.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I can be a big dork and laugh at myself and you just laugh right along with me. You don't judge, nor have you tried to change me. You have been perfectly accepting of me and all my quirks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">See even now, trying to get all this out there, I get all flustered and tongue twisted and just don't know what direction to go in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So, per usual, its Lyrical Intervention time….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With You- Jessica Simpson</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The real me is a Southern girl<br />With her Levi's on and an open heart<br />Wish I could save the world<br />Like I was Supergirl<br />The real me used to laugh all night<br />Lying in the grass, just talking 'bout love<br />But lately I've been jaded<br />Life got so complicated</span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I start thinking about it<br />Almost forgot what it was like<br />To know when it feels right</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />But with you<br />I can let my hair down<br />I can say anything crazy<br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground<br />With nothing but a T-shirt on<br />I never felt so beautiful<br />Baby, as I do now<br />Now that I'm with you</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />With you<br />With you<br />With you<br />Now that I'm with you</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />You speak and it's like a song<br />And just like that, all my walls come down<br />It's like a private joke<br />Just meant for us to know<br />I relate to you naturally<br />Everybody else just fades away<br />Sometimes it's hard to breathe<br />Just knowing you found me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />'Cause I start thinking about it<br />I almost forgot what it was like<br />To know when love feels right</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />'Cause with you<br />I can let my hair down<br />I can say anything crazy<br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground<br />With nothing but a T-shirt on<br />I never felt so beautiful<br />Baby, as I do now<br />Now that I'm with you</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />With you<br />With you<br />With you</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />Come and take me<br />Love you, save me<br />Like nobody else<br />Now I can be myself with you</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I can let my hair down<br />I can say anything crazy<br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground<br />With nothing but a T-shirt on<br />I never felt so beautiful<br />Baby, as I do now<br />Now that I'm with you</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />I can let my hair down<br />I can say anything crazy<br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground<br />With nothing but a T-shirt on<br />I never felt so beautiful<br />Baby, as I do now<br />Now that I'm with you</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 3pt; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">( this part was finished up about the 11th or 12th)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Ok, so I started to write that a few weeks ago when the question first came about. But, then, for whatever reason we brought it up again. And so it was discussed on both parts, why I like him, why he likes me</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">It's not so easy trying to verbally convey those types of feelings, as I am sure now he knows how I felt when he first brought the question to me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">But, as I sat there, telling him how I felt, I realized, that I was able to get a lot of it out. A lot of what I wrote here, in the beginning of this blog, I was able to tell him. And that made me think about that comfort level. I am so comfortable with him. And I think, I hope, he has realized that. Because this is something where my actions have spoken louder then my words.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">It's the way he looks at me when we first meet up for the day. How his face just lights up, his eyes, they shine. Those are feelings you can not hide from someone. Seeing that makes my smile that much bigger. He really is a ray of Sunshine when he looks that way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">When we are out to eat, it's the way he reaches his hands out across the table to hold mine. How he looks at me when I am talking. Or, not saying a word at all. His cute lil wink he does.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">How no matter where we can be, or what we are doing, we can make fun out of it. Or fun of it whatever is the case. Something so simple can turn into the biggest joke for us.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">It's how he takes the time to greet my fur babies Cain and Casey every time he is around. I know that may seam trivial to many, but to me, it's a big deal. Those are my kids. And it's a big deal for me to have someone in my life that is an animal person and doesn't treat them like some sort of beast they just have to deal with because I wanted them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Insert all the XXX stuff here that I am not sharing….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The fact that he doesn't sit around in front of the TV watching every sports known to man. I don't mind seeing things live, but ugh..the TV. NOOOO! And I know A LOT of you that know me and my twisted love for fighting, might think I am just with him cause he's a fighter. NOOOOOO!! That just means I have someone to share my sick and twisted love for bloody painful sports. LOL.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">In time I think he will learn little things mean a lot to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">We had the talk about the dad and the father. That's always an ordeal. Its hard to determine when the right time to talk about it is. And you never know how that person is going to take it. Of course there is always that, "should I ever bother telling this person?" that always runs around in my brain.<span>&nbsp;</span>I haven't had issues with what happened to me in a long time. But this is a new relationship, and when I post bulletins about how fucked up the dad(s) are, I guess it might raise some eyebrows. Or how my dad lives a few miles up the road and I never see or talk about him. Or how my father lives a town over and yet I never discuss it either. So maybe, it was just the right time, the right moment to tell him what the story was. And out it came. I thought it was going to be hard. But it was so easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">That comfort level.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">And blurt it all out I did. And he didn't push me away or look at me like I was some sort of damaged goods.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Instead, he listened and then he asked questions. Yes, you heard me right, he asked questions.<span>&nbsp;</span>NO ONE has ever taken the time to ask questions. Most people just look at you with this blank look. Like they are not sure what they should say aside from, they are sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">So, that was kind of a big deal for me. It meant a lot that he took the time to try and understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Big brownie points there!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">My situation, its not ideal. Just getting over a divorce. And really was going through it when we first started to date. And that did not scare him off. As you all know, I left everything behind in the divorce, and I am literally starting life over from the ground up. He has been my own little cheering section. When we talk, he takes the time to listen to what I have accomplished (or not) and always offers encouragement and understanding. He understands the living situation. He's accepted the car situation. And well, just my life in general. It's understood this is not how things are always going to be for me.<span>&nbsp;</span>And it means a lot that he has been so understanding about it all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">I've dated a few that haven't been. It's like I have the plague or something.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">The best thing really, he accepts me – for me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">There really is so much more. And I could go on and on. But the truth is, I have been working on this blog for far too long. And I think tonight is as good as night as any for him to see, just what he means to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Have a good night everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">XOXOX<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">~Chrys~<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>***************************************************<br />And in closing....not really sure what to say now....<br />But those memories are strong....no matter how bad the drama got.</span><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_533165">You always were a fighter Chrystal...why stop now right? I wish you the best...<br />~~hugs...<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 10:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329824425#" id="addReplyLnk_533165" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329824425&amp;commentID=533165" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_533165"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_533168">Get back up, be strong, do the right thing and the very best for ~Irish Chik~! Love ya hun! ♣<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, November 18, 2007 - 10:45 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329824425#" id="addReplyLnk_533168" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329824425&amp;commentID=533168" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_533168"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_533232">Ok...TRUST me.....I know how this feels.....I had one like this that got to me.<br /><br />Pick yourself up, dust yourself off......and live life. It will go on...don't let it pass you by.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 12:13 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329824425#" id="addReplyLnk_533232" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329824425&amp;commentID=533232" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_533232"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_533466">Sorry if my comments were part of the problem, sis. I guess I am still bitter about how my ex-hex treated me; too many simpatico feeling were stirred up by your situation!<br />However, whatever may happen, know that I always got your back, and support you whatever you decide in life. {{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Monday, November 19, 2007 - 11:17 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65019111768741797982007-11-17T16:02:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.392-04:00Poetry In Motion: Bleeding Hearts&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 14, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/bdb1ea3a197c.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/bdb1ea3a197c.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Here I sit</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For all the world to see</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am opening myself up</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Once again….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Crushed</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wounded</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Heart broken</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Bleeding profusely</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These tears they fall</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Red crimson tears.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Drip</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Drop</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Drip</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Drip</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Drop</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Will they ever stop?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You did this!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You did this to me!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You didn't have to do it, but you did.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why?<br />What was the point?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">LIAR!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was not needed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I did not deserve it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I gave you a way out, and yet you went on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Thanks for pushing me....</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've fallen</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Back into that hole</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not wanting to face the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Once again to be</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">"Little Girl Lost"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">© C.M. 11/14/07<br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_528903">Lost only as long as you want to be, everyone else is still here waiting to soften the fall. Don't let the light fall on a blackened heart, there is still good out there.....somewhere....if you know where to look.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 4:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938#" id="addReplyLnk_528903" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938&amp;commentID=528903" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_528903"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_529102">AWWWW, STUPID BOYS! {{{{HUGS}}}} I hate when these things happen to one of my kids! Mostly because i can't do anything to "fix" it! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 7:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938#" id="addReplyLnk_529102" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938&amp;commentID=529102" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_529102"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_529125">I think you should change the title to "Ode To A Sociopath" because that is what he is! No feelings, no conscience oh and let's not forget compulsive liar. It's sad, truly sad that another human being has to be so hurtful for no reason. Amazing!! Blaaaahhhhh!!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 8:08 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938#" id="addReplyLnk_529125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938&amp;commentID=529125" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_529125"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_529328"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Friends/00000sdfghjderfgh3456.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br />Ugghhh...What a loser Chrys....not worth it....but I've got your back!!!<br /><br />I have the truck with big tires &amp; reverse works well! hehehe<br /><br />Keep it strong!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 11:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938#" id="addReplyLnk_529328" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938&amp;commentID=529328" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_529328"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/55/s_95876e1e56c177d4386c78d3d6bb4c1f.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_529436">*Hugs* sorry to see your sadness, I agree with the rest of them. Keep your chin up it's light at the end of well, lets just have faith :*)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 1:26 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938#" id="addReplyLnk_529436" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328590938&amp;commentID=529436" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54476186631986891322007-11-17T12:48:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.394-04:00Whats Up With Chrys?? - Mid November Edition- SUCESS!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, November 17, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_329436209" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a SUCCESS</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am BEAUTIFUL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am SMART</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am TALENTED</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am MOTIVATED</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am STRONG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am a SURVIVOR</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will HAVE A GREAT LIFE</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will BE SOMEBODY</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I WILL MAKE AT LEAST ONE PERSON SMILE DAILY</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OK, so I am highly motivated once again. My road trip did me a lot of good in so many ways. I tend to bounce back pretty quickly; this one took me a little longer then usual. I just needed to refocus my attention on what I DO have and not think about what I NO LONGER have. Sweep it all under the rug with all my other dealings in life, step on it, squash it like a bug, and just move on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, yesterday I took a little road trip. My mom and I met up with my Aunt. The aunt that does the Real Estate Appraisals and Mortgages. The same aunt that was pushing me along for me to get my license and such. At any rate, we took a road trip across the state to go see her son/my cuz and his family. On the way their, we talked about many things. Included what happened with Mike. Of course my aunt, right off the bat, "Oh he's a fighter…one of those….uh, groupies, I am sure you are better off anyway."&nbsp;It sort of made me laugh, but then at the same time I remember joking with him about the groupies and the answer he gave me back, which was pretty funny. But, whatever. That's neither here nor there. We spent some time talking about the divorce. Why I left so much behind, why did I not get anything. I guess she just wanted to understand. And to be honest, there are still pieces that I don't even understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have to say, I have always looked up to this aunt. When I was little and lived here in MI, she lived right across the street with my cousins Scott (redneck hippie on my friends list, which you cant see right now LOL) and Tim. They were more like brothers to me then cousins. Still are. And she was always like my 2<sup>nd</sup>mom. I always looked up to her. She divorced my uncle 17 years ago, and I have seen her ups and downs in life. I see her today, and I am so proud of her. Proud of what she has accomplished. And now, she wants to pass that knowledge on to me. She wants me to be a success. She wants me to follow in her footsteps.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Some of my family is rather protective of me because of what has happened to me in life with the dad(s) ordeal. And she is one of them. I see it as she just wants me to be my best and not let anything in life get me down. Wanting to prove to myself just how strong I really am.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">She has wanted to talk to me about these things. She told me that in an email. But she doesn't want to talk about it in front of my mom. I do not know if we will have any alone time to talk about things while she is here. She lives here in MI, but for most of the winter she lives in FL and works down there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, back to my point. We talked a lot about the whole real estate ordeal. Appraisals and mortgages. She is putting her resume in with a company that she had told me to contact last week. She is hoping to get in there. I guess she has an appointment there Monday or Tuesday. She wants to bring me in as well, and get me taught how to do them. With my financial background, this should not be a problem. I told her the girl I talked to sent my resume to the big boss, I had not heard back from them, but it has only been a day or two. So I guess right now, I just wait and see. She mentioned moving me out of here (countryville) and over there because there is just a lot more going on in that city. Oh I am sure. I live in the middle of nowhere. Then we talked more about the appraisals and she told me what I really needed to be doing as far as finding a company to get my hours with. Well I have 2 companies that I have already contacted me and I told her the ordeal with that. And she was like OH I GOT LEADS!!! So, I will be calling them Monday and saying, OH YES, I can get plenty of leads if you just allow me to earn my hours under your business name. WOOHOO.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Mover, shaker, motivated money maker!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We stopped for lunch, just the 3 of us. At the beginning of our trip. And when my mom got up to get to the salad bar, my aunt was like, I know you want to get out of that house, I know you are not happy living with your mom,&nbsp;I know you want to get out there and do things, you are too much like me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">DUH!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is it that obvious?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just worry about my mom. She had to go through so much, watching both her parents die. And she gave up her life to come here and be their caretaker. I worry she has her own demons in life that she will never go seek help for. And it's like, if I am not here, who will watch over her and make sure she is ok, and doesn't fall into that darkness that I know only so well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There is more, but the general idea is, good things are coming. And I am excited about that. My aunt is not going back to FL until Dec. 1. So I think some things are going to fall into my lap very soon.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We got to my cousins house, him and his wife Chrissy, their two daughters Chloe 7, and Casey 5. We had a great time talking, all us girls until Scott got off work. Then we all loaded up and went to<st1:city><st1:place>Logan</st1:place></st1:city>'s Steakhouse.&nbsp;This place is pretty interesting. There are barrels of peanuts all over. And then buckets on all the ledges and tables. You eat the peanuts and all the shells get thrown on the floor. OMG it was such a mess, but it was so funny to see and watch.&nbsp;Dinner was great. Hanging with my cousin is always fun. We tend to think we are still kids sometimes. Throwing peanuts across the table and each other and stuff. Classic.&nbsp;Hanging with the girls was a blast. Had a couple of Guinness while I gagged watching Scott chug down Killian Irish Red. *puke*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And it was so cute, when we said our good byes little Casey comes over and she's like "um um Chrystal….um you are my favorite so far" Everyone was like awwww…. It was so cute.&nbsp;I told the girls; when I come back, we will pick on Daddy a whole bunch more.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So my mom and I left pretty late. My aunt's truck was at Scotts and so she was just going to stay with them a few days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">On the way home, mom and I talked about the<st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>venture.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I few of you caught the survey results the other day about the sugar daddy and<st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>ordeal. Pretty funny. But I guess I should explain some things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have known Steve forever. (Not to be confused with Steven that Joey and I know) I mean, we have known each other since middle school. We did not go to the same schools until college. We had friends who knew each other. We would always see each other around. Never really talked. Went to all the same places. Growing up, we just always bumped into each other, on way or another. And this went on until he graduated from college. I did not hear from him for a long time. And then, the powers that be crossed our paths about 4 years ago. And we have not let each other go since. Their have been a few times I have talked about Steve. Not really mentioning his name. Just saying my friend or whatever. On my old myspace that got hacked, I had writing a poetic peace when he had told me about his cancer. Anyway, their has always been some attraction there. Always. But it just never happened. He was with someone. I was. Then he got married. Then I did. He got divorced, and I was still married. He got a girlfriend, and another and another. LOL. Then I got divorced and moved. Sooooo…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You know how those kinds of stories go. He's my best friend. And I love him dearly. He has been trying to get me to come work for him for a few years now. I just never wanted to take the hour plus drive from<st1:city><st1:place>Stillwater</st1:place></st1:city>to<st1:city><st1:place>Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city>. Right out of college he got a job with<st1:place>Southwestern Bell</st1:place>, which eventually became ATT and bought out everything. He became a huge success CEO member of the company. He traveled all over the world sealing deals getting people to sell out to ATT. Anyway, on the side, he started his own business. And he literally started it from the ground up. And it's a huge success. He was closing his books out the other day, over a million gross, he pockets $600,000 personally. He is getting ready to open in OKC and waiting on his license to franchise.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, it's a big opportunity for me to be brought in to this company. Would have been nice if I would have been told about this BEFORE I moved. But that was partially my fault. I did not call him and tell him what was going on.&nbsp;Really, everything happened so fast, I just didn't have time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, yeah, I have been offered anything and everything I could ever want in life. Job, car, house, money. Movers to get me moved. And a chance to be back with my friends. Who really has been my family for the last 20ish year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My mother says, I have to do what is going to make me happy and not worry what everyone else is going to think. Oh that's helpful. And she added, but I am not helping you move again. LOL. Can't say I blame her on that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So right now, I am sitting on this fence. Wondering what direction do I go in?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Here, there…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh and those of you wondering about my job that I had accepted…just going through the certification process right now.&nbsp;And since the phone and cable are in the grandparents name, I have to go down to the courthouse and get certified copies of the death certificates, then go and have it switched to my name before they will install the phone line I need, and the cable internet. MESSY!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I did get all my stuff taken care of for school, so it will be back to college for me ASAP!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_531961">WOW...I do have to agree...do what is gonna make you the happiest. You have to live your life for yourself and your future.<br /><br />A lot to think about...but I know you will make the right decision...we live and learn...that is what it is all about!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 2:29 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329436209#" id="addReplyLnk_531961" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329436209&amp;commentID=531961" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_531961"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_532049">well... I still say COME BACK!!!!!<br />I know how times like now can be rough. Leaving is never easy and to be honest I've been here 6 years and it's still not easy. All my friends are back in Kansas, except you and damn it I was gonna claim Laura , but that girl has even more issues then before!!! LMAO. Still love her to death though. Well you know I'm here for you either way you choose, but I sure wish you were here, cause I need someone to hang out with! Best of luck! MISS YA!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 4:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329436209#" id="addReplyLnk_532049" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=329436209&amp;commentID=532049" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_532049"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_532143">I am so glad to hear the smile back in your blog! And I also agree..do what is going to make you the happiest. If you want o t do the appraisals and mortgages, tehn stay where you are adn do that. If you want to go back to OK...then do that! If you go in to the real estate part, we may cross paths business wise...the company I work for makes property management software! I wish you luck with which ever you choose!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, November 17, 2007 - 5:58 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48105886721109934272007-11-15T15:08:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.397-04:00TAG! You're It!! Or is that I’m it???<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 15, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Ok, so my best friend Shannon tagged me...and I promised her I would play along. It has been a long time since I have played a game of tag. And sitting here, trying to remember the last time, Lonnie was still alive, Sean was hanging around and Joey was not MIA , and Elonna was still alive. ~sighs~ But, I am not going to dwell on that right now.<br />Lets play a game of tag.<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><strong>TAG Here's how you play. Once you've been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird, random things, facts, or habits about yourself. At the end, you choose 10 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them to be tagged. Don't forget to leave them a comment "You're It!" and to read your blog. You can't tag the person who tagged you. Since you can't tag me back, let me know when you've posted your bulletin so I can see your answers.....</strong></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">1. Sometimes, I fold my dirty clothes before I put them in the basket.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">2. I love Myspace, its like crack to me. My real life friends and family. Much cheaper then a phone bill! And I get to meet people I would not have had chance to in real life. Its wonderful.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">3. I love Myspace as a writing tool. I love to write. I want to be a writer. And I like to share my work.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">4.&nbsp;I am a lipgloss/lipstick junkie. I have 2 sitting on my desk right now. And their are 5, YES FIVE in my purse that I carry with me every place I go. And another 6 or 7 in my make up bag.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">5. I have a new addiction to Blue Cheese. I don't know why or where it came from, but I just do.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">6.&nbsp;I have about 50 pairs of sunglasses. Every time I go shopping I buy a new pair. Its so bad, I don't even know where they all are. Some are still packed in boxes. The ones I have found are all lined up in a neat little row on my dresser. Along with my regular glasses that I am suppose to wear, and don't.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">7.&nbsp;I tend to get a little OCD about organization and order. Everything has its spot, its place, and it needs to go right back where it came from. Move it, put it back. And I can not sleep until everything is neatly put away and organized.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">8.&nbsp;Music. I am addicted to music. So many of you see my blogs you see my little lyrical spin I put into certain blogs. It all goes back to the writing. Music has some great writing out there. And I listen to all types of music. I'm really a rocker girl at heart, but their really is some great lyrical music out there. My itunes/ipod is filled with over 5000 songs, and it ranges from A-Z, literally.&nbsp; I have to listen to music no matter what I am doing. Its just a rule of life.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">9.&nbsp;This goes with 8. I can't sing, and I know this. I tried. I had a vocal coach train me back in college. That was not fun. But, I do it anyway. Out of tune, out of pitch, sometimes in. But I don't care. It makes me smile. Otherwise, you can catch me humming the tune as well. I'm just a dork like that.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">10. I&nbsp;don't like having to make my big ass bed every morning. So, I keep it all nice and pretty, but sleeping on top of the covers and just using the warm blanket I keep folded and tucked away under my bed. I wake up, fluff the pillows, fold the blanket, put it away, and POOF! Magically the bed looks freshly made.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />BONUS - I think people are funny. I love to just sit back, hang out, and watch people.<br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I am tagging ~</span><br />1. Daisybug - cause when someone has 2 profiles, you can still tag the other! C'mon shannon, you can do it twice!<br />2. Cathy - aka my internet momma....<br />3. Jeran - my newest friend and partner in crime<br />4. Julie - cause I could really use a laugh from her right now<br />5. Shannon - the princess fairy ;)<br />6. Rob - just cause I want to know!<br />7. Patrice - cause I know girl you got some funny things that will make me laugh :)<br />8. Kevin - come on my survey partner in crime, play along<br />9. Stacey - my other best bud back in okie..play along...i miss ya<br />10. I'll leave this one open, to anyone who wants to have a laugh and play along.<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_530251">Miss you too!!! Ok there you go , I did it. Be proud of me. Took me forever but its just for YOU!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 9:25 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328893690#" id="addReplyLnk_530251" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328893690&amp;commentID=530251" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_530251"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_530421">I'llcatch you tomorrow on this...too tired tonight! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, November 15, 2007 - 11:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328893690#" id="addReplyLnk_530421" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328893690&amp;commentID=530421" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_530421"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_530470">Awww hell! I have never been blog tagged before!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Friday, November 16, 2007 - 12:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328893690#" id="addReplyLnk_530470" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=328893690&amp;commentID=530470" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11731151617359530012007-11-15T14:36:00.009-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.916-04:00I’m Fighting My Insides – Gut Muck<div class="MsoNormal">I’m Fighting My Insides – Gut Muck</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My insides are bleeding. &nbsp;I am trying to push everything back inside. But, I am fighting this one and I don’t really understand why. Why would my mind even tell me it wants to “fix” things? Why do I always feel the need to fix what is broken. Why do I always have to be such a fighter? Knowing what I know, why would I even follow this path? Think these thoughts? I adored him, doesn’t he know that? Why treat someone this why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Losing Lonnie, I mourned his death. I cried. I asked WHY? Over and over again. I blamed myself. When Sean stopped hanging around I just pushed passed it. I started to blame him for Lonnie so it made it easier. Not knowing about Terry, we had to make our peace with the outcome together long ago. Every day I miss him, but every day I find a part of him with me, his strength there to guide me when I need it and I move forward. I left my marriage and I felt the world was lifted off my shoulders for so many reasons. I never shed a tear. I just moved away and left it all behind. It's my friends I miss I hurt for.&nbsp; All the others since I have been here, nothing. I moved on, it was no big deal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But this time, this time I feel a hurt and a pain like no other. How can I mend when I am not even sure what I feel? I am finding it hard to completely let go and make my peace.&nbsp; I just want answers that I will likely never get. Especially since he wont even talk to me now. &nbsp;Why would he lie to me? Was no reason for it. Why tell me it is to be just us, when that’s not what he really wanted. Why tell me all these things and tell someone else something completely different. Why even waist the time on it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">His presence still lingers here. I can close my eyes and smell him. I can remember ever inch of him. I remember every detail about us. Everything we shared. Memories that I don't know if I can soon erase. His words that echo over and over in my head. How can someone be so hurtful and mean to another human being?&nbsp; Especially when their just was no reason for it. I am the most open and honest person, I made it easy for him to be the same. Why say, no more dating, when that not what you really wanted? &nbsp;I am just so baffled. Then to be caught red handed, and I have proof, and to sit there and lie to my face. I just do not get it. Nothing about this will become clear to me. &nbsp;His presence is so hard to shake. I’m just gone…Lost and right now, I do not know that I want to even be found.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While I am falling back into the darkness, I see that familiar face. I am not afraid of the dark, fore Terry’s presence will always linger there. When Mike decided we should just be “us” Joey had thought maybe for once Terry had used his magick for something good, my happiness.&nbsp; I know Terry wanted nothing but happiness for me in life, but I know he did not want me to be with Mike. He saw the signs, how he always blew me off, even in the beginning when we first started to date. But, magick sometimes has its own way of working, no matter what spell you might cast. On All Hallows Eve I knew whether he alive or dead, Terry was going to drum up all his black magick and make himself be known. And he did. I felt consumed. Pressure built up in my chest. Couldn’t breath. It lasted for about 3 days.&nbsp; I took that as a sign. Something was going to happen. And, it did. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Terry got what he always wanted. But now it’s my happiness that suffers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So I am staring in to the darkness.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not sure what to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal">This burning fire inside</div><div class="MsoNormal">Who knew?</div><div class="MsoNormal">That hell just grew. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41666598917089909852007-11-14T13:11:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.399-04:00Poetry In Motion: Here I Sit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Here I sit</div><div class="MsoNormal">For all the world to see</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am opening myself up</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once again….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Crushed</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wounded</div><div class="MsoNormal">Heart broken</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bleeding profusely</div><div class="MsoNormal">These tears they fall</div><div class="MsoNormal">Red crimson tears.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Drip</div><div class="MsoNormal">Drop</div><div class="MsoNormal">Drip</div><div class="MsoNormal">Drip</div><div class="MsoNormal">Drop</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Will they ever stop?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">You did this!</div><div class="MsoNormal">You did this to me!</div><div class="MsoNormal">You didn't have to do it, but you did. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Why?<br />What was the point?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">LIAR!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was not needed.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I did not deserve it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I gave you a way out, and yet you went on.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And on.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks for pushing me....</div><div class="MsoNormal">I've fallen</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back into that hole</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not wanting to face the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once again to be </div><div class="MsoNormal">"Little Girl Lost" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">© C.M. <st1:date day="14" month="11" w:st="on" year="2007">11/14/07</st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39468698704756861712007-11-13T15:18:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.402-04:00Why I Like You<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Why I Like You&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, as Mike and I were having those all inclusive lets be serious and talk “talks” one of the questions he asked me was “Why do you like me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ok, first, let’s talk about him putting me on the SPOT like that. LOL. If ever there was a day I wanted to hide my face from someone, it was that moment. I am sure my facial expression was a force to be reckoned with, but seriously. How do you answer something like that? I mean, you know how you feel, but how to explain it. How to convey that message in words without sounding like a total sap. Or a retard, whichever. LOL<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I think I just rattled off something about our chemistry, how that’s hard to come by, and how he makes me laugh. The butterflies that flutter in my stomach when he’s around. Sure that’s the truth, but that’s not all of it. So, allow me to officially break it down, and tell the world just how this man makes me feel.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, this one is for you Mike… if you ever decide to read my blog, this one should be it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Since the day we first started talking we had this rapport that was a force not to be messed with. Both being a couple of smart asses, it was easy to get into the groove and find common ground to communicate on. Then came the laughter. And not just a few HA HA your are funny fake giggles, but I am talking down on the floor laughing until I can’t breath laughter.&nbsp; And it has been like that since the first day we talked, and then once we met in person, that chemistry became ever stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The two of us just have this certain vibe. We are so comfortable around each other, it’s like we have known each other forever. We can say and do pretty much anything, and it’s ok. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We sometimes seem to understand each other without really even having to say a word. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Every time I think about you, I smile. Every time I see you I want that initial hug and kiss to last forever. The butterflies start to flutter and I feel like a school girl with her first crush again. I had forgotten what that feeling was like. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I can be a big dork and laugh at myself and you just laugh right along with me. You don’t judge, nor have you tried to change me. You have been perfectly accepting of me and all my quirks. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">See even now, trying to get all this out there, I get all flustered and tongue twisted and just don't know what direction to go in. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, per usual, its Lyrical Intervention time….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">With You- Jessica Simpson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The real me is a Southern girl <br />With her Levi's on and an open heart <br />Wish I could save the world <br />Like I was Supergirl <br />The real me used to laugh all night <br />Lying in the grass, just talking 'bout love <br />But lately I've been jaded <br />Life got so complicated <br /><br />I start thinking about it <br />Almost forgot what it was like <br />To know when it feels right <br /><br />But with you <br />I can let my hair down <br />I can say anything crazy <br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground <br />With nothing but a T-shirt on <br />I never felt so beautiful <br />Baby, as I do now <br />Now that I'm with you <br /><br />With you <br />With you <br />With you <br />Now that I'm with you <br /><br />You speak and it's like a song <br />And just like that, all my walls come down <br />It's like a private joke <br />Just meant for us to know <br />I relate to you naturally <br />Everybody else just fades away <br />Sometimes it's hard to breathe <br />Just knowing you found me <br /><br />'Cause I start thinking about it <br />I almost forgot what it was like <br />To know when love feels right <br /><br />'Cause with you <br />I can let my hair down <br />I can say anything crazy <br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground <br />With nothing but a T-shirt on <br />I never felt so beautiful <br />Baby, as I do now <br />Now that I'm with you <br /><br />With you <br />With you <br />With you <br /><br />Come and take me <br />Love you, save me <br />Like nobody else <br />Now I can be myself with you <br /><br />I can let my hair down <br />I can say anything crazy <br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground <br />With nothing but a T-shirt on <br />I never felt so beautiful <br />Baby, as I do now <br />Now that I'm with you <br /><br />I can let my hair down <br />I can say anything crazy <br />I know you'll catch me right before I hit the ground <br />With nothing but a T-shirt on <br />I never felt so beautiful <br />Baby, as I do now <br />Now that I'm with you<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ok, so I started to write that a few weeks ago when the question first came about. But, then, for whatever reason we brought it up again. And so it was discussed on both parts, why I like him, why he likes me <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It’s not so easy trying to verbally convey those types of feelings, as I am sure now he knows how I felt when he first brought the question to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But, as I sat there, telling him how I felt, I realized, that I was able to get a lot of it out. A lot of what I wrote here, in the beginning of this blog, I was able to tell him. And that made me think about that comfort level. I am so comfortable with him. And I think, I hope, he has realized that. Because this is something where my actions have spoken louder then my words. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It’s the way he looks at me when we first meet up for the day. How his face just lights up, his eyes, they shine. Those are feelings you can not hide from someone. Seeing that makes my smile that much bigger. He really is a ray of Sunshine when he looks that way. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When we are out to eat, it’s the way he reaches his hands out across the table to hold mine. How he looks at me when I am talking. Or, not saying a word at all. His cute lil wink he does.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">How no matter where we can be, or what we are doing, we can make fun out of it. Or fun of it whatever is the case. Something so simple can turn into the biggest joke for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It’s how he takes the time to greet my fur babies Cain and Casey every time he is around. I know that may seam trivial to many, but to me, it’s a big deal. Those are my kids. And it’s a big deal for me to have someone in my life that is an animal person and doesn’t treat them like some sort of beast they just have to deal with because I wanted them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Insert all the XXX stuff here that I am not sharing….<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The fact that he doesn’t sit around in front of the TV watching every sports known to man. I don’t mind seeing things live, but ugh..the TV. NOOOO! And I know A LOT of you that know me and my twisted love for fighting, might think I am just with him cause he’s a fighter. NOOOOOO!! That just means I have someone to share my sick and twisted love for bloody painful sports. LOL. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In time I think he will learn little things mean a lot to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We had the talk about the dad and the father. That’s always an ordeal. Its hard to determine when the right time to talk about it is. And you never know how that person is going to take it. Of course there is always that, “should I ever bother telling this person?” that always runs around in my brain. &nbsp;I haven’t had issues with what happened to me in a long time. But this is a new relationship, and when I post bulletins about how fucked up the dad(s) are, I guess it might raise some eyebrows. Or how my dad lives a few miles up the road and I never see or talk about him. Or how my father lives a town over and yet I never discuss it either. So maybe, it was just the right time, the right moment to tell him what the story was. And out it came. I thought it was going to be hard. But it was so easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">That comfort level. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And blurt it all out I did. And he didn’t push me away or look at me like I was some sort of damaged goods. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Instead, he listened and then he asked questions. Yes, you heard me right, he asked questions.&nbsp; NO ONE has ever taken the time to ask questions. Most people just look at you with this blank look. Like they are not sure what they should say aside from, they are sorry. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, that was kind of a big deal for me. It meant a lot that he took the time to try and understand. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Big brownie points there!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My situation, its not ideal. Just getting over a divorce. And really was going through it when we first started to date. And that did not scare him off. As you all know, I left everything behind in the divorce, and I am literally starting life over from the ground up. He has been my own little cheering section. When we talk, he takes the time to listen to what I have accomplished (or not) and always offers encouragement and understanding. He understands the living situation. He’s accepted the car situation. And well, just my life in general. It’s understood this is not how things are always going to be for me.&nbsp; And it means a lot that he has been so understanding about it all. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’ve dated a few that haven’t been. It’s like I have the plague or something. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The best thing really, he accepts me – for me! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There really is so much more. And I could go on and on. But the truth is, I have been working on this blog for far too long. And I think tonight is as good as night as any for him to see, just what he means to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Have a good night everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">XOXOX<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">~Chrys~<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91357015987077387412007-11-12T12:22:00.006-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.404-04:00Thankful<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 12, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal;">Ok, so Shannon asked me to participate, so here goes...</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">*********************************************</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Since I cannot put a thankful tree on my page, I will do a thankful blog.&nbsp; All I ask is that if you read this, you post a comment stating one thing you are thankful for this year.&nbsp; Just post the comment on this blog.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Holidays can be hard for people.&nbsp; This year we have experienced several losses and I would like to focus on the positive things.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I know we are all thankful for family or friends.&nbsp; Let's try to go a little deeper than that.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thanks,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;">Shannon</span></st1:place></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></st1:place></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></st1:place></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;">****************************************************</span></st1:place></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><st1:place><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.5pt;">MY REPLY ON HER BLOG:</span></st1:place></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Ok, yeah yeah I am thankful for family and friends. Thats pretty typical and the easiest thing to come up with. So is health. Which, mine could stand to be better. But, right now, in my life, I am thankful I am a survivor. I am sure I do not need to explain that to you. Without being one, I could not have gotten as far as I have with my life. Especially as of late.&nbsp; I am thankful I am stronger then I sometimes give myself credit for.&nbsp; And I am thankful I am able to get out of bed every day, and at least try.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">****************************************************</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Reading that, sort of bums me out. Actually, I am rather bummed today. Just really missing all my friends and just wanting to pack a bag , take a road trip, and go back home to see all my friends.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Holidays have never really been easy for me. Never really getting to spend them with my own family. Aside from my mom. But for the last 3 years she was up here in MI. And now, I am facing the holidays with my own family, but yet thinking about the family I did spend the last 10 years worth with. Very hard adjustment. Maybe would not have been so hard if I would have said goodbye to everyone.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">But thats life.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Thinking about the friends and loved ones I have lost. How this holiday I will be without them.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Forgive me if I get a little bah humbug.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Chrys</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><br /><br /><b>MySpace Comments:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526585">I am thankful for the choices I made in life last year. Without those choices, I would not have met you. And I am very thankful for you.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 1:58 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526585" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=526585" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526585"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/s_f2df0f5cb5404683ab6449a9185324cf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Stacey G.</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526497">Thankful, huh???<br /><br />Yeah the obvious, but yet where to begin? Of course family and friends without a doubt. I'm thankful that God gave me the will to get up every morning, to go to a job, to listen to other peoples problems, knowing I'm not the only one, and to be here for the one's that need a shoulder to lean on.<br /><br />I'm thankful for life. Without it you know where you'd be. Also, thankful for being able to be ME!!! Thankful to not pass judgement on people with indifferences and to lend a helping hand when possible.<br /><br />Wow, that all seems very simple. But I'm THANKFUL I can do these things!<br /><br />Stacey<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥♥ STACEY ♥♥</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 12:47 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526497" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=526497" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=229418339" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526497"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526586">I am thankful I can just be ME. I am thankful I am strong enough to accept myself as is, and surround myself with those that think the same. Girl we been friends forever...I am so happy we have myspace to help keep us connected over the miles.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:00 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526586" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=526586" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526586"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526588">I am thankful for that, even if sometimes I dont want to. You realize, you and I never said goodbye....and their is reason for that. Our friendship will never be goodbye, it will always be, See you later. Because I will see you later Shannon. Miles are nothing. Distance will only make us stronger friends. Appreciate the time we do have together.<br /><br />I am searching for my faith. Belive me on that one. I know it is lost. But I know, at some point, it will be found again.<br /><br />Love ya Shan!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:02 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526588" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=526588" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526588"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 97px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/116/s_b692b5e1ffb84338adf0163630f4724b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Segmullier</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526553">WELL I AM THANK FULL FOR BEING ABLE TO RIGHT POETRY THAT SOME TIMES MAKES A NATHER PERSON ACROST THE WORLD SMILE.AND I AM THANK FULL FOR BEING ME.AND FOR STREET PUNK MUSIC""OI OI OI"" AND MOST OF ALL PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO READ MY POETRY THANKS AND MAY YOU WISH'S AND CELTIC LUCK HOLD STRONG<br />DUSTY<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 1:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526553" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=526553" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526553"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526590">I am thankful for my ability to write. And thankful for people like you who share the same passion.<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 2:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_526590" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=526590" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_526590"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_527293">I am thankful to have met such a wonderful lady, and fellow U2 fan!!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 11:18 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_527293" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=527293" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_527293"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_527286">WOW...I agree with all of the above!<br /><br />I am thankful I am close to my family for the holidays and I am extremely thankful for all of my friends that have been here for me...good times &amp; bad.<br /><br />And you know I am so thankful for Joey being a part of my life &amp; making friends with you girl!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 11:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_527286" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=527286" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_527286"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_527298">I am very thankful for me brother Joey...and thankful he has brought us together....<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, November 12, 2007 - 11:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_527298" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=527298" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_527298"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_527526">I am thankful for so many things! Of course my wonderful hubby, kids and grandkids...but I am thankful that I get to enjoy time with them! Yes, I sometimes complain that it is too much and I need a break every now and then, but this time with the little ones is so precious. Watching my son's boys grow, experiencing the wonder through their eyes again! Yeah...I am thankful for that! I am also thankful for this new job of mine. I really enjoy what I am doing (most of the time!), meeting new people and having FRIDAY actually mean something! LOL!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 - 7:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_527526" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=527526" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_527526"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br />&nbsp;</td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_528658">I am thankful for family, friends, life, and love. Here's to happiness and great health. I am thankful to the Goddess for all the abundance that I experience!<br />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - 10:29 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050#" id="addReplyLnk_528658" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327865050&amp;commentID=528658" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1318280969061632492007-11-10T20:04:00.003-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.406-04:00~Stronger~<div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, November 10, 2007&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>"All of my life I've fought hard for the things I have wanted, caught up in blindly believing the strongest survive, but here, in your eyes, I see everything I've ever needed and I am afraid, if I rush in, if I move too fast, I just might frighten myself" ~unknown~</i></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_524425">Fucking A...<br />~~~hugs...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 9:49 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327368257#" id="addReplyLnk_524425" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327368257&amp;commentID=524425" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><label id="NewDiv_524425"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_526115">You are STRONG....and You will SURVIVE....just as we all do.<br /><br />Good things come to those who wait...just think.....as long as we have waited.....it's gonna be well worth it when it comes your way!! lol : )<br /><br />These are such great words....thanks for sharing!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 11:27 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-127556052387298652007-11-09T23:45:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.409-04:00Cleaning Out My Brain<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, November 09, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cleaning Out My Brain</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I need to clean out my brain. So much stuff swirling around lately and honestly I don't even know where to start.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know, some of you were worried about my little mood swing the other day, and for that I am sorry. As many of you come to realize by now, that I am not always in a constant state of happiness. I have moments when something just sets me off and I just crash and burn. And that was such the case. Then such a whirlwind happened afterwards that I never got a chance to come back and change my mood.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes things happen we have no control over. And that seems to be the case for me lately.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was put in a position to make a choice a few weeks back, and I made it. That was the choice to stop dating around and to settle with just one person. I know I have mentioned Mike a time or two, but never really much detail. Odd for me. Usually I am so open about things. But, he's not really in to the whole blog thing and so, out of respect for him, and our relationship being so new, I haven't really talked about it much.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think everyone close to me was shocked when I told them I was just going to be with Mike and him only. I know my friends love me and just want what's best for me. And maybe they think it's too soon for me to settle down. Maybe they think I am not capable of settling down.&nbsp;But you know what, Mikes not my rebound. Not from Marcus, not from Terry, not from anyone. I don't rebound. I never have and never will. If you must insist I rebound, well then you can count the 8 or so other people I dated before I reached the point of deciding to be with Mike only. If ya need to classify me as a rebounder, pick one of those guys as my rebound.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My head is clear and I am just fine thanks.&nbsp;No worries.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But this is what I have gotten involved in. As you can see from his pics on his myspace, he's a fighter. But he doesn't just fight, he trains fighters too. However, that's not his day job. He's a private investigator by day. My own Private Dick. LOL. In more ways then one.&nbsp;(HA, yeah I had to go there)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, that means he's a busy lil worker bee. And I DO mean busy. And while I understand that very much, sometimes it puts a damper in our plans. First off, I guess you can consider this a long distance relationship. But don't freak peeps; he DOES live in the same state, just about an hour away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And as we all know, my car got left behind in the divorce. My mom has the van that the grandparents left to her. I have her car, but after I got it tagged and up to date and the insurance put on it, she tells me that there are things wrong with it, not exactly making it safe for road trips. So, for me to see Mike, it has to be when his schedule allows him to come this way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And he tries. But sometimes, we make plans, and the forces that be start to meddle and he's called off to work. Which is fine, I get that. But, my temper flairs when he doesn't take the time to call me and tell me that something came up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, when you see my lil mood thingy change the other day that was why.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We have talked/seen each other since then. I have tried to get him to understand it's just hurtful to be sitting here wondering where my man is when we had plans made. Course then I have to be the one to just understand sometimes work calls and he just gets tied up, it can't be helped.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">New relationship. New adjustments. New things to learn, understand and compromise on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It's just how things are. It's a pretty constant back and forth.&nbsp;We can't be together as much as we like, but that's OK. It makes that time we are together more cherished.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think he's amazing, and worth holding on to. And I miss him when he's not around.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, while I am working on my relationship with him, got all this other stuff going on around me too.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Getting all the paperwork I have been waddling in taken care of. I didn't realize how much crap I have to change my name on. And how this needs this changed before this can be changed. It's just an endless circle of paperwork. And it seems like it is never ending. But the bulk of it has been done. Which is good. So school enrollment is getting taken care of. And next week I will be working on getting the stuff set up for my home office so I can get started on this job.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My brain has been hyperactive lately. Not that it is anything new. But, I just have a lot going on around me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At any rate, I have another blog already in the works. I started working on it last week or so. Mike and I were talking, and he asked me "why do you like me?" and it was a hard question to verbally find words for. Then we talked about it again when he was over the other day. I laughed and said, you know I am writing it out. Expect a blog. He sort of just laughed at me, and then asked, how do you get to the blogs anyway? Hmmmmm looks like we are going to have to train him. Hahhaa…Anyway, we answered the question, but I think my written words can do more then my verbal words, and I thought it would be nice for him to finally have his own blog. So, look for that to come at some point.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Until then…. Take care</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~Chrys~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_523391">Relationships are never easy, sis. Good for you for not giving up when it gets hard-- as they always do at times!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 1:52 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_523391" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805&amp;commentID=523391" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_523391"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=89162783" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/s_da8a59384995a3b19c0772ea52e5b379.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_523489">Just thinking about you, reading your words and hoping things will workout. I wish I was half as prolific with the blog as you are...one day maybe. You're right, relationships take work, or at least effort. So have you started the screenplay for your life yet? Why do I see kim basinger playing you? Anyway, just a thought. Keep up the writing.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a>on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 5:06 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_523489" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805&amp;commentID=523489" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_523489"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_523537">I am glad you have someone in your life that makes you happy! Mine is still making me happy more than 20 years later, LOL! Counting the time we were dating, it's been 27 years! OMG! That is more than half my life, LOL! Anyway, I wish you as much happiness as I have had! No matter what your impression is, sometimes it HAS been work...we just chose to work through it together! It's been worth it. {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 8:04 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_523537" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805&amp;commentID=523537" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_523537"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_523650">I know all too well how easy it is to want to give up when things get hard...just to want to run and hide...lol<br /><br />But, it is like you said...if he is worth fighting for...put up that fight girl.<br /><br />Thanks for being there for me and being a great new friend!<br /><br />~Hugs~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 10:40 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_523650" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805&amp;commentID=523650" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_523650"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_524806">Well babygirl, you know this has taken you on a rollercoaster ride but you have the strength to hang on! Just take it a day at a time, lots of deep breaths and everything will work out as it should!! If not, just hop on yahoo and we'll have a bitch fest!! Love you!! xxxxx<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 3:26 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805#" id="addReplyLnk_524806" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=327147805&amp;commentID=524806" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51924410730769616212007-11-07T00:09:00.004-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.411-04:00Poetry In Motion: Take Me Back ~ revised<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, November 07, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take me back to that place</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That place I know so well</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That cold</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dark</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lonely hole</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My own personal hell</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">*</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been there before</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It doesn't matter to me</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just feel like right now</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's where I should be</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">*</span>&nbsp;</o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The world keeps twirling</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Swirling</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Spinning round and round</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here I stand</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Watching</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Waiting</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As it all just passes me by</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">*</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I am just going to stand here and let it.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can't take any more right now.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">*</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">NO!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I've stood here</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">waiting</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">long enough</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">This is me</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">turning around</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">walking away</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">shutting the door</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">and crawling back</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">to that place I know so well.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(C) C.M. 11/5/07</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">revised 11/6/07</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518632">{{{{Hugs}}}} This is good, Chrys!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 7:45 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957#" id="addReplyLnk_518632" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957&amp;commentID=518632" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><label id="NewDiv_518632"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/55/s_95876e1e56c177d4386c78d3d6bb4c1f.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518797">Stay strong,this to shall past. That's what they tell me anyway. :)<br /><br />beautifully written,thanks for sharing<br /><br /><br />love ya</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 9:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957#" id="addReplyLnk_518797" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957&amp;commentID=518797" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><label id="NewDiv_518797"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518953">Stay strong......we all know you can! Whatever is going on...it will get better or change.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Profile%20Images/6fjvneq.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 11:39 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957#" id="addReplyLnk_518953" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957&amp;commentID=518953" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><label id="NewDiv_518953"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_520055">I'm sorry you seem to be having some dark feelings still inside. Everything gets better just as it gets worse. Things always seem darkest in our moments of sorrow and pain. But there is always light at the end of the tunnel if you search hard enough.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Wednesday, November 07, 2007 - 2:06 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957#" id="addReplyLnk_520055" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957&amp;commentID=520055" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_520055"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_521504">very uplift poem,</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 6:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957#" id="addReplyLnk_521504" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325712957&amp;commentID=521504" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23422763572170146512007-11-05T16:50:00.006-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.414-04:00Success My Way<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 05, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, FINALLY after THREE long fucking months, guess who landed a job?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yup Yup!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I about fell out of my chair. Thankfully I didn't. It might have hurt. LOL.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, here is the deal. Shall I choose to take it, which I am pretty sure I am going to - It's not some fancy swanky big time I am using any of my degrees job. However, it's a great opportunity which provides many benefits and time to allow me to accomplish other things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was actually offered this job in the past, some of you may have heard me talk about it, but I took the job with the city instead. And for that I am thankful, otherwise I would have never of met<st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>. (Or Alison or Melissa for that matter)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, it's a work at home job, taking inbound calls for a call center. Since I am such a chatter bug, perfect. And since all my jobs required customer service, that's just perfection.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, while I am able to set my own schedule, and make some money, I can work on getting the 2000 hours I need to get my state license in appraisals. Cause right now I am just a limited license. I have also been looking into (in part due to my aunt LOL boy I love her) getting into Mortgages as well.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ooohhh and time to write! Well, I already write alot , but maybe now I will be more motivated to submit more things for publishing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am also enrolled to get my ass back in college.&nbsp;Time to move up the associates degrees, well at least one of them, to a bachelors, and perhaps a masters.&nbsp;Since I am so close to my Bachelors in Accounting, I am going to go for that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This job will allow me to do all that and not have to worry about being around someone else's schedule. So it has its perks. And I am pretty excited about that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And, when the day comes for me to move out (boy I can't wait LOL) , I can take this job with me if I need to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What I am not looking forward to - &nbsp;waiting around for the installation of the phone line and cable internet. As you all know, I have no patience. LOL.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OOOOHHH cable internet…..back to high speed…..I can't wait.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">hmmm Have I mentioned I have ADHD like qualities??? Anyway, Shannon knows all about my "I wanna be a pirate" addiction... hello pando here I come .....wooohooooo</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I got two weeks to get all my paperwork in, no problems there. And I have 30 days to get all my stuff installed, and get my certification done. This is no problem either. I have already been through it, so it should be a breeze.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh and the fun of shopping for a new desk and chair and make me a comfy home office!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Seems things might just be looking up in my world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Time to be a busy little worker bee and live life to the fullest.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And this time, no one is barking in my ear telling me I CAN'T do it.</div><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=244523549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ronnie Meggers *Gun Czar*...</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=244523549" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/147/s_2cf035ac8cfb4b568e286f256139b2d3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518949">This is fantastic girl! I love your attitude and positive energy!... Sending you warm thoughts and hugs:) Ronna Megan:)</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=244523549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ronnie Meggers *Gun Czar*...</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 11:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325832524#" id="addReplyLnk_518949" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325832524&amp;commentID=518949" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=244523549" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_518949"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518952">Whooooo hooooo!!<br /><br />If it is something you wanna do girl...go for it!<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Profile%20Images/48046fi2ejpr0yp.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 11:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325832524#" id="addReplyLnk_518952" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325832524&amp;commentID=518952" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_518952"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_519180">OMG that is AWESOME, Chrys! I wish I could have found a work from home that was not selling insurance! LOL! But, hey, I really like my job, so it all works out! I am so happy for you! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, November 06, 2007 - 7:49 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72005694999910724422007-11-05T14:05:00.005-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.416-04:00Why Am I Here?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, November 05, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Why Am I Here?<br /><br />Well I don't know why some of you are here, but I know why I am here. First and foremost I am a writer. Its what I do. Some see it as a hobby, but its what I crave to do with my life. I first came to myspace with a bunch of other writers. We connected with more. It is an outlet. Sure I blog about life, but thats because I also have real life family and friends on here. Many of them miles and miles away. Myspace helps to bridge the gap when sometimes the daily hustle and bustle of life deters daily commuinication. It also has become a haven for me to connect with other people of the same culture, people who have the same beliefs as I and what not. Myspace bridges that gap as well. Those that I have never met in real life are like a second family to me. We share stories, ideas, provide feedback, and even a helping hand whenever it is needed. I enjoy the company of others. I listen to the advice given, or the critique on a piece of work, or whatever. Myspace isnt all fun and games. It really is a social networking tool. Without it, I don't think my writing would have reached the level it has, I don't think I would have made any effort to get things published if not for the pushing of my friends. And, I would not be as close to my friends and family that are so far away.<br /><br />So, these are the reason I am on myspace.<br /><br />Now, why are YOU here?<br /><br />MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518641">Someone with the initials JC brought me here...and I stayed! I have gotten in touch with people I otherwise would not be in touch with (4 of my niece's for example) and I even was found by an old high school friend. I have too many good people on my list for me to pack it all in and go away...which I thought about doing not so long ago. I would write a rant on the reason why...but the reason why is why my blogs are now rather BORING...nothing is sacred and you cannot even blog in a private blog without unscrupulous people back dooring their way in and reading it anyway! Good people are why I am here and staying! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 7:53 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39410424405975633362007-11-04T11:25:00.003-05:002011-08-10T11:38:39.152-04:00Birthday and Such<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, November 04, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Birthday and Such</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Today is my "fur baby" Cain's birthday. He turns 4.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Such a handsome big boy he turned out to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And, I had planned to take him outside to get a good pic for this blog, but HELLO its 35 degrees outside right now. So, that pic will just have to wait.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My southern blood still is not quite ready for this. I have been through plenty of&nbsp; Michigan winters, lived here, and visiting and such. But, we shall see how well I survive this one. LOL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not really looking forward to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well, maybe it will be good, with cutie patootie to snuggle up with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, so yeah..Happy that Cain is here with me. Not that I ever thought leaving him and Casey&nbsp;behind. The ex was never really nice to them. He more or less just put up with them.&nbsp;Yelled at them a lot. Cain was always very skittish of him. Casey, she never really bonded with him , so that didn't really matter. She was my rescue baby.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I had to give her lots of TLC in the beginning. I worried about moving them here. Worried about taking them away from the only home they had ever known. I was worried that once they got here they would be all unhappy and sad. Despite how mean he was, maybe they would miss their "people daddy" That doesn't really seem to be the case at all. They are here with "grandma" and he little dog. They have 3 acres they can run freely on.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Although they tend to like the neighbors better then their own yard. But, its ok, my grandparents had a boxer long ago, so they are used to boxers running lose. I guess it brings back memories for everyone.&nbsp;The good thing, Cain warmed right up to Mike. So that might be a good sign. He is usually pretty leary of men he doesn't know. But , he sees Mike and gets all wiggly, just like when he sees his momma.<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>Casey on the other hand, she still isn't quite sure of him. This is odd for her cause she's usually the one who runs to greet everyone and its Cain that lags behind.&nbsp;She is getting better with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Memories. How I wish I could forget some of them. Even though it's a happy time, to celebrate Cain's birthday.&nbsp;I know to some they are just "dogs" but, to me, these are my "kids" and they mean everything to me. But, today is also the ex's birthday. And try as I might to forget that, after 10 years it's hard to push out of&nbsp;your mind. So then my mind starts to roam about how this is November. The wonderful month of the adoptive dad ordeal. Which I will get into perhaps another time if you don't already know the story.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Happiness is that this will be my first holiday season with MY family. And&nbsp;am looking forward to that. I have spent a few Christmas's up here, but I can't remember the last time I had thanksgiving with my own family. Aside from an aunt and uncle who visited me and mom in<st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>a long time ago. But for me being up here with everyone, that was most likely the year I spent up here after I graduated high school. It is going to be a new experience for me. A good one. But then I think about how I spent the last 10 with the ex family, my 2<sup>nd</sup>family. Part of me misses them. And part of me is so upset that I never took the time to go say goodbye to them. My lil brothers and their girlfriend/wives and kids, my 2<sup>nd</sup>mom, my 2<sup>nd</sup>grandma. I feel awful that I did not talk to them and say goodbye. I simple told the ex I was leaving and in 2 weeks I was gone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But, I can't keep thinking about those things. I have to see the whole picture in front of me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">ME and my life. Moving forward. The happiness I do have around me. The life ahead that awaits me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And a "fur baby" that's waiting to celebrate his birthday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A word to everyone, take the time to day to realize what you do have. Stop dwelling on what you don't. Cherish each and every moment in life, no matter how small or big.</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_517313">Awwwwww.....you know my Caleigh...my fur baby is like my kid too! Her birthday is coming up on the 19th....we are both Scorpio babies..hehe<br /><br />Glad you get to spend the holidays with YOUR family for a change....that means a lot to them.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 11:37 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325356046#" id="addReplyLnk_517313" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325356046&amp;commentID=517313" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_517313"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_517325">Ahhh sis makin me miss me best mate Larry. What a good boy he was. ~sighs~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 11:58 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325356046#" id="addReplyLnk_517325" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=325356046&amp;commentID=517325" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_517325"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_518239">tell him happy birthady for me,<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 10:57 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57221381664959716632007-11-01T23:36:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:01:39.638-04:00Broken Promises and Trust<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, November 01, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Broken Promises and Trust</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I don't trust so easily. There, I said it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I know it might look like on the surface that I do. But the truth is, deep inside, I have issues. And really, who can blame me. Given the shit I have had to deal with in life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Sexual Abuse, Verbal Abuse, Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse. All at the hands of men.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I can't imagine why anyone would tru</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">st easily. But I know their are some out there that do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Despite all that has happened to me, I am strong. I have lived through all that and worked through the pain. I am better now, and in a better place in life then I ever have been.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">But, that trust thing will get me every time. I can't help it.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am still a work in process.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I am a SURVIVOR! I am strong, not weak.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I have always said I have NO regrets in life. I lived, I have learned and I have moved on. I would not be the beautiful, kind, full of soul and spirited woman I am today without the life I was given.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I do however wear my heart on my sleeve and sometimes that does me more harm then good. I am always giving, and give far more then my fair share. But it doesn't work when its one sided.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Give Give Give<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Take Take Take</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">It should be equal parts Give and Take.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I find myself thinking about things lately. Maybe</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">&nbsp;I am thinking about things too much. But, I can't help it. That's what I do. I am a thinker. An analyzer. Especially where my heart is concerned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I don't think it is hard to earn my trust, especially if you make the honest effort to at least try.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Right now, I am not seeing that from someone I should be seeing it from. Small changes have been made in a relationship, but nothing in regards to the trust aspect of it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Don't say you will call, then don't.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Don't make plans, and then blow it off.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Just to pretend it was never discussed at all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Don't do that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Simple?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess not.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Is it wrong of me to want that phone call?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Wrong of me to want some attention?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Wrong of me to want to spend a little time together?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I guess so.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I dont consider those things clingy, of feeling like I am being needy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I just want to know I am wanted...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">I am having this war right now about running away. Just shutting it down, closing the door and running as fast as I can. I don't feel like being dragged through the mud and getting dirty right now. I just got myself cleaned off.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Maybe my heads just not on right.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Maybe I am over thinking things.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">Who knows?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">All I know is right now I feel very out of sorts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;">MySpace Comments:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_515571">{{{{HUGS}}}} You deserve those things you asked for...common courtesy is what I see in those questions...have the courtesy to call when you say you will, have the courtesy to say plans have changed...and have the courage to say you screwed up! "I forgot" or even "I didn't realize those were solid plans" is much better than "what are you talking about?"<br />Keep smiling my Irish one...Things will get better!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Friday, November 02, 2007 - 6:31 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=324564294#" id="addReplyLnk_515571" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=324564294&amp;commentID=515571" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_515571"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_515610">Baby Girl....I am the same way. It is NOT too much to ask - it is what is right. It boils down to respect. Put a stop to it NOW or it will be like that always.....believe me, I know.<br /><br />xoxo<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice</a>on Friday, November 02, 2007 - 8:50 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=324564294#" id="addReplyLnk_515610" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=324564294&amp;commentID=515610" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_515610"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_515738">Sis, of course you deserve respect and common courtesy. I have learned (2 marriages and tons of heartbreak later) that you can't change people, so you have to take them as they are. Hope things work out with your heart. {{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Friday, November 02, 2007 - 1:21 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18176117667864790522007-10-31T14:16:00.016-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.918-04:00Ugh...Holiday’s and the Price of Happiness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 31, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/6862d217212a.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/6862d217212a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>" When death comes, it is not enough to have been charitable; and it is not right to touch the body or lay it out for a couple of hours; for the soul should be given time to fight for itself, and to go up to judgment. And sometimes it is not willing to go."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>~Lady Augusta Gregory</i></b></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ugh…&nbsp;<st1:place>Holiday</st1:place>'s….Yeah I am happy but…sometimes I wonder, whats the price....</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, yeah I am happy, still. That's not changed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But as much as I just try to blow today off like it's just another normal day, I can't seem to shake it. Then after reading my brothers blog, it made me think even more.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All Hallows Eve, the day Celts, mostly pagan, celebrate not only life, but death as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Death. Can't seem to escape that. As much as I want to close a blind eye to it. As much as I do not want to deal with it, I still have to. How can I celebrate losing Lonnie , Elonna and Terry? Or my grandparents for that matter. Which I have to deal with every day in this house. This constant tug of war in my soul.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My insides are turning, burning, in this wretched pit of fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;I feel sick. I just want to curl up and die myself. Even if just for one night, this one night of darkness to see them&nbsp;again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But that's not going to happen. My soul is not ready to soar.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">They are not the only people I miss.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was talking to&nbsp;<st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>&nbsp;this morning, and it just hit me, as it usually does when we talk, how much I miss her.<br /><br />&nbsp;How much I miss all my friends back in OK. And now, here it is Halloween, our big party day, and I am not there. I sit here thinking about all the Halloween's in my past, how they were celebrated, things I did, the people I hung out with, and I feel very much alone right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So even though I have succeeded in some happiness, there is still some sadness lurking about.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I leave you with my lyrical concept for the day:<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">H.I.M. – Join Me in Death</div><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1V4AscLidWg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1V4AscLidWg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">We are so young</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Our lives have just begun</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But already were considering</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Escape from this world</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And weve waited for so long</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">For this moment to come</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Was so anxious to be together</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Together in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This world is a cruel place</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And were here only to lose</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">So before live tears us apart let</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Death bless me with you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This live aint worth living</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This live aint worth living</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This live aint worth living</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This live aint worth living</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Wont you die tonight for love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Baby join me in death</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Cathy McElhaney</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />&nbsp;</span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514582">{{{{HUGS}}}} I hope you have a happy Halloween anyway. I know it is tough to celebrate when you have had so many losses. YOU are a survivor and I am happy to see you doing as well as you are!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 7:16 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23841123958459699642007-10-30T23:22:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.418-04:00Whats Up With Chrys?? ~ October Volume ~ Happy Times<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, October 30, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A Little of This and A Little of That, or more aptly titled, Good Things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess as the saying goes, "Good Things Come to Those Who Wait."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was beginning to wonder, just how long I was going to have to wait.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not going to talk about any of the sadness, that's all in past blogs and I am moving forward. Too much happiness around me now. That's what I am grabbing on to, and that's what I am going to share here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Going to enjoy this ride, and hope that it lasts. I am hoping the turn of events is a sign of many wonderful things to come.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~insert the biggest smile I have ever given here~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As many of you saw from my bulletin the other day, I got word that the divorce was finalized. I was so excited I about fell out of my chair. But, it is even better news today, as the papers I am now holding in my hand. They came today. ~happy dance~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This is such a good thing for me. I mean, I have been moving on in life, but so many things had to be put on hold until everything was final.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The biggest headache so far really has been the bank accounts. Ugh. Disaster in action. But now, I can close the OK bank and have my name changed on the account that I opened here. And order bank cards and checks. I opted not to do that when I opened the account because it seemed pointless.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now the fun stuff begins. Oh joy. Passport needs changed. Drivers License, not only do I need a MI one, I need a name change. Hmmm lets see what else, a credit card or two that didn't get changed, now can be. Social Security cards, oh they are always so much fun to deal with. LOL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The biggest thing – I CAN NOW ENROLL BACK IN COLLEGE!!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">YEAHHHHHHH!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was waiting for things to be final because I wanted to be able to check the DIVORCED box on the financial aid and not have to worry about putting his information down because we were still legally married.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Over! Over! OVEEEEEEEER!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I AM</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">FFFFRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, well not really free. Free from him yes. But technically not free from a relationship. This is a very good thing. For those of you who have been paying attention, you may have figured out who it is. Those of you who haven't, you got some work to do ;)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In all seriousness, there is someone I have been seeing for a little while now. He's adorable and quite simply, amazing. We have decided to just be together and not see other people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, pick yourself up now. You heard me correctly. Yes, this coming from the girl who said she was just gonna date and have fun and blah blah.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well, I did that. For 3 months.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And now, I am stopping and just going to be with Him. Yes, just Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Him… who is Him…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Read a bulletin lately?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Notice a top friend's rearrangement?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let's go from there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cutie patootie..aka…Kraz…aka Mike</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let the round of introductions begin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so anyway. Moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Am I happy? YES! Very much so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It is pretty amazing how things just all seem to come together. How you can be so comfortable with someone, like you have known them forever, when the reality is, you have only known them a short while. I am totally free to just be myself.&nbsp;&nbsp;He makes me smile, he makes me think, and he makes me laugh.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And that's all I am gonna share about that for the time being. I just wanna keep him all to myself and not share him with anyone…including my family and friends here. At least for now ~winks~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What else..What else…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hmmmmm lets see…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh I finished my Real Estate Appraisal class with flying colors. Got my certifications the other day, now just need to send them in to the state and register my happy ass. I also got a call back from a company to do appraisals for them. So, that's a step in the right direction. My aunt is trying to get me hooked up with that as well as mortgages because she does both and then I can help her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have had 2 works of poetry get picked up for publishing…and goodness the title of the book escapes me right now. Will have to find my papers and get back to you on that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, all in all, life's on the upside these days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~trots out doing the happy dance~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Until next time…have a Happy and Safe Hallows Eve….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">X's and O's</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~Chrys~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/6be851902e10.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/6be851902e10.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514079"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/jdsouthernbelle/Quotes/happienesseffort.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yay! Yay! Yay! Happy things are always good! We all have to get down before we can get up...life.....isn't it grand!<br /><br />So happy for you being happy! You deserve it!<br /><br />~Hugs~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 11:49 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514079" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868&amp;commentID=514079" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514079"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514150">Yay, relationships are definitely not as bad as we used to think they are! I am very happy for you sis!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 1:23 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868&amp;commentID=514150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514150"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514203">It makes my heart smile to know you are so happy! Congratulations!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 6:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868&amp;commentID=514203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514203"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">KRISTI C</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514297">So glad your HAPPY!! We all deserve just a little bit of happiness in this chaotic life :)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 12:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514297" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868&amp;commentID=514297" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514297"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_514348">Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!<br />xoxo<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 2:18 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_514348" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868&amp;commentID=514348" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_514348"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_516721">Errr...I notice who has been moved OUT of the top...ehem...<br />Seriously though... I am happy for you Chrys...hope it all works out.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 5:17 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868#" id="addReplyLnk_516721" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=323981868&amp;commentID=516721" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20795450741753028942007-10-27T10:31:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.421-04:00Doing It Well<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5dnTLx4XQDI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5dnTLx4XQDI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, October 27, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Do It, Do It You Do It, Do It You're Doin It Well</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Here's The Thing</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I Was Minding My Own Business</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Doin What I Do</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I Wasnt Tryina Look For Anything</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All Of A Sudden Couldnt Take My Eyes Off You</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I Didnt Even Know If You Could Tell</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">That You Had Me In A Daze</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Sayin 'What The Hell'</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Here's My Name, Number Baby Just Hit My Cell</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Loving Everything You Do</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Cuz You Do It Well</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;Dont Know What You Got Me Thinkin</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You Aint Even Tryina Play Me Boy</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Cuz You're So Good, And You're So Fine</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;Got Me Sayin Crazy Things,</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Listen I Aint Ever Met A Man Like That</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;I Aint Ever Fell So Far, So Fast</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You Can Turn Me On, Throw Me Off Track</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;Boy You Do It, Do It You Do It, Do It You're Doin It Well (Repeat)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Let Me Tell You How Its Gonna Go</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You And Me, Gonna Need A Little Privacy</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I Dont Wanna Do The Dance, No Do-Si-Do</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I need A One Woman Man 7 Days A Week</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Quit Tryina Play It Cool Boy</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Make Your Move</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I Told You How It Is Nothin To Lose</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;You Been Starin Over Here All Night For Free</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">And I Aint Takin No Cash Or Credit, Just A Guarantee</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">There Aint Nobody Else But Me</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Boy You Aint Even Tryina Play Me Boy</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Cuz You're So Good, And You're So Fine</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Got Me Sayin Crazy Things,</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Listen I Aint Ever Met A Man Like That</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I Aint Ever Fell So Far, So Fast</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You Can Turn Me On, Throw Me Off Track</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Boy You Do It, Do It You Do It, Do It You're Doin It Well (Repeat)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;Baby no need For False Pretenses</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Think You Just Shocked Me To My Senses</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Everything That You Do Feels Right</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Do It, Do It Do It, Do It All Night (Repeat)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I Aint Ever Met A Man Like That</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;I Aint Ever Fell So Far, So Fast</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">You Can Turn Me On, Throw Me Off Track</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;Boy You Do It, Do It You Do It, Do It You're Doin It Well (Repeat To End)</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />&nbsp;</span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_510647">Holy Crap! I love that video...never heard the song before now....but it rocks!<br /><br />I love the guy in the bunny mask getting spankied..LOL<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 10:43 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322867994#" id="addReplyLnk_510647" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322867994&amp;commentID=510647" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22801718062650637622007-10-26T08:43:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.972-04:00Big Thank You All Around<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, October 26, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Early for me..heheheh...I forgot what 8:30am looked like.<br /><br />Anyway, I need to tell you ALL Thank You.<br /><br />Thank You ALL from the bottom of my heart, to each and every one of you that extended your hand in friendship yesterday. The outpouring of mail, IM, phone text, phone calls , etc was a lot more then I expected.<br /><br />Listen to me when I tell you, I am FINE!! Thank you for caring, thank you for checking on me.<br /><br />Life is a constant circle. And I keep going forward. Today is a new day, and even though its a little chilly yet this morning (bbbrrrrrr) its always going to be blue skies ahead for me.<br /><br />I love life too much to get down and out.<br /><br />So ~smiles~ and ~hugs~ all around.<br /><br />xoxoxo<br />Chrys<br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509221">Life goes on sis. ~brotherly hugs n spins~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509221" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544&amp;commentID=509221" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509221"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509222">Life goes on sis. ~brotherly hugs n spins~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:34 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509222" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544&amp;commentID=509222" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509222"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509223">GRrrrrrrrrrr why do me posts keep doublin????<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:35 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509223" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544&amp;commentID=509223" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509223"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509639">Just showin some luv!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 4:35 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509639" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544&amp;commentID=509639" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509639"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509643">LOL at Joey!<br />I am sorry to hear about Terry though, sweetie. Glad to hear you aren't throwing yourself into "the abyss," as Joey would say. {{{{{{{{{{{Sis}}}}}}}}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 4:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544#" id="addReplyLnk_509643" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322581544&amp;commentID=509643" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509643"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_511256">That's right baby, ALWAYS keep your head up! You got so much to offer! I pray for ya and may God hold ya in the palm of His hands! ♣<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 8:24 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26944016625347430562007-10-25T12:35:00.009-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.974-04:00Terry’s Fate - The Last Good-Bye<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, October 25, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Words can not describe how I am feeling right now. How yet again someone so close to me is being taken away. How much death and destruction can one person be faced with in such a short amount of time. I wondered that with the passing of Elonna. And now, here I am facing it again just a matter of weeks later...:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Terry's fate. Left in the hands of others for something he did so long ago. Life always has a way of catching up with us. I guess we had hoped his would catch up with him later, rather then sooner. But that is not the way the world wanted to work for him. So as you know, his past did catch up with him. Word got out, and he fled to&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Spain</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">. Their was a 2 month period where him and I did not talk. And when we finally did, he was sitting in a prison cell in&nbsp;</span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Belfast</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">. This past Friday began his sentencing trial. And today I received word from him while he was at his lawyer's office.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">We knew the day would come. This is why he pushed me so hard to get on with my life. And I think I have done a pretty good job of starting life over here. I have been full of a lot of Sunshine...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">&nbsp;We had a feeling this would be his fate. But nothing and I do mean nothing in this world can prepare you for such news.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">This beautiful man whom I have come to love and adore. This man who is my best friend and means so much to me. Has done so much for me. Is now being ripped away from me. To be disposed of like some piece of human garbage.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Terry is being moved to&nbsp;</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Belarus</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">&nbsp;to be executed. He does not know when. Nor does he think we will ever be in touch again. We have said our goodbyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Goodbye seems so final. So finished. So over. For me, it is not over. For his spirit, no matter how dark will live on. I know that part of him will always be around to protect me. To watch over me. My dark angel. For in lightness, we also have to have dark. I am not afraid. Some day I shall see him again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Now it is my turn to once again cry, vent, scream, and throw things in an ecstasy of rage. Bitch about how life just is not fair. And then, begin to heal and carry on in life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So, bear with me if I do not seem myself today. It is only my minds way of saying…I need to heal. I need some time to mend. And even if you don't see me crying, know I am crying on the inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">And please do not worry about me. I am going to be just fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Time to write the final chapter of this book, close it, and continue to move on in life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Zi1xweDRSA?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Zi1xweDRSA?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">The Last Goodbye</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I've been done here once before</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Once again, never again, forevermore</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road once more</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This ain't the last goodbye</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Just to see a smile on your face</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">All that is and all that was cant be replaced</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take me down this road once more</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This ain't the last goodbye</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this life</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Take this blood</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">It'll never die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">This ain't the last goodbye</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_507615">You are right when you say that you will see him again - love and friendship such as yours does not die with the body - but lives in spirit. Bless him and keep him - and do not say "goodbye" - say "see you in another time".<br /><br />Much love and big hugs.<br />P.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 1:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_507615" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904&amp;commentID=507615" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_507615"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_507637">~huggin ya close~ Ahh Chrys.. I am so sorry sweet lady.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 1:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_507637" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904&amp;commentID=507637" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_507637"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_507663">Oh girl I just want to cry for you. For such a sweet person to have to go through so many losses, it just seems so unfair. You deserve nothing but sunshine in your life. ~Big Hugs~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 1:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_507663" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904&amp;commentID=507663" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_507663"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_508336">I am so sorry, Chrys! I had hoped there would be a different outcome. So many losses for you in such a short time. {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 8:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_508336" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904&amp;commentID=508336" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_508336"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_508434">Words fail me, I don't know what to say, I'm sorry just doesn't say it. I wish I could do or say something to ease your pain.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 9:35 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_508434" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904&amp;commentID=508434" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_508434"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_508622">wow. {hugs}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a>&nbsp;on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 12:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_508622" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904&amp;commentID=508622" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_508622"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509219">He was quite a man. His spirit shall defintely live on.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_509219" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904&amp;commentID=509219" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509219"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_509220">He was quite a man. His spirit shall defintely live on.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 11:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_509220" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904&amp;commentID=509220" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_509220"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_510075">Shit...dont know what to say besides sorry baby...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 10:17 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904#" id="addReplyLnk_510075" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=322321904&amp;commentID=510075" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15435210303621183542007-10-24T12:57:00.006-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.976-04:00Poetry In Motion: For Terry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">My Darling</div><div class="MsoNormal">My Master</div><div class="MsoNormal">My Daddy</div><div class="MsoNormal">My Baby</div><div class="MsoNormal">My One </div><div class="MsoNormal">My Love</div><div class="MsoNormal">All these things he is to me</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nothing more</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nothing less</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just him being Terry</div><div class="MsoNormal">His life and the things he’s done</div><div class="MsoNormal">Is enough to make any woman run</div><div class="MsoNormal">But yet, here I am</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right beside him my feet firmly stand</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our relationship</div><div class="MsoNormal">No longer free to roam</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now a metal barred room</div><div class="MsoNormal">He is forced to all home</div><div class="MsoNormal">You ask</div><div class="MsoNormal">Why do I stay</div><div class="MsoNormal">Why not run</div><div class="MsoNormal">Run away</div><div class="MsoNormal">The answer is so very clear</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether he is far or near</div><div class="MsoNormal">Makes no difference to me</div><div class="MsoNormal">For it is love</div><div class="MsoNormal">Can’t you see?</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31368996123558013542007-10-24T10:37:00.004-04:002011-08-10T11:54:56.265-04:00~Shamrocks~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 24, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/716001f8e9ee.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/716001f8e9ee.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>I wear a shamrock in my heart.</strong></div><div align="center">Three in one, one in three---</div><div align="center"><strong>Truth</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>love</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>faith</strong>,</div><div align="center"><strong>Tears</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>pain</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>death</strong>;</div><div align="center"><strong>O sweet my shamrock is to me!</strong></div><div align="center">Lay me in my hollow bed,</div><div align="center">Grow the shamrock over me.</div><div align="center">Three in one, one in three,</div><div align="center">Faith and hope and charity,</div><div align="center">Peace and rest and silence be</div><div align="center">With me where you lay my head;</div><div align="center">O dear the shamrocks are to me!</div><div align="center">~Lady Gilbert~<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_506352">Aaahh... What a great blog! Ya need to sing it to me milady! ;) ♣<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p88/irishdog36/SHAMROCKS.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 6:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=321982517#" id="addReplyLnk_506352" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=321982517&amp;commentID=506352" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_506352"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_506456">Awesome! Thanks for sharing!!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 - 8:23 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=321982517#" id="addReplyLnk_506456" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=321982517&amp;commentID=506456" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59822339858328203692007-10-23T09:55:00.009-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.979-04:00Another Chapter ....or Two<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, October 23, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No Loss for words.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Certainly have plenty of those.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just can't figure out the jumbled mess in my head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How to start. Where to start. What's the beginning and how shall it end.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Does it really even end?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Boy when the Goddesses answer, they make it pour.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not at a loss for words, I just have too many.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is that really even possible? For me to have too many words?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am still feeling torn, what to share, what to keep to myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What is this person going to say, or that person going to think?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not that it has ever mattered to me before. But right now, I just have so much inside that I am sure I would feel better about if I shared it…especially since some of it is good.&nbsp;But what is the price I pay for sharing?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I can not believe I am even awake. Here it is&nbsp;<st1:time hour="9" minute="10">9:10am</st1:time>and I am wide awake. Lately, my mind keeps me awake until&nbsp;<st1:time hour="5" minute="0">5am</st1:time>and I am up every 30 mins. Finally between 11 and 1 I roll my ass out of bed and DO SOMETHING.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I read. It keeps my mind active. I write. And goodness knows I have written so much since moving here. I have stuff to be submitted. I just can't seem to get past the whole process of actually DOING it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The one thing weighing heavily on my mind right now is Terry. Friday they came and got him and took him to the courthouse to begin his sentencing trial. It is to my understanding he will stay in that holding cell until it is over.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This means no access to the outside world. Period. So, I have no way of knowing what's going on in his world right now.&nbsp;It is hard, when someone you care about so much is going through such a thing and there is nothing you can do in this world to help, or to "fix" it.&nbsp;So now, all I can do is wait. Once again left waiting, wondering, hoping, wishing. When one is faced with life or death, what does one hope for? Just when I think I have my feelings sorted, I rethink the situation and my mind changes. This is a daily thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I sure have been faced with a lot of trials and tribulations in life. One would think it would slow down at some point for me. But it never has. I have seen more death and destruction in the last 22 months then any one person should ever have to bear with. This must be my test in life. I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe Terry and I crossed paths for a reason. Sometimes that reason is very clear. Sometimes I doubt it and it becomes cloudy. The darkness within him sometimes is even too much for either of us to carry. But it is what it is.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Everything that has happened to me in life as made me stronger. And now, here lies the test. Will what ever happens to Terry be my breaking point in life, or will I carry on in my world full of happiness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I guess I can not really answer that. I know what I choose. I choose to remain a constant in life full of happiness and smiles. No matter what happens, that is how Terry would want it to be anyway.&nbsp;So, for now, I will cherish the time we had in life together. The powers that be that connected us, and keep holding on to my beliefs that even in life and in death, he will be with me and I will see him again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I see another chapter to be written there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A jumbled mess in my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A constant back and forth battle that goes round and round.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There are some other things going on in my day to day world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Something else that constantly turns my world around and around for about the last 2 months now. Back and forth. Thoughts. I rant and rave and get angry. The Irish temper flairs. I leave. I go back for more. Why does life have to be such a battle? I am not the fighter here. But yet I seem to be the one doing the fighting. What round are we on now? Who is keeping the score? Who is going to ring the bell and declare the winner? Should not be a winner, or a loser. Should be a constant equal. Should be. But I often wonder if it is. I want it to be. The same page, the same chapter. But I think a different book is being written. Get out your pencil, its time to take a quiz.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feelings. Ugh I hate feelings. Why can't they just be easy? Or better yet just go away. Leave me alone and let me stay numb to it all. Under my skin. Itches. I scratch and yet it still there. Nothing I do will make it go away. It just keeps coming back. More and more and more. My powers have no affect. But then again, thinking back, maybe they do. I did ask, maybe the Goddess within listened. But, She should know what's right and wrong for me by now. So I have no choice to put my trust in Her with the hopes that the powers that be will prevail. OR perhaps, tis I the one being tested. I gave up on Her a long long time ago. And have only recently called Her back into my life. This is a test. Hopefully, I shall pass. The itch will go away, but the thing that gets left behind shall stay.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Dangerous. Could be dangerous. But, I like danger. I like excitement.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A new chapter starts. A big ray of sunshine. I see something I have never seen before. No, not the sunshine, for that I see. But something around it. Can't quite put my finger on it. Something I am not used to. It baffles me. I take it as it comes, but I am unsure I am doing the right thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am only human after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">More thoughts swim.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Grab the bait, throw the line and see what gets pulled out of this mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Musings. That's all it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A cryptic message that perhaps only I can understand. Sometimes I wonder if even I can understand it. I have no decoder. So what shall I do?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well, I know what I am going to do now, I am going to finish up my wonderful, warm coffee and ignore the fact it's cold and rainy out. I am going to think about the wonderful things I do have in my life and I am going to happily take my arse and have a war with my treadmill and see if I can not clear out some of this jumbled up fragments of words and put together some sort of clear thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Maybe. We shall see.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I hope you all enjoy your Tuesday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">XOXO</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~Chrys~</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_505570">{{{{HUGS}}}} I hope for the best for Terry! I don't know what he did,but I am sure he had his reasons. Take care of yourself!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 8:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=321648206#" id="addReplyLnk_505570" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=321648206&amp;commentID=505570" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_505570"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/55/s_95876e1e56c177d4386c78d3d6bb4c1f.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_507573">Your doing the right thing keep your mind busy,enjoy your warm java. It's in God's hand whatever shall be. I don't know all of the story about Terry, hope all will be well. Take care and keep your heart in tack. Keep the faith always.<br /><br />love n peace<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=14904163" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">-Twink-</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 12:35 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20318826286568519472007-10-21T23:31:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.423-04:00Just Ramblings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, October 21, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/f98aa28d30f8.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/f98aa28d30f8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/bacb11556638.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I can't sit still.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Never to be idle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Never to sit and waist time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No, I can't sit and watch life pass me by.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't heal like most do. I don't take a step back in life. I always keep moving forward. I might take a moment or two to breathe and perhaps rant, but then I just keep going.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So fucking hyperactive it's ridiculous.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I had a fabulous weekend. A weekend full of laughs and smiles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And now, I sit here, writing my words, pondering. What to say, what to do. What to reveal and what to keep to myself. I have always been so open. But, for the last few days so much has happen in my world that I do not know what to hold on to. What to just keep here for myself, and what bits and pieces to pass along. Ramblings. Inside my head is so much ramble. There is a lot there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My body sits, but my mind keeps going. It won't shut off. There is no on and off switch.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Afraid to sleep these days. Dreams holding the key to my life's events. Afraid of what I am going to find out in my dreams. What's going on? What's the answer that I seek? And why should I be afraid. I have never been afraid of what my dreams brought me before. This time, it's different. It is quite literally a matter of life and death. I need to know. Don't want to know.&nbsp;&nbsp;Have to know. Spins me around and around. Please someone make it stop. Stop this madness that goes and goes in my mind. I know the answer. The answer to make it stop. But that is not an option. No. No. I refuse to even accept that. So on and on I go. I am not selfish. I am not heartless. I don't do this for me. I do this for the one that needs me most in the world. Everyone needs human contact. Everyone needs a link to the outside world. I am that link.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I seem to be a link for many powerful things. Gifts people call them. I often wonder how I was picked. Why me? Out of all the people in the world, how is one chosen for such things? Sometimes I want to throw them away, throw them in the trash never to be seen again. But, I have been dealing with this since I can remember, at the age of at least 6 or 7. So it is so much a part of me, that being without it, I would almost feel naked.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, let's not imagine me running around naked. That is not the direction this blog is going in.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There is a darkness that follows me. I know why. And I am not scared. As a matter of fact, I feel calm and at peace. I feel protected.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I climbed a little bit...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">kept going</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And right now, I am on top of the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Still, some things in life need to change and be taken care of...and they shall...it will all fall in to place.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_502638">... In the darkest night, when it feels that no one is there, lonliness takes its toll. But, though the darkness swallows you whole just know that you are never alone. Know that my thoughts go with you, into those lonely corners of dreams dark demise. When you need a hand, I will offer one.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 12:01 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=321227928#" id="addReplyLnk_502638" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=321227928&amp;commentID=502638" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_502638"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_502664">Gifts can often feel like burdens.. just as in the yin and yang of life.. the dark to light.. we choose from day to day which way to go.. never easy and always difficult to be different.. but at the same time Chrys.. who the hell wants to be normal? Trust in yourself as I know you do... and as you say, it will all fall into place.<br />My blessings and ~warmest hugs~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 12:36 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39722475449198943912007-10-18T03:30:00.008-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.981-04:00Poetry in Motion: Set Me Free - In Ireland<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Thursday, October 18, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Rainbows/An_Irish_Rainbow_by_nineblind.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Irish/Scenic/Irish_Castle_by_endo354.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ireland</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to come home to you</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">To walk outside</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In the morning dew</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:country-region><st1:place>Ireland</st1:place></st1:country-region></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Where I long to be</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have to get there</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cant you see?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So much more then just a vacation</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The people</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My family</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My friends</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The nation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:country-region><st1:place>Ireland</st1:place></st1:country-region></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I longed for all along</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My heart</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My soul</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Tell me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Its where I belong.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Follow me there</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just you and me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Spread my wings</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And watch me fly</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Watch me go free.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">© C.H.&nbsp;<st1:date day="18" m..?10?="" year="2007">10/18/07</st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:date day="18" m..?10?="" year="2007"><br /></st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:date day="18" m..?10?="" year="2007"><br /></st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:date day="18" m..?10?="" year="2007">MySpace Comments</st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:date day="18" m..?10?="" year="2007"><br /></st1:date></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><st1:date day="18" m..?10?="" year="2007"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></st1:date></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/65/s_ea9948575f0ed8f36b4e20b0524f7c73.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Robert Shepherd</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_498532">I wish for all your wishes to come true, always. Nothing in life is happier then to see another person happy. May all your dreams come true and may you fly free forever and a day.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">"Axel" Shepherd</a>on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 3:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936#" id="addReplyLnk_498532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936&amp;commentID=498532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=103138616" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_498532"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_498542">Awesome! I can't wait for you to get there! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 6:42 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936#" id="addReplyLnk_498542" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936&amp;commentID=498542" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_498542"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_498648">I feels much the same. How I miss her.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 10:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936#" id="addReplyLnk_498648" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936&amp;commentID=498648" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_498648"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_499289">Awesome pics &amp; poem! We both dream of going to dear Ireland...our hearts are there!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 9:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936#" id="addReplyLnk_499289" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936&amp;commentID=499289" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_499289"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_499445">I long for being in Ireland as well, but more importantly, I long for being with YOU.<br />I love you so much, My precious lady ~c~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Friday, October 19, 2007 - 12:56 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936#" id="addReplyLnk_499445" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=320128936&amp;commentID=499445" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75049604606616450482007-10-16T11:53:00.008-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.426-04:00My Stupid Ex Husband<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, October 16, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />I am writing this blog today beacuse their are so many of you out there that know him. I just want you to understand some of the stupid shit I have had to put up with for the last 10 years.<br /><br />All I hear is "oh he was such a nice guy" "Oh he treated you so good" "you guys seemes so happy together."<br /><br />Blah.<br /><br />First , I never said he was a bad person, or the he treated me bad. And on the surface we were happy. It was me the was dying on the inside. So many things lacking in that marriage that is just finally ate me alive and I had to make the choice to walk away.<br /><br />One of the biggest things was communication. Their just was not any. No one can survive a one sided marriage. It just is not going to work. Over time my love left and it was pointless for me to stay.<br /><br />At anyrate, for those of you who still bump in to him, please explain to him that I am not a child, and to Shut the F*ck Up.<br /><br />I get this phone call from him this morning. Funny in the aspect he never talks to me anymore. So, hes all trying to tell me about the lawyer and how he hasnt been able to get in touch with him and so he has no idea if my notorized papers I sent two weeks ago made it. He has no idea when the court date is to see the judge and blah blah.<br /><br />Again, proving my point on the stupid male population. UGH!<br /><br />Then, he starts to talk to me like I am a child. Fuck that I already have 2 worthless fathers, I certainly do not need another one.<br /><br />He then goes on to give me at least a 15 min lecture on my cell phone usage. Well fucking DUH. I have an Oklahoma cell phone that we cant get turned off until the divorce is final because we will be slapped with an early termination fee. So, even though I am calling my friends back home and using my minutes, I am still roaming. And when I call people here, its roaming and long distance.<br /><br />And I dont fucking care. So many things came to the surface after the divorce, shit he had done. I did not give a fuck if I rang up a hellious phone bill. He can afford it, and its the least he can do.<br /><br />So then I get even more shit about the text messages. Apparently I have sent out over 2200 texts.&nbsp; HAHAHHAAHHA..why am I not surprised.<br /><br />As he goes on, I am trying not to laugh. Thinking to myself you get just what you deserve.<br /><br />I have a Michigan cell, but why use the minutes on it, when the other one I dont pay for??? LOL<br /><br />So, for those of you who have my OK cell number, message me and I will give you the MI cell number.&nbsp; I suppose I can start transfering everyone over. Besides its only a matter of time before the lawyer pulls his head out of his ass and the divorce is final , therefor causing the ex to&nbsp; march down to the cell phone place and turn off my phone.<br /><br />So, as I am being lectured, sitting here feeling like a child, he asks me if I have anything to say.<br /><br />I say yeah, if you would of let me keep my car, I could have just went and visited all these people I was calling and not have to worry about a monster phone bill.<br /><br />And I hung up.<br /><br />I have a point and I made it.<br /><br />I took nothing, he got everything, he can deal with the cell phone.<br /><br />I will be so glad when this is all over.<br /><br />Just counting down the days.<br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_496526">God you are good!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 12:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319552645#" id="addReplyLnk_496526" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319552645&amp;commentID=496526" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_496526"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_498473">Wow.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 1:28 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319552645#" id="addReplyLnk_498473" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319552645&amp;commentID=498473" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_498473"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_499285">Girl I know how ya feel on that one...but if you had the strength to walk away...you will only grow stronger as time passes &amp; you find yourself again.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 9:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319552645#" id="addReplyLnk_499285" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319552645&amp;commentID=499285" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36975603933592124882007-10-15T22:45:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.428-04:00Poetry in Motion: Beautiful Remains<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, October 15, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am beautiful</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No matter what you say</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am beautiful</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And this is one game</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will not play.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You will not hurt me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nor get under my skin</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This is one game</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You just won't win.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am beautiful</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Both inside and out</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Too bad this is your loss</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For it's not me,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You get to learn about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am beautiful</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A real woman</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Who's honest and true</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Considerate and kind</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Always open</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And will speak my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Willing to love</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And willing to give</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But I won't be wasting my time</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">With the likes of you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For I am beautiful</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And won't be brought down</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">On my face remains a smile</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No longer your frown.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There is no game here left to be played</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have paid my price</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So put away the dice</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Its time for me to walk away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">© C.M. 10/14/07<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=89162783" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/s_da8a59384995a3b19c0772ea52e5b379.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_496156">You ARE beautiful, and so is your poem. Thanks for sharing. The forth verse made me laugh. It's good that you haven't lost your sass. There's nothing more beautiful than a strong, intelligent woman. Keep it up.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a>on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 11:44 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374#" id="addReplyLnk_496156" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374&amp;commentID=496156" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_496156"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_496204">Bloody right, you tell them, sweetness.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 12:39 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374#" id="addReplyLnk_496204" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374&amp;commentID=496204" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_496204"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_496307">Just dropping off some {{{{HUGS}}}} for my beautiful Irish one!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 6:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374#" id="addReplyLnk_496307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374&amp;commentID=496307" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_496307"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_496375">You ROCK....plain and simple!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 9:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374#" id="addReplyLnk_496375" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374&amp;commentID=496375" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_496375"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_502395">awesome.. ~hugs~ and love.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 7:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374#" id="addReplyLnk_502395" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319423374&amp;commentID=502395" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66902442009022749282007-10-14T23:39:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.431-04:00I’ve Had Enough Already<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, October 14, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/part32.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What do I want?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, its been suggested that I make myself some sort of a list and figure out exactly what it is I want.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">How does one do this? I mean, right now I feel like I am at Baskin Robbins home of the 31 flavors and I am sampling a taste of each.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">After the recent drama I went through, maybe Joey was right. Maybe despite knowing on some level what I was looking for, maybe, just maybe, I really needed to dig deeper. I started a list.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Someone who</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Doesn't want to own me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Or control me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just lets me be</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Will love me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Respect me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not reject me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Does accept me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Free to be</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That's the biggest issue people seam to have. They want to change me. Morph me in to what suits them better.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sorry. I am not programmed like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will not compromise me!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The other problem I have is they don't want to listen. Right now, I am just in the dating pool.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Besides I need TRUST and it's sort of hard to be in a relationship right from the start with someone you just met. You have to earn your trust I am not going to just hand it to you on a silver platter.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No secrets</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No lies</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am very open and I expect you to be as well</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Communication is a MUST</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Without it the relationship falls apart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Is this really too much to ask for?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Apparently it is, as I am finding out.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I am taking myself out of the dating pool.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In recent turn of events that I really care not to get into, rather then leaving me angry and able to walk away, it has left me hurting and crying on the inside, unsure of myself and what to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't like feeling this way. So it's safer to just close up shop and just run away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">MySpace Comments:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_495137">Sweetness, I don't know what else to say besides what I wrote to you in email.<br />I certainly wish I were able to give you what you need.<br />Although, the owning and controlling part, we would have to compromise on.<br />Winks...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 1:03 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319115027#" id="addReplyLnk_495137" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319115027&amp;commentID=495137" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_495137"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_495151">Aahh just drink Guinness and have a great time and wait until a real MAN comes around... Sorry to hear about the dating not going so good... Cheers to ya &amp; slainte to my fucking bad ass friend! ;) &amp;club;<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 1:41 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319115027#" id="addReplyLnk_495151" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319115027&amp;commentID=495151" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_495151"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_495251">I so do NOT envy you! LOL! I don't think I would do very well with the whole dating thing! I am happy to say that it has been more than 26 years since I have had to do that! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 6:46 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319115027#" id="addReplyLnk_495251" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=319115027&amp;commentID=495251" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_495251"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_495358">My poor {{{{{{{{{{{{sis}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 11:26 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89779745173210968742007-10-10T22:42:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.433-04:00Make Like A Dolphin<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 10, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Sr52ckuomGE" width="425"></iframe><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">People often ask me, "Chrys, what's with the dolphin tattoo?" It just doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason to fit in with the rest of my tattoos. Sure it, it may not have an Irish / Celtic/ luck theme to it; however it does fit with ME.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05LJ7QntiGo/Tgo-13Gr0xI/AAAAAAAAAcc/r-s21X0hClQ/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05LJ7QntiGo/Tgo-13Gr0xI/AAAAAAAAAcc/r-s21X0hClQ/s1600/l.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This was the 2<sup>nd</sup>&nbsp;tat I got back around 97. It was a night of birthday, good parties, good times and good friends deep in the streets of Austin Texas.&nbsp;Austin had become a popular hang out for me in college. My best friend at the time was from there, so we were constantly taking road trips. Those were some of the best times of my life. So many stories, so much fun.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was sitting here today, thinking about my life long ago. Well it seems to long ago. I thought I had life figured out. I thought I knew exactly what path I was to follow and where I was going to end up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The dolphin was more then just a symbol of life for me. It was what I wanted to do with life. My dream of being a marine biologist and studying dolphins was shattered. For reasons I care not to rehash today. But I never stopped learning everything I could about this animal. This animal that I could never own or control in life like a cat or a dog, but an animal that brought me so much inner peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For anyone that is a fan of Poe, might just know where I am going with this.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For those that do now, here once again here is a lyrical spin for you.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">Poe - Dolphin<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">There's a broken beam inside of the big big bridge<br />I guess that whole thing is caving in<br />Maybe it is time I learn how to swim<br />I'll be a dolphin, I'll be a dolphin<br />Sometimes I think I'm breaking down<br />And other times I think that I'm fine<br />But something got into my engine<br />It slowed me down<br />Now I gotta turn this whole thing around<br />I'm gonna be a dolphin<br />Gonna be a dolphin<br />I'm gonna be a dolphin<br />Gonna be a dolphin<br />There's not a lot I believe anymore<br />I mistrust everything I had been longing for<br />There's not a lot that I know anymore<br />But I know if good bridge is burning<br />You gotta be a dolphin...You gotta be a dolphin<br />You gotta be a dolphin...You gotta be a dolphin<br />Sometimes I think you're crazy and sick<br />And other time I think you're so fine<br />But I know I'm in danger 'cause you feel like a stranger<br />And I know that something's going give<br />When I dive into that ocean<br />God I hope I don't sink like a stone -- no<br />I'm gonna move like a dolphin<br />There may be a lot I don't know about you<br />But I know if I don't swim<br />I'm already drowning<br />'Cause a broken bridge<br />Is a broken bridge<br />So I swim to you now<br />Here I come...Here I come<br />Here I come...Here I come<br />I'll be a dolphin<br />There's a broken beam inside of the big big bridge<br />I guess that this time I'll have swim (I'll swim...)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">Now, I take a look at my life today. What I have been through in the last 10 years. I often wonder did I make the right choices. I wonder why. Why, why why.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">Then I think I am like a dolphin these days. Swimming around life. Hoping not to sink. Simply tasting freedom.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_491146">YES you made the right choices, stop wondering and start enjoying your life, baby. Dolphins do not just swim around, hoping not to sink. They leap through the air, and experience great joy. Experience life, sweetness, don't just muddle through. Take huge gulps, not small tastes.<br />Enjoy life, it is far too short not to, baby.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 12:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317959411#" id="addReplyLnk_491146" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317959411&amp;commentID=491146" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><label id="NewDiv_491146"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_491276">Dolphins are "fun" they like to play! Have fun today! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 7:56 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317959411#" id="addReplyLnk_491276" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317959411&amp;commentID=491276" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><label id="NewDiv_491276"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=146472038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♠Sparrows¤In¤†he¤Murder♠&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=146472038" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/117/s_41d53951cf204832a07cca4c527570fc.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Sid Duece</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_491860">wanted to be a marine biologist too, always thought dolphins were hiding so much knowledge and spirit inside them that we have yet to really understand. i think thats why i love the song Incubus made - The Warmth , becuase of the sirenic moans of the guitar and violin reproduced marine sounds at the beging before the phycodelic sythe hits.<br /><br />the poem, first time ive read it but i already feel pre-attached to it. Well thats calmed me down for the evening.. guna go hit that song "and leave the air behind me clear" ;p</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=146472038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♠Sparrows¤In¤†he¤Murder♠</a>on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 9:50 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317959411#" id="addReplyLnk_491860" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317959411&amp;commentID=491860" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=146472038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><label id="NewDiv_491860"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/s_8e48a096b55142feb702353b1614d8a8.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_493390">I love this Chrys!! The poem is so powerful &amp; a dolphin is a wonderful creature! Here is a little something for ya....<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t145/akamissrubytuesday/2uj78du.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hope to get to chat again soon...have a great weekend!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">ღ J.D. ღ</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, October 13, 2007 - 9:55 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317959411#" id="addReplyLnk_493390" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317959411&amp;commentID=493390" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42893684" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_493390"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_493985">~~~hugs you...<br />I understand...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Saturday, October 13, 2007 - 10:28 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73343124681868507842007-10-10T00:37:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.436-04:00Find A Way - Get To Me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 10, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_317681548" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Anything is possible if you just try.<br />You can make it work if you really want it to.<br />Point is, not to give up.<br />Things will not always be this way.<br />Nothing is constant, things always change.<br />Forever moving forward.<br />One step at a time.<br />~C~<br />*********************************************************************</span></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0OJvFpzHGIc" width="425"></iframe><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_317681548" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_317681548" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Well an airplane's faster than a Cadillac<br />And a whole lot smoother than a camel's back<br />But I don't care how you get to me<br />Just get to me<br />Parasail or first class mail<br />Get on the back of a Nightingale<br />Just get to me I don't care just get to me<br />Prokeds, mopeds take a limousine instead<br />They ain't cheap but they're easy to find<br />Get on the highway point yourself my way<br />Take a roller coaster that comes in sideways<br />Just get to me - yeah<br /><br />Go on hitch a ride on the back<br />of a butterfly<br />There's no better way to fly<br />To get to me<br />I look around at what I got<br />And without you, it ain't a lot<br />But I got every, with you, everything<br /><br />Maybe you could pollinate over the<br />Golden Gate<br />Take a left hand turn at the corner<br />Of Haight<br />And then a sharp right<br />At the first street light<br />And get yourself on a motor bike<br />And if you think you'll get stuck in a<br />traffic jam<br />That's fine, send yourself through a telephone line<br />It doesn't matter how you get to me<br />Just get to me<br /><br />Cause after every day<br />The wind blows the night time my way<br />And I imagine that you are<br />Above me like a star<br />And you keep on glowing<br />And you keep on showing me the way<br />SHINE SHINE SHINE<br /><br />Train- Get To Me</span></span></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_490357">Pretty sweet alright. I love you, My slut baby.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 12:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317681548#" id="addReplyLnk_490357" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317681548&amp;commentID=490357" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_490357"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_490532">True so true sis.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 11:58 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317681548#" id="addReplyLnk_490532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=317681548&amp;commentID=490532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85977336291634297002007-10-09T17:22:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.984-04:00Terry: Cravings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Tuesday, October 09, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span></span></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb84/tntrouble000/msexdrugsrocknroll2-1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Craving the sharp point of the needle</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">As it pierces the skin, and then</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The rush, as it spreads throughout My body</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">That feeling of perfection, serenity</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Of nothing, nothing, nothing at all.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Craving that first taste, that first crack</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Of the cold beer as it hits My mouth</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Slides down My throat, and warms My belly</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Spreads through the body and I feel</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Just nothing, nothing, nothing at all.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Craving that hit, that toke, that blast</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Off the pipe, as I light it and inhale it</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Breathing so deeply that it fills up My body</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It calms me, enlightens me, opens my mind</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Into nothing, nothing, nothing at all</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Craving the touch, the smell, the feel</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Of a warm body, underneath mine</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The breathing of a soft, submissive breath</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">As I open up, &nbsp;take possession of what is Mine</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Make it respond to only Me, because everything else</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Means nothing, nothing, nothing at all.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">~Terry O'Malley~</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">MySpace Comments:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"></span></span></span></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_180546">Wow!<br />Baby, I have no words for this.<br />I wanna be under You, with You, all around You...forever, here to enternity.<br />I love You T.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 1:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=317687171#" id="addReplyLnk_180546" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_180546"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_180650">That's f-ing awesome!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 9:08 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=317687171#" id="addReplyLnk_180650" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_180650"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 15px;"></span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_180731"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 15px;">Ahhh mate I knows bout cravin all too well. As usual ya says what I am thinkin but in much better words n I kin come up with.</span><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 15px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 11:59 AM</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 15px;"><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13286492465798245392007-10-06T16:31:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.986-04:00Terry: MySpace Survey About ~c~<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1. What's one thing thats heavily weighing on your mind?<br />Death and my relationship with ~c~<br /><br />2. What's one thing you've learned from a good friendship gone bad?<br />People can't always be trusted, even if you think you know them <br /><br />3. What's one thing you've learned lately from love?<br />It's fucking hard but worth it, I think<br /><br />4. Is there anyone special in your life in general at the moment?<br />Yes<br /><br />5. What's a happy time you've had in the past week?<br />Not feeling happy these days, but must have been while reading a sexy email from ~c~ <br /><br />6. Is there anything in your past that you'd like to try again?<br />Yes<br /><br />7. Who do you like to spend your nights with?<br />I wish I could spend them with ~c~<br /><br />8. Are you an emotional person?<br />Depends on the emotion<br /><br />9. Are you self conscious?<br />No<br /><br />10. Do you think of others before yourself?<br />No, I am a selfish bastard<br /><br />11. What's something that can always make you feel better?<br />Dirty, dirty, dirty fun stuff<br /><br />12. Who was the last person you had a crush on?<br />Can't say I have ever had a crush<br /><br />13. Where do you see yourself this time next year?<br />No idea, either dead or alive <br /><br />14. Do you tend to make relationships complicated?<br />Very much so<br /><br />15. Who do you feel the most comfortable around?<br />I don't feel comfortable around people in general<br /><br />16. Is there something that you're waiting for?<br />Answers<br /><br />17. One thing you're not looking forward to?<br />The future <br /><br />18. How do you feel about change?<br />Fuck it<br /><br />19. What are you most looking forward to?<br />Nothing<br /><br />20. What are your plans for your next birthday?<br />None<br /><br />21. Do you even care about your birthday?<br />No<br /><br />22. Do you think anyone in general out there loves you?<br />Yes, I specifically know who<br /><br />23. When do you think the world will end?<br />Do I look like I give a fuck? When it ends, it ends<br /><br />24. Whats the most expensive piece of clothing you own?<br />HA! Prison blues are free money-wise, expensive other-wise<br /><br />25. If you could be on a reality show what would it be?<br />Escape from Prison<br /><br />26. Do you still talk to the person you LAST kissed?<br />Online, yes I do, in person, no <br /><br />27. Have you ever seen your best friend cry?<br />No<br /><br />28. What kind of vitamins did you take as a kid?<br />None<br /><br />30. Did you get any compliments today?<br />No<br /><br />31. Are you friends with your neighbors?<br />No<br /><br />32. What were you just thinking about?<br />How this has to be the most fucking depressing thing for me to be doing right now, answering these bloody questions<br /><br />33. Name the places you have lived.<br />No, don't feel like it<br /><br />34. When was the last time you drove more than 15 minutes?<br />Last time I worked, I guess</span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61403339525241452652007-10-06T03:05:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.988-04:00Terry: No Regrets ~c~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, October 06, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb84/tntrouble000/barbedwireheart.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Heart is breaking, it feels cracked in two</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">I kept up My wall to avoid this, tis so true</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Yet here it is, I let myself fall in love</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">you got over my wall, scaled it from above</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">I did so many things in my life that were wrong</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">And somehow I knew it would happen, all along</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">The time would come, that I would have to pay</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">you would end up hurting too, along the way</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">My mistakes, My anger, My pain, My fears</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Would cause nothing but grief and future tears</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">But baby, I wouldn't trade it all for anything</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">I love you, I cherish you, I regret nothing.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Nothing, My love.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">~T~</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">MySpace Comments</div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_178039">Wow mate I could of writ this myself. I am feelin much the same. Great piece o work here.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Joey</span></a>on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 10:05 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=316476196#" id="addReplyLnk_178039" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Reply</span></a><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=316476196#" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"> to this</a></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff;">]&nbsp;</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_178039"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; font-weight: normal;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_178305">my Darling ~T~<br />if only You could see<br />what You really mean to me<br />my wall was up<br />built so high<br />but over it You came<br />like You could fly<br />i let You in<br />and You i<br />here i am<br />holding on to what we do have<br />not letting it pass us by.<br /><br />Baby, I love You. More then I can ever express to You. You mean so much to me. I simply adore you.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;"><b>Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">♣IrishChik♣</span></a>on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 8:34 PM<br />[</b><strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=316476196#" id="addReplyLnk_178305" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Reply to this</span></a></strong><b>]&nbsp;</b></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90394901875195143002007-10-03T14:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.920-04:00My Personal Thank You’s<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, October 03, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">First, I want to thank each one of you that personally took the time to contact me and give me your thoughts, prayers, well wishes, blessings and white lights with the passing of my best friend Elonna. It has been a long and rough week and I am sorry it took me so long to contact you all and give my thanks. I think I got everyone back with a comment and a letter that sent one my way. If I missed you, I am sorry and just know I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those of you with the shoulders I cried on and the ears that were lended, I am forever grateful. I would not have gotten through this without all the love and support of my friends.<br /><br />Second, I want to thank each of you who have put up with me and my round of drama since Terry got back. I know the sitchy is complicated and him and I just made things worse by not accepting the outside world to dictate what we should and should not do. But, in the end, friends are what we needed. Friends that were willing to just tell us like it is and make our stubborn Irish asses listen. We needed that outside source to give their opinion. So, when I asked for help, I sure got it. You guys know who you are, and I am blessed you are such true and wonderful friends. I am blessed that you have also taken the time to reach out to Terry and offer your hand as well. That really means a lot to me.<br /><br />To the rest if you , sometimes in life we are faced with things we do not want to deal with. Faced with decisions we do not want to make. Well I have made mine. I do not care how far away Terry is. I do not care that he is faced to live out the rest of his life in a 4X4 barred cell. All I care about is that he is in my life. And you will just have to understand that and accept it.<br /><br />As I have said over and over, I am a girl with a big heart. I love many of those around me. I will give you love if you deserve it, and expect you to love me in return. Respect me. Let me be me. Let me be open to the world around me. Understand me. And you must just accept me as I am. I am not willing to compromise on this. Terry is here to stay, you accept that or your don't. You take me as is or you don't.<br /><br />Big hugs, kisses and thank you all around.<br /><br />xoxo<br />Chrys<br /><br />MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_484787">~brotherly bear hugs~ back to me sis.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 04, 2007 - 1:28 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=315695908#" id="addReplyLnk_484787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=315695908&amp;commentID=484787" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_484787"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_486076">{{{{{{{{Chrys}}}}}}}} you are always welcome sweetie!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 6:11 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=315695908#" id="addReplyLnk_486076" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=315695908&amp;commentID=486076" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_486076"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_486470">I agree with the thanks to friends, and thanks to you, My slut baby, for putting up with Me.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 2:35 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67040250041762567092007-10-01T12:22:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.990-04:00My Post on Terry’s Words<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, October 01, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb84/tntrouble000/DARK_DESIRE_Joseph_Vargo_Fantasy-1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Terry's Words</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As many of you have followed my soap opera of a life, you all know the Terry sitchy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And you all know the circumstances that have recently come about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have not really wanted to talk about it. Doing so makes it seem real.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But, I guess I can not hide from it any longer. I was going to blog it, but, he beat me to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Here is his blog:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">So, yeah. A new blog, and nothing good I wish to say, really.</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">I am locked up, and the outcome does not look good. I want to continue to own and control ~c~ while knowing that I must let her go.</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Even as she begs Me to hold on to her.</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">It bothers Me to hear that other men out there, men who can actually BE with her, are ignoring her, mistreating her, smothering her, annoying her, not seeing what a truly amazing and powerful woman she is and admiring her for that.</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Cherishing her for who she is.</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Annoys Me in the sense that I want to be her One and I can't, I can't, I can't.</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">Annoys Me that these other fucking wankers cannot give what I could, but I can't, and apparently they can't either.</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">I don't know what to do.</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><b>My comment:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div style="font-weight: normal;">Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.~~unknown<br /><br />I love You so much Terry. I wish that could be enough for You. Hope that it can be.<br /><br />You have let me go, set me free. In some aspects of life. Owning and controlling me is one thing, letting my live life is another.<br /><br />I wanted more then anything to have this life with You. The circumstances are unfortunate, but one thing still remains...my love.<br /><br />I realize we can no longer have that life together we dreamed of. But we are still given something. And I fully intend to keep You as close to me as possible for as long as I can.<br /><br />That is why I do not want to go. Why I do not want You to let me go.<br /><br />I gave you an oath, and although was not marriage, was still the same aspects in life..."Till Death Do Us Part" meaning I will walk beside You through it all. And even in death, You will still be with me.<br /><br />Our love, will never change. Our hearts, our souls forever entwined together. Your tattoo, my tattoo...things no one can ever take away from us.<br /><br />The answer of what to do, for me is clear. To continue to love You, to hold You as close to me as possible. Keeping You in my heart. Keeping all Your wonderful words, thoughts, and memories alive.<br /><br />That is what I want.</div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><b>And my BFF Julies comment:<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">The only thing you can do at this point, in this life, under these circumstances is to Love her. And she knows that, accepts that and loves you still the same. It's the power of the love between you that will always bind you together. There are so many things in life that we want, but will never be able to possess, not completely. We accept the limitations that are placed upon us and are thankful in our own right that we have what little we do.<br /><br />As unfortunate as the situation is you two are facing, it would be even more tragic still to let go of what life force she brings to you, some small bit of normalcy you can hold on to. You're right, she is a strong and powerful woman and she knows who and what she wants. When it's time, she and only she will decide what's best for her. Until then, let her love you and you do the same. I think that is all anyone could ever ask of another human being…love me, accept me, have faith in me.<br /><br />And as far the collection of human garbage that has crossed her path. As disruptive as they are to her, she knows how truly little they mean in her life. It's a shame that people feel the need to treat others in a such a way that leaves them feeling worthless and cold. We all make choices that turn our fates in one direction or another, but I believe in her case these choices as of late are merely distractions. This pain will fade and a new life will eventually find her and she will be filled with the happiness she deserves.<br /><br />I can't bring you any words of comfort that I think would truly make a difference, but she loves you enough to stand beside you through all the good and bad this life brings, how lucky you are to have this. In time, however you two decide to handle your relationship is only something you can know in your hearts. But I think right now you both need support, you need each other to help get one another through this new chapter.<br /><br />Don't let this torment you, Chrys knows she is loved, by you, by me and a hell of a lot of people on this earth….baby girl, you're going to fine, just fine.<br /><br />And to you Terry there is nothing I can offer accept love as a friend and support however it may come. You are not forgotten…</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 3pt; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">So, that's what is going on right now. A love that can now never be anything more then what it is today.</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">A love that neither really wants to let go of.</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">What's wrong, what's right, what's the kind thing to do?</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">I do not know really what the question is we are searching for, nor the answer. All I know is how I feel for this MAN. No boy here.<st1:state><st1:place>Man.</st1:place></st1:state>&nbsp;My&nbsp;<st1:state><st1:place>Man.</st1:place></st1:state>&nbsp;A man I can never have now.&nbsp;&nbsp;I mean, I have him in some sense, but not in the way he and I had once dreamed of. Life does continue to move forward….and I am forced to move along with it.&nbsp;</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">~sighs~</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;">MySpace Comments:</div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><br /></div><div class="blogcommentscontent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_482274">Tough spot for you both {{{{{{{{{{{{{{sis}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br />No answers, just my love and support to you both.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 1:42 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=315014031#" id="addReplyLnk_482274" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=315014031&amp;commentID=482274" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_482274"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_482325">Well I posted on me mate Terrys blog n now here ya go sis. Dont give up on this love n this man. Dont let him give up neither. Tis too important to ya both baby.<br />All will be well I just knows it. ~big brotherly bear hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 2:39 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=315014031#" id="addReplyLnk_482325" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=315014031&amp;commentID=482325" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_482325"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_482575">{{{{HUGS}}}} Sometimes I wish I had a magic time machine, so we can go back and fix some mistakes (leave others as lessons)...but I can't do that. All I can do if offer hugs and hope for a miracle!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 6:59 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22892473463155131842007-10-01T00:48:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.993-04:00Terry: New Shite<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, October 01, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb84/tntrouble000/DARK_DESIRE_Joseph_Vargo_Fantasy-1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br />So, yeah. A new blog, and nothing good I wish to say, really.<br /><br />I am locked up, and the outcome does not look good. I want to continue to own and control ~c~ while knowing that I must let her go.<br /><br />Even as she begs Me to hold on to her.<br /><br />It bothers Me to hear that other men out there, men who can actually BE with her, are ignoring her, mistreating her, smothering her, annoying her, not seeing what a truly amazing and powerful woman she is and admirng her for that.<br /><br />Cherishing her for who she is.<br /><br />Annoys Me in the sense that I want to be her One and I can't, I can't, I can't.<br /><br />Annoys Me that these other fucking wankers cannot give what I could, but I can't, and apparently they can't either.<br /><br />I don't know what to do.<br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_174902">Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.~~unknown<br /><br />I love You so much Terry. I wish that could be enough for You. Hope that it can be.<br /><br />You have let me go, set me free. In some aspects of life. Owning and controlling me is one thing, letting my live life is another.<br /><br />I wanted more then anything to have this life with You. The circumstances are unfortunate, but one thing still remains...my love.<br /><br />I realize we can no longer have that life together we dreamed of. But we are still given something. And I fully intend to keep You as close to me as possible for as long as I can.<br /><br />That is why I do not want to go. Why I do not want You to let me go.<br /><br />I gave you an oath, and although was not marriage, was still the same aspects in life..."Till Death Do Us Part" meaning I will walk beside You through it all. And even in death, You will still be with me.<br /><br />Our love, will never change. Our hearts, our souls forever entwined together. Your tattoo, my tattoo...things no one can ever take away from us.<br /><br />The answer of what to do, for me is clear. To continue to love You, to hold You as close to me as possible. Keeping You in my heart. Keeping all Your wonderful words, thoughts, and memories alive.<br /><br />That is what I want.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">♣IrishChik♣</span></a>&nbsp;on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 2:33 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=314915524#" id="addReplyLnk_174902" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_174902"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_174928">The only thing you can do at this point, in this life, under these circumstances is to Love her. And she knows that, accepts that and loves you still the same. It's the power of the love between you that will always bind you together. There are so many things in life that we want, but will never be able to possess, not completely. We accept the limitations that are placed upon us and are thankful in our own right that we have what little we do.<br /><br />As unfortunate as the situation is you two are facing, it would be even more tragic still to let go of what life force she brings to you, some small bit of normalcy you can hold on to. You're right, she is a strong and powerful woman and she knows who and what she wants. When it's time, she and only she will decide what's best for her. Until then, let her love you and you do the same. I think that is all anyone could ever ask of another human being…love me, accept me, have faith in me.<br /><br />And as far the collection of human garbage that has crossed her path. As disruptive as they are to her, she knows how truly little they mean in her life. It’s a shame that people feel the need to treat others in a such a way that leaves them feeling worthless and cold. We all make choices that turn our fates in one direction or another, but I believe in her case these choices as of late are merely distractions. This pain will fade and a new life will eventually find her and she will be filled with the happiness she deserves.<br /><br />I can’t bring you any words of comfort that I think would truly make a difference, but she loves you enough to stand beside you through all the good and bad this life brings, how lucky you are to have this. In time, however you two decide to handle your relationship is only something you can know in your hearts. But I think right now you both need support, you need each other to help get one another through this new chapter.<br /><br />Don't let this torment you, Chrys knows she is loved, by you, by me and a hell of a lot of people on this earth….baby girl, you’re going to fine, just fine.<br /><br />And to you Terry there is nothing I can offer accept love as a friend and support however it may come. You are not forgotten…<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Jules</span></a>on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 5:09 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=314915524#" id="addReplyLnk_174928" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_174928"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_175201">Hugs to you both {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Terry}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}]<br />I told my sweet sis I didn't have any answers, but one just came to me. Life is short, love is precious and rare. Take whatever you can and hold onto it (her) as long as you can.<br />Maybe you can't control her but I have a feeling you definitaly already own her. ;)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">MySpace&nbsp;</span></a>on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 1:46 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=314915524#" id="addReplyLnk_175201" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_175201"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_175228">Terry I knows yer sitch all too well here. I been locked up seems like more n I been a free man since I committed to me darlin Elonna. Ya knows how frustrated n helpless I felt as well. Expecially when she became ill n I couldnt be there with her. I tried to heal her from a distance n lost her anyways n cant help but feels like if Id of been there she wouldnt of gone. Like is partly me own fault.<br />Terry I knows from one man in prison to another that there is some things ya kin control n some things ya kint. Yer own feelins yer own words n yes even yer own actions ya gots control over. Ya kin drive yerself mad if ya tries to control yer girl n what she does with ya bein gone.<br />Must say I also knows me sis real well. She may play round n have fun but when she gives her love to ya is fer real. Do yerself a huge favour mate. Take her love. Dont turn it away. Will keep ya goin n keep ya sane n sorted. I should know. All yer gonna have if ya gives her up is more heartache n pain fer the both o ya. Is already bad enough as is.<br />I already has a great feelin o love n respect fer ya as a mate n as a person I has so much in common with. So I hopes ya takes me words to heart. I knows me sis so well. I knows how much she loves ya. Go with it.<br />~hugs n back pats~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Joey</span></a>&nbsp;on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 2:37 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=314915524#" id="addReplyLnk_175228" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88549712748037079882007-09-30T16:26:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.995-04:00The Great Date Debate Is Now Over<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, September 30, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The Great Date Debate</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The great date debate is over. At least I am declaring it as such.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Since I doubt Mike even reads these things, I am gonna dish. Maybe if he would have gotten nosey in my blogs like he does everything else on my page, maybe he would have learned a thing or two about me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And Mike, if you are reading this...because I remember you once told me you do know how to read LOL...I do like you, and do want to hang out again...but really..I am FRUSTRATED WITH YOU!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For those of you who picked Mike, and took his side, well, you lose. Not that their really is a winner or a loser cause I AM NOT PLAYING GAMES.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I may only be dating right now, but there is a reason for dating. To find that person I potentially want to spend more time with and get to know. I am not trying to see how many people I can date or sleep with. Not trying to play games or just string anyone along.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But I am trying to find someone I can connect with on all levels. Someone I could see myself going on another date with and taking the time to get to know.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I thought I had found that with Mike. We had made plans to hang out again. We do talk a little ever day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But two weekends in a row now I have been blown off. The red flags are now going up all over and as Julie said – "Run Forrest Run" and that is exactly what I should do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Was easy enough to walk away from all the rest of them, but why can I not so easily walk away from Mike. What is it about him that keeps me coming back for one more word? I don't get it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am well aware the man is busy. I am well aware he's dating other people too. I get it. I am not retarded. I also get that I live over an hour away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But you don't tell someone all week long you are going to hang out on the weekend, then when the weekend rolls around, just OOPS something came up and then blow the whole rest of the weekend off.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was sympathetic and understanding about the Aunt last weekend. Those things happen. A little bummed we didn't get to hang out and a little disappointed he could not extend the common courtesy of calling me and letting me know he was not coming even after he said he still was.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am understanding to the fact that he had to go to Ohio Friday night and that he had a fight to attend. I get that. He's a fighter. He trains fighters. Its part of his job. But you obviously knew you were going. So why all week tell me we are gonna hang out this weekend. I told 4 other people I had plans, thinking Mike and I were gonna hang out. Then I get this at the last minute. But then he goes on to tell me he will be home Saturday night. WTF ever. Do I look like I was born yesterday?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So now here it is, late afternoon Sunday that I am writing this. I see Mike online earlier so I dropped him an IM to ask how the fight went. Small talk. And then, as usual, he quits talking. Just like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, he's busy.&nbsp;~ROLLS EYES~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You weren't quite so busy when you first met me. You had time to talk to me then. Ugh. I just don't get it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This man has only called me once. And that was before we went out. We don't mail each other anymore. He hardly ever IM me. I am always the one to initiate conversation anymore. As for calls, right, that's all me.&nbsp;He asks, and I call.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He always seems happy enough when I say hi. I would think that if he didn't want to talk to me he would just be honest enough to tell me so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm not a clingy person. I give him all the space he needs and wants.&nbsp; I need and want my own space anyway so it works out well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am open, so there is no reason to have to lie to me or tell me stories.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He said to me once he doesn't get why after a few weeks the girl changes and he wonders where the girl he first met just went. Makes me wonder; don't think maybe it's the girl that changes so much as it is him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just think he's cool as shit and like to talk to him, and would like to get to know him more.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think at this point it is a lost cause.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Most likely a typical guy who got what he wanted and no point in going in to that any farther.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, Round one of the great date debate is over. I am going to start wiping this slate clean. All the guys I have talked about dating up to this blog, gone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I am just going to run away for a little while.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, that's it. Running away. That is what I am going to do.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div>I want to run away. I want to go "home" Not that I have a home there anymore, but, I miss my friends. They were my family. I miss everything I have ever known. I've had 2 people ask me to come back home. 1 of them said I was more then welcome to come and stay with him and his daughter as long as I wanted.&nbsp;I've known him practically since we were teens back in T-town. So it was very nice of him to say that.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe they are right; maybe I don't quite fit in up here.&nbsp;I mean, they are closest to me after all. Maybe this really isn't the life that was meant for me.&nbsp;Just because my family is here, obviously doesn't mean anything. It's not like I see any of them.<br /><br />I'm trying to make it work, but it's just a whole new mess of issues here.<br /><br />Every time I think I made some progress, I get knocked right back down.<br /><br />I don't know what to do anymore.<br /><br />So my old feelings start to flood my mind.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I run and I hide. I hide in that cold dark hole. You know that one I run to often.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These thoughts start to consume me and flood my mind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm running away. Yes, that's it. That is defiantly what I am going to do.&nbsp;I can't take this life chosen for me anymore. The choice I made doesn't seem to be the right one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These bad times – the passing of Elonna, the job market being as shitty as it is, my mother constantly being up my ass like I am 12 again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These powers and gifts are too much for me. I see everything. I feel everything. I sense things. Sometimes I just want them to go away. I promised Terry I would see the good in them. I promised him I would use them and not let them run dormant again. My promises to Terry I will always keep.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This heart of mine. Huge loving heart. Seems it does more harm then good. I am good natured person. I might have a tough shell on the outside. Not wanting to get hurt again. Not wanting to fall to fast, and not ending up with the wrong person.&nbsp;But on the inside, I am sensitive and I have feelings just like everyone else. So it hurts my heart when I get stepped on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm lost and very much need to find my way. I don't even know where to start anymore. Here I am walking all alone. Friends and loved ones are so far away. You know where to find me, but yet I won't let you in. It's hard. I want to keep you close to me, inside my heart. But the distance makes it so hard sometimes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My doors have been shut, windows locked.&nbsp;I can't let anyone get close. No more letting anyone in. No more open book. Barbed wire around my heart.&nbsp;Covered in glass. Only this time, even if the glass does shatter, how you gonna get around that wire?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Am I the one that is dangerous?&nbsp;Or is it them?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Remember those razor blades. Oh how they shine. Was that your blood, or mine?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No matter. It's only me here now.&nbsp;Me sitting quietly in my little hole.&nbsp;I want to go back to playing with shiny sharp objects. Back when I had no feelings or a care. Why didn't you leave me in that hole?? Why couldn't you leave me there? You made me come out and now look at me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've got to run away. Please don't chase me. Just let me go. In my own world now.&nbsp;&nbsp;Safer there for me. Don't know what I am doing. What direction to turn. May as well just stay here. Away from everyone. Away from the world. Not able to hurt. Not able to feel.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just so sick of this crap.&nbsp;My life since I was born has just been one awful thing after another. Is it ever going to end? Or does the ending lie within my own two hands. Am I my only fate here?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The luck of the Irish is NOT on my side.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, whatever, we all know I dont stay down for long..vent over...moving on...~sighs~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Have I mentioned I miss ELONNA????</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42352138639409023742007-09-29T20:05:00.011-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.438-04:00No Religion In Which I Follow<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, September 29, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/5b9766d529f5.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/5b9766d529f5.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No religion in which I follow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There, I have officially said it. I am sure many of you have figured this out. And I know many of you watched me go through my few years going to church faithfully. I did not do it for myself. I did it for my friend Mandy who was trying to help me and Marcus. Marcus thought it was helpful and so for him I continued to go. I spent my time in the toddler's room with the kids. Mandy had a daughter, Madisyn, who was my little buddy. My joy was in watching those kids. Not opening my heart to God. I do admit I liked going to the church I went to. I made a lot of friends. We had one of the best Christian Rock bands in the tri city area. And every Sunday was a daily lesson that I was able to take something away from. However, I never found God. Or religion for that matter. Maybe I did church for the wrong reasons. Maybe not. Each of us has our own path in life. We take what we can from experiences and learn and move on. That's exactly what I did.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Have I read the bible? Yeap. And I have taken from it what I need in my life. You do what works for you in your life.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've never really been outspoken about my paths in life. Those that are close to me know my paths and what gifts I have been given in life. And that's all that needs to be said about that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But just because I do not follow the same path as you does not make me a bad person. Some of you have gone a little overboard with the religion towards me. I don't need saved. I've been saved. I don't need to listen to God. He is not the one who talks to me. It is good He talks to you. But, not me. And I am OK with that. I have been open enough to allow you to believe what you believe and not tried to debate you or change your views on things. I would expect the same courtesy towards me that I have given you.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you can not accept me as is, then perhaps we should not be friends. I appreciate all the kind words you do pass my way, for thinking of me and what not, but you just need to understand that not everyone follows the same path in life as you do. Or sees the world in the same light.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The one thing in life I have learned and this you have heard me say a lot lately, I am not going to compromise or change myself for the likes of others. End of story.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My path in life is different then yours and you need to accept it.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So what exactly is my path? Good question as I am not too sure of it myself these days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I grew up with an Irish Catholic family. I have a lot of that inside of me. Sort of hard to not have a little part of it. Growing up though my parents never forced religion on me. I went to church a few times here and there with friends, but I never felt comfortable. Never felt it was where I wanted to be.&nbsp;&nbsp;I began to fall into the Pagan way of the world. Moving into Wicca. Call me a witch or whatever.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, I am about to share something that I have only told 2 people in my life. Terry a few months ago, and then my brother Joey not all that long ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;In high school I began to go off the Wicca path and went into the darker side of it. Was there about 3 years until I graduated high school and moved oddly, here to Michigan, where I stayed a year. I moved back to&nbsp;<st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>&nbsp;and pretty well followed no path. The magic I carried was still with me. But it was dormant.&nbsp;&nbsp;Every once in a while it would make its presence known.&nbsp;&nbsp;A few years ago, some things became much clearer to me regarding a past life. And it got stronger and stronger as the years progressed. But that will have to be another blog as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These days I am well aware of what I am capable of doing. That also will have to be another blog. And when I am ready to follow the paths again to hone my skills and make myself complete again, I will.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Terry, Joey, Sapph and Shan (my faireegirl) this will be where I ask you for your lights)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The point I am trying to make is I am different. And you know what, that's just something that makes me, me.<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Cathy McElhaney</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_480994">Again, I say, you are a good person with a huge heart...don't let anyone make you feel "unworthy"! {{{{HUGS}}}} You believe in the way that is right for YOU.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, September 30, 2007 - 8:46 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16276816407599470812007-09-28T03:33:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.922-04:00Elonna's Obit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, September 28, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Elonna Rochelle Utt</b></span></div><h3 style="font-size: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><mcc subhead=""></mcc></b></span></h3><div class="byline1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><mcc byline1=""></mcc></b></span></div><div class="byline2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><mcc byline2=""></mcc></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Web posted September 27, 2007</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><mcc story=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><mcc story=""></mcc></span></b></span></mcc></span></b></span></span><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><b>Services for Elonna Rochelle Utt, 30, will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at Griffin-Hillcrest Chapel with Pastor Ken Keith officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.</b></b></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><mcc story=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><mcc story=""></mcc></span></b></span></mcc></span></b></span></span><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Born on May 3, 1977, in Plano, Texas to Otto and Linda Barton Utt, she died on Sept. 23, 2007 in Ardmore. She was preceded in death by uncles Milton "Bobo" Utt and Tipton Utt; maternal grandparents, Clayton and Frances Barton; and paternal grandfather, Otto Utt Sr.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Elonna graduated from Plainview High School in 1995 and earned her CNA license from the vo-tech before moving to Stillwater. She worked in home health as a certified nurse's assistant as a way to help people, and also attended Oklahoma State University. Elonna eventually returned to Ardmore and worked for 1-800 Flowers for five years where she developed many friendships.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Elonna's dear uncle "Tippy" died in 2005. She was very close to him. Her health began to decline after his passing. It wasn't until Valentine's Day 2007 that she was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma. Then on Sunday evening, Sept. 23, 2007, quite unexpectedly, her Lord Jesus sent His angels to take her home to be with Him. Our hearts are grieving for our loss, but rejoicing with her that she is free from pain once more and in her heavenly reward.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>She is survived by her parents, Otto and Linda Utt; paternal grandmother, Delia Utt, Dallas; brother, Josh Utt and wife, Liz, and their children, Zeke and Ivy; sister, Heather Huey and husband, Craig, and their children, Trey and Misti Minyard; uncles, Kenneth Barton and wife, Cindy, Bobby "Gabe" Utt, Dallas ,and Bill Barton and wife, Nettie; aunt, Alice Taylor and husband, Harvey; cousins, Cheryl and Jeff Barton, Danny Ezell, David Ezell, Tammy Ezell and Jessica Taylor, all of Ardmore. Her special friend is her kitty, Mia. A person with a very close place in her heart was Joey Vagance of Ireland, whom she had known online for a long time.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Bearers will be Eric Darkis, Bill Barton, Ben Barton, Craig Huey, Harvey Taylor and Jay Wallace. Honorary bearer is Pat Clark.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Memorials can be made to Cross Timbers Hospice.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /><br /></b></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_479038">I think that is one of the nicest obit's I have read! Thank you, Crys for sharing this! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 6:40 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=314096682#" id="addReplyLnk_479038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=314096682&amp;commentID=479038" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><label id="NewDiv_479038"></label></b></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_479084">God bless her.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 9:11 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=314096682#" id="addReplyLnk_479084" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=314096682&amp;commentID=479084" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><label id="NewDiv_479084"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_479147">Thanks for sharing that, sis. How sweet that they mentioned her kitty, and Joey!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 11:00 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></b></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-894911286462451032007-09-27T00:24:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:09.998-04:00Starting to Think Dating Sucks<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, September 27, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Sorry no pretty picture today. Just me venting.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been working on this blog for a while now, and just when I think I am done the turn of events change and then I have a whole new outlook and have to come back and rewrite this. It defiantly has been quite a challenge.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I had some drama fall down around me. It really sucked. It was such stupid high school drama crap that I did not want to be a part of, but yet found myself smack dab in the middle of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Little update for those of you new here and/or not following along.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I left M the end of July. Moved here to Michigan and started dating. I kid you not I had a date the first week I was here. Those of you that know me and how my marriage has been these last few years this comes as no surprise. To the rest of you, this may seem like I am jumping right in eyes shut. Not at all. My eyes are wide open and I am doing just fine. These boys on the other hand are not.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Much has happened since the last dating blog that I don't even know where to start. But, I am going to try to start somewhere. As I said, I had this big spell of drama overflow my pot. I did not much like it and went running right to my brother Joey. And, he said something very smart. Not that he isn't smart or doesn't ever say smart things, but I am a bit of a rebel and as much as he dishes advice, I don't always listen to him. (Hehehe)&nbsp;He said to me I needed to write down what exactly I wanted- what it I was looking for. I took that advice. And I started to make a list. A list that started to turn into a new blog. I started writing what I wanted, what I was looking for. Not just in boys but in life overall. And that will more then likely is a blog all on its own. Right now, I guess I am going to update you on the drama.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We all know I hate drama, and I tend to run away from it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So we all know that Steve and James turned out to be dud dates. Bye. As for Tom, well we still talk once in a while. But, he was put into the ER a few days after our date. And ever since then, things have just been … well for lack of a better word, WEIRD.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then we have Mark.&nbsp;Which started out ok, but I had to kick him to the curb. And as I sit here thinking about things, I wish I would have seen all the red flags in the beginning. But I was just so caught up in my own shit in life that I really wasn't paying attention. We had one date a few weeks ago. Took me to the movies. And I should have thought twice when we got there and he did not have enough money to pay for us. WTF? You gonna take a girl out; make sure your ass has enough money. So guess who footed the bill?? Don't get me wrong, I have no problems paying for myself. But he did offer to take me out. Never once was their mention of going dutch. Oh and, he's not on my myspace anymore so as you can see I plan to talk freely about him. He knew from day one I was not looking for anything serious.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, let me back up on that. If, and I say IF I am dating someone and things are working out well then I have no problems with being serious with just that one person. But, until that day comes and I am 100% sure of my feelings, things are mutual and we are on the same page, then it is just going to be DATING.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, back to story.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Mark knew I just wanted to date. And he said he was fine with that, he was dating to and blah blah. He called EVERY DAY. Sometimes more then once. Yes we all want that guy that calls us. But when you call me, please have something to talk about; don't just sit there on the phone in silence. And please don't bore me with your whining. Stop the whining and do something about it. It got to the point where I would not answer the phone. I would dread just talking to him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">About 2 weeks ago I had a date with someone else(Jed). Mark called while I was gone so many times. When I got home and my date left, I got online. Mark was waiting. Wanting to know what was going on. I told him the truth. Then he got all hateful and got all pissy. So I just stopped talking to him. The next day I told him I did not appreciate his behavior that he did not own me and he apologized.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well this guy(Jed) I went on the date with apparently thought we had the best time and I kid you not that 20 mins after he left my house he sent me a phone text asking me about calling me his girlfriend.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">EEEEECCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKk</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">OMG I so want to run away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just went on one date with you; I am not going to commit to you like that. Sorry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I ran. I ran and I hid.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I did come out of hiding. I do still talk to him. He is a nice guy. And we did talk about all that. He did ask if he could take me out again. But I just don't know. Once ya bring me drama, I really tend to just shy away from you. Sorry. It's just how I am programmed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And as of last night, he has informed me that he is dating other people now. Good for you. Thanks for the information. Moving on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am going to be nice and not mention his name here because like I said, he's a nice guy but I just think we might be better as friends. He is here on my myspace, so I suppose I can be nice and not tell you who he is.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So Mark gets over his tizzy and starts to smother me. I just could not breathe.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, when I met Mike, it was like a breath of fresh air. Finally, someone on the same page as me. And finally someone with a real sarcastic smart ass sense of humor that actually understands when I am being sarcastic smart ass myself and not just pretending to get it. So we had made plans for the weekend, but when I called him the next day just sort of a fly by the seat of your pants type thing, he decided to come out. And we went out.&nbsp;And it was a lot of fun. We came back here and hung out for a few hours. More F_U_N!! I heard the phone ring, but didn't really thing nothing of it. Once Mike left I got online to track down Julie. We had talked while Mike was here, he even texted her. It was too funny. Anyway so I am looking for her and here comes Mark. And the first thing he says is" I have been trying to call you all day. "Where have you been? So I told him. He asked, oh you and your mom? I tell him no. Hoping he will just drop it. But he doesn't. So, he asked who. I say Mike.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;I have no reason to lie. He asks I am going to tell. And so then he asks me, oh is that a friend or was it a date. I said both. And he just went off on me like I was some wicked step child. Telling me that hurt him and how he read one of my survey answers and it asked if I liked someone and I said a few someone's. And how Mike must have been one of those few. Again I reminded Mark that we were just dating and we were not exclusive and he did not like that very well. He just kept going on and on. And finally I was like you know what; this obviously is not going to work so we are over. Don't call me anymore. Of course all that does is piss him off and he blows up my IM ending with calling me a little bitch. I was in too good of a mood to let him ruin it and he's not worth my time so I just deleted all his shit and put him on ignore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't need drama, I don't need a baby sitter and I certainly don't need possessive obsessive bullshit in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh and that was just last Monday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">By last Friday everything had calmed down and I was looking forward to hanging out with Mike again on Saturday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was not prepared for what was waiting for me on Friday morning. I mean, I knew the day would come sooner or later. Had hoped it would come sooner. I had Mike in IM when I logged into yahoo mail. And there he was. Terry. Waiting for me. I opened it. Honestly not prepared for what I read. And you all knew what I read. I blogged it a few blogs back. Not the details, but just enough that you would know what is going on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nothing in this world care prepare you for that sort of news. Even though I know that man, I know what he stands for, what he believes in, I know what he did. None of that changes my feelings for him.&nbsp;He is facing life or death. Part of me sits here thinking, OK, yes he deserves his punishment, but that other part of me that just sees all the good in the world and in people just gets angry at how unfair life is and how I don't feel Terry deserves to face what he is facing. It's sort of a catch-22 right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">His first email was very short and cold. I know Terry. I knew he was just trying to not have any feelings show. Trying to make a clean break. Trying to do what he thought was best for both of us.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not having any of that mess. I wrote him back, telling him so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Friday night, I got a reply from Terry. Well more like Saturday early AM. And so we are emailing back and forth. Oh he's such a mess and it's just breaking my heart. Nothing I can do. Not a darn thing. So I just did the best that I could to be there for him. Finally about<st1:time hour="4" minute="0">4am</st1:time>I had to call it a night.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I was up by 9am because my family was all suppose to gather and meet to go to Oktoberfest, which is where Mike and I were suppose to go. Once I got up and out of the shower, I found Mike to see what time he thought he was going to head this way. His aunt had a heart attack and he was at the hospital across the state waiting on family to come up from Tenn. He said he thought they would be here around 3 and he would call when he was heading my way. I told him, if you can't make it, just call me and let me know. So I told my mom and them I would meet up with them later and they all left. They spent the day at the Oktoberfest then they all went out to dinner and have drinks. I think it was like<st1:time hour="21" minute="0">9pm</st1:time>by the time my mom got home and I did not even get as much as a phone call from Mike.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, while I am sympathetic and understanding about his aunt. It is unfortunate and I am sorry for him and his family. But you did say you were coming. I am also understanding that sometimes family comes and you get caught up and things happen. I get that. But, I am bummed that he could not take 2 seconds to just send me a text or a phone call to just let me know he was not going to make it. Easy enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I got up this morning my Yahoo had offlines from him saying he was sorry and that he hoped I would forgive him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nothing to forgive really. But was a nice jester on his part.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So here it is the wee hours of Thursday am… dealing with my dear sweet Elonna being gone from this world now. Been reflecting on so many things, so much stuff.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been talking to Terry as much as time allows. This for him is not much. But every little bit helps. We seem to be on some sort of neutral ground right now. Still not sure what is the right thing to do, but at the same time we don't care. And so we continue on waiting to learn his fate. And, just sharing life with each other for the time we have.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Mike and I still talk, sort of. Here is where the tables start to turn. I told Julie today that I feel like I have suddenly lost control of myself. And I hate that. When that happens, I run. And now, I want to run from Mike. I am the one calling him. The one sending him texts and IMing him. Course, I think he's got such a damn huge ego all that does is feed it. He doesn't seem to mind. I mean, he does ask me to call him and what not. But at the same time its killing me to feel like I am the one who's being clingy or needy. UGH. I just can't win. So, I did try to make a break from him. I saw him come online, so I thought, OK, just going to be honest and tell him what's up. But he didn't say anything. So more or less I wrote again that I was done bugging him and basically was gone. Guess that got his attention. He says he was in the bathroom. Then goes on to say he's going to bed, he misses me and we will talk tomorrow. Going to bed huh, so then why is it I see you logged in to another website? I don't get it. If you just don't want to talk, fine. Tell me. If you don't want to hang out, fine. Tell me. It's not real hard.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am to the point where I am about ready to walk away from it all. I have other things I should be taking care of in life anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_477798">Hmm... all those guys exception to Mike are very stupid! I still think you and Mike should give it a real shot ya know... Take care Chrys!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 2:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_477798" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931&amp;commentID=477798" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_477798"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_477847">{{{{HUGS}}}} Left my comment on 360, just stopped by to drop off some hugs!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 6:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_477847" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931&amp;commentID=477847" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_477847"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_477992">WOW sis! Well I pretty much decided that men suck in general. ;)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Thursday, September 27, 2007 - 12:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_477992" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931&amp;commentID=477992" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_477992"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_478928">Chrys I will be extremely honest with ya it's up to God to bring you the true man for ya.. I totally gave up on dating and I just pray to God a lot to ask Him to help me find my Queen so I truly believe that is the very best thing for everybody just to put it in God's hands... Oh yeah not all men suck in general...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 1:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_478928" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931&amp;commentID=478928" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_478928"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_478954">Must say, the majority of these comments have Me seeing red.<br />I won't even comment on the blog itself.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 1:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931#" id="addReplyLnk_478954" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=313763931&amp;commentID=478954" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49463183886090618852007-09-26T11:52:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.925-04:00More On Elonna<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, September 26, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">First I want to thank Liz, her sister in law for passing this information along to me. ~hugs to you girl~</span><o:p></o:p><br /><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">As most of you already know by now, our dear, sweet, precious Elonna&nbsp;left this world this past Sunday night around</span><st1:time hour="22" minute="0"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">10pm</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">. I wanted you all to know that she left peacefully and without any pain. She went to sleep and never woke up, due to a lack of oxygen.<br /><br />We can all take comfort in the fact that she is no longer in pain, which she was suffering greatly from. She is in a much better place, and she is happy, even blissful if you will. She's looking down on us from heaven, and for the first time in her life she is truly happy. All she ever really wanted was to be with her soul mate, my brother&nbsp;Joey.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Liz&nbsp;was in her room on Monday going through some of her stuff (basically getting any "dirt" out before her parents saw) and found the journal&nbsp;she had given her in the hospital the day she was diagnosed with cancer, here is a small excerpt about you Joey...<br /><br />"All I want to do is love him and take care of him...never let any of the ugly of the world touch him again...such a strong man is my Joey.....I am determined to give it to him still, if only there is time...only time."<br /><br />Liz&nbsp;thought that was very touching, and wanted to share it with you all.<br /><br />If anybody would like to send flowers you may send them to Griffin Funeral Home,</span><st1:address><st1:street><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">1610 C St. SE</span></st1:street><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">,</span><st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Ardmore</span></st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">,</span><st1:state><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">OK</span></st1:state></st1:address><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">. The funeral services will be on Saturday, September 30 @</span><st1:time hour="10" minute="0"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">10am</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">. She will be laid to rest @ Rose-Hill Cemetery, in</span><st1:place><st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Ardmore</span></st1:city><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">,</span><st1:state><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">Oklahoma</span></st1:state></st1:place><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">.<br /><br />Rest in Peace my Dear Sista....<br />Elonna Rochelle Utt</span><st1:date day="3" m..?3?="" year="1977"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">March 3, 1977</span></st1:date><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">~</span><st1:date day="23" m..?9?="" year="2007"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 10pt;">September 23, 2007</span></st1:date></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83417520770387548642007-09-24T12:02:00.008-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.927-04:00~Elonna~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, September 24, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Elonna has lost her battle with cancer. One of my dearest and closest best friends. A heart of gold that one. I can't seem to calculate my words right now.<br />*****************************************************<br /><br /><br /><br />My sweet darling Sistagurl...my BFF...I love you so much and miss you... Joey and I will take care of each other. We know you loved us with all your heart. We will see you again babygirl. For now, you find Lonnie, that silly goomba of ours and you keep him out of trouble!!! HEHE..<br /><br />Your spirit will live on inside of us all. Forever a part of us. Your friends, your love, your pirate gang. *blows you a kiss* ... Like Joey said, the light, will always be on. My door is always open. May you Rest In Peace my precious friend....<br /><br />All my love....Chrys<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_475085">{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Chrys}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} This is so sad and frustrating to see another wonderful person get lost to cancer. As I always say, I am sending my love and light out to everyone who loves her, and especially sweet Elonna herself.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 12:09 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_475085" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145&amp;commentID=475085" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_475085"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/22/s_26331e8169ff4a24a978b1eb2b944eaf.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_475147">This is killin me.. but ty for always keeping me updated and for letting me know.. Been at work so I hadn't logged in or checked in today.. until your e-mail. Again.. thx Chrys.<br /><br />My love to you.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">fairreegrl</a>on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 1:17 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_475147" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145&amp;commentID=475147" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42544956" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_475147"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_475662">{{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 10:20 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_475662" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145&amp;commentID=475662" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_475662"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_475829">So sorry, sweetness.<br />Holds you close to Me and whispers that I love you...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 12:44 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_475829" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145&amp;commentID=475829" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_475829"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_476885">I am so so sorry Chrys... My prayers to Elonna and you... She is certainly in God's hands now... Peace be with you Chrys...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 - 2:58 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145#" id="addReplyLnk_476885" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312907145&amp;commentID=476885" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25673877347935056432007-09-24T02:04:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.000-04:00Terry: SOME WANKER PHISHED MY PAGE!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, September 24, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br />SO I have been offline for two monthes, and in my absence, my page was phished, which apparently means they stole me pics and music, and totally fucked it up.<br /><br />In order to get back on here, I had to change my password. If there is any asshole out there who can figure this password out, then I guess you deserve to be able to get on my page.<br /><br />But beware the consequences. I will NOT be toyed with. I am in NO mood, trust me.<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffccff; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_169811">You tell them Daddy.....<br />hmmm baby have I told You how much I missed You???<br />We'll get your page fixed. It will be ok. *blows you a long wet hot kiss*<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 2:35 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=312828608#" id="addReplyLnk_169811" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_169811"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_170613">HA! Got My music player back. At least that survived unscathed.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 12:56 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=312828608#" id="addReplyLnk_170613" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_170613"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="20" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_170628">~claps hands together~<br />YEAH!! Thats good news :)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 1:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=312828608#" id="addReplyLnk_170628" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=312828608#ixzz13bjLhICl" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">l</a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55906027716729157622007-09-23T22:35:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.441-04:00Poetry In Motion: Blame<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, September 23, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/134ec97f48db.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/134ec97f48db.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I feel so suffocated</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Violated</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Confused</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Left bruised</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cold</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Lonely</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Someone just hold me</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Pissed off</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let down</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Angry day after day</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Worried</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wondering</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">About the choices I made</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Thinking</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The cycle will never end</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Feeling</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will never mend.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Time goes on</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But here I remain</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Trying</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wishing</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hoping</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Only myself to blame.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">© C. M. 9/23/2007<br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_474855">Thats good Chrys...sad, but good! I just noticed that we have the same initials, LOL!<br />{{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 6:46 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312770434#" id="addReplyLnk_474855" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312770434&amp;commentID=474855" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46129067527786250742007-09-21T21:41:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.929-04:00Joey: Askin me mates fer good thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br /><h4 class="subject" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></h4><h4 class="subject" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></h4><h4 class="subject" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">Askin me mates fer good thoughts</h4><div class="blogContent" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Alright I need all me mates out there to send yer good thoughts n&nbsp;healin energy&nbsp;n even prayers if ya got em fer me babygirl Elonna. As ya knows shes been ill n down fer some time.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I feel tis the moment fer me to reveal how serious things are. She has cancer n has been goin thru chemo treatments fer many months now. Monday is when she goes in fer this PET scan to see how much progress was made with the treatments. We are o course hopin to have good news here.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So am askin me dear ones to keep her in yer hearts this weekend n on Monday in particular. Thanks to all ya folks out there as I know yer all amazin n&nbsp;carin people.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hang in me darlin Elonna. I loves ya n I just knows all will be well in all o this. Not much longer n yer gonna be healed babygirl.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53897945717217887902007-09-21T12:06:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.002-04:00News On Terry<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, September 21, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Just wanted to let you all know that I have heard from Terry. After 2 months of waiting and wondering, I am afraid the news I have is not good. Again, I know it does not make much sense when I can not really tell you about Terry's life. But just know he's been living life on the run for quite some time now. Lets say, he really is a bad boy. But under it all is a very caring and loving man. As some of you have been&nbsp;fortunate enough to see. &nbsp;His past has caught up with him, and he has been removed from Scotland and sent back home to Belfast, Ireland.<br /><br />Unfortunatly, he is in the prison system facing death row or at the very least, a life sentence.&nbsp; That's really all I know. If I find out more, I will let you know. Right now, he's gone back into hard Terry mode with no feelings and doesn't really want to let his feelings out. Trying to make things easier on him and I. Sort of sucks, but what can a girl do? I can understand why. But, doesn't make things easier. As he knows my life has to go on, and it has. And it is going to continue to move forward. But a part of him will always be with me.&nbsp; I now have some closure and can just move on from here.<br /><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_469482">NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMGoddess all I can do is send you and Terry my love and light at this time sis.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Friday, September 21, 2007 - 12:51 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312035291#" id="addReplyLnk_469482" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312035291&amp;commentID=469482" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_469482"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_469617">You have him in your heart Darlin' - forever there he will stay.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Friday, September 21, 2007 - 3:40 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312035291#" id="addReplyLnk_469617" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=312035291&amp;commentID=469617" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_469617"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_478971">Move on from here, you say. What is it you want from Me, sweetness?<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Friday, September 28, 2007 - 2:26 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56850287351773150072007-09-18T22:16:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.443-04:00What’s Up With The Back ????<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, September 18, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, first off, sorry to those that didn't know the story and I assumed you did. I tend to forget I have new friends that were not around when the diagnoses came about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />Read about my back problems here &gt;&gt; <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/09/ouch-that-hurt_11.html">click!</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have the best friends in the world, and thank you to all of you who expressed concern and worry!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know I have written in a few surveys the answers about my pain in my back and what not..so here is why....</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so I have degenerative disk disease. Sounds just lovely don't it? Oh and it is let me tell you. Last fall, I guess about October. Maybe September my back was hurting far more worse then a regular back ache. I had pain shooting down my right leg. And it would not go away.&nbsp;So, off to the chiro I went.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Something not so sexy or fun about being twisted up like a pretzel. Asked over and over again, does this hurt? How about now? I got really lucky, my chiro turned out to be the funniest, craziest, cutest man ever. I would say something smart and start laughing, and he would just crack up. Kind of hard to pull someone apart when they are laughing. He used to tell me all the time I was such a fun patient for someone in such pain. I was like well, laughter makes the pain subside. So, I had to find humor in it. At least he didn't say I was special, make me feel like I should have ridden the short bus and licked windows as a kid.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, when he told me what was wrong with me I was sort of in this zone like "ok now what?" Of course he says surgery. Fer fucks sake. Who wants to have back surgery at 31 years of age? Certainly not me. But he said I was too young and we didn't want to go that route. Instead, we did intense treatments. Started out almost everyday, then 2-3 times a week, then 1 time a week until there was enough separation between the disks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What the problem is, because I have this disease, it causes my vertebrae in my spine to basically disintegrate. My bottom 2 disks are pretty well shot, and they rest on top of each other. Apparently I have had this a while and since I never had pain in my back, it was never caught. It also caused my right side to be up higher then the left. My hips are crooked due to the lining of the vertebrae. FABULOUS! Thankfully I am blessed enough to have HIPS and you can't tell. But, I can feel it in my bones and it SUCKS.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I went to the docs, I would be strapped lying down on this table. The damn thing reminded me of 1800's torture devices. It scared me and it sucked. Now we all know I have a thing about pain. But, not this kind of pain. This sucked and did not rock my world. So I lay on this table, for about 30 mins each session while it basically rips my bottom half from my top half to pull my disks apart. And it time, it puts some space between them. Pain gone in time. Of course each session caused its own pain. And then I would have to go to his office so he could push and pull on my right leg and hip to try to get it to catch up to the other side of my body.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NOT FUN</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">In time I was able to move around with no pain at all. So I was happy. My doc of course gave me some exercises to perform at home to "keep it separated" and of course suggested weight loss (don't they all, I mean no pressure or anything). I kept up with those. And I go round and round with the exercise and weight loss thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then my ass moved here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Quite literally moving furniture and boxes was a no no no no no. But, I had no one else to do it, so I had no choice. It had to be done.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Slowly, little bits by little bits my back has started to hurt again. Until about 2 weeks ago, it wasn't too major. Now, it a pain in the ass, literally. I can feel my hips shifted again. My lower back hurts daily and all day long. Pain not only shoots down the back of my right leg, but now the left too. And, now I get this numbing in the top front of both legs.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">DAMN IT</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am falling apart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know I need to go back to a doc. I need to have my chiro research and find me one here to pawn my ass off on. Refer me. But, there are reasons why I can't go, and I am sure many of you have figured that out by now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">IT FUCKING HURTS.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And if I whine too much about it, I am sorry. I am trying not to.&nbsp;I can dull some of the pain with meds. The heating pad has become my best friend.&nbsp;And I can get around just fine, thank you. And I am still laughing and smiling. Not about to give up on stuff now. I can't. So please, don't worry about me!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As we all know, I always land back on my feet!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, this blog is for those of you that were wondering why I have such a back-ache and what did I do to myself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">*blows you all a kiss*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">xoxoxo</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Chrys</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_466862">We had to find a new chiropractor when we moved here to Texas...we were lucky and found an awesome one! Good luck!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 7:16 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=311304313#" id="addReplyLnk_466862" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=311304313&amp;commentID=466862" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56039111463454653382007-09-14T22:59:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.005-04:00Poetry In Motion: Sleep In Darkness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, September 14, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/ff963128387.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/ff963128387.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Alone in my bed</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Fastly, fall to slumber</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Feel</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Pulling</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Grabbing</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">In the darkness</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">I kick</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Pull</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Kick</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Pull</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Kick</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Feel</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Warm, but chilling</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Try to wake</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Caught in your spell</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">What is it?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">What are you trying to tell me?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Close the window,</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Lock the doors</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Prince of Darkness</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Follows me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Forever more.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">© C.M.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">9/14/07</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;">Myspace comments:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 97px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/116/s_b692b5e1ffb84338adf0163630f4724b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Segmullier</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_462541">WOW<br />I<br />LOVE<br />IT<br />DAS</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a>on Saturday, September 15, 2007 - 3:37 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=310049475#" id="addReplyLnk_462541" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=310049475&amp;commentID=462541" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;"><label id="NewDiv_462541"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_462611">Awesome!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, September 15, 2007 - 7:59 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=310049475#" id="addReplyLnk_462611" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=310049475&amp;commentID=462611" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;"><label id="NewDiv_462611"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_462779">I knows who yer talkin bout here. I understands he still wont let ya go. Am thinkin the feelin is mutual. Loves ya sis n as I have told ya over n over be careful. ~bear hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, September 15, 2007 - 1:00 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 18pt;"><br /><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21246217744511506232007-09-12T00:27:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.446-04:00Poetry In Motion: Here I Am<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, September 12, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/cce004c86463.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/cce004c86463.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Here I am</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;Why do you not look for me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Have I betrayed you?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">With some word</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Or an act</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Open your eyes, for I am here</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Breath life's breathe</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But no</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You can not see me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For you have let life go</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You do not need my smile</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Or my words</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not now</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Look for me, where ever you are going</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Look for my smile</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Wait for my words</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Here I am .</div>(C) C.M. 9/11/07<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_459171">Awesome!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 6:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=309164838#" id="addReplyLnk_459171" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=309164838&amp;commentID=459171" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_459171"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_460300">Damn Chrystal...that could be taken a lot of ways.<br />Love you...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 12:15 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=309164838#" id="addReplyLnk_460300" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=309164838&amp;commentID=460300" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_460300"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 97px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/116/s_b692b5e1ffb84338adf0163630f4724b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Segmullier</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_462542">what if i was looking<br />but it was you looking away.<br />i love it</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a>on Saturday, September 15, 2007 - 3:41 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81168184449573866032007-09-10T21:30:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.449-04:00Yes, YouTube I am Alive!Ok. Ok. Here is a little something to keep you entertained.<br /><br /><object style="background-image:url(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/X1LVGAadX18/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X1LVGAadX18?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X1LVGAadX18?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75973788683583857112007-09-07T19:12:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.451-04:00Overdue Good-bye<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, September 07, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m-wbogBG_eI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m-wbogBG_eI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Anastacia - Overdue Goodbye Lyrics</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><span style="color: #858585; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10pt;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Batang;"><br />This is a message<br />pay attention<br />I got something to say<br />pleasant information<br /><br />This is me walking<br />that you're waving<br />this might get away<br />my taste of freedom<br /><br />Goodbye<br />goodbye<br /><br />This is a calling<br />not a conversation<br />no manipulation<br />if love is a season<br />you are my winter<br />you are just the ice<br />layin' on my finger<br /><br />This is a message<br />pay attention<br />nobody's gonna love me the wrong way again<br />this is a calling<br />not a conversation<br />this is my overdue goodbye<br />yeah, overdue goodbye<br /><br />Oh, in my tomorrow<br />all the fields are golden<br />and all the papers say<br />that the spell's been broken<br /><br />To my future lover<br />fate will find you<br />'cause you have the power<br />of truth behind you, yeah<br /><br />Goodbye<br />oh, yeah<br />goodbye<br />said goodbye, baby<br /><br />This is a message<br />pay attention<br />nobody's gonna love me the wrong way again<br />this is a calling<br />not a conversation<br />this is my overdue goodbye<br /><br />Yeah yeah<br /><br />Goodbye<br />I said goodbye<br />goodbye<br />I said goodbye baby<br /><br />This is a message<br />pay attention<br />nobody's gonna love me the wrong way again<br />oh yeah<br />this is a calling<br />not a conversation<br />this is my overdue goodbye<br /><br />(this is a message) oooh<br />(pay attention) said pay attention<br />(nobody's gonna love me the wrong way again) nobody, nobody, no<br />(this is a calling) a calling<br />(not a conversation)<br />this is my overdue goodbye<br /><br />heya<br />goodbye<br />oh oh<br />goodbye<br />come on and sing with me<br />one more time, one more time<br />goodbye<br />ooooooh<br />goodbye<br />yeha yeah<br />goodbye<br />mmm<br />goodbye<br />goodbye<br />goodbye<br />goodbye<br />goodbye<br />yeah he<br />goodbye</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_455069">Love those words!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 9:11 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=307780921#" id="addReplyLnk_455069" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=307780921&amp;commentID=455069" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b><label id="NewDiv_455069"></label></b><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_455445">Hope this aint directed at me...lol...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 6:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=307780921#" id="addReplyLnk_455445" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=307780921&amp;commentID=455445" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b><label id="NewDiv_455445"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_455496">No way babydoll!!! This is me moving on from M and sort of setting myself free. Ya know I'll always love ya!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 7:31 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=307780921#" id="addReplyLnk_455496" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=307780921&amp;commentID=455496" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88870643437091470862007-09-03T22:34:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.932-04:00Just Some Things To Clear the Air<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, September 03, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I need to make myself clear about some things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">When I said I was <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/08/not-looking-for-love.html">not looking for love,</a> which did not mean I did not want it. It just meant at this time in my life I am just not setting it as my top priority of things to do. And there are many reasons as to why. I am not running away from it. I just have many other things I need to get settled with in life first.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As for the love that I carry for Lonnie, well that's a given. My guardian angel will forever have a part of my love, as well as my brother Joey. As for the love I have for Brian, Terry and Stevie, as we all know by now, I am a girl who is not like every other girl in this world. I was given a smile and a heart for a reason. To give my love and cheer to those that deserves it. I am fully capable of giving love to more then one person. Be it male of female. Love. Not to be confused with IN love. Got it? I hope so, because it gets rather hard to try to explain. Until I am around Brian or Terry, I will never fully know if I am IN love with them. And that's OK. Our relationship is perfect just the way it is. Brain understands me and he doesn't try to change me. Accept me just as I am. Thank goodness somebody does.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Having said all that, its time for a rant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now, as you know, I had decided not to use names here to protect the privacy of those I had dated. Well, you know what, who gives a fuck anymore. This is my blog and I have always been open about all aspects of my life, and if someone does not like it, then perhaps they should not be a part of my life. Simple.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So. The first boy I started talking to before I even moved here to MI was Chris. Thanks to Julie and our night of dares, I had signed up for the Yahoo Personals. And Chris was one of the first fellows I started talking to from their. He's cool. I like talking to him. WE have tried to make plans to get together, but something always happens. So, maybe it's just not meant to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then, their was Steve. He was the first date I went on when I moved here. The one that I felt safe enough to swap spit with and have a good ole time, for him to never ever call be back. So, I booted him off myspace and kicked him to the curb. Fine, he was too short for me anyway, but how hard is it to call someone and say you are not interested.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then we have James. Ah, Mr. I wanna be a rock star James. Again, nice guy. Had a great time. But, something just didn't click. Now, I had hoped we could hang out again as friends. I am pretty sure my profile says FRIENDS FIRST. But apparently these guys can't read. So, after a week of not hearing from him, I booted him off myspace. Then I get an email from him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This is what he writes:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">Chrystal,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">Sorry. You didn't make me not want to talk to you.&nbsp; (and if you're referring to me being 'invisible' on yahoo all the time now, I'm not hiding from you...that's actually in response to a friend that gets drunk and IM's me all the time and annoys the heck out of me)&nbsp; I&nbsp;had a good time with you and am glad we met.&nbsp; I just didn't feel we were compatible for a romantic relationship.&nbsp; But I apologize for leaving you guessing and not communicating that to&nbsp;you earlier.&nbsp; That wasn't fair or respectful.&nbsp; (And I know how much I hate it when my feelings are ignored&nbsp;or taken for granted.&nbsp; I'm sure there's some rock line in there somewhere about 'being what you hate')</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">I hope all is well for you!&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanks again for letting me take up some of&nbsp;your time!</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">Take it easy,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;">James</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What a fucktard. Ok first of all, if ya don't like a girl, take her home after dinner not head to the bar. And if you still don't like a girl, take her home not bring her back to your place for a movie. Or if after you watch that movie and you still don't like her, taker HER HOME don't sit there and watch a porn with her. Oh yes people, WE WATCHED PORN. And nothing happened. Fucking ridiculous. And he had to nerve to ask me if I wanted to stay the night afterwards. I said no, please take me home. So he has the nerve to write me this idiotic letter.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Whatever, at this point, I just want to throw in the towel at the dating game. But…then again maybe not.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so there is Tom. Actually him I met on another dating sight. And he's cool as shit. As I have written about him in the past, he came over here and we just chilled till like <st1:time hour="3" minute="0">3am</st1:time>&nbsp;watching movies. But it's been hit or miss trying to talk to each other since that night. And when I tried to talk to him the other day he was in the ER. (Oh I can hear Julie now!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So who knows what's going to happen at this point. And sorry to say he's not on my 360 or myspace so you all can't go spy on him!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then there is Mark. He was the one I was supposed to go out with Friday night. This got changed to Saturday night. But, he got sick and I got sick and what a lovely pair we would have made. So that was called of. We talk pretty much talk every day. And I really enjoy talking to him. So, I look forward to when we can get together and go out.&nbsp;&nbsp;And now he's connected here at myspace and 360! So we can keep an eye on each other, and you all can go be nosey!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am starting to feel a little better.&nbsp;&nbsp;Between my allergies and stress and just all the bullshit that's been going on around me, I think I just broke down. I needed some rest, and I sure got it!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, this is short and sweet, not sure what else to say.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I took the first of two finals in my real estate appraisal class and passed with a 95%. So that was GOOD!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I think I will be getting my car situation taken care of this week *crosses fingers* let hope. Because it would help with the job hunt so much more if I had my own car to drive!&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I still HATE my dad, I am still ANGRY about all that shit.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I finally got some papers from the lawyer for the divorce. What a slow poke ass. Good lord. We should have been done with this crap by now!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And when I am ready to settle down with one person , I am sure, I will let you all know. For now, one day at a time. Taking things slow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, on that note…I'm off…see you all later.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Xoxoxo</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Chrys<br /><br />MySpace Comments<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Brian Kinney</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">&nbsp;</span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_449758">Love you too Chrys...glad you are feeling better baby. ~~~kisses all over you</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Monday, September 03, 2007 - 11:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=306529335#" id="addReplyLnk_449758" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=306529335&amp;commentID=449758" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45090904791928092132007-09-03T03:42:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.454-04:00Sick..Sick....owie.....Sick...blah<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, September 03, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />So it's 3:30am Monday.....and I still feel like total shit. And have quite literally been in bed for the last 24hrs. Blah. I feel like a zombie. So, anyway, thats why I have not been around to see any of you.<br />Hope you all enjoy your holiday, my bed is calling my name again.<br /><br />C<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_448678">Girl you're must be sick putting virus in my computer go back to bed ha ha! JK! Actually you need to put your ass in my bed hehehe Get well or I'll spank ya good! ;P Take care babe! ♥♣♥<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Monday, September 03, 2007 - 3:58 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=306267750#" id="addReplyLnk_448678" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=306267750&amp;commentID=448678" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_448678"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_448760">{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Chrys}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br />Get well, sweetie!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Monday, September 03, 2007 - 8:56 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=306267750#" id="addReplyLnk_448760" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=306267750&amp;commentID=448760" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49973620799350836802007-08-31T22:17:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.007-04:00Not Looking For Love<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, August 31, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Not Looking For Love</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No, I am not looking for love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHAT?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Did she just say that???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Why yes, yes I did.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now before you get all confused or your panties in a wad let me explain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You might be asking yourself "If she's not looking for love, then why is she going out on all the dates" or "Why is she bitching about these boys not calling her back after the date?"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have an explanation for that! It's called DATING! I am JUST dating! Nothing more, nothing less. Just keeping my options open and seeing what's out there. Networking. Meeting people. Just getting out there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not looking for love right now. Not that I am running from it. But right now, it's just not the top priority on my list.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have love in my life. I have some wonderful men (see there, I said MEN) in my life that love me unconditionally. And, I expect anyone in my future to love me just the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These boys that I am going on these dates with, I am only allowing them to see so much of me. And, I ask those questions, I test them. I have to know how they view certain things in their life. Lets face it folks, I am not your typical girl. My sexuality and my bedroom activities in general are not your typical all American girl next door type adventures. I mean, I have my moments when I can be that girl. But, this other side of me has to be taken care of too. And the truth of the matter is it is going to take a special kind of guy to be comfortable with that. Perhaps a guy with the same kind of lifestyle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I bet you are wondering then why I am not with these men that share this love with me. Pretty simple really. One happens to be my brother. A totally different kind of love but Joey and I are very much alike when it comes to our sexuality and lifestyle. As well as the things we want in a partner. He keeps me going, he keeps me true and real to myself. He won't let me hide, even when times get tough and I want to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then we have Brian. What can I say about Brian besides the fact that I fucking love that man? Every day that passes my heart bleeds for him just that much more. I have known him just about a year now, and what a year it has been. If you have been around that long, well then you know the story. If not, happy reading as there is a lot of it mixed in the blogs from the past.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian and I, we do have many common bonds. Share many common interests. A love that doesn't ask questions and is unconditional. Why aren't we together? I am here and he's across the states. Seems simple doesn't it?&nbsp;&nbsp;Their should be a simple fix to that. Wrong. There is more to it then just that, and it's complicated and not for me to share. If there is a time and a place for us, only time will tell.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I bet you thought Terry would be the first person mentioned huh? Yeah, thought so. Things with Terry are hard to talk about. I swore, after Lonnie died that I was never going to open myself up to another man.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brian was already over my wall at the time because of a mutual girlfriend we had. (Oh I know my shit is complicated LOL) My wall was up. Way up. Higher then ever before. And it was triple layered after pushing Sean out of my life. And then I met Terry through Stevie (yet another man I love). And, it was innocent enough. Fun. Harmless. And I don't know what happened. I still sit here today wondering how I let it happen.<br /><br />&nbsp;Part of me is angry for letting him over that wall. Not that I really let him in. His ass just barged on over it, then kicked it and knocked it down.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, another part of me has never had regret about anything in life. I take what I can from it and move on.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am confused about this relationship. So much happened so quickly. And all these plans had been put in order and started to be processed. And then, *poof* he is gone. As I have said time and time again, I KNOW why he had to run. Why he had to go. And maybe that makes it harder to deal with. I worry that something has happened to him. I worry he is not safe and sound. He asked me not to worry, to trust in the end everything would be ok. And I am trying to find comfort in his words. He has had to go through this before and came out OK. I wish I could explain things to you, but its Terry's' life and not my place to discuss the matters. But, it's been over a month now.<br /><br />This other side of me is starting to get angry. I don't care who you are and what you life entails. In this day and age there are so many means of communication. And if he can't do it himself, he has mates that could do it for him. He's got my email, my home address, my home phone and my cell phone. You tell me he has no way to get in touch with me? Whatever. Someone needs to tell me something soon or I am going to go out of my mind. This whole not knowing thing is just the hardest part. Every day I look for him. Hoping today is going to be the day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So at what point does one give up? Should I walk away now and just turn my back? I don't know what to do. I am moving forward. I am still doing what I need to do to get my life back in order. But at what point do I stop holding on to that last thread of hope and just say hey girl, he's not coming back, let him go. Let it go. When do I do that?&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I went through this will Lonnie last year. When Joey was transferred and we didn't know where he went or what happened Lonnie got all upset and took off. Did not tell anyone where he went. Sean got wind he where he was a few weeks later, but still no Lonnie. He did come around almost 2 months later. And it was rough.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I went through this earlier this year. When Sean was away for Lonnie's death, this is when I had starting a relationship with Brian. Then Sean came back and my life had moved forward. He got on to me for moving on from Lonnie so quickly. He made me feel bad for my choices. He also made me feel very guilty about Lonnie's death. So as we all know, I went back to Sean and broke up with Brian. Course I ended up breaking up with Sean in May and somehow these last few weeks find myself back in Brian's arms.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, you see, every time I move forward and away from the one I am with, it always seems that one returns.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">These days I am forced to think in different terms. Now that I am divorced I can think of these relationships in different terms. My relationship can go farther then they have in the past.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to share my life with someone that understands me. Someone that knows me inside and out. Someone that won't try to change me but takes me and accepts me just as I am. And I know that is not too much to ask. I know I deserve to have that person in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right now, how I am feeling today, I would move heaven and earth to try with Brian. But, with our separate situations, I do not know if that is possible. Well, today its not. But, neither of us knows what "could" happen.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And as much as I miss Terry and love him, I can't help but wonder, is it real? And could it really work? Him and I are so much the same, but yet so different. And there is the whole living across the world from each other.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't know.&nbsp;&nbsp;I just don't know. I think about how I got lashed at that I let Brian go. I know how happy some people are that he's back in my life. And I know how worried some people are about the differences Terry and I do have.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Having said that, I think the answer is clear. I am taking in to consideration what everyone has said to me. But, I am listening to my heart on this one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now you can see why I am not looking for love these days. I have it. And I know who I want it from.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">For now, I will continue on the path I am following, and see just where the road takes me.<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_446923">Thanks for writing this blog baby...love you and glad to be part of your life.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, September 01, 2007 - 10:32 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305603087#" id="addReplyLnk_446923" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305603087&amp;commentID=446923" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_446923"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_446931">{{{{HUGS}}}} (psst...he's a cutie pie! LOL!)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, September 01, 2007 - 10:52 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305603087#" id="addReplyLnk_446931" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305603087&amp;commentID=446931" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_446931"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_446936">Ok, so I just went to is page and found that he's a "Picksburgher"...that makes him even better in my book, LOL! Wait...unless he's NOT a Steeler fan...if he's not a fan then I think you should look for someone who is! But that's just "mom's" humble opinion. LOL! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, September 01, 2007 - 11:00 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77178722932424787442007-08-30T03:19:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.456-04:00Whats Up With Chrys??? - August Update Edition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, August 30, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so I need to write a new blog. And we need to insert a new guy here, or right here. Whatever. Notice I said guy, and not boy???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yeah, could be a reason for that. So, the boy I went out with last week, the one that sent me stumbling home at 4am, yeah him, had such a great time and now he doesn't call. What is up with these boys? How hard is it to pick up the phone and call, or even text, or use IM, or even myspace for Christ's sakes and say hey, Had a good time but you are not the girl for me. FINE! It's not hard. I am a big girl. Thanks for the dinner and drinks. Moving on. Write him off and he can stand next to boy 1.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, yes, let me tell you about this guy. I can tell you all I want about him because he's not here on myspace. Well he may be, but he's not on mine. Nanny nanny boo boo! Neener neener! I was going to tell you the other day, but I needed to get Lonnie's blog up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have not known him long. Not that I knew the others long. But, his time as been even shorter. But, it has been so cool and we just hit it off instantly. SO many things in common, it's almost creepy. Very twilight zone. Ha-ha... anyway, he came over my house and brought some movies. And we just chilled here watching movies and TV till, eeek I think it was about&nbsp;<st1:time hour="3" minute="0">3am</st1:time>when he left. He text me when get got home, and we have talked every day since that night.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Finally folks, we have a guy and not a boy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, we had plans to see each other again for Friday. And he said Friday he was DJing at a club in a town close by. So he wanted me to go with him so we could hang out. Fine. So I had asked my mom, my cousin in law and her sis to go with me so that I would have someone to talk to while he was working. Cool. All set. Well, my aunt is in town from&nbsp;<st1:state><st1:place>Arizona</st1:place></st1:state>, and she wants to go out tonight, Thursday, to this place that has great food and karaoke. This happens to be one of his fave places. So I ask him if he would like to go. And he's all like Uh, Chrys; I am DJing in&nbsp;<st1:city><st1:place>Flint</st1:place></st1:city>that night remember??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">NO</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">YOU SAID FRIDAY!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So needless to say our plans are all messed up. Because he is DJing in some town Friday and Saturday that I have never heard of. So, guess I won't be seeing him for a while.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now, you might think I am all bent up over it. And maybe I am just a little because he's really cool. But…I just made a date for Friday night with a boy to go see the new Halloween Rob Zombie movie that starts that day. I am pretty excited about this. That movie is gonna rock! And this boy seems pretty nice. We shall see if he moves from boy to guy status when all is said and done.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so last night, I had to go over to my dads. Yuck. I hate it. Every time I think about having to go there I get all bunged up inside. I don't want to be around him, in that house, nor do I want to be around his mother. I want quite simply to be rid of him forever. I just can not deal with being around him anymore. I tried. And it just messes with me too much. Anyway, he paid for my truck rental to move up here. And he expects me to pay him back the $420 for it. Funny, as my mom doesn't expect me to pay her back a dime for the gas and what not she paid for with the truck and the van.&nbsp;Anyway, he sent me a money order and I put the money in my checking account. Picked up the truck and had them charge my debit card. Well, here a month later, no money has come out of my checking. So dad calls and says they charged him. He's all pissed. So I am like its not big deal they charged you instead of me I will get the money you gave me out of my checking and bring it over.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So fine, I have mom drive me because we are going to head to my cousins, and I get out the give him the check and he's all shoving papers at me. Trying to show me the charge and he's going on and on and on and he's thinking he being double charged and paying twice and that I am going to owe him $840 and blah blah blah. I am the accountant. I went to college. I have a degree. I get it. You have a GED and are a fucking child abusing drug addict get out of my face! UGH! So anyway, his girlfriend starts getting in on it, by this time I am screaming because he won't listen to me. The neighbors are out. My mom has had enough and she's like will you just listen to her! She is trying to explain. Ok, bless my mom for standing up for me, but I am not 5, she should have just stayed out of it. Well that got ugly. My dad walks over to the van to tell her to shut up and that he's thinks he's being set up and blah blah blah. I am like fuck you. I can not believe you would think me of all fucking people would be trying to rip you off! So my mom starts screaming at him. And off they go.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No mind you, this is maybe the 3<sup>rd</sup>time my parents have spoken to each other in 15 years or so. And it was fuck you bitch, shut up cunt, fucking asshole, everything you could think of they said. So then he's telling her to get off his property and i am like mom just go I will walk home (we just live a few country miles away LOL) and dads like I will take you home. I am like I am not going with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So mom doesn't go, they keep screaming, and then the girlfriend is starting to call the police. Great. Just great. And there is the wicked grandmother standing at the window. YUCK. Someone just shoot me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Finally my dad comes over and says wont you just listen. So I stand there, and listen. I say one thing and that's I will pay you back the $420 when I get a job just as we discussed. And he looks at me, kid you not plain as day and says calmly, OK that's all I wanted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHAT THE FUCK. Did I just get off the boat? What crack are you smoking??? Why the hell were you just all bent about $820??</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think my dad did too many drugs and has fried his brain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I get in the car, mom takes off like a bat out of hell and she starts in on how he had no right and blah blah so I look her dead in the face and said you are just as much to blame, and you had no right either.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No wonder I am so fucked up mentally in the head!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Aye, I need to find a free shrink up here. I thought I was done with all that, but those two gave me a migraine that hasn't stopped.&nbsp;I have been off my meds for about a month now and I would like to keep it that way, but they are going to put me in the nutty house for sure!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, we get home and the first thing my mom does is get on the phone with her poor pitiful me to who ever she was talking too.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">HER???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHAT ABOUT ME???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I am already counting down the days until I can move out of here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Isn't life grand?</div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444056">Just stopping by to drop off this----&gt; {{{{HUGS}}}}!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 6:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305034663#" id="addReplyLnk_444056" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305034663&amp;commentID=444056" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_444056"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444074">I would never fight my ex wife in front of my child.. It's so selfish! I'm praying for ya Chrys and you take your time dear and so love will find ya! Take care hun! xoxoxoxoxo ♥♣♥<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 7:27 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305034663#" id="addReplyLnk_444074" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305034663&amp;commentID=444074" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_444074"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444128">Ahhhh sis gots to love them guys over them boys n if the folks wanna fight then not much ya kin do there. Keep hangin in n bein strong. Loves ya. ~brotherly hugs~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 9:59 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305034663#" id="addReplyLnk_444128" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305034663&amp;commentID=444128" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_444128"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">KRISTI C</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444233">WOW SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD QUITE THE EXCITING NIGHT!! SORRY YOU HAD TO GO THRU THAT!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 12:15 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305034663#" id="addReplyLnk_444233" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=305034663&amp;commentID=444233" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_444233"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_444428">chrys, it sounds like you need a hug, and the reassurance that you have lots of people who care about you, no matter what.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 4:14 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19698115761300007142007-08-28T15:16:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.459-04:00Poetry In Motion: What I Miss<div class="MsoNormal">What I Miss</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I miss your smile</div><div class="MsoNormal">I miss your kiss</div><div class="MsoNormal">I miss your arms</div><div class="MsoNormal">Around my hips</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I miss</div><div class="MsoNormal">The way your face lit</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I walked in the room</div><div class="MsoNormal">A smile that melted</div><div class="MsoNormal">And sent me to the moon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But it wasn’t enough</div><div class="MsoNormal">To tame my wild ways</div><div class="MsoNormal">And in the end</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is the price we both pay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry it didn’t work</div><div class="MsoNormal">And I have to move here</div><div class="MsoNormal">To Burt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">© C.M. 8/28/2007</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2084670521704350572007-08-28T03:36:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:54:56.268-04:00Happy Birthday Lonnie ~ R.I.P. Baby! We Miss You<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, August 28, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />"I am a better person in this life, because I was loved by you."<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />The famous words, but yet Lonnie said them to me all the time as if they were his own.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. Not&nbsp;a day goes by where I don't replay the events over and over in my head. Wondering. Hoping. Wishing. But, no matter how magical I am, not even all the magic in the world can change the past.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />So today is Lonnie's 37 birthday, and although we are not together physically, he is with me, my brother Joey, Elonna, his daughter Vic, and his family - spiritually.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div>He once told me he would see me in the next life if we were not together in this one. I hold him to that. I will see that man again. He used to call me his Irish Angel, well now, he is my Guardian Angel. My angel on my shoulder. A busy one he is as he follows all of us about.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />I am a better person because he loved me just as I was. He made me open my eyes and see so many things about myself. He made me love life in a new way.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />I am sad about what a wonderful, kind, passionate, understanding, and accepting man was lost to us all; but I hold tight to those wonderful memories or treasures as I like to call them.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />I miss him.&nbsp; I miss him a great deal. And because of all the stuff surrounding his death, I did not heal as I should have.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />Now, I am taking the time to honor him, to remember him, to love him, and to also mourn his death as I should have.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br />With that I say....Happy Birthday Lonnie! We love you, we miss you, and we WILL see you again.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br />*****************************************************<br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><h3 align="center" style="font-size: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In Memory of You</h3><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I find an old photograph<br />and see your smile.<br />As I feel your presence anew,<br />I am filled with warmth<br />and my heart remembers love.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I read an old card<br />sent many&nbsp;months ago<br />during a time of turmoil and confusion.<br />The soothing words written then<br />still caress my spirit<br />and bring me peace.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I remember who you used to be<br />the laughter we shared<br />and wonder what you have become.<br />Where are you now,<br />Where did you go,<br />When the body is left behind<br />and the spirit is released to fly?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Perhaps you are the morning bird<br />singing joyfully at sunrise,<br />or the butterfly that dances<br />so carelessly on the breeze<br />or the rainbow of colors<br />that brightens a stormy sky<br />or the fingers of afternoon mist<br />delicately reaching over the mountains<br />or the final few rays of the setting sun<br />lighting up the skies<br />edging the clouds with a magical glow.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I miss your being<br />but I feel your presence,<br />In whatever form you choose to take,<br />however you now choose to be.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Your spirit has become for me<br />a guardian angel on high<br />guiding, advising, and watching over me.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I remember you.<br />You are with me<br />and I am not afraid.</div><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_441900">{{{{HUGS}}}} I know you will be with him some day!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - 6:43 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=304296900#" id="addReplyLnk_441900" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=304296900&amp;commentID=441900" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_441900"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_441945">Blessed be to Lonnie, and all my love and light being sent today.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - 8:28 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=304296900#" id="addReplyLnk_441945" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=304296900&amp;commentID=441945" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_441945"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_442098">Happy Birthday to me precious Lonnie. I miss ya more than I kin ever say with these words. Yet I feels ya with me n that gives me comfort. I loves ya me sexy goomba.<br />~hugs n smacks~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - 11:45 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=304296900#" id="addReplyLnk_442098" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=304296900&amp;commentID=442098" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_442098"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=24250729" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~Gina~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=24250729" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/88/s_63282d1d48f4004bb126b58d575efca6.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Gina Martin</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_442202">Happy Birthday and God Bless Lonnie!<br /><br />Love,<br />~Gina<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=24250729" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~Gina~</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - 2:00 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=304296900#" id="addReplyLnk_442202" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=304296900&amp;commentID=442202" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=24250729" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_442202"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_442206">happy birthday, lonnie-<br /><br />and to all those we remember each and every day<br />although we miss you, we know you are watching<br />and are looking forward to the time when we meet again.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - 2:06 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67172659365891783562007-08-25T23:04:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.461-04:00Spirits Lifted ~~wooohooooo~ Hope is alive and well today!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, August 25, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My spirits are listed for now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am sorry my darling brother thought he was the reason as to why I had gotten so down that last few days. Life has certainly been a roller coaster lately, and my last episode was no exception. But, we all have to moments when we get down and out. I know that all to well. But, this time, everything I had been dealing with, on top of some things I had not dealt with all blind sided me all at once, and quite literally knocked me down and sucked the wind out of me. I had to take a step back for some time. I had to think about some things, and think about how I am going to handle those things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am feeling better. I have much more clarity then I did a few days ago. Sure, some things are still bugging me, but those are just things that I am going to have to deal with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At any rate, let me tell you what I have been up to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been taking a Real Estate Appraisal class. This has really pushed my brain because it's an accelerated course. Now, I have a company that's waiting on me to finish as they would like to contract work with me to help me get the hours that I need after I finish the class as get my certification. I have to get like 2000 hours while on my limited license, before I can sit for the state exam and have a full license. This basically means I can work for myself and not need to have a supervisor. It is really nice of them to offer this to me. However, it doesn't contract a lot of work in my area, but it's a start. And I can find another place to work for in the mean time. I am also getting ready to take an exam to do bank foreclosure inspections. Again, just starting out, the money is not the best until you have been with the company for a while and get your name out there. I have debated about getting in to real estate as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't know, I am just questioning whether or not I want to get back into accounting.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I have been thinking about taking a part time job at the mall, for plenty of reasons, but mostly just to get out of this house and talk to people. Network, meet people, and make a little cash while I am at it. I know some people at a few stores that have asked me to stop by and come talk to them. So I might go see them Monday and see what they have to say. I don't really want to get into retail; I did my time in college and high school. But, again, it's all about talking to people, networking and getting me out of the house.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">What else?? Well as we know boy 1 as yet to talk to me since our eve out. So I have written him off. Buh-bye. Thanks for the free dinner and drinks! I had a dinner planned with another boy. And I know I had them numbered a few blogs back, but I can't remember who go what number. And I know they are too old to be calling boys, but whatever. That's what I am going to call them. So anyway, this boy had to cancel, so perhaps we will reschedule at some point.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then, this other boy asked me to have dinner and drinks on Friday. And I did exactly that!!! It was a great time and I had great conversation. We hit the bar, and then when our table was ready, we ate. Talked and talked and you know me, talked some more. After we finished eating, off to the bar we went. And it was so much FUN! We had 2 bartenders and they were so funny. I really enjoyed talking to them as well. And their was one waiter that was having the most difficult people all night and he kept coming back to tell us his stories. Was pretty funny.&nbsp;We shut the bar down, which closed at 11:30, since it was a restaurant. And went back to his place to watch movies. I think by the time I had stumbled my way in to my room, the clock said it was pretty close to<st1:time hour="4" minute="0">4AM</st1:time>!!!! OYE!! Was it really???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And you ALL get your minds out of the gutter because I was a perfect angel!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And I know you want details…but this is all you are getting !!!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I slept half the day away today. Got up, dressed and off I went with my mom to meet up with some friends of her for a Biker Poker Run. It was a charity event for Jude's Hospital. It was a pig roast and free keg and my mother's friend's band was playing. We ate, we had a few drinks, we laughed at the stupid Hooters hookers, we met some people, drank more, listened to the band. Checked out a ton of Harleys. Met more people. And I met a boy. He wanted me to come with him and his friends to a bar that's actually not far from my house at all, and I have been there plenty of times in my life. And, as much as I wanted to go, I just really wanted to come back here and chill. I am not 21 anymore, I needed to rest. Besides, despite the fact this boy knew everyone I knew, I would rather talk to him a little more before I go saddling up on his Harley with him for the next round of drinks. Oh I know, would have been fun, but I really was starting to get sort of tired. Anyway, I gave him the digits and said for him to call, that I likely would not go with him tonight, but would be glad to hang out with him out there some other time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSHH</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All the sudden I feel like singing …."Its raining men, hallelujah it's raining men….."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So anyway, here's a couple of pics I snapped with my phone, the hooker girls did a stupid dance to Cotton Eyed Joe, that made&nbsp;me laugh so hard I almost pissed myself. I really liked the fact that this boy I was hanging with was saying someone needed to feed them girls they was looking all anorexic. HAHAHHA…. Seriously, I have nothing against hooters girls, but these 3 were not even cute. And then my momma hahahah and some pics of the band members. Did not turn out very well, but you get the general idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, spirits are lifted right now. However, I will warn you, there will be a blog coming up&nbsp;that you might think I am down, but, you see, its Lonnie's birthday in a few days, and, as I finally spend time on me and taking care of me, I am now taking the time to mourn his death properly as I should have long ago. So, as I remember him on his birthday, I will remember what was lost to me and Joey, but I will also remember the good times we shared.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_439295">Cool I'm glad ya had a great time! Cheers to ya!!! ♣<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, August 25, 2007 - 11:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_439295" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409&amp;commentID=439295" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_439295"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_439607">{{{{HUGS}}}} Happy Sunday!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, August 26, 2007 - 8:16 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_439607" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409&amp;commentID=439607" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_439607"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_440438">Glad you are in a better mood, sis! That's great that you had a wonderful weekend! I did too *wink* and will probably blog about it!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Sunday, August 26, 2007 - 11:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_440438" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409&amp;commentID=440438" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_440438"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_440709">Well me darlin sis sounds like ya gots lots to think bout. What career ya wants as opposed to what job ya will take in the meantimes. I thinks ya would do great at real estate or retail. Cause ya likes people n kin charm em. Like yer bro. Hehehehehehe.<br />An sis I am yer bro I kin get away with sayin. When it comes to males maybe yer problem is ya keeps goin fer the boys n not the mens. Boys are always gonna be immature n selfish n not have yer best interests at heart. They wont know how to treat ya right. Or even how to handle ya n I knows ya kin be quite a handful indeed.<br />I loves ya n just somethin to think bout baby.<br />Am glad ya had a great weekend n wow yer mom is lookin damn good. Hehehehe nothin wrong with older women. ~wicked grins~<br />I knows what ya means bout not bein 21 no more. Gots to take care of that ole body. ~winks~<br />Loves n glad yer feelin better.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>on Monday, August 27, 2007 - 10:20 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_440709" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409&amp;commentID=440709" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_440709"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_441979">It sounds like you are doing exactly what you need to be doing! Enjoy it Lady!<br />xoxo<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - 9:30 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409#" id="addReplyLnk_441979" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=303481409&amp;commentID=441979" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85885953009026079212007-08-24T21:42:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.938-04:00Joey: Thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br /><h4 class="subject" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.2em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/i_am_joeyv/blog/302955513" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #88181b; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 25px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thoughts</a></h4><div class="blogContent" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not sure what I am feelin right now. Sort of ill actully because Elonna is so ill n I cant be there fer her. I am frankly wishin I had taken different paths n made different choices in me life but cant go back. Even that which I said I stood fer n would die fer I am regrettin. Because now I cant be where I want to be n that is by Elonnas side helpin her n healin her in person.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I put up one o me sexy pics cause honestly I am tryin to get back to that way o lookin n thinkin. Fer a time I was losin weight n very unhealthy n now I am eatin better n workin out again. But today cant seem to do neither.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Me sis is goin thru some hard times n I cant seem to help her. In fact I am feelin like I make things worse. Both cause I am in this fuckin prison n cause I reminds her o the past. Things that she used to have that are now gone. I am sorry fer that.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I miss Lonnie so bloody much n as his birthday approaches it only gets worse. I always will wonder if I werent locked up like a bloody wanker if what happened to him wouldnt of been avoided. I were always the peacemaker n with me gone werent no peace to be made.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">At any rate all I kin do is keep goin cause I gots no choice. Onward I goes n tryin to avoid the abyss which just waits to suck me in.</div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3775451973324946242007-08-22T21:48:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:54:56.270-04:00*Ad Finem*<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, August 22, 2007&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"></span></div><h1 class="pagetitle" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ad Finem</h1><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">By Ella Wheeler Wilcox</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">On the white throat of the useless passion<br />That scorched my soul with its burning breath,<br />I clutched my fingers in murderous fashion,<br />And gathered them close in a grip of death;<br />For why should I fan, or feed with fuel,<br />A love that showed me but blank despair?<br />So my hold was firm, and my grasp was cruel -<br />I meant to strangle it then and there!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">I thought it was dead. But with no warning,<br />It rose from its grave last night, and came<br />And stood by my bed till the early morning,<br />And over and over it spoke your name.<br />Its throat was red where my hands had held it,<br />It burned my brow with its scorching breath;<br />And I said, the moment my eyes beheld it,<br /><q>A love like this can know no death.</q></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /><q></q></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">For just one kiss that your lips have given<br />In the lost and beautiful past to me<br />I would gladly barter my hopes of Heaven<br />And all the bliss of Eternity.<br />For never a joy are the angels keeping<br />To lay at my feet in Paradise,<br />Like that of into your strong arms creeping,<br />And looking into your love-lit eyes.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">I know, in the way that sins are reckoned,<br />This thought is a sin of the deepest dye;<br />But I know, too, if an angel beckoned,<br />Standing close by the Throne on High,<br />And you adown by the gates infernal,<br />Should open your loving arms and smile,<br />I would turn my back on things supernal,<br />To lie on your breast a little while.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">To know for an hour you were mine completely -<br />Mine in body and soul, my own -<br />I would bear unending tortures sweetly,<br />With not a murmur and not a moan.<br />A lighter sin or a lesser error<br />Might change through hope or fear divine;<br />But there is no fear, and hell has no terror,<br />To change or alter a love like mine.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">MySpace Comments:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_435299">Wow! That really says it, doesn't it? Thanks for sharing! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, August 23, 2007 - 7:11 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=302405070#" id="addReplyLnk_435299" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=302405070&amp;commentID=435299" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_435299"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Tabitha Stone</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_437383">Is a very deed poem. I love it.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Tabitha</a>&nbsp;on Friday, August 24, 2007 - 12:33 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=302405070#" id="addReplyLnk_437383" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=302405070&amp;commentID=437383" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_437383"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_438108">Love you baby...<br /><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/6b977a62e195.jpg" /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Friday, August 24, 2007 - 10:41 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84432977740838501102007-08-21T23:14:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.009-04:00Poetry In Motion: Every Day I Wait<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, August 21, 2007&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/790d61702463.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/790d61702463.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Every day I wait.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Every night I dream.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Wait for you.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">But you never come.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">I dream.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">But I never see you in them.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">It makes me wonder,</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Are we done?</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Are you gone forever?</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Never to return.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">My heart</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Has already</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Crashed and burned.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Don't know what I am doing</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Hanging on to this hope</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">By this short</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Last piece</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Of rope.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">But yet</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Here I am</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Dangling</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">For the world to see</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">Wondering</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">If you just might come back to me.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;">© C.M.&nbsp;<st1:date day="21" m..?8?="" year="2007">8/21/2007</st1:date></div><div style="text-align: center;"><st1:date day="21" m..?8?="" year="2007"><br /></st1:date></div><div style="text-align: center;"><st1:date day="21" m..?8?="" year="2007"><br /></st1:date></div><div style="text-align: center;"><st1:date day="21" m..?8?="" year="2007">MySpace Comments:</st1:date></div><div style="text-align: center;"><st1:date day="21" m..?8?="" year="2007"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></st1:date></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_433632">Wow! Awesome!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 6:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=302068482#" id="addReplyLnk_433632" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=302068482&amp;commentID=433632" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_433632"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Joey Vagance</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_433725">Tis how I were feelin bout Elonna. So glad I finally heard from her. Now if I could figure out what to say to her. ~sighs~<br />Sis keep the faith with Terry. Dont give up on him yet. Love is a strong thing. ~bear hugs~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Joey</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 9:48 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=302068482#" id="addReplyLnk_433725" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=302068482&amp;commentID=433725" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42154919" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34867226610216670532007-08-18T15:44:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.463-04:00Date Blog<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, August 18, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_300862971" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/08/dare-that-turns-into-date.html">About the date blog.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, I have it set to preferred list for a reason.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Those on my preferred list are those that are closest to me in life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I trust them and they trust me. And they know when I am just ranting and mean nothing by it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This was a very personal blog for me.&nbsp;I know many of them are, but this one also involved someone else on myspace. Again, as many of them do. But, most of you know those who I speak of as we have all been connected here for quite some time now. This person, not only is he new to my world, he is new to my myspace.&nbsp;So I felt maybe I had crossed the line a little bit by throwing our personal things out there. Although, I did warn him. And he really did not seam to mind. Who knows?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But, for those of you who can not read it, let me give you the readers digest version. We went out; we had a great dinner, a lot of fun and a huge amount of laughs. I really felt like there was some connection. We got a long great and it wasn't a dull moment. We finished dinner, walked around a bit then came back and hung out at my house for a little bit. Talked some more, joked around, and again just a lot of goofing around and laughs. It was really great to be able to have some fun with someone like that. Someone who had the same sense of humor as I did. Sarcastic to boot. And when it was time to say goodbye, we shared some wonderful passionate kisses. That whole heart beating fast nervousness butterfly in the stomach type thing. But since he had a long drive and had to get up early in the AM for his commute to work, we had to call it an early night.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That was Tuesday. It is now Saturday and I have not heard a word from him. I left him a funny comment on his myspace Wednesday and he sent me mail saying "thanks for the comment" And now I see they are not even on his page anymore. So I don't know if he removed them, or if it was the myspace monster hard at work again. This is stupid because it wasn't like I left him porn.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">No comment left for me. No phone call. No text, not even an IM.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so maybe I am old fashioned when it comes to dating. But is it not a common courtesy to call the girl back and say hey, had a good time and let her know whether or not ya want to see her again. I mean, I am a big girl, I can handle rejection. Sure we had a good time, but maybe I am just not the girl for him. And that's fine. Just tell me. Or sure he is busy, but you were busy before I came along and ya still made time to talk to me and what not, now all the sudden you have no time to say hello.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just do not understand.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And also, myspace rules, common courtesy, when someone leaves ya a comment, it's always nice to get one back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now then, my ego has been crushed. My feelings have been hurt, and I now feel like this wonderful date, maybe I was blind and it was not so wonderful after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And that's how that story goes. Once my feelings have been hurt, my defenses go up. It's just how I am.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, it's done and over, and whether he chooses to talk to me again, still remains a mystery.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm sorry I ranted…I tend to do that some time</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Slap a warning label on me…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Warning: Irish and Moody</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/ae3a3954a0.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/ae3a3954a0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_428987">Rant away, my moody Irish one! It's us Cancers. We get that way and should not have to explain it to others! They should just know! LOL! Anyway, it's his loss and maybe there IS a good reason for it (doubtful)...but just maybe.<br />Have a good weekend in spite of the guy! {{{{HUGS}}}}</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 4:53 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300862971#" id="addReplyLnk_428987" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300862971&amp;commentID=428987" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_428987"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_430349">Men really do suck...and not always in the good way. I should know...I am one.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, August 19, 2007 - 9:24 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300862971#" id="addReplyLnk_430349" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300862971&amp;commentID=430349" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56916971727954594322007-08-17T23:34:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.012-04:00~Dreams~ (I Need The Dream Experts !!! )<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Friday, August 17, 2007&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/f98b8a593b13.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/f98b8a593b13.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ok since date blog is posted, now I can tell you about the dreams.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Three times last week, Terry found me in my dreams. But, it wasn't the usual Terry type dream. (Oh get your head out of the gutters!)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">But rather, 3 days, 3 separate dreams. Each different, but each so much the same.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I don't remember which dream came first. I can hardly remember the details at this point. But, I can remember the main keys to them.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ok so one dream was basically me walking outside and him standing in the middle of the street. Just standing there. Not really looking at me. Or at anything in general, but he was facing my direction. He seemed, opaque. But still solid at the same time.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the only part I really remember.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The other dream, I am inside the house and my mom comes in to tell me someone named Terry is outside looking for me. I am baffled. Thinking it has to be some sick and twisted joke. I go running outside, and there he is. Standing there. Just him. Nothing more to this dream really then that.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The third dream, I go outside and he is in my driveway with suitcases. I don't know how I knew to go outside. I just went out. And there he was. And that's all I remember about this one.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ok, so this week, the night of my date, I have a 4<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;dream. Only, it was sort of horrible and more of a nightmare to me then anything. I woke up, bolted right out of bed in a cold sweat. I did not much care for it. I am outside in the yard. A black mafia gangster style call slowly rolls in front of my house. Sits for a moment. I guess I was in the flower bed because I stood to look. The car pulls into my driveway. The windows are so tinted, they can't be legal. I do not feel any sort of fear. The driver window starts to roll down and I walk over. I see a hand fling a piece of paper out and dangle it in front of me. I grab it, and hold it. Looking down at it, I see it's a death certificate. For Terry. I don't remember any sort of emotion coming out of me. I just remember the next thing I know a car door is opening. A person gets out, hands tied, and a long black cloak. The hood is on. Once out of the car completely and standing, the hood falls, revealing a person in a black mask. No eye holes or anything. I don't remember anyone getting out of the car. But I remember starting to cry as this person drops to their knees and the mask is removed. Don't know how. But at this point it's gone. It's Terry under this mask and cloak. He's been beaten. He looks terrible. Bloody. Bruised. He is crying. I don't remember much more of the dream. I know once we stand, his wrists are free and the car is gone. He still has on his cloak and I am still holding his death certificate. It becomes clear to me that he has faked his own death.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I know why. And that part I can not tell you. I can not tell you anything of Terry's life.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Anyway, the dreams are freaking me out a little bit. Terry is very powerful. Magickal if you will. I don't know if he is trying to tell me something. And if he is, what? Is he telling me he is OK? Is he telling me he's safe and will be back to me very soon? Is he telling me he is working on making his way here to the states? Or is he trying to tell me good-bye he will see me in the next life because the powers that be have gotten a hold of him and he is not long with the living??? Or was this dream to frighten me because I went on a date without his permission?? So many things running in my mind right now.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I want to believe he is safe and sound and just hiding right now. Waiting for a safe moment to contact me.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">But, I am very worried and very much afraid right now.</span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">MySpace Comments:</span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_428241">Wow sis, people always ask me to interpret their dreams because I practice magic and witchcraft and am of the psychological bent. And it has happened 3 times in the past week! Now this makes 4. Weird!<br />I turn it back to you-- what does it mean to you? You feel Terry is trying to contact you, so this is probably true.<br />But on another level it is your own subconsious mind trying to speak to you also. I think these questions you ask-- is he okay, is he safe and will be back, etc-- are ones that you want to be true. The other questions-- is he telling you goodbye or trying to frighten you-- represent your worries.<br />Terry for his part, I think is simply trying to keep your connection strong.<br />I can't tell you what this means as far as what is going on with Terry, I think you need to look inside yourself for those answers. Or be patient and wait for the answers when they come. The dreams might even represent you feeling impatient to know the answers, which certainly makes sense.<br />Dreams, pretty amazing stuff. Try not to be worried and afraid-- after all, look at how things worked out with Joey!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 12:10 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300683111#" id="addReplyLnk_428241" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300683111&amp;commentID=428241" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_428241"></label></span></span></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 97px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/116/s_b692b5e1ffb84338adf0163630f4724b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Segmullier</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_428327">IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT COLORS AND IN WHAT PLANTS OR TREES YOUR ARE AROUND<br />WERE YOU ON A HILL OR BY A HILL AND WHAT DID THE SKY LOOK LIKE OR WEIR YOU WERE AT WHAT DID IT LOOK LIKE AND ANIMALS THEIR IS SO MUCH TO NO TO EXPLAN A DREAM....<br /><br />READ MY BLOGS AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK<br />DUSTY<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a>on Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 1:28 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300683111#" id="addReplyLnk_428327" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300683111&amp;commentID=428327" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><label id="NewDiv_428327"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_428907">Fuck...that is some spooky shit babygirl...<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 3:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300683111#" id="addReplyLnk_428907" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300683111&amp;commentID=428907" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_428907"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_431378">Anytime travel is represented in a dream - the suitcase, the car, walking - it doesn't necessarily mean you are "going" anywhere. It means that you are on a journey of change. You have just made some major life moves and I believe this is what is happening. You are going through a transistion in your life.<br /><br />As far as the rest - I feel the darkness of the night, cloak, hood represents the sense of lonliness you feel in not having contact with Terry. You fear for his safety. No eyeholes...you cannot see him - physcially or mentally because you don't know where he is or what he doing.<br /><br />And remember - death in a dream does NOT mean death in real life. It simply means that one part of your life is ending....and another is beginning.<br /><br />Have sweet dreams Sweetie....everything will be fine.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 5:03 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300683111#" id="addReplyLnk_431378" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300683111&amp;commentID=431378" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span></span></span></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54158947112934372272007-08-16T12:22:00.000-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.466-04:00A Dare That Turns Into A Date<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, August 16, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/668cfba676b1.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/668cfba676b1.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh yes, Chrys had a date last night. Well, Tuesday, since I have no idea when I will actually finish and post this blog, better throw that date in their.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Did I forget to tell you all that? That I even had a date?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">HA!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sorry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">See, life does indeed keep moving forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Before I get to the date, there is actually a funny story behind the meeting of this person. Well, maybe not funny, but, it just proves to show, sometimes you never know just how things will work out in life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As you may remember, Julie came up the weekend of my birthday and spent a few days with me before I packed up life and moved up here. We were up one night, and I really think it was the night we came him drunk from my birthday. Anyway, we were both online messing around, and I had mentioned something about how I should just join and online dating sight. I was half assed joking. I mean really, who was going to want to date me anyway??? But, she was like, oh you should, you should and we had a good laugh about it. So, on a whim I did it. Cracking up laughing the whole time. I felt like such a dork. Woman seeking Man. Yeah that lasted all of maybe 2 days. Then I switched to it Woman seeking Woman. Yeeeesshhhh…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And then, I deleted it. But even though I deleted it, my profile thing was still actively sending me emails.&nbsp;So, once I got here to&nbsp;<st1:state><st1:place>Michigan</st1:place></st1:state>, I reset it up. Figured I had nothing to lose, and if anything at least I would meet some new people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've defiantly met some people. Thing is, I refuse to pay for a website. So unless the other user is a paid one, beyond an initial "Hi am interested" not much more can be said. To date, their have been 4 that I have actually talked to beyond that initial ice breaker. 1 I have exchanged IM with, once. Didn't really grab my attention.&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Was actually the first person I started to IM with. We have not met yet. I sit here, wondering what to say, as he is connected to me here at myspace, and even thought you all know I am rather blunt, I don't want to be rude. But, at the same time, I do have to be honest. We do share some IM. But, its just basic chitter chatter. Nothing really that "sparks" and picks at my brain. It's just a lot of questions about me and my "lifestyle" so to speak. Which is great -really, I do not mind at all explaining that lifestyle to anyone. I just do not know if there is anything outside of a friendship here. And that is OK with me. He's a really cool guy. So, then there is 3. Who ends up being a few years younger then me. His pick up lines make me laugh so hard all I can think is "wow, dude really you need to get past college life, this isn't the frat house" Although I find him amusing enough, at his own expense, again he bores me to tears as he cant think of one original thought to talk about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, that brings me to 4. You may as well say I have saved the best for last. Not only is he connected here at myspace, he also STOLE&nbsp;<st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>'s bday card as his profile pic! HAHAHAH. Now then, FINALLY someone with a sense of humor makes me laugh and keeps me laughing. After only a few days, yes I said DAYS of talking; off we go on a date. Oh yes, Chrys went on a date. Can you believe that? At first I was like…WTF is that? Ohh…dinner…OK. That I can do. I am a girl that likes to eat after all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so set time –&nbsp;<st1:time hour="18" minute="30">6:30pm</st1:time>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'm talking to Julie…what to wear, this? How about this? Or maybe this? A million things going around in my brain.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Fine, casual, jeans it is.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But then here comes the rest ….top…shoes….oye! What a headache….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Outfit settled, and I settled in on the couch and got glued to some fashion design reality show on Bravo. I was cracking my ass up. I look at the clock and I am like, odd that he hasn't called to tell me he's on his way, or maybe to check and make sure he's heading in the right direction. I mean map quest is not 100% perfect. I wait…and wait…and wait. Then, I see this car pull in across the street. Looks like their care, but it's already in the driveway. Hmmmm…the car goes back the way it came. Few minutes later I see that same care go right past again. I giggle to myself and I am guessing that it's him. So, I head to the dinning room, thinking if I see him go past again, I'll run out and flag him down. But then I heard my cell phone beep. I had call.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, now, I have to add this here. I still have my&nbsp;<st1:state><st1:place>Oklahoma</st1:place></st1:state>&nbsp;service with US Cellular. They do not even have stores up here! But, I can not switch things over to a new cell phone company until the divorce is final. If I switch it over now, and my phone gets used, which it will because I love my Project (RED) phone, then US Cellular will charge butthead a $150 bill for terminating service before the contract was over. So, having said all that, inside the house, there is no reception in parts of the house. It's so random how it works in here. Sometimes it works outside. You just never know. I never heard that damn thing right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But now it is yelling at me telling me I have voice mail.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Guess who it was?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh yes, Mr. Date man.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So I try to call him, just as the house phone rings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Yup, Date man.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I tell him, turn around and come back. You turned around in my neighbor's yard. I am across the street.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He gets here.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Finally.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">By this time I am already cracking up that any amount of nervousness I had has left the building.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We hug and already got the mouths yacking and the laughs going.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He comes in to sit for a bit (the mom went down to my cousins) because I got so addicted to this stupid show I had never watched before.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It was over and off to UNO's we go. Now, for those of you never having been to an UNO's you are missing out and I feel sorry for you. Deep dish&nbsp;<st1:city><st1:place>Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>&nbsp;style pizza. I did not even care what else was on the menu, I wanted pizza.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I got pizza. Boy that was easy. We had pizza. End of story.&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Nooooo I AM NOT spoiled…..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, we eat…we drink…swallow down a few Guinness…the laughs keep going.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A warning to you all: be sure to check the lids before you go dumping extra things on top of your pizza. You see, I had asked for ranch on the side to dip my pizza in. I also added those hot red pepper flakes to it. Well, we BOTH had been adding the flakes to the ranch, and to the pizza. So, we don't know really who did not tighten the lid ( I say, him heheh) but when he picked it up to put some on his pizza, pretty much the whole thing dumped out and covered his plate. We were both laughing hysterically. Our poor waiter, I can only imagine what he thought about us. He came over and said "Oh my what happened here?" well derrrrr what does it look like ya moron? It was too funny. But he just dumped it off and ate his pizza anyway.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That my friends, was fan-fucking-tastic. It just does not get any better then that for first time date blunders. But, we were able to just blow it off and laugh about it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Dinner over, we decided to go walk down part of the Outlet Mall since it is right across the parking lot. But, most of the stores were closing up, so not much to see. Off back home. Mr. Date can't stay out too late anyway, he has a curfew. Well, a drive back home and an early morn as he has an hour commute to work. Yeeeeeessshhh…. So, we went back to my house and hung out on the swing and just talked. And laughed. And laughed some more. Then, time to go. We kissed good bye. And kissed. And kissed again. Then off he went.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now, I started writing this blog the night of the date. And now, here it is Thursday night and I have not heard from Mr. Date man. So, even though, things might look like they went well on the surface, now looking at it some days later, maybe, it was not so good.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had fully intended on making this a fabulous blog, but, now my mood has changed. I thought we had a connection and had a great time. Maybe not. Now, I feel like a fool&nbsp;&nbsp;for ranting about how great it was and how much fun I had. I don't like to feel like a fool.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Doesn't anyone follow the dating rules and etiquette, ya know, some common courtesy?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Are you reading this Mr. Date man? Am I being tested?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Well fuck that, I don't take tests. Sorry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">A hello, a hi how are ya?? Something…anything....that's all ya had to do…but no, I got nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If ya don't like me, at least be man enough to tell me so.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, wait. I did leave him a comment on his page. He mailed me saying, thanks for the comment. WTF? That's it, THANKS?? I don't get a comment back? Ok whatever… not only is their dating etiquette, we have myspace etiquette as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If you are going to play on myspace, please, word to everyone- LEARN THE RULES</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh well, fuck it, life continues to move forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Whose bright idea was it again for me to look for boys in my own state??? ~winks~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Back to boys are stupid mode….ok well not all of them…and they know who they are, they know when I get on a rant not to take my rants personally…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At least I had one night out and some fun on way to look at it, or as Julie likes to put it "FREE FOOD" hahahhaah</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know I am a moody bitch, I fully admit it. Doesn't take much to make me happy. Simple really. Whatever, I'm Irish, that's my excuse and I am sticking to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Am I mad? No way! Not worth getting mad over. I really just do not care to be honest.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Like Julie and I were talking, maybe there is still one guy (or maybe girl) out there who will prove me wrong. That they are not all the same.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, next blog…will talk about the return of my brother, and some other interesting things going on in life. I've also got a brand new Erotic Confession in the works. Since you guys keep bugging my ass for a new one!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Keep smiling, I know I will.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Xoxox</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">~c~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody> <tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody> <tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_426093">Girl, I think boys have some kind of after date mental block when it comes to contacting us. They act all warm and fuzzy on the date, even make out with us, which I've come to learn is just a primitive caveman instict to reproduce (LOL). It's like trying on a glove, let's see if it fits? They often lull you into a false sense of security, say what a great time they had and they want to see you again. But then days go buy and no word. No peep. No sign of life.<br /><br />I understand common courtesy, you don't want to go ape shit on the date say ugh huh, no way babe, not you, not ever....but it's more courtious to let you know that "it ain't gunna work, you're not my type, let's be friends". We're not going to break and more then likely, we really don't like you that much anyway!! But this ignoring us nonsense is childish, stupid and plain rude. I have heard it over and over from my girlfriends, you can pretty much set your clock by it.<br /><br />Grow up fellas, this is 2007 and the "rules" are out the window. If you like us let us know, if you don't, LET US KNOW!! And don't tell me you'er busy, you weren't to busy before we went out to crawl up my crack and beg for my time. Just get a grip and realize, it's not the end of our world if we don't here from you, but a little feedback would be nice so we can delete you from our list if necessary! Amen!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center>..<br />&nbsp;</center></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 12:36 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300362145#" id="addReplyLnk_426093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300362145&amp;commentID=426093" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr> </tbody></table></td></tr> <tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr> </tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 11px;"><label id="NewDiv_426093"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody> <tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 152px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody> <tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_426112">Have I told you latley I LOVE YOU!!! hahaha...girl...no wonder we are the best of friends!<br /><br />Ok but seriously, I know, I have been out of the "dating" game for some time. But, I know how it goes. Just because I was married doesnt mean I was hidden under some damn rock. I went out with friends. Hell, I went out. I know how it goes. Online, in life, all of it, the same.<br /><br />COMMUNICATION<br /><br />How freaking hard is it? You communicated with me a few days ago, how come you can't now?<br /><br />I am not going to break. You don't want to hang out again, fine. Just tell me. Just want to be friends, fine, just tell me. My world is not going to end. Hell knows I have been through enough shit in life that one date with someone who isnt all that in to me is not going to be the end of my world.<br /><br />Oye....boys boys boys boys.....moving on...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 12:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300362145#" id="addReplyLnk_426112" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300362145&amp;commentID=426112" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr> </tbody></table></td></tr> <tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr> </tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 11px;"><label id="NewDiv_426112"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody> <tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 152px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody> <tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_426102">Let's see if it will work this time....<br /><br /><img <br="" src="http://www.photocasket.com/happybunny/hb21.bmp" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" />&nbsp;</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 12:43 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300362145#" id="addReplyLnk_426102" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300362145&amp;commentID=426102" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr> </tbody></table></td></tr> <tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr> </tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 11px;"><label id="NewDiv_426102"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody> <tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 153px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody> <tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_426200">Well sis, it has only been two days! I don't know, since I am guilty myself of getting busy and not always staying in the best touch (just ask those I date), maybe I feel like defending him. Give him some time-- don't give up just yet!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 2:29 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300362145#" id="addReplyLnk_426200" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=300362145&amp;commentID=426200" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr> </tbody></table></td></tr> </tbody></table><br /><br />Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17287145994016904982007-08-11T20:19:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.468-04:00Even the Best Fall Down Sometimes...I Guess I Fell<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, August 11, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br />Ok, so yesterdays blog wasn't the bright and sunshine girl you all know. But even I have my moments. Many of you here have seen my dark side. It's not the first time I have fallen into my dark hole. Nor will it be the last.<br />I can not say today was a better day, but it was a new day. Seperate from yesterday and my spirits are better.<br />Thats really all I have to say right now.<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_418733">Hope your better today baby...<br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/7af21e8ed38b.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/7af21e8ed38b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Sunday, August 12, 2007 - 1:56 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41987752527301599762007-08-10T22:16:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.471-04:00No MORE!!!!!!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, August 10, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Do you ever have those days where you just want to give up?</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I don't mean just give up on things in general,</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I mean life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Oh yes, I said it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Not often, if ever have I thought about giving up on my life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I have always held my head high and always took pride in the fact I saw the good in everything.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Not today.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I can't do this anymore.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I'm stuck and I don't like it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Right now, I only see one way out.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Yes, I am down, back in my dark hole.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Sad, my brother is not here to hang out with me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Fucked up world that I don't really even know where my brother is anymore.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Screwed up world as well, my angel Lonnie is lost to me now too.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I can't find his guidance anymore.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Even my dark angel Terry is no place to be found. WTF ... seriously..I mean I know whats going on. I know why he is gone, but this long?? And no contact? I am so fucking worried right now it makes my head spin. I have no idea what to do. I am stuck in this limbo.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Elonna, my sistagurl, my partner is crime…where is she? Why wont anyone tell me what's going on with her? Why wont she return my calls, my cards, my letters, my emails???</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">You know what? I am having an emotional breakdown and I rightfully deserve it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">But you know what, this time, I am not coming back.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I am staying right here in my dark pit. Cold. Skanky. Lonely.</span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">This way, I (my heart) am safe and will not have to hear or say another good-bye.</span><br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">e&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_417491">Sis-- I don't know what to say, it hurts me to read this. I want to help-- you have been there for me through so much. It sounds like you don't want this, but I am here if you need someone to help pull you out of the muck! *holds out my hand to you*<br />And yes, I have felt that way. Even now with my shit supposedly together and being so fucking qualified to help other people with their problems, I still feel this way sometimes. And it sucks!<br />Please email, or even call me, if you want to talk. Love you sis, don't give up. PLEASE.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 3:10 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=298069813#" id="addReplyLnk_417491" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=298069813&amp;commentID=417491" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_417491"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_417814">Shit...yea I know that dark pit...<br /><a href="http://pixpipeline.com/d/d5022e0c9fa4.gif" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image Hosted by PixPipeline FAST FREE Image Hosting" src="http://pixpipeline.com/s/d5022e0c9fa4.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 6:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=298069813#" id="addReplyLnk_417814" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=298069813&amp;commentID=417814" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_417814"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=82330424" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/s_96a667ab6ed425fc38de4ce2f9bb0e29.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_421320">...breathe...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a>&nbsp;on Monday, August 13, 2007 - 11:48 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=298069813#" id="addReplyLnk_421320" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=298069813&amp;commentID=421320" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91016059073204019092007-08-08T12:55:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.473-04:00Do You Ever Have Those Days<div class="MsoNormal">Do you ever have those days where you just want to give up?</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don't mean just give up on things in general,</div><div class="MsoNormal">I mean life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh yes, I said it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not often, if ever have I thought about giving up on my life. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I have always held my head high and always took pride in the fact I saw the good in everything.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not today.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t do this anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m stuck and I don’t like it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, I only see one way out. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, I am down, back in my dark hole. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Sad, my brother is not here to hang out with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fucked up world that I don’t really even know where my brother is anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Screwed up world as well, my angel Lonnie is lost to me now too. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t find his guidance anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Even my dark angel Terry is no place to be found. WTF ... seriously..I mean I know what’s going on. I know why he is gone, but this long?? And no contact? I am so fucking worried right now it makes my head spin. I have no idea what to do. I am stuck in this limbo.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My sistagurl, my partner is crime…where is she? Why wont anyone tell me what’s going on with her? Why won’t she return my calls, my letters, my cards, my emails?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am having an emotional breakdown and I rightfully deserve it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">But you know what, this time, I am not coming back. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I am staying right here in my dark pit. Cold. Skanky. Lonely.</div><div class="MsoNormal">But you know what? At least here I (my heart) am safe and will not have to hear or say another goodbye.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9948679223966572022007-08-07T21:55:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.014-04:00Poetry In Motion: ~Displaced~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, August 07, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/prettygothicgirl.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Displaced</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Disorientated</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Distraught</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Confused</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Still</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">No news</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">*</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">I wait</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">I ponder</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Click click</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Decide</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">*</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Time</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Stops</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">For no one</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Nothing</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Tick tock</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Tick tock</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">*</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">My heart</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Keeps beating</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Thud thump</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Thud thump</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">*</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Worry</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Guilt</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Shame</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Has</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">No name</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Just tucked</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Away</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Inside</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">And there</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">It will hide</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">*</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Burning</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Peeling</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Raw</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Pick the wound</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Watch it bleed.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">*</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">Time stops</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">For no one.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">8/7/07 © C.M.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></div><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_410910">{{{{HUGS}}}} Awesome!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, August 08, 2007 - 6:41 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13791710519720688232007-08-04T23:09:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.476-04:00Memories<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, August 04, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Memories</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Been sorting through my grandparents things. The things that got left behind that no one wanted. Helping my mom figure out what we should do with them. Wondering if maybe a cousin or their kids would like to have it. Who knew that two people could accumulate so much stuff! And this house is not a mansion, but we are finding all these little hiding spots grandma had. It's been pretty funny. Sad in a way. Remembering all the times I had with them. And how much time I missed out on with them being so far away. But, they are together now, pain/cancer free and happy. So, that's what keeps me going.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As we sort their things and move out of their room, guess who is moving in??? My mom does not want to live in their bedroom, makes her too sad. As for me, it makes me happy, gives me a chance to be close to them. A change to talk to them using the gift I have been given in life to do such. Last night was the first night I actually slept in there. It was comforting. I felt safe. I felt, home. It was good.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Something else good too, and I don't know really how to explain it. As you know, it's been about 2 weeks since I have spoken to Terry. It's been hard. And I miss him a great deal. I am trying to keep my worry for him at bay. I don't, and he doesn't need my powers carrying my worry to him. He has enough on his plate to deal with. I have tried to keep myself busy to not think about it. But, in doing that, I have felt disconnected from him. He and I have this special powerful connection of magick and sometimes its greater then him and me. And sometimes, like now, I feel not so connected. I have tried a few things to bring that connection back for me to grab, with no luck. But, last night, I felt him. I felt him so close. The darkness smothered me, and I knew he was there. It was welcomed with open arms and I needed to feel his closeness. I believe he's trying to let me know something. But I was so overwhelmed to see feel him that I just could not see past anything else. I hope he was trying to tell me he is ok and will be in contact too. I need to get my mind cleared, push the worry aside and open up again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I awoke today in a great deal of pain. Not just physical, but mental as well. All this moving around furniture and boxes has aggravated my back. Not good. As many of you know my back issues. Going to have to call my Chiro back home and have him refer me to someone up here. Something I am not looking forward to going thru again, but I can't live with the constant pain I feel right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then mental pain, that's from too many memories. Not just with the grand's, but going through my own things as well. Stuff I had long forgotten. From people I had long forgotten. Some anyway. I found some things from my first ever *crush* from when I was like 4yrs old until who knows. Pictures, letters, cards….ha-ha and he's connected to me here on my myspace!! (Aaron you better watch out, I got blackmail!! Lol) I found things from a college bf that is also here on my myspace (Robert I got blackmail on you too buddy!!!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Cards and letters from my long time friend Stephanie, since we were in 5<sup>th</sup>grade. Cards and letters from my grandparents. That was rough seeing. I had to sort thru so much junk. I had to make the choice, keep or toss. Why was I hanging on to it anyway? What am I ever going to do with it? Then, there it was. The box I thought I had long gotten rid of.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As I have said before, I was with girls long before I was with boys. There were a few boys I had messed around with, but nothing serious. I had kept them around mostly as a cover up. The girls I had been with were older. And I did not want my friends to know, unsure of how they would take knowing their friend liked girls more then boys. Especially being at that prime boy crazy age. At any rate, by the time I had hit high school there was one boy that flew over the radar. We dated off and on all through high school. Had plans to marry and blah blah. Let's just say it ended badly. Very badly. But for some reason I had held on to this box. A box full of memories. Seeing all this stuff brought so much hurt and anger back. Thinking about the girl I was then, and the woman I am now. How big of an impact that relationship had on my life. I pushed it all aside and just sat and thought about things.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The girlfriends. The boyfriends. Love lost. Wondering where are they now. Wondering was I wrong to let some of them go. Thinking was always me that called things off. Seems to still be the trend in my life. Somehow, I always walked away. Something to ponder for a while. Wishing that I could see some of them just one more time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just friends. Many of the same thoughts.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Hahahaah….and Melissa and Kristen…don't make me talk about what I found in my yearbooks!!! LOL</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sorting out more boxes I found all my old journals. 37 of them spanning from 1984 to 2005 when I started writing and saving everything on the pc and flash drives.&nbsp;And that got me to thinking about the book I had started to write. Thinking to myself I really needed to finish it. Also, inside all those pages, tons and tons of poetry. Words I had not read in years. Everyone has always told me I needed to get my work published. Maybe I should. Maybe I should gather it all together and submit it. What's the worst that could happen?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Pictures. Old lordy all the picture. How many albums does one person need? I love pics. And I have documented every event in my life. So, I sat around thumbing through all my albums. More and more memories flood back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Rather overwhelming the last few days.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Memories…. Forever a moment in time….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And right now, I am ready to let old memories go and make some new ones.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">As I sit here and think about what the future could hold, I fall back to thinking about Terry. And how much I hope that he is OK and just safe. ~sighs~</div><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;">And I miss my Shan... :(</div><br /><br /><b>MySpace Comments:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_409013">Sorry it took me so long to get here! Just remember that every one of those people have helped to shape you. Every event has gone in to who you are today. We are all here to learn "lessons"...maybe one of yours was "letting go" of people/things that no longer serve you on a spritual level. You learn whatever lesson and move on.<br />Save what makes you smile and throw away anything that makes you feel bad...<br />{{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Tuesday, August 07, 2007 - 6:41 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=295772026#" id="addReplyLnk_409013" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=295772026&amp;commentID=409013" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_409013"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=82330424" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/s_96a667ab6ed425fc38de4ce2f9bb0e29.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_421319">There are some things in our lives that we went through together, seperately. If only niether of us was afraid....<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=82330424" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Magical Thinking</a>on Monday, August 13, 2007 - 11:45 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8121633699588289092007-08-02T21:54:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.016-04:00Whats Up With Chrys?? For July and a Little Korn<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, August 02, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So, this is supposed to be an updated what's up with Chrys? blog. And right now, I just am feeling like the wind has been knocked out of me. I had so much that I had wanted to say. And now it's like so much time has passed, I do not even know where to start.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">As you know, I have finally left the hubby and packed what I good and did an 1100 mile trek for a move. My mom came down to help. So her, me, a van, a 16ft moving truck and 3 dogs. 2 of which were my 2 monster boxers. Hers, a little half poodle half cocker spaniel mix.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">As well as you know I moved just days after my 32 b-day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I am here now. Slowly getting settled. It's been a long process as I have moved into my mom's house. This was my grandparents. Which is still FULL of their things. So, mom and I have been sorting through that in which no one has wanted, and trying to determine whether to keep, put in yard sale or donate to grams fave charity. So, we pack up only to unpack. It has not been fun at all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I have been here, almost 5 days now and I feel like I have not gotten anything accomplished. It's been maddening I tell you. I want to rip my hair out. Not to mention I have already been reminded as to why I DID NOT want to come live with my mother. Good grief. I already want to move out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I had to go visit my dad today. To gather a lot of bday cards from that side of the family and to drop off some paperwork for him. As well as say thanks again for giving me the money to rent the truck. Oh, and to say hello to my grandmother. Yuck. Got to meet dad's girlfriend. I guess she lives there too. Seemed nice enough. However, I have <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">issues with my dad and his mother,</a> and well that whole family in general. Those who have been around a while know this and I do not need to rehash it. Those that don't know the story, I don't feel like rehashing it out right now. Just know, that dad and I have issues and let's keep it at that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Right now, I am drowning myself in Guinness. It's been a while and it is certainly needed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I had to call my old job and ask&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Shannon&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">something. It just rips at me to hear her voice. Only gone a week and I already miss the ever loving stuffing out of her. ~sighs~</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">As most have you have figured out, I am not sad at all about my divorce. It has been a long time coming and something that needed to be done. For me and for him. No hard feelings and despite the secrets I have found out, we parted on pretty good terms. So, that's really all done and over with. I am so over it and have already moved on in life as far as relationship and love and all that is concerned. Don't expect me to get emotional about it because I won't, as there is no need for it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">However, there is something I HAVE avoided talking about. Mostly because I just did not want to throw this personal stuff in to the mix. But, questions have started to arise and so I figure I should talk about it and get it out there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/introducing-terry_26.html">Terry.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Where is he? How does he fit into the mix these days? Mostly, just a lot of what's going on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Wish I had the answers for you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I love him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Simple, but yet so very complicated.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">We want to be together. Have talked about it. Want to walk that path to get there. And we thought we were well on out way since the divorce had started and I was moving away. I've got my passport ready….. But, someone threw some mud in our little puddle and there are some things that Terry has to take care of in his life. Things I can not talk about publicly. I just can't so don't ask. Terry has had to be out of contact for a little while. The last day I talked to him was the day after my birthday. Told me he had to go, to not worry. That with my powers if I worried it would be so strong and make things harder for him. He asked me to hold him close, hold him tight and not let go. He asked me to use my powers to keep him safe. I have done my best. I have kept myself pretty busy with the move and taking care of things here to keep my mind off of the worry. But, right now, I can not help it. I miss him very much.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">And for those of you on his page too, I am well aware that all the stuff is gone and it looks like he has logged in every day...his page has been hacked. We cant fix it until he gets back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">But, at what point do I say, ok I can't wait anymore, I have to move on? Is their even a point? If you love someone do you wait forever? I just don't know what to do here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">We have called each other boyfriend/girlfriend as well as our little nicknames for each other. Trying to explain our relationship is not easy. I mean, we love each other, and have some sort of commitment to each other. But, it's also a long distance relationship and an open one at that.&nbsp;We know where we stand in each others lives, but at the same time we are with other people. How can one really be truly committed when we are so far away right now?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So, when he gave me permission on week long party spree to be with someone else, it sort of made me take a step back and go..Huh? I need permission? What? Why? When did that happen? Some how a long the way, our relationship changed. Of course, we were not expecting him to have to run and leave a day later either. I just feel stuck right now. Just not sure what's going on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So, my life has not stopped. It is still moving forward. It has to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">BUT FUCK I MISS HIM!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Without Terry around, as well as being newly free from the hubster, it has given me a lot of time to think about things.&nbsp;I find myself back to my old flirty self. I have reconnected with old friends. Not to mention the friends that have just been waiting for me to cross the divorce line.&nbsp;The thing is I have said this before, that I am a girl with a big heart and an open mind. I will love who I choose. And there have been 2 others in my life aside from Terry that I truly love. I am IN love with Terry. But, these other 2, its more then just a friendship love.&nbsp;It's hard to explain.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">They both used to be here @ myspace and on 360. Now just one is on 360, and the other is here @ myspace, but he runs a fan page. If you will remember back, in the middle of the Lonnie death and Sean ordeal, there was someone had fallen for, hard. Brian. No, no, not Brian Kinney, but the actual Brian that runs the BK fan page.&nbsp;We had some good time, and a good solid friendship we had built up for quite some time before that. As a matter of fact, it's been about a year now that I have known him. Anyway, the whole Lonnie/Sean ordeal was just too much, and I had to let Brian go. And that ruined the friendship we had too. But in time, we slowly rebuilt it. I never stopped loving Brian. But, I tucked that love away. Afraid to let it out. And thinking he did not want it anymore.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">In the last week, he and I have had our first chat in month. We hashed out a lot of anger and hurt feelings. Which was hard, but it was good. We needed to do it. But, then those old feelings came out and it turned into something very sexual. And it stirred up a lot of feelings inside. And I am not quite sure what to do with them.&nbsp;Then, I have this other friend, which I met thru my brother Joey. He has been a part of my life for a few years now. And he is actually the one that introduced me to Terry. Steven and I have a wonderful relationship. Never any questions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">&nbsp;No conditions and no restraints. We can read each other, we know always what the other needs whether it is a shoulder, an ear, some arms to lay in, or yeah, even something sexual. I simply adore him. Love him. He really is a busy lad and I don't see him much. But, we crossed paths, and it turned into something very sexual. Me being very Dom with him. Something we both like. I am afraid all the frustrations and anger I had I was taking out on him.&nbsp;The love I have for him, it's always been out in the open. But, I was never really able to express just how much I adored him, until recently. So, I have these 3 wonderful men. Different types of love for different reasons. I fit with each of them perfectly, on different levels. Each one my best friend as well.&nbsp;And each one far away.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Brian</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Brian/4040675_473561.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p>Steven</o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Stevie/7cae.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Confused yet? Yeah, so am I.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">And there are some other boys that I seem to be talking to a lot lately. Ones actually in the same zip code. Well, one is a few hours away. Nothing too major.&nbsp;Some online , some here in life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">And I sit here thinking…WTF am I doing. What about Terry. Then I go, yeah what about Terry. Where is he? And aren't we a million miles apart and in an open relationship anyway???</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">So am I not allowed to feel what I want and talk to who I want????</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">~sighs~ and on that note, today I leave you with Korn's Inside Out… because I need&nbsp;men in my life that will say these things to me, feel this way about me…let me be me</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">Korn- Inside Out</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8s67V59xyyA" width="425"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">I like the way you're so fucked up<br />Naked and wearing no makeup<br />I watch your pulse beneath your skin<br />Sometimes I wish I could crawl in<br /><br />I don't care what you talk like<br />I don't care how you dress<br />I don't care 'bout your facial features<br />I couldn't care less<br />I don't need conversation<br />I've got nothing to say<br />I know what you're about<br />I want you<br />Inside out<br /><br />I like the way your ''ribs'' contract<br />When you are lying on your back<br />The ''bruises you internalize'' eternalize<br />The thoughts behind those crazy eyes<br /><br />I don't care what you talk like<br />I don't care how you dress<br />I don't care 'bout your facial features<br />I couldn't care less<br />I don't need conversation<br />I've got nothing to say<br />I know what you're about<br />I want you<br />Inside out<br /><br />Bitch so untamed but outside it, a work of art<br />But underneath it you're beautiful when you're torn apart<br />That's the fucking amazing shit the wish that makes you<br />Take the punishment to your heart as I squeeze it hard<br /><br />That's the fucking amazing shit the wish that makes you<br />Take the punishment to your heart as I squeeze it hard<br /><br />I drink the milk thats in your breast<br />I wouldn't even mind your shit<br />I put my tongue inside your ear<br />I'm gonna eat you up right here<br /><br />I don't care what you talk like<br />I don't care how you dress<br />I don't care 'bout your facial features<br />I couldn't care less<br />I don't need conversation<br />I've got nothing to say<br />I know what you're about<br />I want you<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out<br />Inside out</span></div><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gsmx96yFgjI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gsmx96yFgjI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">MySpace Comments:</span></b><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_402348">{{{{HUGS}}}} Glad you made it there alright. I can't help you with the love life problem...I'm monogamic. I realize not every one is and I am ok with that. What ever makes you happy! If it works for you, then great! Anyway, good luck figuring it out! (I am a little concerned, though, about why you find guys a million miles away and none "in the same zip code" or even the same country as you...have you worked that one out?) &lt;&lt; the mom in me coming out, LOL!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, August 03, 2007 - 7:02 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=295062094#" id="addReplyLnk_402348" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=295062094&amp;commentID=402348" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_402348"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=164413579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">william</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=164413579" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/40/s_96d8b4fc2a276995a8441ab4b090dd1a.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">william Poff</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_402452">"life is like a movie.... just wish i had the f***ing remote every once and awhile."<br />not sure what else to say really. but i really hope everything works out for you and you find the answers you are looking for!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=164413579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">william</a>&nbsp;on Friday, August 03, 2007 - 9:27 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=295062094#" id="addReplyLnk_402452" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=295062094&amp;commentID=402452" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=164413579" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_402452"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_403379">Hey baby...thanks for mentioning me...<br />It was a blast last weekend...maybe we can hook up again soon...<br />~~~kisses all over you...</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>&nbsp;on Friday, August 03, 2007 - 8:14 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=295062094#" id="addReplyLnk_403379" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=295062094&amp;commentID=403379" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16554248889973176522007-07-31T21:13:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.479-04:00The Last Good-Bye<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, July 31, 2007</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The time has come, to say my final goodbye. Suitcase packed, one last walk through the house, make sure nothing of mine gets left behind.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There he stands.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Watching.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Waiting.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Counting down the minutes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I take a deep breath.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I look at him and think to myself – "He has no idea what I am going thru."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">He just has no clue.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This has all just been so easy for him.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Doing nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Killing time.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Watching.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Waiting.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Counting down the minutes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Until I say that final goodbye.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I gave him one last hug, and went on my way.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And on I went.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Passed state line.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Knowing I will never permanently be back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Still no tears did I cry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I'll be back to visit,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">And then, I will fly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Passed each state, one by one.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Closer and closer to my destination.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">1100 miles and my mind starts to roam.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">All I can think about are the SECRETS! I hate them. Despise them. All they do is anger me and piss me off. I am so open and honest. I have always been that way. So, it is pretty sad to me when I see that a person I have been with for the last 10 years has a closet full of them. And in a few days time, they all come to surface.&nbsp;I don't understand why he felt the need to keep secrets from me. Like I said, I don't keep them. Never saw a need to. I have always been open with him about EVERYTHING in my life. And I mean everything.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh well, really doesn't matter anymore since that relationship is over and that chapter in life is closed.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, as I continue to work on a new What's Up With Chrys? , I am leaving you with Black Label Society – The Last Goodbye. Because, even though I have said so many good-byes in the last few weeks, the reality is we are never really done saying good-bye in life. And just as we say good-bye, we say hello.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wdFZ7XmGYSI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wdFZ7XmGYSI?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>LYRICS<o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;">The Last Goodbye<br /><br />Take me down this road<br />I've been done here once before<br />Take me down this road<br />Once again, never again, forevermore<br />Take me down this road once more<br /><br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />This ain't the last goodbye<br /><br />Take me down this road<br />Just to see a smile on your face<br />Take me down this road<br />All that is and all that was cant be replaced<br />Take me down this road once more<br /><br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />This ain't the last goodbye<br /><br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />Take this love<br />Take this life<br />Take this blood<br />It'll never die<br />This ain't the last goodbye</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_398519">well, can't get the video cuz of my connection, but i'll agree that the lyrics are a poignant testament to what's going on.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 - 10:24 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=294238304#" id="addReplyLnk_398519" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=294238304&amp;commentID=398519" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_398519"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_399056">One door closes and another one opens...here's to looking at better, brighter future! {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, August 01, 2007 - 6:51 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=294238304#" id="addReplyLnk_399056" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=294238304&amp;commentID=399056" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_399056"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; line-height: 13px;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Ken Scott</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_399345">I pray that God will do what's best for ya hun! Good luck!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣Ken Scott♣</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, August 01, 2007 - 12:20 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84860429976560736352007-07-26T08:57:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.481-04:00Birthdays , Drinks and Tattoos ~Oh My!!(now with pics)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 26, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Its update blog time!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I had this blog idea all sorted in my head. A very upbeat happy fun time blog. I had a great birthday. But then, as things always seem to do in my life, something came crashing down. It's sort of put a damper on my mood, and I am doing my best to wade through the waters right now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, Friday was my last day at work.<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">L</span>Very sad. Many did not realize it was my last day. Many thought I still had another week. Well, I did not give much notice when I had decided that I just could not stay another week. Just too much to do and too much going on.&nbsp;One boss took me to lunch. That would be the one no one really gets along with. It was rather awkward. One of our Animal Shelter volunteers brought me a chocolate brownie fudge cheesecake. Which, I saved for me and Julie!! Heheheh It was not easy saying goodbye to anyone. I did not much like it. It got to be like family up there.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Saturday I got a little bit of organizing and packing done. Julie came up from&nbsp; Texas and shortly after she got here we headed up to Eskimo Joes for dinner and drinks. I picked this place because it is tradition. I have gone every year for my birthday since I moved to<st1:city><st1:place>Stillwater</st1:place></st1:city>. It was a riot. It was tiki bar theme for the night. So the waiters were running around with lei's. I wanted one. It's my birthday damn it, I want one. So Melissa and Shannon both were trying to rip them off the walls, with no luck. Finally&nbsp;<st1:place>Shannon&nbsp;</st1:place>got some waiter to give his up. So, here I am hanging out sipping my drinks wearing a green lei. Did you really except it to be any other color??? LOL We ate, we drank, and we got loud. Boy did we get loud!!!! But it was all in good fun. Our waiter was a doofus. A regular window licker that one. I asked for a Guinness and he brings me another Amaretto Sour….dude, they sound nothing alike. He just kept doing really stupid shit all night. You got a table of 6 hot chicks; you would think you would do your best to earn your tip!!! We hung out there a couple hours.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(tiff, melissa &amp; alison)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0670.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(shannon)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0669.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(me and jules)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0663.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Tiffany and Alison left. Me and Julie took off in my car and Shannon and Melissa followed. Off to the tat shop we went. I had picked out what I wanted Friday. It just came to me. I had another idea picked out, but, I knew deep down it would mean more to me if Terry did it. So I decided to wait on it. But, I knew I wanted something. It birthday tradition to get a tattoo!! I did not have to think long before the design flashed in my mind. I ended up getting a design called The Prince of Evil, with a T incorporated in it. In honor of my Terry.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0682.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Now, anyone who knows me knows I am so against anyone doing anything that has to do with names or significant others. But, this just felt right. I was called to it, drawn to it. And I have no regrets and I know I never will. If any of you have looked at Terry's tat, you will see there is a c incorporated in to it. That was not planned, but as his mate started on the work, it was requested. As he said, it just seemed like the right thing to do. However it looks to anyone else, we don't care. What we have is so much deeper then just love. We are bonded together by our souls. By our commons grounds. By our powers and magick.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-bhmro4Er4/TglGEMMYznI/AAAAAAAAAcY/z8ol1Ya5P8o/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-bhmro4Er4/TglGEMMYznI/AAAAAAAAAcY/z8ol1Ya5P8o/s320/l.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh yes, there is much you don't know about me. Many of you only know me on the surface, what I choose to show you here. But, what Terry knows and sees is a part of me I have not opened up to many.&nbsp;Something stronger then both of us, brought us together. And here we remain, despite the odds.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(me and chris)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0684.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0684.jpg" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, Julie and I are in the tat shop having a grand time. For anyone that has never gotten a tat, it's hard for me to explain. But those of you with one, that actually like them, there is something very calming and euphoric about it. At least for me. I say, bring the pain. The more, the better. None of my tats really hurt. As I believe pain is all in your mind. This really is a mind over matter adventure. I will say the wrist tat was not comfortable, and the one on my hand wasn't exactly the best feeling in the world. My poor hand went numb for a few days. But, I would not call it pain. The back of my calf is rather tender today, but, I would not call it pain. For it did not hurt in the normal term of hurt. For me, every prick of the needle, every line of the ink, was one step closer for me and T to be together. There was no pain there. Only love.&nbsp;Julie took quite a few pics. In my pic section there are pics of us at Eskimo Joes and at the tat shop.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(me, tat man and jules)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0686.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">While Jules and I were at the tat shop, Shannon and Melissa went down to the adult store.<st1:place>Shannon&nbsp;</st1:place>saw fit to buy my bday present. You can see the cute card she got me in my bday pic section. But, her gift was rather funny. She bought me another lei, and this one had plastic dicks all over it. HAHHAHA… and she got me an emergency kit…a pretty red vibrator! Silly girl…just because I am getting divorced doesn't mean I am becoming a nun LOLOL…toooooo funny… and the people in the tat shop got a good laugh.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(shannons card)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/smcard.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(shanns gift)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/v1JPG.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Melissa and Shan headed to the next bar, Murphy's. While we finished up my tattoo.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We had lots of fun there. Payne County Tattoos, if you are ever in&nbsp;<st1:city><st1:place>Stillwater&nbsp;</st1:place></st1:city>I suggest you look them up. They rock. If I was staying in town, I would go back again and again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I do need to say, that the guy that did this tat is not Shane. Shane is the Irish guy that did the touch up on my wrist band and did the shamrock on my hand. I found out he no longer works there, so I was introduced to Chris. At least that's what I and Julie remember his name to be!! We were pretty well smashed…so no telling.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">One the tat was done, and pics taken….we headed to Murphy's. Ran smack dab in to Wally, shans hubby. So I knew it was time for her to go. Her and Melissa finished their dart game and the 3 of them left. So. Julie and I hung out to finish a few rounds of drinks, and then we headed off to get some food and came back to my house. Ate and drank some more.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am going to miss the fuck out of&nbsp;<st1:place>Shannon</st1:place>. That's my girl. I hope that she will see passed everything and see just how much I love her. To understand that even though we are miles away, I will always be here for her. Always.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Our drunken asses got on myspace. Perhaps not a good idea. But sure was funny. We had left Terry some pic comments. He got a good laugh out of them. I love making that man laugh. He doesn't do it often enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">We passed out in the wee hours of the morning.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Of course, we did eat quite a bit of cheesecake too!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sunday we were REALLY lazy. We slept, watched movies, ate, slept more, and watched more movies. Then we got on mypsace and said hello to all our friends and passed out the bday pics. I got to talk to Terry for a little while when he got off work.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Monday was just as lazy. At the first half of the day. Julie left to go home later in the afternoon. I got a little bit of packing done. My house is such a total mess right now. And I just can not wait to get out of here!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Julie got me the best bday present. A gold four leaf clover…how fitting huh? She said it reminded her of me awwwwww and I got a candle bowl, which says something about following your dreams because you never know where they will lead. SO TRUE!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">(jules gifts)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0704.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0705.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I had the best time with Julie, and I am so very grateful for that day we crossed paths in life and that she was able to come up and spend some time with me before I go to far away fro just a few hour drive.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I spent the rest of Monday trying to get some more things packed up and moved out of the way. I feel like I am not making a dent in anything. Its frustrating.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Then, the day sort of fell around me. I can not really say what's going on right now. But Terry is going through some major things. Its burning my heart and eating me alive. I cant worry. My powers are too strong and will carry my worry right to him and make things worse. So, I am trying to keep strong. To keep myself together, to keep us together. Wanting to be there now more then ever, and now, will stop at nothing to get there. To be with him. I will walk the ends of the earth for that man. I would do anything for him. ~sighs~</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0682.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Just so much going on around me, I don't know which direction to go in anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At any rate, I need to end this now….as I have a friend that could not go out over the weekend wanting to take me out tonight for drinks. To celebrate my birthday and to have one more girl's night before I head out of town.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I will do another update later. Sorry this one jumps around so much, I am just finding it hard to settle down and stay in one direction.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">You can find all the pics in the bday album in my pics(on myspace)<br />*****************************************************</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, so I figured instead of writing a seperate blog, I would just add to this one. I wrote the blog Tuesday, and today is Thursday. I am sitting here waiting on my mom, who should be here any moment now. She left yesterday to take the wonderful journey from Michigan to Okie land to help her beautiful daughter move her shit!! LOL. Well, and her stuff too. When she moved to Michigan to take care of her parents and sold her house here, guess who stored her entire house full of belongings?? Yeap, you guessed it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Anyway, so I did go out Tuesday night with my friend Myca. I adore this girl. We have been friends many , many years and again, as with everyone else, I hated to say good-bye to her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I got trashed, and had a great time. We went to my fave place Bufallo Wild Wings for what else?? Guinness and wings!! I had not been there in a while, with all that had been going on. So, it was good to have one last good time there. We stayed for a little while, but nothing fun was happening in the bar, so we headed over to the college side of town and went to the Stonewall bar.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/irish/Guinness%20and%20Drink/Guinness-2.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">One of my old friends ended up being the bartender there. Worked out great as she was not stingy in the least about making our drinks up to par.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">However, being there made me realize one thing, how much I hate the whole bar dating scene. You get there, you scope the place out, no one, and I mean no one did I find interesting enough. Maybe its because I dont care. Maybe its because I am not really interested. Or maybe its because I am so in love with Terry that I really could give a rats ass about any man at this moment. I mean, Terry and I have an open relationship. But, truth is, I really just dont want another man right now. So, having said that, lets get on with the bar chat. I find it rather amusing as the night goes on, the more drinks a person has, how they suddenly feel the need to become louder. I am sitting right next to Myca, and she feels the need to have to SHOUT at me. I am like girl, I am RIGHT here! It was rather funny. She was SOOOO smashed it was unreal. I was feeling a good buzz, but was no where close to being drunk. I knew I had to drive home and I knew I shit I had to get done on Wednesday, the last thing I needed was another lazy day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Something else that bothers me about the bar scene, people go by looks alone. Ok people, look at me. I know I am not Pamela Anderson or Kate Moss. Fuck them anyway who cares. I know I am fluffy. But you know what, I AM BEAUTIFUL!! And if people were not so superficial and hung up on this whole american standard of beauty, I might just give you the time of day to realize just how beautiful I am.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/BBW/beauty.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/BBW/Honesty.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, as you can see, I will not be joining the bar dating scene anytime soon.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Besides, I have my Terry, and right now, thats all I want to work towards.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HIMSELF/Terry/tsmaller.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">However, I do realize I do need to get my butt back in shape. Doctors orders. So, I have a brand new pair of sneakers in hand and a pavement calling my name once I am moved and settled. Have already scoped out the gyms. But, I need a job first. In the mean time, me, my new sneakers and the dogs can all hit the pavement for a nice long run across the country side. Will do us all good.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Ok, I still have a few random things that I need to pack, so will end this long novel now.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Will be heading across the states in just a few days, will try to post one more blog before I head out.</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 97px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/116/s_b692b5e1ffb84338adf0163630f4724b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Adam Segmullier</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_389871">best of luck to ya<br />sounds like a killer night<br />and always cheers<br />dusty<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">19VALHALLA19</a>on Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 11:54 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_389871" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574&amp;commentID=389871" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=165456066" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_389871"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_390754">friends, booze, presents and tattoo-<br />what could be better?<br />have a great trip, chrys.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 10:56 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_390754" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574&amp;commentID=390754" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_390754"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_391055">The pics are great! thanks for sharing them! I hope you have a safe trip and get settled quickly! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Friday, July 27, 2007 - 7:16 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_391055" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574&amp;commentID=391055" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_391055"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">KRISTI C</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_392777">sounds like you had an awesome bday!! have a safe trip moving.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Kristi</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 12:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_392777" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574&amp;commentID=392777" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81869020" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_392777"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Brian Kinney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_394069">Great blog baby...and like we talked about...fuck what some people think of as "beautiful." You are beautiful...just the way you are. ~~~hugs<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Brian Kinney</a>on Sunday, July 29, 2007 - 12:08 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574#" id="addReplyLnk_394069" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=291474574&amp;commentID=394069" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73167459071710059872007-07-23T21:08:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.484-04:00Birthday Blog<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Monday, July 23, 2007&nbsp;</span></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"></span>Birthday blog coming soon!!!</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></b></span><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></b></span><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><b>Dont give up on me, I am still here...in the middle of packing, almost time to move!</b></b></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></b></span><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></b></span><br /><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b>At the current moment...really...not up to par to writing...something just been ripped from me...and...I hurt...badly.. :(</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /><br />MySpace Comments:</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></b></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_386139">{{{{HUGS}}}} (did you think I would do something different?? LOL!)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - 7:43 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><b><br /><br /></b></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63124207577388652352007-07-22T07:21:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.019-04:00Terry: A New Blog<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Sunday, July 22, 2007 Terry O'Malley</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday4.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br />So, I am supposed to write a new blog here. Seems some sassy ladies decided I needed one. HA.<br /><br />What to say, what to say. Well my lady ~c~ had a birthday today, and I gave her a proper spanking, followed by a paddling, in honour of her special day. I do believe she is rather sore at this point!<br /><br />She got herself a tattoo in honour of me, her Master and her Daddy. It is the Prince of Evil, quite fitting, and even has a T incorporated into the design. If you look closer at my own tat, you will see that there is a c in mine as well, which I requested. I had not originally planned it that way, but when my mate started on the work, I asked him to do that. It was one of those things ya just do, knowing it is the right thing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/Copyof100_0682.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Such as even talking to this lady, at all, when in the past I have kept my distance, kept things cool and mysterious. I can't explain what happened, to this day, all I can say is that it must have been in the fates for this to happen to us.<br /><br />At any rate, HAPPY BIRTHDAY my slut baby, I love you.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/tbday1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/TIS%20HERSELF/BDAY%202007/100_0682.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;">MySpace Comments:</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_108735">reaches down to run my fingers across my flesh...feeling the little T's that were left behind after the paddling.....shivers....<br /><br />I am glad Julie got to come up for the weekend and we had a great time hanging out with all my mates. And even tho you were not here physically, you were still here with me , that magick that is with us , bonds us, holds us, shapes us and keeping you with me always.<br /><br />I adore my tat, and am very pleased with it. I love you and I am glad you liked it. Now, forever a part of you with me.<br /><br />We crossed paths that day for a reason....those reasons we sometimes can not explain...but, thats OK. We know enough to know we belong together ...and will be together.<br /><br />So, thank you for everything you did for me on my birthday to make it special. I LOVE YOU!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 1:26 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=290791184#" id="addReplyLnk_108735" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_108735"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_109047"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Love%20Things%20-%20Misc%20Pics/11b7b440f79si.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 11:51 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=191944130&amp;blogId=290791184#" id="addReplyLnk_109047" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_109047"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="20" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #990033; color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_109049"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/irishchikinok/Love%20Things%20-%20Misc%20Pics/friend.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: #ffccff; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>&nbsp;on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 11:52 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10785963519720011352007-07-20T15:42:00.004-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.021-04:00Poetry In Motion: ~Right Now, This Love~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">Friday, July 20, 2007&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_289976587" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Just some things....</span></span></span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">You got my heart doing flip flops....</span></span></span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Right now..........</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I am thinking of you, how much you have invaded me</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I care about you, deeply</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I&nbsp; want to be with you, always</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I need you, right now</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want you to hold my hand, as we take this journey together</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I am thinking of you, right now</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I hope everything turns out alright</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I hope you are doing ok, right now</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I hope you are happy</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want you to be happy</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want you to find me, right now</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I am thinking of you and smiling</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to give you a deep wet kiss</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to hug you, tightly</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to be your shoulder to lean on, when you need me</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to be your ear to listen, when you want to talk</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to go out with you and have some fun</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I think the world of you, and it's awesome</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to kiss you, again, right now</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to you to always be my protector</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I would do anything for you, always</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I miss you, right now</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want you to SMILE, daily</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to be the one who makes you smile</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I have been daydreaming about you</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to cuddle with you, nightly</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I just want to see you</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I am wondering where you are, right this moment</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">I want to talk to you, more, more and more</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;">Right now.</span></span></span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /><br />MySpace Comments:</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span></span></span></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br />&nbsp;</span></span></span></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_379938"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="clear: left; color: #003399; float: left; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb84/tntrouble000/hehe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><br />Ahhh right now, right now, right now<br />I love you, my slut baby.<br />&nbsp;</center></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 3:55 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58976383102794332402007-07-20T11:39:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.486-04:00I Am Outta Here ......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, July 20, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div align="center">I can now offically say:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Good-Bye</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am out of here.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">After yesterdays events, piled on top of everything else I decided that today will be my last day here at work.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">THANK GOODNESS</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">No more</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"I need to pay my tickets..."</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"I couldnt come to court because...(insert life story here)"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">" I was not carrying my insurance (insert more life here)"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">" I cant afford my fines because....(hmmm you can afford the liquor and drugs that got your ass in trouble, but yet you can not afford to pay to get your ass out of trouble. Makes perfect sense to me)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I DONT CARE</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I don't have a sign on my head that says:</div><div align="center">PLEASE TELL ME YOUR LIFE STORY</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">No more will I have to hear:</div><div align="center">"Why is my water bill so high?"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">FUCK IF I KNOW</div><div align="center">I dont live at your house</div><div align="center">I am not there playing in your water.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">No more do I have to hear:</div><div align="center">"What day is trash pick up?"</div><div align="center">and</div><div align="center">"Why did my trash not get picked up?"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I DONT KNOW</div><div align="center">I DONT WORK FOR THE TRASH COMPANY</div><div align="center">NOR</div><div align="center">DO I DRIVE THE TRASH TRUCK.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">ewww</div><div align="center">thats just</div><div align="center">ewwwwwwww</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I have had my share of dealing with stupid people that is for sure.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Those I will not miss.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">However, their are a few I will miss.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Those that make me laugh, make me smile, and I can make them smile back.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Those I enjoy giving my smile to.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The rest of them, today you get a big FUCK YOU cause I wont be coming back.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The End.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Chapter finished.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Next.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am so ready to be done and moved.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Almost there...almost there...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_379671">Great news sweetness, and on to the next step. Hoorah!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 12:19 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289905633#" id="addReplyLnk_379671" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289905633&amp;commentID=379671" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_379671"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_379681">Happy Dance Happy Dance!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 12:32 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289905633#" id="addReplyLnk_379681" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289905633&amp;commentID=379681" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_379681"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_379706">You lucky bitch! Ohhhh if this were my last day.........</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 1:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289905633#" id="addReplyLnk_379706" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289905633&amp;commentID=379706" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_379706"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=89162783" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/s_da8a59384995a3b19c0772ea52e5b379.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_392906">The final day of a job is rival to all other euphoric moments life sometimes offers up. It’s so pure and final. Move forward with courage, clarity, and strength, as these are your assets and will serve you in the next chapter. Good luck, you will do well.<br /><br />-M-</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=89162783" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Mingus O'Bannon</a>on Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 3:06 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57216358862138207412007-07-19T12:30:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.488-04:00Pissy ~ Day 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Thursday, July 19, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogSubject" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_289519852" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So, apparently things just do not want to end.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I WAS in a very good mood.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">However, its all been ruined now.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">FUCK ME</div><div align="center">and</div><div align="center">FUCK YOU</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am so over being pissy, but I can not help it. Any sort of anger I have had brewing inside of me for the last few months is all coming out at once.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I WANT TO BLOW SOMETHING UP</div><div align="center">and</div><div align="center">I WANT TO BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF SOMEONE</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So....</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">you see....oh heffer from yesterday doesnt seem to want to give up.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I know, its not worth it, she's not worth my time and energy.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I KNOW THIS</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">but she has pushed the wrong damn buttons and I just want to scream at the top of my lungs.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ok</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Maybe I already have.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I have also had enough shit here at work. I thought, once it got around I was leaving, some people were going to get the could shoulder, some were going to just be bitchy, and some would not change at all. Funny, all the sudden true colors start to show. The one I thought would be bitchy and turn a cold shoulder has actually turned out to be rather understanding about things.&nbsp;And the one I thought , who had always stood beside me thru everything, is the one whose being mean and nasty.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I really think I am going to tell boss man today that this will be my last week. I have too much shit to do to try and get it all done.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I do. And I can get it done after work, but I really just do not want to be here anymore and deal with this. I have enough on my plate, and I am sick of people adding to it.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">And then ... not to mention the so-called "friends". The ones that have always been their seem to be questioning me. Going against what I feel I need to do in life. Telling me I am making a huge mistake. Whatever. You really dont have a clue then if you cant see it. Can not see past the mask and see what really went on.&nbsp; Then the "friends" that were not around, all of the sudden want to be my new best friend.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I just do not get it.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">And if one more jackass asks me when we can get together for drinks, I am going to smack him or her upside the head.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">For now, think I will just crawl back into my protective little shell and close off the world. Seems safer that way.</div><div align="center"><br /></div></div><br /><br /><b>MySpace Comments:</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_378279">oh girl it will all be over soon enough, just keep strong. im not trying to defend anyone, but is it possible the ones you thought were friends are being bitchy to hide the fact they are sad you are leaving? sometimes when we hurt we end up hurting the ones we love also. course then again, could just be they are a true bitch after all lol.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 1:34 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289519852#" id="addReplyLnk_378279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289519852&amp;commentID=378279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_378279"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_379355">Well, since I am not a jackass, I think I shall safely ask- when are we going out for drinks, baby?<br />Seriously, let it go, not worth getting your knickers in a twist.<br />Lots of Love to ya, my slut baby.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 2:49 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289519852#" id="addReplyLnk_379355" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289519852&amp;commentID=379355" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_379355"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_380051">Good goddess! Can't people tell when to back off? Give me a break, I can't stand people who try to butt into a good thing!<br />You just keep moving forward sis, and be happy! That is the best revenge!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 5:59 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289519852#" id="addReplyLnk_380051" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289519852&amp;commentID=380051" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39043690198184953492007-07-18T11:52:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.024-04:00I Am Done.... (oh yes I am pissed the f*ck off, you have been warned)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, July 18, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><div class="blogSubject" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px;"><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div></div><div class="blogContent" id="pBlogBody_289102189" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div align="center">I'm Done.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Sometimes in life you just have to say "you know what, enough is enough" and let things go. I have reached a crossroads in my life, and now, this is me saying, enough is enough.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't know why drama follows me, but it does. I don't ask for it and I certainly do not deserve it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Right now, I feel …wide open. And I don't much like it. I don't like feeling that I am not in control of my own self.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My own spirit. Right now, I feel like there is another force much stronger then I forcing its way in. And if this force wins, it's my heart that just might lose.&nbsp;And, I am no mood to lose someone else.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I just want to be able to snap my fingers and make everything happen the way I want it to be. I want it to be easy. But we all know that's not going to happen and nothing in life is easy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I am not as strong as most of you think. And I am even worse these days when my life is running around with scissors in circles.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I want to run and hide. I want to crawl back in my shell and just go about my life. I don't want to open myself up anymore. I feel like pushing everyone away.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Save myself from what could come.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I don't like this feeling. Hate it. Don't want it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, where is all this coming from? Here is where I start venting…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">This person contacts me. She was civil enough. But, I was livid. Beyond livid, in such a fit of rage. Pissed. And, maybe their really was no reason for it. Maybe not as much as I was carrying. At any rate, she sends me mail. She is not even on my friends list, but rather someone else's. Apparently she thinks a comment I left on our mutual friends page was directed towards her. WHAT THE FUCK? I do not even know this person. Nor do I fucking care. Really people. Are some of you that conceited that you think anything anyone writes on someone's comments would be about you?? Seriously. I have better things to do with my time then sit around pondering what other people are saying in comments and plot against them.&nbsp;So keep your DAMN mouth SHUT and MIND YOUR OWN FUCKING BUSINESS.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh but she goes on. Oh yes, she doesn't stop. Decides she must tell me that she's a flirt and that's just how she is, and blah fucking blah. In girl terms that means, fuck you, I am going to do what I want anyway. CUNT. If she was on my friends list, the bitch would have been removed already. But she's not, and I cant. I could care less who flirts and who doesn't. What pissed me off and made my blood boil was her assuming something was directed to her that was not. She has no fucking clue what goes on between me and this person.&nbsp;Then to contact me as if its no big deal and tell me she's basically going to do what she wants anyway regardless of the situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">AND she thought I thought she was a threat to me!!??? WTF!! I do NOT and will NOT feel threatened by ANY woman for ANY reason.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">That to me is just disrespectful.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Apparently I have not calmed down about it 12 hours later. Apparently it still pisses me off. It was just RUDE of her.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So, I bitched about it for a while. I was going to reply to her mail right away. I just felt so damn disrespected. But I knew, if I did reply right away, that the person to whom we had mutually would hear about it, and I just did not want that wrath or drag that person in to it. It was obvious to me that this CUNT was just trying to stir the pot. So… you know what my mother taught me??? ~ kill them with kindness and I did exactly that. I wrote her back, and I was as civil as I could be, but yet keeping my bitch charm that I am so good at. As of right now, no reply to my cheeky ass. Not that I really care.&nbsp;What I do care about is her not brining our mutual friend in to it. This is not that persons battle , its hers. She started it. All she had to do was leave things alone.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I would have been happy with a simple, "was that comment about&nbsp;me?" to which I could have replied no and been done with it. But , like I said, she over stepped the line with her words.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Again I repeat ~ DRAMA – DON'T BRING IT HERE</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I WILL RUN AWAY FROM IT</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The worst part about it, she made my mind race off in directions it did not need to go. I have enough on my plate as it is, I did not need to add to it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">But she did. And I did. And their just was no way around it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">My mind rambles. Its restless now more then ever. This little tidbit of childish drama is what's making me want to run and just say enough is enough I don't want to do this anymore. Its just not worth it. Stacking it on top of other things. Opens my eyes and make me see things perhaps I turned a blind eye to.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">FUCK HER and FUCK THIS</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I know I can be a bitch, but you know what, this is my playground and if you don't like it, you don't have to stay and play.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div></div><div class="blogContentInfo" style="clear: left; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="cmtcell" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px;"></div></div><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13px;"></span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_376532">OMG - we have got to be living in the same cycle! My life is all about drama right now and I want it to stop!</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 12:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289102189#" id="addReplyLnk_376532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289102189&amp;commentID=376532" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_376532"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_376535">Well I am about to rain down like lighting on someone, so ... ya want me to come up to your neck of the woods and help clear out some drama for you?? hahah ~winks~</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 12:27 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289102189#" id="addReplyLnk_376535" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289102189&amp;commentID=376535" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_376535"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/s_0951bdd6f840aebbee131441a6770b87.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_377382">wow.<br /><br />i wonder.... are we back in high school or something?<br />i mean maybe some people just like living in never never land, 'cuz they just can't grow up.</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">andrew</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 8:57 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289102189#" id="addReplyLnk_377382" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=289102189&amp;commentID=377382" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=138930177" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_377382"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=86105268" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">grandpabear</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=86105268" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/87/s_dc0f62f3a125452c80c1b55958967f77.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_377603">Dontcha just love peeps that can't read??? Sorry to hear about the trouble; road trip?? Did I hear road trip??? LOL</div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=86105268" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">grandpabear</a>on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 11:17 PM</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84004573585213309192007-07-16T21:27:00.003-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.491-04:00Blah Blah BlahJune 16, 2007<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I know, I have been out of sorts as of late. As many of you have noticed by the flooding of my mail box :)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Haven't been posting surveys, been slacking on the blogs and comments.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I am here.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But, myspace seems to just have so many memories for me right now. Everyday I log in, I see Elonna, Joey, Lonnie, Sean and I think about everything that has happened with us all and where we all are in life right now. It put me in a slump and has made me just really not want to be on myspace these days.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">So, I just come by, check in. Answer mail and try to leave a comment for those that leave one for me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">But, thats about all the effort I put forth.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">I know, this is not fair to those of you I have made a good solid friendship with here.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe its just a mood swing and I will be back to my normal chatty self in no time.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">We shall see.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">However, if you have a Yahoo 360 page, you can visit me there as I post blogs pretty much every day, and comments and what not. And well...their is happiness there.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;">MySpace Comments</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a></span><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_319869">:) Just saying hello!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 5:05 AM</div></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57991816577808654092007-07-16T11:27:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.493-04:00Thirty-Two<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Happy_Birthday%21.png" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Happy Birthday Shaftora" height="114" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Happy_Birthday%21.png/300px-Happy_Birthday%21.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Happy_Birthday%21.png" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Monday, July 16, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Thirty-Two</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Did I just say that out loud???</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Oh my, I am getting OLD! Hehehe…ok maybe not THAT old.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I think I have the Monday blahs. My morning started out pretty great. It's rather amazing how most things just seem to be bouncing off me. I just don't see the point in letting anything get to me. My mind is clear and I intend to keep it that way. I have too many things to look forward to. That's my focus. That's where my energy goes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">&nbsp;Anyway, today starts the day it gets around that I am leaving. I had to tell a few people I sort of dreaded telling. These would actually be the people I like.&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>&nbsp;One of them being my fave Officer -Jarvis. There is a Paddy Day pic of me and him in my pics section. It was pretty heartbreaking. I have seen this kid go thru so much just in the year I have known him. He has bloomed quite a bit too. But because he is the youngest officer, he gets the bunt end of everything. I feel bad for him. He really is a nice guy. One of those nice guys that people take advantage of, girls included. I have seen this time and time again. Poor guy constantly getting his heart broken. We've had many talks about how he can change that. Whether he chooses to listen, that's another story. He's young, what can you do?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Of course, everyone has said, "I am sure going to miss you" and I just sort of laugh. I am sure some of them really mean it. But all I can think about is sure you are going to miss my loud, obnoxious, sarcastic, but full of laughter personality. And then put me and Shannon together….OUCH! We can be quite the pair. And her I will miss most of all.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I've been contemplating how to spend my birthday. Since it is Sunday, and you know here in OK its dry county on Sundays. I was thinking about going out with my girls for one last hoooorah Saturday night. But I really need to PACK!&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">At first I was upset that I was going to have a birthday while in the middle of all the crud going on around me. A sense of sadness that all the things I had set out to do in life had not been accomplished.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Let's just say I had an awakening and leave it at that. Goals have been reevaluated. I am now looking at this next year of life as a whole new chapter.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Bring it on, I am ready for it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>MySpace Comments:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_371927">You go girl! LOL! Like I said before...no regrets...just lessons...right? Moving forward, taking the good stuff with you and leaving the "bad" behind...<br />Enjoy your birthday anyway, even though there is sadness and packing to do! Go out Saturday night and stay home and pack on Sunday....a new adventure awaits! {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Monday, July 16, 2007 - 11:43 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=288272854#" id="addReplyLnk_371927" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=288272854&amp;commentID=371927" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><label id="NewDiv_371927"></label><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_373510">PLEASE do not say that 32 is OLD-- because if that is true, I have one foot in the grave!<br />Happy birthday sis, and here is to new chapters!<br />{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Monday, July 16, 2007 - 11:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=288272854#" id="addReplyLnk_373510" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=288272854&amp;commentID=373510" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=916b8787-dfca-4c3e-ab85-5e2789118c68" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87041783704426165582007-07-15T14:18:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.495-04:00New Life<div class="MsoNormal">Don't really know how to feel right now. I’m sitting here, trying to focus on what I am feeling. But, it is proving to not be an easy task. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What I do keep focusing on is the countdown ahead. Tomorrow I must face everyone at work, as the City Manager will make the announcement that I will be leaving, and have given my two weeks. I then get to face every city employee with the string of questions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Where are you going? – I am moving</div><div class="MsoNormal">But where? – <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:state></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why? – my family is there</div><div class="MsoNormal">What about him? He’s not coming, we are splitting up.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And then here come the oooohhh I am so sorry. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, I am not. It’s been a long time coming. Friday, one of the girls and I were talking about it. She was like, I am sorry to hear things didn’t work out; you guys were such a cute couple. I didn’t mean to, but I laughed at her. We had her fooled. Really, we had everyone around us fooled.&nbsp; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m OK!! Really. Why can’t anyone believe that?? I am not and have not been sitting around crying my eyes out thinking what happened? What made this fall apart?? I know what happened. I made this fall apart. I compromised myself and I had to learn the hard way that I should not have. Never again. I am who I am and will never apologize. I will never again compromise myself for anyone. I am not ashamed to be getting divorced. I practice no religion so it makes no bit of difference to me. It’s just a stupid piece of legal paperwork. Big deal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">At any rate, I have spent the last couple of days sorting and packing. I really had thought I was not going to be leaving with much. But then it seems stuff just started to multiply. Thankfully it has been relatively easy sorting out who gets what. I hope it stays that way.&nbsp; But the memories are there and they have become a pain in the ass to deal with. So, I had to get rid of them. So far, it has worked. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My soon to be ex mother in law came by yesterday. I was in the bedroom listening to my iPod when I heard her big mouth. I shall assume he has not told her. Or had not up until this point because all I heard her mention was why things were packed up. I turned the iPod up louder and quit listening. I wanted no part of that conversation. Want nothing to do with her or the rest of the family for the rest of my time here. I have nothing to say to any of them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I just seem to be going thru the motions of life. Counting down the minutes. The days until my ass gets out of this house and my feet firmly planted north. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The transition to my new adventure is not going to be easy, I am sure. I am leaving a great job and some great people behind. I am going by my luck that I am going to find something equally as good with a good group of people. I am going to have to face my family and all their questions. The apologies. And I know what they are going to think, like mother like daughter. Hmmm, well my mother had good reason to divorce my dad. And my family knows this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This coming Sunday I turn 32. Been sitting here thinking, grams birthday is the day after mine. Thinking about her and life in general. Thinking about where I have been in life and where I am going. As I start a new year of life, I start it with much anticipation. Many hopes and dreams.&nbsp;</div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91216836572172943042007-07-15T02:44:00.005-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.026-04:00~Terry: Our Plan~July 15, 2007<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">You are</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">my gift.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">I will</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">never question</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">your presence</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">in my life.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Not now.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Not ever.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">We crossed paths</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">that day</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">in a special</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">kind of way.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">A way</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">with meaning.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">A way</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">with purpose.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">We may</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">not have all the answers.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Not now.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Their is a plan</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">laid out before us</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">A plan for</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">you and I.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">When I look</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">at the sky</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">and see</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">that darkness</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">deep in the night</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">I know,</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">within that</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">is you.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Together</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">we share</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">something special</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">You and I.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Who are we</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">to question</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">the purpose</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">and the plan?</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Not me,</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">and surely</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">not you.</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">© ~c~</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 162px;"><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_374427">Maybe I do question too much, I know what we have is special. I do love you, sweetness.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 - 11:56 AM&nbsp;</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47125804021660550312007-07-13T14:10:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:48:24.240-04:00PAY ATTENTION: What Makes A Woman Rubenesque?<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rubens_Venus_at_a_Mirror_c1615.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Scaled-down example of a Rubens full-figured w..." height="378" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c6/Rubens_Venus_at_a_Mirror_c1615.jpg/300px-Rubens_Venus_at_a_Mirror_c1615.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rubens_Venus_at_a_Mirror_c1615.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Friday, July 13, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Quite frankly, beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. And today, when most people think of an attractive woman in the fashion sense, they usually imagine a slim-hipped waif with hollow cheeks, narrow shoulders, and a rather unremarkable bustline. This is what commerce has brainwashed modern society into believing is the ideal woman.<br /><br /><br />It is a lie, propagated by marketing forces and fashion designers who use<br />the obsession with a slender female form as a means to earn millions of<br />dollars selling weight-loss products and other health routines.<br /><br /><br />But some of us know better. There is another female form that has been<br />idealized for centuries. She is the familiar hourglass or pear-shaped woman of wide hips, an ample bust, plump cheeks, soft-full lips, and a generally healthy profile of alluring curves and crevasses.<br /><br /><br />She is the Rubenesque Woman. Elegant. Cultured. Educated and Beautiful.<br />In fact, the very word "rubenesque" originates from the adorable plump<br />women so frequently put to canvas by Renaissance Master Peter Paul Rubens.<br /><br /><br />Rubens paintings were so treasured because he painted the lovely women<br />that he saw around him. In Ruben's time, what are today called plus-size,<br />ample-bodied, full-figured, or pleasingly plump, were considered very<br />attractive, if not the most sought after of all women.<br /><br /><br />A firm heavy bust, complimented by shapely hips were physical features<br />that women of Ruben's day could be proud of. In fact, the fashion of those<br />times exaggerated these very features. Even slender women struggled into<br />agonizingly tight-fitting corsets and brassiers that held the mammaries upright so as to enhance their God-given(or perhaps the Devil) &nbsp;curves.<br /><br /><br />Sadly, today these concepts of female beauty are all but lost. Even the<br />over-used term BBW { big beautiful woman } seems an attempt to force<br />a positive image upon women who should be regarded as comely, just as<br />they are!<br /><br /><br />So this ~IrishChik~ rejects the modern fashion trends and<br />celebrate the elegant, independent, well-attired, and proud plus-sized female. ME!<br /><br /><br />Men, don't be afraid to love a woman with curves!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And ladies, if a man doesn't love you for who you are, then he's just not worth having around to begin with.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_367831">Daddy loves this blog, baby!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w123/phillizzatty/bam2Asmall_cr.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w118/trutiea/biggirls.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 2:38 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_367831" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799&amp;commentID=367831" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_367831"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_368203">~insert happy dance here~<br /><br />I am glad Daddy is happy ;) as I know my Daddy HAS the right equipment ;)<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♣IrishChik♣</a>on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 5:26 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_368203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799&amp;commentID=368203" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_368203"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_368162">AMEN Sister! Skinny chicks are for wimps!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 5:07 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_368162" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799&amp;commentID=368162" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_368162"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_368185">You go sista!!! xxxxxxx<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 5:18 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_368185" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799&amp;commentID=368185" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_368185"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=61526780" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Atlanta Cellist.....</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=61526780" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/13/s_e29970b183b24d8992ed5e871c09cdb6.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_368591">my opinion on the "fashion-skinny" women of the world is because MOST of the fashion designers are GAY men.<br />Gay men can't look like sexy full-figured women because they're MEN.<br /><br /><br />sooooooooooooo, the models that they create (to me) are like women who LOOK like gay men! :)<br /><br />And what is funny is that men who are "homophobic" like these skinny women....LOL!!!!! haha!<br /><br />I'm all for REAL women (smile)...bring on the curves baby!!!!<br /><br />kisses~<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=61526780" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Atlanta Cellist.....</a>&nbsp;on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 10:21 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_368591" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799&amp;commentID=368591" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=61526780" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_368591"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_369777">Great blog, sis, and when I saw that "bountiful" pic before (okay so I admit I have lost weight since then-- but still, I will never be a&nbsp;<myspace>size</myspace>&nbsp;8!), I always wondered<br />"Who the hell put that hidden camera in my bathroom????"<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 11:30 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_369777" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799&amp;commentID=369777" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_369777"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_369798">Great blog, sis, and when I saw that "bountiful" pic before (okay so I admit I have lost weight since then-- but still, I will never be a&nbsp;<myspace>size</myspace>&nbsp;8!), I always wondered<br />"Who the hell put that hidden camera in my bathroom????"<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 11:36 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_369798" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799&amp;commentID=369798" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_369798"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="10" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_369805">DOH! I hate that when you hit reply and it gives you an "error" message, so you hit it again, and THEN find out the first one went through. Grrrr!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace</a>on Saturday, July 14, 2007 - 11:38 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799#" id="addReplyLnk_369805" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=287283799&amp;commentID=369805" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9d194e54-1cd8-46a9-a1bc-738ac821251f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50973241839299304642007-07-11T11:04:00.010-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.498-04:00Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (aka Divorce)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, July 11, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Why, Yes I AM thank you!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">(*cough *cough- little dusty in here-been a while since a blog)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ok, I am really TRYING not to be, but I just can't help it. I am finding it hard to keep my bad mood inside.&nbsp;</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Because right now I just want to scream</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">"FUCK YOU ALL I AM NOT COMING BACK!"</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">To all those people that get on my nerves.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Big changes in life. That is what is going on with me.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Let me just spell it out for you:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">D-I-V-O-R-C-E</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">and</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">M-O-V-I-N-G</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">making one last and final treck across the states to Michigan.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Yes, indeed. It's going to happen. Things are already falling in to place.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I debated about when I should tell anyone. Making it official. Some people close to me already know whats going on. It came down to- tell spouse-toid at the last minute, then bust my ass trying to get packed and moved as quickly as possible OR tell him now and make the next couple of weeks miserable here at home. Which will most likely make me miserable at work. But at least that gives me time to pack my things and sort through our shit properly. Doesnt matter either way, its just going to suck.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Its not like he doesnt know its coming. When we came back from Michigan the first time, over Memorial Day week, I told him (yet once again) how unhappy I was. How I wanted to go. But he didn't listen. I guess he has developed this "I will believe it when I see it" attitude. I can't try anymore. It is time to close the book on the last 10 years. I have tried to "fix"&nbsp;the last 3 years. It is just not going to work. The End.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">A whole new book awaits me.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">It's going to start out rough. It's not going to be easy. I am going to fall down and make some mistakes, I am sure.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Anyway, work is about to get their two weeks notice.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Making it Offical.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">(i apologize ahead of time to Shan)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">As the mood around here is about to change rather quickly.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">As I will TRULY MISS YOU!!!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">~sob sob cry cry~</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">But you know, you can come visit anytime!!!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So, if you guys don't get a blog for a while, you know why!</div><div align="center">~c~</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">MySpace Comments:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364047">I'm sending you lots of strength.....emotionally to handle all the ups and downs and physically - couches are heavy!!!<br /><br />Keep in touch Lady!!!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 2:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364047" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130&amp;commentID=364047" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364047"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364279">{{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 4:43 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130&amp;commentID=364279" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364279"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364510">You know you always have my love and support. You will get through this and come out on the other side a better person for it. There are so many people who are here for you. My thoughts are with you xxxx<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Jules</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 7:10 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364510" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130&amp;commentID=364510" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364510"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/106/s_555d990d7f4945c5ba49962e1118c97b.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Jessica Betts</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364517">Girl Ive been there twice myself. Yeah its tough...the doubts and the guilt dont help, but in the end you have to do whats right for you. You're strong and you'll make it through....just look for the rainbow at the other side.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sõft Sèxy &amp; Snügglâbly Wårm Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ</a>on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 7:22 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364517" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130&amp;commentID=364517" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=26416851" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364517"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 96px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=87565705" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥KittenShark♥</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=87565705" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/105/s_ecbcd41b0d214521ac925babda385e4e.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364555">Ahhh....divorce...what can I say...bittersweet memories that I wouldn't trade for the world!!! Freedom awaits you, grab it and GO!<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=87565705" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">♥KittenShark♥</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 8:04 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364555" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130&amp;commentID=364555" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=87565705" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_364555"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 89px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_364878">Oh sis, been there twice, actually the moving and starting over thing more times than I can count. It will be worth it in the end! Freedom and happiness awaits! {{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">MySpace&nbsp;</a>on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 11:08 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130#" id="addReplyLnk_364878" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=286492130&amp;commentID=364878" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63363028611486166332007-07-07T12:56:00.009-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.940-04:00So Sick Of This Game We Call Life<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">Saturday, July 07, 2007&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><div align="center" style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Joey/joey32007.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20.5pt;">So Sick Of This Game We Call Life</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Warning – I am pissed, I am angry, so if you think I might offend you, then I would suggest you not read any farther. If you do get pissy with me, or whatever, I apologize ahead of time. I tend to get in pretty foul moods when dealing with shit I really just would rather not have to. And so, it tends to pour out in my writing. I also suggest you duck because I have been known to throw things across the room. My writing is my outlet. And if I don't bitch and rant then I might blow up and do a lot worse.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ok, warning over…..on to the rant:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I am quite literally sick sick sick of it all... really... I mean I KNOW we all go through the motions of life. I KNOW we all lose people around us for whatever reason. I get that. I don't really need another person to tell me that.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">However, why so much, so many, in such a short time? In the last 18 months I have had more then my fair share of losses. I also get, that sometimes for something you lose, their is something you gain. And sure, I have gained someone truly wonderful, but look at the cost. (I know that sounds bad…sorry)&nbsp;&nbsp;Not that I want to give him up or trade him back for anyone or anything. (No never, I want to keep him forever and ever and ever)&nbsp;&nbsp;One door closes, another opens. I get it. Doesn't make anything easier. The cycle of life.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I also get that we are never given more then we can handle in life. Right. Whatever. I have been given more then my fair share of shit to handle in life. Pass it on to someone else for a while and let me have some peace and happiness.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Him (Joey) and I share the same birthday, that is only a matter of days away....I don't even want the day to come. I do not want to think that we will not be celebrating together. This whole thing just reeks!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I am angry, I am hurt and I am down right bitter.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">It starts with grandpa, then to Lonnie, I feel like I have lost Elonna, may as well say I have lost Sean, and Ray followed his path.(that's a whole other blog, yeah sorry I have not wrote about that ordeal)&nbsp;&nbsp;Lost my grandma. And now, I come back from dealing with that, and learn I have very well lost my Brother Joey, too!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">WHY? WHY? WHY?</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I know what you are going to say....don't focus on what you no longer have and focus on what you do.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Right.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">OK. So what do I have?</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/introducing-terry_26.html">I have Terry</a>. And if not for his strength I would not be making it through this as good as I am. (I love you!!) I would have already called it quits like I did after gramps death, once again to my bottomless pit (that I often shared with Joey), and this time, I wont return.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I have Steven. He being close to Joey too (as well as the rest of the gang) understands my feelings and emotions right now. We sort of have to lean on each other.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">I have wonderful friends all over that support me in everything I go thru. And, I have my family. You know who you are, so let's not get mad because I did not mention you here. This isn't a blog about shout-outs.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Life is not so bad, I realize this. But it sure SUCKS right now at this very moment.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">As another saying goes, that you don't need to tell me, I have heard it all too many times before… And this too shall pass….</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">Ok..Just needed to rant and vent and get it off my chest. Time for me to go about my day now.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;">~c~</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><b>MySpace Comments:</b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 13px;"></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;">Cathy McElhaney</div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_355115">{{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Cathy</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, July 07, 2007 - 4:05 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=284976432#" id="addReplyLnk_355115" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=284976432&amp;commentID=355115" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_355115"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 90px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_fb5c9a52bb6eabebec47005d6fa13620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_355150">I love you too, darling.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">~T~</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, July 07, 2007 - 4:50 PM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=284976432#" id="addReplyLnk_355150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=284976432&amp;commentID=355150" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr class="commentSpacer" style="background-color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; height: 2px;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"></td></tr></tbody></table><label id="NewDiv_355150"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="0" /></td><td class="blogCommentsProfile" style="background-color: #66cc00; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 67px;"><a class="profileLinks" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div class="blogRealName" style="font-weight: normal;"></div><br /></td><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em;"><td class="blogComments" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica; font-size: 1em; text-align: left;"><div id="CommentDiv_359516">I can't say anything to ease your anger and pain - only that I'm sending strength to you that will hopefully help you through your struggles. Big Hugs and Kisses.<br /></div><div class="blogCommentsContent" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Patrice&nbsp;</a>on Monday, July 09, 2007 - 9:28 AM<br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=284976432#" id="addReplyLnk_359516" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=284976432&amp;commentID=359516" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967" style="color: #003399; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 18.75pt; margin-top: 5pt;"><span style="color: #0e0103; font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79196152414561577172007-07-01T17:48:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.029-04:00My Blog for T<div>Ok, so I have realized <a href="http://www.myspace.com/_master_t/blog">T has written 4 blogs now for/about me</a>. And I have yet to return the love. I mean I have written things for him and about him, but have not talked really personally about him. So, allow me to do so now.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>So, who is T.. or ~T~ as it usually goes. Well, that’s him (points over to the left) over there in that picture. Terry. And if you go to my friends list, you will find him there.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-bhmro4Er4/TglGEMMYznI/AAAAAAAAAcY/z8ol1Ya5P8o/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-bhmro4Er4/TglGEMMYznI/AAAAAAAAAcY/z8ol1Ya5P8o/s320/l.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div>When I came up with the idea to do this blog, I thought I knew exactly what I was going to say. Knew exactly what I was going to tell you all. But, truth is, every time I think about this man, my words fall short.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Didn't&nbsp;think it was possible to render me speechless now did you? Well it’s true. And it happens more often then I admit.</div><div><br /></div>So here I am. Searching for the right words. Thinking about what I want to say. Thinking about everything that’s happened between us so far. And I just get so overwhelmed.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>How we met seems like a good place to start. I suppose we should thank Steven for that. As it was thru him that I learned of Terry. Had gotten&nbsp;nosy&nbsp;and asked Steven about him. I would go to T’s page and read his blogs. Absorbing it. Reading his comments. Reading what he would write for others. Not so much to be&nbsp;nosy, but more so just to get a feel for his personality. Something about him is so intimidating. Even to this day I still feel that way. On top of all butterflies in my stomach every time we talk.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13062645573944139842007-06-27T17:45:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.500-04:00Poetry in Motion: Paint It Black - An Ode<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/06/27/paint-it-black-an-ode-2/chanelpolish/" rel="attachment wp-att-4772"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4772" height="200" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/CHANELPOLISH.jpg" title="CHANELPOLISH" width="160" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">** Ok, so I can be silly at times. We all know this. And it usually doesn't reflect in my writing..not too much anyway. I have my moments. There is a story behind this. At work today. Flip flops. Cute little red ones with beaded décor. Very girly. So..I flipety flopety my way to the bathroom. Sit my ass down and begin to stare at my toes while peeing. (insert roaring laughter here) and all the sudden, paint it black began to rattle in my head. So here you go, have a laugh.</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Paint It Black</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">I went to the store the other day</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">The clerk said:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">"Can I help you?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">In her own way.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">I said –"just black</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">All I need is black"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">She had no more to say.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">And left me on my way.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">I want to paint it black</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Not one</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Not two</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">But ten little toes</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">I picked that bottle up</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Moved it right off the shelf</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Placed it in my hand</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Shook it</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Heard that familiar little rattle</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">And walked away.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">And now,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Here I am today…</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">One little</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Two little</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">Ten little toes painted black.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">(C) C.H. 6/27/2007</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';">MySpace Comments:</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';"><span style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547"></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I AM silly gosh dang it!! Imagine that...ME FUN GIRL!!! woooooooot<br /><br /><br /><br />Now you know why I was off in my own little world just giggling away.... dude, I havent had a case of the giggles like that in so long...I don't know what came over me...hahahahaah<br /><br /><br /><br />Me and my little black toes rock the world.... WE ARE CUTE DAMN IT<br /><br /><br /><br />And Claytons ass asking me if I was GOTH ...FUCKER! You have no idea what you even talking about .....grrrrrrr... But, hes damn fucking funny aint he? Hes a loon just like US!<br /><br /><br /><br />Yeah yeah....I know I been pissy latley...Sorry about that....But Chrys is always here for you Shan...you should know that by now :) my partner in crime...<br /><br /><br /><br />*belts out singing, very loudly and slightly off key* Now...IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII....will always love yoooooouuuuuuuuuuuuu<br /><br /><br /><br />hehehe<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a> on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 9:09 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199&amp;commentID=338627">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826">Jules</a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Ok, you know I love you and all...but shouldn't you be working??? hahaha. Although, black is a lovely choice :)<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826">Jules</a> on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 5:09 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199&amp;commentID=338351">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I am a proud member of the P.A.<br /><br />Procrastinators Anon...LOL.... Girl...have you yet to known me to work really hard?? More like hardley working...I slack all day then kick ass the last 2 hours hahahahah....<br /><br /><br /><br />I look oh so cute in black...my wee lil toesies<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 9:11 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199&amp;commentID=338632">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />LOL! Silly girl!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 9:00 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199&amp;commentID=338618">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />giggles @ momma<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 9:12 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199&amp;commentID=338633">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130">~T~</a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Black is the ONLY choice. Either that or blood red.<br /><br />Grins wickedly...<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130">~T~</a> on Friday, June 29, 2007 - 3:23 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=281332199&amp;commentID=342161">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006"></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Love the Stones! Well, I stick with neutrals and pinks, because quite frankly I find the upkeep on dark colors difficult. But I have a feeling this is deeper than just nail polish!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace</a>on Friday, June 29, 2007 - 1:52 PM<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: 'Tempus Sans ITC';"><br /></span></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16903368120791122442007-06-26T17:30:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:02:10.031-04:00Introducing Terry!!!!!!!!!!<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/06/26/introducing-terry-2/l-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-4767"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4767" height="300" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/l-2-199x300.jpg" title="l (2)" width="199" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ok....</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I know you have noticed. Sort of hard not to. And those of you on my 360 …well you already knew. But, now that it's moved here, sort of hard to just let things slide by.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I also know , I don't need explain anything. My life is what it is. And if someone doesn't like it, or doesn't approve, that's on them, not me, and you can quickly remove yourself from my friends list.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Simple.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">As the saying goes…one door closes in life and another opens.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I believe all things in life happen for a reason. We cross paths with certain people at certain times in our life for a reason.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">And I believe, the path I crossed with this person was simply meant to be. Sometimes it is not clear to us why they have been brought into our life, and that's not always necessary to enjoy what you have with that person.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">So, who am I talking about???? Terry. My Master, my Daddy, my protector of all things, my safe haven, my friend, my heart and soul.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I am truly, madly, passionately, fiercely IN love with this man.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">And these things are hard for me to say. my Master. I am not an easy one to tame, as most of you know my personality. I tend to be a little (ok a lot) cheeky&nbsp;:) &nbsp;Some have tried and failed miserably. Or maybe it was me...maybe my heart was not in it as it is now. It just was not right for what ever the reason. my Daddy. even harder still to spit out. For reasons many of you know. But, for the first time in my life, I can say it.... with total love and adoration.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">I can not explain it much simpler then that.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes, I said it….Love….that grand and splendor thing that I seem to exude so much of for others. But, being IN love is not to be confused for having love for someone. I love those that are close to me. They know who they are and I have no problem telling them I love them. And Terry knows my feelings for Him and where He stands in my life.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Right now, I am really at a loss for words when it comes to talking about Him. I mean, I can write poems and stories that are inspired by Him, but I just get so overpowered with emotion when trying to pour out words about him. Everything that has happened between us since we met…..it is simply put…AMAZING. So amazing that my simple words can not describe. Men have come in and out of my life, for so many reasons. But not a single one of them have ever made me feel the way he does, picked my brain and made me think the way he does, tapped in to things no one else ever knew about me…things about myself long forgotten.....long put away....the girl i was...the girl i should be....the girl i will be again.....He just understands me without having to give these long drawn out details. He doesn't judge. He doesn't try to change me. Doesn't belittle me for the things I do. He fully accepts me as is.&nbsp; And I am just about comfortable in my own skin...There is only one thing I can honestly say I would change about Him if I could…and that would be, the distance between us.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">You have all heard me say this before….but its worth repeating….what's meant to be with always find a way.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">There are many changes that are happening in my life these days. And only going to become a rocky road ahead. It's good to know He will be there every step of the way.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">So…there you have it.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Stop by – introduce yourself, and say hello to him.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Terry -</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Gráím thú , Tá mo chroí istigh ionat - Ádhraím thú !!!!!</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Ok..I am getting a little forgetful this morning... I forgot to comment here, LOL! Anyway...it's nice to meet Terry, but I cannot comment on his page because I am not his friend :(. Ok, so I will send him an invite. There is a huge difference in loving someone and being in love with them...you are sooo right on that!<br /><br />I cannot/will not ever judge you for your choices...I agree with you that people come in to our lives at certain times for certain reasons...when we are ready to learn the new lessons and experiences they bring to our lives. I am glad you found someone that makes you happy. Too bad he is in another country! Are you ready to take off and go be with him? Is he willing to come here? So many obstacles!<br /><br />Anyway....{{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 8:26 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375&amp;commentID=335953">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967">Patrice </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Congrats Baby - he is beautiful!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967">Patrice </a>on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 9:11 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375&amp;commentID=335994">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851">???????? Sõft Sèxy &amp;amp; Snügglâbly Wårm ????????</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Jessica Betts<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Glad to see you're happy. Every naughty girl needs a strong man to keep her in line lol. Next month will be 2 yrs for me and mine. Been the best 2 yrs of my life! Who knew being bad could be so fun!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=26416851">???????? Sõft Sèxy &amp;amp; Snügglâbly Wårm ????????</a>on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 10:43 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375&amp;commentID=336115">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=26416851"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Oh yay, he's over here now! I was so sad when he lost his 360 right when I was getting to know him. And may I say: FUCKING HOT!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace</a>on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 11:59 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375&amp;commentID=336233">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130">~T~</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Wow baby, I don't quite know what to say. What a way to be welcomed to Myspace. Why am I not surprized? Thank you, my precious ~c~.<br /><br />Taim i ngra` leat<br /><br />Ta` cion agam ort<br /><br />Tha gaol agam ort<br /><br />Je t'adore<br /><br />Te quiero<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=191944130">~T~</a> on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 1:40 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280735375&amp;commentID=336379">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=191944130"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60652348036444942562007-06-24T17:28:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.502-04:00Still Hanging In....Grams Part 2<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ok, so maybe I jumped the gun a little on this mornings blog. But I was just going by what my mom had said. So, here it is 24 hrs later and my mom decides to call again, with the news that grams is still hanging with us. But, in a great deal of pain despite the tripple dose of morphine. ~sighs~ I just wanted her to go peacefully, with no pain and no long drawn out drama. Tis so very sad....... thats all I can say right now....</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"> </span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_333116"><br /><br />I will keep you both in my prayers! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 9:06 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280067636#" id="addReplyLnk_333116">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280067636&amp;commentID=333116">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=19144538">april</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=19144538" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/74/s_d9faa445f0b34db68eb027b5ee4291ad.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_334662"><br /><br />I'm with you. Got a call from Carmel on Sunday to let me know the situation. I started looking for tickets to get back. I guess I will see you soon, unfortunate circumstances. I was hoping to get there in July before she passed, but that didn't happen. I called Carmel last week to make sure the time and locations of my tickets would be okay before I bought them and she told me to hold off. I knew that wasn't good. But, like you said, she will be back with grandpa soon, and out of pain.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=19144538">april</a> on Monday, June 25, 2007 - 3:18 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280067636#" id="addReplyLnk_334662">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=280067636&amp;commentID=334662">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=19144538"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16847586347895440902007-06-24T17:23:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.505-04:00My Grams<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/06/24/my-grams-2/grands/" rel="attachment wp-att-4760"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4760" height="300" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/grands-216x300.jpg" title="grands" width="216" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />So my mom calls me yesterday, about 5pm. I can tell by the tone of her voice when she says hello that somethings not right. And I know exactly what it is. I have been expecting this call ever since returning from Michigan. Then, she began to cry. In between those tears I got, "its bad", "not going to make it thru the night" , and "at best she only has a few hours" followed by, "i wont call you back tonight, will call you tomorrow." Of course their was the "better start checking on plane tickets or figuring out to get back up here."<br /><br /></div><br /><div>So, I sit here writing this assuming of course, that she did not make it thru the night. And, knowing what I heard from mom, and what I felt .... she has passed on to the next world.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Both of my grandparents led a wonderful and filled life.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>The only regret I have is not moving back to Michigan soon enough to spend more time with them.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am sort of just numb about it right now. I know it was her time to go. And I know she is in a better place free from pain and suffering. A place where she can be with gramps once again. But I am still angry. Angry for the higher powers that be taking her away. I am selfish and just was not really ready to give her up yet. But my heart deep inside knows, my mind knows, my inner self knows, I will see her again.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>(ps- sorry for the typos..I am not using word to write this. Instead just writing directly to blogland. No spell check, and really just dont care to proofread right now. )</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42336335" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/39/s_5d7a69923d6d43edb4bf2131f2f15282.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Debbie Noneya<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_332266"><br /><br />Huge hugs filled with love girl! You are right she is in a better place right now with your gramps, without pain and suffering. She also able to help rock those babies that need a grams hands to make them feel that comfort.<br /><br /><br /><br />My prayers are with you and your entire family. Love ya girl!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a>on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 9:09 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_332266">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482&amp;commentID=332266">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42336335"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_332266"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_332289"><br /><br />You know sis I could sit here and write all the flowery, comforting phrases that we all drag when these things happen-- she is with your Grandpa now, she is at peace, in a better place, etc.<br /><br />But having lost three of the very dearest and closest people in the world to me in the past 5 years, I am going to say-- straight from my heart, how I really feel--<br /><br />Death sucks.<br /><br />{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Chrys}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace </a>on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 9:46 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_332289">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482&amp;commentID=332289">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_332289"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_332408"><br /><br />{{{{HUGS}}}} Everything to be said has been said, so I will sit here quietly offering you {{{{HUGS}}}}! Love you girl!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 12:00 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_332408">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482&amp;commentID=332408">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_332408"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174">Brian Kinney</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/s_3daf60bff82913adfc4aabc31335df32.gif" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Brian Kinney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_332500"><br /><br />Ahh jeezuz Chrys...I am so sorry baby...<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=83231174">Brian Kinney</a> on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 1:34 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_332500">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482&amp;commentID=332500">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=83231174"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_332500"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967">Patrice </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_334133"><br /><br />I'm in the same boat with you Baby - let us be strong together. Prayers and hugs....<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967">Patrice </a>on Monday, June 25, 2007 - 8:51 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_334133">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482&amp;commentID=334133">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_334133"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020">Kristi</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/92/s_fc5d3118db564b399fdeb53c00180dc0.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />KRISTI C<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_334241"><br /><br />I am so sorry to hear about your grandma! I understand those feelings of selfishness and not wanting to give them up, such a very hard situation. My thoughts &amp;amp; prayers are w/ you and your family.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020">Kristi</a> on Monday, June 25, 2007 - 10:11 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482#" id="addReplyLnk_334241">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=279917482&amp;commentID=334241">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=81869020"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66324621808601792632007-06-17T17:21:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.507-04:00That Darkness<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/06/17/that-darkness/as-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-4756"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4756" height="300" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/As1-221x300.jpg" title="As" width="221" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />I just woke up from getting all of maybe 2hrs sleep. Pissed off to no ending degree. Having no idea where this anger was coming from. Then I realize…oh yeah, it's Father's Day. Great…just great. Let me crawl back in to bed and not deal. Let me climb back in my hole and hide here.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>The dark side, the darkness within, however you want to put it, it's really all the same in the end. We all have a dark side. Oh, its there, trust me. However, the degree to how dark one is varies with each individual. I've done pretty well in my life hiding that dark side of me to those in my life. I know I let bits and pieces of it out here and there. Sometimes it comes out in the things I write. But, there are even few who know the real darkness inside of me. And I like to keep it that way. I would rather the world see me in smiles.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>But just because I put forth a smile, does not mean that darkness isn't consuming my every fiber in which I am made. And lately, it's been a struggle to keep the lid on it. Pushing it down, latching the latch but it keeps getting open. Poking at me. Making my insides itch. I scratch, tearing at my flesh. I'm bleeding all over the place and I can't stop it. The anger is boiling over. I have to push back fits of rage. All I want to do is rain down like lighting on someone or something. Don't know what to do about it. When my eyes are open, it's like they are closed. Darkness all around me. But I am not scared. It's always been there, always been a part of me. I feel myself falling. I am not sure why. Maybe it's because of all the things going on in life. The changes that are about to be made. I feel stuck. I don't like it. I want to move forward but I can't. I am stuck here in this puddle of blood a while longer. I'm standing here and I can see the direction I need to take. But I can't move. I am consumed with too much of something that I can explain. I can reach out and grab the small things I need to follow my new path in life, but I can not get much farther then that.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Blood/thblood2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>I find it ironic, that there is one, yes that One…who has his own darkness, but yet I find so much light in him. His strength, His power they are with me every day. I absorb it; take what is given to me.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/2hn5rlw.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>But I don't know if that power and strength is enough. I don't know if that can pull me out of this hole I have fallen back in to. I've really had enough of this cold skanky hole I am in. I know I have much I need to deal with in my life. I realize that. I accept that, and will do what I need to do in order to save my sanity.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>My being in this cold dark hole is not helping myself. All it is doing is oozing my bloodlines all over every one else. The one thing that put me in this hole looks like it is a never ending bottomless pit of vile.</div><div><br /></div>Perhaps that vile wants me to stay there. Alone to rot in the stench.<br /><div><br /></div>But I know I don't want to drown in a bloody stench right now.<br /><div><br /></div>I know the girl I am and the girl I want to be.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_321428"><br /><br />Usually it's fear that keeps us immobile. You just have to figure out what the fear is about...failure? success? rejection? change? Once you figure that out, it will be easier to start moving in the direction you want to go. There are many of us here that will reach out our hands to help pull you out, but first you have to want to get out...and it sounds like you do. Hate and anger towards those who have hurt you, only gives them the power to hurt you more. Letting go of it puts you back in control. It's not exactly forgiveness, but taking YOUR power back. {{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya, girl...you know I do!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Monday, June 18, 2007 - 5:05 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277405630#" id="addReplyLnk_321428">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277405630&amp;commentID=321428">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_321428"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_321657"><br /><br />Sorry that I don't have time to answer your email right now sis, and I already commented on this over on 360. But I would like to add that while our men--and our women, distract us, they don't solve our core issues. I know mine is your basic low self-esteem, and that having a younger man (who looks like Joey!) falling all over me is very ego-boosting and good for my self-esteem right now. BUT I really need to find that within, which has been and continues to be a struggle for me.<br /><br />NO you are not meant to be stuck in that hole sis! *reaches out a hand to pull you out*<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace</a>on Monday, June 18, 2007 - 10:07 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277405630#" id="addReplyLnk_321657">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277405630&amp;commentID=321657">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><label id="NewDiv_321657"></label></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826">Jules</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/s_2e32133ce70e41d0843fb33c3e70f0fe.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_322878"><br /><br />After being in the darkness myself, I know what you are feeling. So take my hand friend and we can pull each other out of the pit. Life can be joyous, it can be good, it can be happy again. I think it's just been so long since someone has taken our hands and showed us this can be so. much luv xx<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=55296826">Jules</a> on Monday, June 18, 2007 - 10:33 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277405630#" id="addReplyLnk_322878">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277405630&amp;commentID=322878">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=55296826"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71925822620186102992007-06-17T17:18:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:01:39.641-04:00Ugh....I Really Hate Fathers Day<div>June 17, 2007<br />Possible Titles:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Why I Hate Fathers Day</div><div>Swearing off Men</div><div>Men Suck</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Ok, first let me say, this is NOT a rant towards my family and friends who are good men, and/or who are good fathers. You know who you are, how I feel about you and where you stand with me. Rather this is a rant that is based on my own personal experiences and my feelings towards them. Nor is this rant geared to the One closest to my heart right now (~T~)</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Since I can not seem to decide on a title, I am just going to leave all of them here.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>There are quite a few of you that have been around my blogs for a while. Those of you that have been around, you know my issues with men. Why they totally disgust me. Well you know most of them. Although I am rather open about many things in my life, there are many in which I don't tell and many in which I make so cryptic, you think you have an idea, but the truth is it may not be that way at all. As a writer I have mastered the art of word manipulation.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>You are not going to see my nice side in this blog.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I have so much shit rolling around in my brain, I have to let it out or I am going to go crazy. I have decided that I am no longer going to fear rejection and I am finally going to start working on getting some of my better writings published. And there is a book idea in the works. Elonna and I have talked about this book for years now. And I think, today is just as a good of day as any to get started on it. Life is just too short. Right now it's just a jumbled mess of my thoughts and ideas. But, it will turn into something with time. I know the direction I want to take it in. Where I want to go with it and I might post part of it here to get feedback. I realize a true work of art does not happen overnight, and I know this is not an exception to that rule. At any rate, I am getting off topic and ahead of myself.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Today is Father's day. And I hate it. Loath it. Despise it. It disgusts me and makes me want to wretch and vomit from the depths of my soul. It's a constant fucking yearly reminder about the cards that I was dealt with in life. I think for the most part I have lived rather well with my hand, but sometimes I am given the Joker when I least expect it. And Fathers day rolls around every year, it's a given these thoughts are going to invade my space. I can't run from it or forget it when there is a constant reminder of this day. Trust me, I have tried to run from it in all sort of manners. Nothing works. Nothing is permanent. I hope at some point in life that will sink in, but for the time I do what I must to keep it pushing inside and away.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So as I am sure you have guessed I likely have father issues. And you would be correct. As I look back, thinking about it, I see their has been a pattern with past men in my life. It's made me so leery of them today. Why I don't let them get close to me. And when I feel one too close, I push away and start to close myself off, give distance. I don't want to do this, but my defense just goes up having been so hurt so many times. After Lonnie died I vowed I was never going to be with another man. I was never going to let someone get over my wall. I was just going to keep those close to me that were already over my wall, build it back up , much higher, bar all windows, close the gate, lock it and throw away the key. I was going to live out the rest of my existence, first getting out of the situation I am in, and then living my life as a bisexual girl who preferred woman over men. In all my female relationships, it's always been a mutual parting. Things just didn't work for whatever reason. And I still remain friends with them to this day. I don't know what it is about me staying friends with my ex's because as I think about it, there are quite a few that I still converse with as friends. Oh well, not going to analyze that. It's a whole other topic that would render its own blog if that was an avenue I wanted to walk on.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Father issues. Yes, I have them. Two of them as a matter of fact. Both of them disgust me for different reasons. Now I am sitting here watching this cursor blink thinking, how personal to I want to get here. What do I want to say? Who will stay and who will run away. If you were fortunate enough to be around before I tore all my blogs down, then you may recall a blog titled <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">"Cards on the Table" </a>that blog was all about dad #1 and father #2. Not much detail, it touched on the surface. For many of you, the tale I can tell will be of no surprise because you have read it all before. But for those of you new to my world, it's defiantly a horror story of the sorts.</div><div><br />I think, I don't really want to talk about it right now. Maybe another time. I am not really feeling like opening myself up right now. The wounds already cut, I am already bleeding out, and talking about it is going to be like pouring salt on it. I would just rather not go there today.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Men Issues. Yes, I have them. Obviously. But let me clarify once again NOT ALL MEN. If I talk to you, then obviously I don't have an issue with you. But, as I have said in previous blogs, entering my world their will be a test to see whether I let you stay in it or not. I do this for my own reasons and don't think I need to explain it. Should be pretty obvious.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Sexual abuse, adoption, abandonment, rape, death, destruction, physical abuse, and mental abuse should be a pretty good indication. WOW! And I said I wasn't going to go there didn't I. Now I sit here thinking, should I go back and delete it, or keep it in? Fuck it. Keep it in I say. I am not ashamed of it. Its things in my life that make me the woman I am today. Why I behave the way I do. Why my guards are constantly up. Why I always have to be in control of myself. In control period. Of course, with the exception of One, I will never ever render myself powerless. Never put my guards down and let someone be in control of me. It's just not going to happen.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So for these reasons this is why Fathers day truly bothers me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">MySpace Comments:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />{{{{HUGS}}}}!For once I have nothing to say. Just plenty of hugs to send your way! Hey! That rhymed! LOL! Mercury is retrograde, so communications will be messed up right now...it's ok to start thinking and planning, but just remember if things go wrong just wait a few weeks and start over! Here is a link to a really good astrology site. www.astrologyzone.com. Mercury stops it's retrograde on July 9th.<br /><br />Have a wonderful Sunday despite the day it is. As Don says...it's just another day! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 5:03 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277131811#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277131811&amp;commentID=319867">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />It's a rough Fathers day over here too sis, for different reasons. But I can totally relate to the feeling of blah for this day. Have been through the Swearing off Men and Men Suck stuff too. Still do at times!<br /><br />(((((hugs)))))) to you sweetie!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace </a>on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 12:56 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277131811#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=277131811&amp;commentID=320163">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47507132162225455052007-06-10T17:09:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:38:22.460-04:00Just Me - Part 3 (The Last)<div>June 10, 2007<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/BBW/My%20Name/ee61.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>This might very well be the last of this series. Even though this hardly even touches or scratches a small fragment of the surface, I have grown tired and become quite bored of it. So, just going to throw a few random things out there and just be done with it. This should pretty well (all 3 parts) answer all the questions you all have thrown my way. If I missed something, you are more then welcome to drop me a line and ask. I may answer, I may not. Or I might just play with your mind and leave you more confused then how you started.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>As you can see I am pretty laid back, but I am sharp tongued. I am SARCASTIC people, get over it. You call me out and I will call back. I am quick to the draw. If you lack common sense and are just plain stupid I will call your ass out on it. It's as simple as that. Don't come up in here proposing to think you know me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Quite frankly, I am pretty easy to get along with if you would just take the time to do so and not pass judgement first.</div><div><br /></div>Jealousy. It irks me and makes me want to throw things. It's retarded and I have no place in my life for it. I know where I am in life. I know who I am in life. And I am comfortable in my own skin. I know who I stand beside and who stands beside me. If you have issues with that, then perhaps you need to do some searching for the issues that lay within yourself, because it goes much deeper then what's on the surface. If you are trying to make me jealous, it won't work. All it does is make you look like a stupid ass and don't be surprised if I call you out on it and make you feel like a fool.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>What's mine is mine. Simple is that. I might be selfish and possessive of things which are mine. But, I do play well with others and am willing to share with the right person.</div><div><br /></div><br />Trust. Trust is a big deal for me. In a world where it is so easy for a person to throw a fake pic up and pretend to be someone they are not. It will take a lot for me to trust you, so really, just don't expect it.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Don't try to Master me. I know I am wild. I don't need you to tell me that. I am not yours to tame. Nor do I want you to try to tame me and settle me down. You won't get there. Don't question my actions. I am stubborn. I generally have to have the last word. I will not back down, nor bow down.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>As it stands there is only ONE I will bow down to, and he has rightfully earned that. I do not need nor do I want another. Don't expect to try and dominate me. I will be the one in control here. I don't care if you are on a mission in this world for total domination. I want no part of it. I won't even let you get close enough to try.</div><div><br /></div>This is my court and these are my rules. I will be the one in charge, its that simple. Again I say there is only ONE person these rules do not apply to. And he knows who he is.<br /><div><br /></div>You can not break me or control me. So don't bother. I am not broken and don't need to be fixed. If you think you have control then you really have not been paying attention. You cannot own me, but I can certainly own you. I don't play games so don't waste my time. No strings, no feelings and no emotions. I will not let you get that close to me. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/just-me_07.html">Please refer back to part 1.</a><br /><div><br /></div>If you think I am being a bitch I will stick my tongue out at you. But you are not likely to get a rise out of me. It's not worth my time and effort. If I think you are being one, I will be sure to tell you. And might just flip you off in the process.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am easily amused. Hard to entertain and it takes much to keep my attention.</div><div><br /></div>I can pick up after myself, and I expect you to do the same. I am not your mother and therefore I will not pick up after you. Don't bring your mess here.<br /><div><br /></div>My life is a very organized mess.<br /><div><br /></div>I tend to be a mess of my own insecurities. But I hide it well.<br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/BBW/NEW_Bountiful_Deviant_ID_by_Bountif.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>I do have a dark side, and it does come out quite often.</div><div><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/Darkness%20Falls/Blood/Butcher_Girl_by_BlackSunRising.jpg" /></a><br /><b>I am not a religious person but I am spiritual. </b>Don't assume just because I am Irish I must be Catholic. That's nothing more then stereo typing on your part. I won't do that to you. I'm not a&nbsp;judge&nbsp;either. I did grow up in an Irish Catholic family. As a teen I strayed away following the path into Paganism eventually falling into being Wiccan. I fell from that and went into non believer mode for a long long time. I did go back to church 2 years ago. Non Denominational. Even went so far as to volunteer and watch the toddlers during one service. I have written in the past about "my kids." But their came a time when I started to feel fake. Knowing this was not the path for me. I loved my kids and I miss them a great deal, but they deserve to have someone who is true to their beliefs. That was 6 months ago. Now, I am back on another path.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>I like speed.</b> I tend to think I am a race car driver. I like fast cars and fast choppers. And I don't mean motorbikes or motorcycles and certainly not those foreign imports dubbed crotch rockets. Nope, I am talking about good old fabricated by one man with 2 hands, nothing but chrome and steel, no two alike, the real deal chopper.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>I don't like labels of any kind. </b>However, I love my Seven brand jeans. Sexy! Flip flops in the summer are a must.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>Music.</b> I have a pretty eclectic taste in music and I pretty well like all types. I good tune is a good tune. However, I am a rocker girl at heart and always will be. But don't put it past me to go to a club and get totally lost in a good trance/industrial mix.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, that's enough talking about me now!</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35301583652679378472007-06-09T16:54:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.510-04:00Let Me OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!<div>Ok, so I am not really in the blogging mood today. For many reasons, but mostly because my mind needs a rest. Too much going on inside of it right now. So, I am going to let it all out , save it, and put it all together later.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>My world is going to take a turn. Don't know when. But it is going to. The wheels have already been set in motion. I am unsure of my path right now. But, all I know is I have to leave the place in which I am in. And thats leaving the spousal unit behind.</div><div><br /></div>Indeed, there it is.&nbsp;Separation. Divorce. Whatever you want to label it. I am walking away.<br /><div><br /></div>I'm done with it all.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, until my brain is back in proper working order, I leave you with this ..... because it seems to be on constant repeat on my ipod.</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6rndltmm3oE" width="425"></iframe><br />what i want from you<br />is empty your head<br />they say be true,<br />don't stain your bed<br />we do what we need to be free<br />and it leans on me<br />like a rootless tree<br />what i want from us<br />is empty our minds<br />we fake a fuss<br />and fracture the times<br />we go blind<br />when we've needed to see<br />and this leans on me<br />like a rootless...<br />so fuck you<br />and all we've been through<br />i said leave it<br />it's nothing to you<br />and if you hate me<br />then hate me so good that you can let me out<br />let me out of this hell when you're around<br /><br />what i want from this<br />is learn to let go<br />no not of you<br />of all that's been told<br />killers reinvent and believe<br />and this leans on me<br />like a rootless...<br />so fuck you<br />and all we've been through<br />i said leave it<br />it's nothing to you<br />and if you hate me<br />then hate me so good that you can let me out<br />let me out of this hell when you're around<br />let me out...<br />and fuck you, fuck you, i love you<br />and all we've been through<br />i said leave it<br />it's nothing to you<br />and if you hate me<br />then hate me so good that you can let me out<br />let me out...<br />it's hell when you're around<br /><br /><br />MySpace Comments:<br /><br />MySpace <br /><br /><br /><br />Sis, I know this is a tough decision. I have been there--twice, and it is not easy to walk away from a marriage you have put so much into. Also not easy to walk away, even when you are miserable, because it's so hard to start over, on your own.<br />But so worth it! I have been single for 10 glorious years, and except for love-life complications the past few months, I have never been happier. And even with those complications, I am so glad to be FREE!<br />Let me know if you need ANYthing, sis. I am more than willing to help in any way that I can. Love ya!<br /><br />Posted byMySpace on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 2:36 PM<br />[Reply to this] [Remove] [Block User]Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90903211563591123142007-06-07T16:50:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:38:22.463-04:00Just Me - Part 2<div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/06/07/just-me-part-2-2/l_1dab5e330bb9d49d71e199d3ed05beba/" rel="attachment wp-att-4742"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4742" height="266" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/l_1dab5e330bb9d49d71e199d3ed05beba.jpg" title="l_1dab5e330bb9d49d71e199d3ed05beba" width="200" /></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Ok, so evidently my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/06/just-me_07.html">About Me </a>blog raised more questions then it gave answers.Well, good. I am complicated, I admit that. And I like to keep you guessing. So, just when you think you know me and have me figured out, you will soon find out that this is not the case.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />There is something that I must address. I usually stay clear of this conversation because there are too many out there that take it to the extreme. But the fucktards in this world won't leave me alone. So let me just answer it once and for all.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />We all know I am Irish. (duh!) I don't think it matters how much or how little. But, I will tell you anyway just because I am tired of getting asked this question and constantly feeling like I have to prove to people how Irish I really am. I am proud of my heritage and I am proud of where my roots come from. I know what my family had to endure to be able to come to America and give me the life I have now. I know their struggles. It was not easy for the Irish in America. But, I am not going to get in to that here. Plenty of Irish History books for you to read if you want to know about it. This isn't one of those situations where someone feels that just because I was not born in Ireland I am not Irish. There are those people out there. And that's fine. However, it still stands that my heritage is Irish.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, growing up I was in a dual household. My mother's entire linage being Irish and my fathers being German and Italian. Good mix huh? The kids I grew up with and hung around were all German&nbsp;descendants. So, it was only natural that I follow that path in life. It made things easier. And we could all relate. One of my best mates, I will never forget her grandmother. She was transplanted here directly from Germany. I loved going over her house all the time to listen to stories and look at pictures. This woman was an amazing treasure. And I learned a great deal from her. Not to mention the baking she did! YUM!! At any rate, I never really felt complete. And I certainly did not carry the sort of pride that I carry with me today.</div><div><br /></div>A few years ago I found out I was adopted by my father. My world as I knew it had crashed. Who was I really? Where did I come from? Well, I got my answer. I found my real father and we began to speak. Another Irish family all the way back in the linage. His family actually came over before my mother's family, but, in time, they all ended up in the same towns together. At any rate, for events I care not to go in to, that relationship dissolved. But at least I am left with some sort of idea of who I am and what I am.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>And that my friend, is indeed, Irish blood thru and through.</div><div><br /></div>The next part is, NO, I will not talk Irish politics with you. So please don't blow by my page with&nbsp; your meaningless "Up the RA"&nbsp; Don't ask me my views on a United Ireland and don't ask me my feeling towards the Brits. You will not get an answer out of me. Not the answer that you want anyway. I will give you one that's so round about that you still will be left wondering. Just don't go there. I am all about freedom of speech and matter of opinion. It's all good well and fine. So, you wonder then do I even know what's going on over there? Honest, yes I do. Thankfully I have family and friends there that are pretty adamant about making sure information I know is true and correct. Things I can not find out for myself. I most likely know more then you. But this isn't a contest to see who knows more then who about what. What it is just plain stupidity in the first place. It's not my job to teach this lesson to you. It's not my job to explain what's going on to you. If you are interested, then it's your job to make sure you know what's going on. Facts. Know them, learn them. The facts are what is going to make this world a better place for you and me. I don't care if you are in Ireland or in America. I don't care if you are 1% or 100% Irish. It makes no difference to me because I can spot a wanna be fake ass wishing they were real IRA rolling ghetto thug a mile away. Its one thing to stand for what you believe in, it's another to make a total ass of yourself in the process. Sometimes, you just take things too far. Please, just don't bring that shit here. I want no part of it.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>If you pay attention to my friends list, you might just learn something.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Having said all that, I am sure you are now thinking to yourself that I must really not give a damn about the motherland. That I have no cares as to what's going on over there. And that's totally bullshit. Those that are close to me and know me; they know where I stand and what I believe. I don't need to clarify it for the likes of you.</div><div><br /></div><br />I will give you one fact. I proudly stand for Ireland and its people.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, so this little rant went a little longer then I had planned.</div><div><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59687890413472417092007-06-07T16:45:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:38:22.465-04:00Just Me<div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/06/07/just-me-2/922431042_bab4b667ef/" rel="attachment wp-att-4738"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4738" height="225" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/922431042_bab4b667ef-300x225.jpg" title="922431042_bab4b667ef" width="300" /></a><strong>It's just me. </strong>And my cousins girls. We went to the beach while I was in Michigan. Had a good time that day. Played in the sand, walked the beach, walked the dock and went to the lighthouse. I sit here looking at Chloe, the oldest and think, lordy she looks&nbsp;kinda like I did when I was her age. Well, her dad too. We look a lot alike. A blessing or a curse, whichever. At any rate, was sitting here thinking about myself. Something I don't think about too often as I am too busy trying to put forth my time into others. Things come to mind, about how I am. How I behave. The things that I do in life. I try to put into perspective how my life has ended up the way it did. You know, how on every ones profile there is the "About Me" section? And no one ever really knows what to put in there? Yeah well, me either. And today, I thought about it. Thought about it long and hard. And I thought, well that's a perfect topic for today's blog. Lets see how much of a mess I can make myself out to be.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>So, here goes.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>I am simple. </strong>In that I really enjoy the simple things in life. I don't need lots of money , fancy cars or things in general. I am not materialistic. I only need what it takes to live life from day to day and survive. I am complicated in that I have many layers to me. Each one as delicate and fragile as the one before it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong>I have a hard shell on the outside.</strong> I do this protect myself. You don't go through the things I have went through in life and not end up this way. But, its for my own benefit really. I am selective about those I let in my world. And just because you are in my world, doesn't mean I have allowed you over my wall. Very few have made it over. And every time someone does and gets pushed out, I put that wall up higher and higher. There is always going to be a test with me. I will test you to make sure you are someone that should remain in my world. I don't have time to deal with those that are not accepting and just want to try and change me. I don't need to be changed. I am fine with who I am and the way I am. I am soft on the inside. Those close to me, know this. I am loyal to those that are loyal to me. Love those that love me back. Maybe I care too easily. I have a big heart and am not afraid to admit that. I speak freely of my feelings. And if this bothers you, then perhaps you don't belong in my world. I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>I am easy going and pretty good natured. </strong>I have my ups and downs like everyone else. I tend to not stay down long. I always try to find the good in life, grab it and hold on to it. I have a choice everyday. When I wake up, I can be in a good mood or a bad mood. I choose a good mood. Being in a bad mood does me no good. I can be difficult and hard to get along with. I am mouthy and just really can be a real bitch. I have a voice. I am not afraid to use it. You will hear me speak. I have opinions and I am not afraid to share them with you.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>I'm a quoter.</strong> I love quotes to make me think. I am a thinker. I love it when people pick my brain. I would appreciate you more if you held an intelligent conversation with me. I am a thought provoker. I will spark something in you to make you think too. I'm not all about sex. Well, ok scratch that. My sexuality is a big part of my life. However, I am not always about talking sex. So, if that's all you are looking for, you don't need to be here. I am picky , I have my wants, my needs and that's that. If you fill that, then maybe, just maybe you are lucky enough to have me. But I bore easily and it takes much to hold my attention.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong>What I AM NOT -</strong> I am not in this world to whore friends. I would rather have a few that are close to me then hundreds I hardly speak too. I am not a collector. Nor am I into "cams" and showing my "stuff" to people I do not know. If that's what you are here for, fine. But, if that's what you are looking for here, you may as well save grace and walk away now. Its not what I am about. And its not me. For me, that's something more personal and special that I will only share to that someone in my life who deserves it. And its really only one person. For I tend to keep that one person closer then anyone else. Keep everyone else at bay. Random. No feelings, no strings. I may like random hook ups , but that's why they are random, they are meaningless sexual desires being taken care of with no strings attached. I don't know really how to explain it. But there it is, so don't ask me to cam with you. I wont.</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div>However, I do appreciate my friends. And its not a big deal when we turn our cams on to see each other and say hello. As a matter of fact, its pretty entertaining when you can see each others facial expressions. To see when some smiles and laughs. Its amazing. And certainly bridges the gap when you are talking to someone miles away. You can certainly feel that much closer.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok so back to me. Yeah I have issues with straying, in more ways then one.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>Live. </strong>I live my life from day to day as best as I can with what I am given and I expect you to do the same too. I have a hard time with people who whine about their situation and don't want to do anything about it. Now, before you say anything let me clarify something. Sure, I bitch about things in my life. But, this is my blog and I can say whatever I want. And many times I say things just to get them out and off my chest and I move on. This is my outlet. Having said all that, as it stands, I have a big reason I have not made a change I need to make in life. But, I am on my way. And once things fall into place, that change will happen.</div><div><br /></div><strong>Laugh</strong>. You have to laugh in this world. If you do not, you will get chewed up and spit out. I like to cut up , laugh and have a good time. Simple really. I try not to take many things too seriously. Life is too short for that. Their are many things I do take seriously. I expect you to keep up to me and know the difference between the two.<br /><div><br />&nbsp;<strong>Give. </strong>You know they saying, treat others as you would want them to treat you? Well, I pretty well live by that. If I respect you and treat you well then I expect the same in return. If you are cold, heartless and unwilling to just be nice, then I don't want you around.</div><div><br /></div><strong>Drama.</strong> I despise it and I will run from it. So don't bring it here.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am who I am and I will never ever apologize for being me. Ever. End of story. If you don't like me for me then you can go away, I don't want you in my life anyway.</div><div><br /></div><strong>I am strong.</strong> I've been through a lot in life and had to grow up very quickly. Which in turn makes me hard. I have strong wills, desires, hopes and dreams. And I take them very much to heart. I believe their is a better life on the other side of the pond. I have my weaknesses, just like everyone else. However, they are mine and mine alone. If you are lucky enough to be that close to me, you will have discovered what some of them are. I'm a big kid at heart. I think perhaps I am making up for lost childhood times. Who knows. I just like to have fun and it is what it is.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>And now, I am just bored. So...going to end this now !!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/119/s_8a8d25ee09314ac3afa1201a7e01ac41.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_299264"><br /><br />Nice pic! The girls are cute! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a> on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 6:12 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272690568#" id="addReplyLnk_299264">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272690568&amp;commentID=299264">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42270576"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_299264"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=2719172">DanE</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=2719172" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/60/s_43e69c59d5dcb314df3f3f43289e0a93.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_299938"><br /><br />Thanks for sharing. Lake Michigan rocks! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=2719172">DanE</a> on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 9:52 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272690568#" id="addReplyLnk_299938">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272690568&amp;commentID=299938">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=2719172"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_299938"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=87565705">?KittenShark?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=87565705" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/105/s_ecbcd41b0d214521ac925babda385e4e.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_300199"><br /><br />OMG I swear you were writing my life story....singing my song....crazy insane I don't understand....all except the part about quotes, my memory is shot I can't even quote my age most of the time.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=87565705">?KittenShark?</a>on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 - 11:04 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272690568#" id="addReplyLnk_300199">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272690568&amp;commentID=300199">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=87565705"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65191371941629060832007-06-04T16:41:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.512-04:00Moving OnYou know what they say, when one door closes, another opens? Well I am no exception to that. Or one would say I have closed this chapter on my life and already well on my way to writing a new one.<br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;I am OK, and I want to thank each and every one of you that reached out to me the last few days.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I know my blog was an out pour, but I had to do it. I had to get some things off my chest and it makes me feel better when I do.</div><div><br /></div>I have already moved on, I don't stay down for long.<br /><div>So... ~smiles~ I hope each of you are well.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=47558354">J.R.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=47558354" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/101/s_922fafaf943b44b0982e0e358d8e7799.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_296650"><br /><br />Allways say what you want to. Do not worry about what people say. Remember your friends will allways be there God bless you<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=47558354">J.R.</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 2:42 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272224991#" id="addReplyLnk_296650">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272224991&amp;commentID=296650">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=47558354"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_296650"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42336335" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/39/s_5d7a69923d6d43edb4bf2131f2f15282.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Debbie Noneya<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_297678"><br /><br />Love ya girl! I hope each day gets easier for you!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a>on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 10:42 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272224991#" id="addReplyLnk_297678">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272224991&amp;commentID=297678">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42336335"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62760178199292060792007-06-03T16:35:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.943-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? - The Good-Bye Edition<div>What's Up With Chrys? - The Goodbye Edition<br /><div><br /></div>Good byes. God how I hate goodbyes. So the end. So final. As much as I hate them, I still must say them.<br /><div><br /></div>First off, I left my other blogs about my health hanging in mid-air and I apologize for that. Just so much has been going on that I just have not taken much time to address other matters at hand. But, I just want you all to know that I am healthy. All tests came back negative and all is well. Despite the lingering sadness, I feel just fine.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Second, I have no new information on Elonna. Thank you to all of you for your concern about her. I am sure she will be happy to know how much she truly is loved. I miss my sistagurl a great deal and I look forward to the day she can come back to all of us.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />Thirdly, there is also no new information on Joey. My brother had some trial times recently, and I am still awaiting the news of this ordeal. Hoping, he too will be back to me safe and sound soon.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Next on my list, Sean. As I know some of you had noticed some changes. And there is reason for that.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />This also ties in to – those of you here and on my blog at 360 have noticed the blogs just don't match up. And, there is reason for that too. I was at a crossroads and did not want to talk about it. I wanted to keep what was going on in life to myself for a while. Did not want to open up too much about the events for fear of the backlash and fear of jinxing what was happening. And..well, those blogs were meant for someone and that someone isn't on myspace, so I saw no point in really writing them at both places.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>This should be where I talk about Terry. But I don't want to. Not now, not yet.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Or perhaps, Kerry. But, that's pretty obvious since she's here on myspace and that's assuming you have been paying attention.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Another reason being Sean. I have to monitor everything here at myspace to make sure he's not angered by my actions. Always feel like I have to protect him.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I can no do it any more. So, I had to let Sean go. I did not want to take away my love and friendship, but at this point, his actions have left me no choice. All I wanted was for him to love me as I am. For the girl that I am. And apparently he can not do that.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So here is a news flash people: I am bisexual. I like girls AND I like boys. I am sexual. I like sex. Dirty, nasty, kinky, unadulterated , no questions, no restraints, random sex. Simple as that. But yet so complicated for some to understand. Funny how Joey and Lonnie can understand that. Even Brian and Steven can get that. Hell, they are just like that. Same mold we are from. Maybe that's why we get along so well. But, how is it that Sean can be best mates with them for so long, take them as they are, but yet, he can not take me? He says he loves me. Fuck love and all that other bullocks!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Who knows, and this point, I don't care. I already have one relationship where I constantly am being questioned about who I am and why I have to be this way. The way I am is not a choice. Its just me. Simple.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So, this is me, saying good bye to Irish One. Maybe someday, we will speak as friends, but right now, I am angry and hurt and my wall is up and back in I don't give a fuck mode. He'll always have a special place in my heart. I have no regrets.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I know what broke me. His words broke me. And he knows this. I tried to move past those words, only to stumble on more. More questions. More doubts. Him always thinking I am with him out of obligation. That I feel its my duty after what happened to Lonnie.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>BULLOCKS!<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I loved that man because I just did. I gave everything up. Pushed everyone close to me away. For HIM. To be the girl he wanted me to be. I loved him that much. But after his words were unleashed, I questioned him. And just felt, it was time to go. To let him go.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Joey was right. It was wrong of me to let Brian go.&nbsp; Should not have let everyone else go. Wrong of me to try and change and be someone he knew I was not. I should have listened to my brother. Maybe none of us would be in this triangle.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I have reasons. But, I just really don't care to get in to that right now. All I know, is now I am picking up pieces to those I pushed away, and getting back to being me again.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I would rather Sean hate me for the girl I am, then love me for the girl I just can not be for him.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So.. that's good-bye.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I don't know what it is about going to&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;that always seems to make this huge impact on my life. For all this with Sean happened while I was in&nbsp;Michigan.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Not to mention the huge ordeal the hubby and I got into at my grams house. Leaving me to feel hatred and anger towards him. To make me want to leave now more then ever. And I have a feeling that it's going to be much sooner then later. No one, and I repeat NO ONE will raise their hand to me and get away with it. And I leave it at that.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>A question that seems to always arise, so let me clarify this one as well. Yes I am married. An open one you want to label it. I do love him. Have some love for him and care about him.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>However, I don't believe he is the ideal man for me. So, why do I stay? Well, its so easy, but yet so complicated. And that's all I have to say about the matter.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>There are many things on the surface I will open up and talk about, but so much deep inside my life I prefer to leave the details out of.</div><div><br /></div>I think, its to the point, to say goodbye to him too. However, I will not do this while grams is still on this earth. I will not put her thru that.<br /><div><br /></div>I had to say goodbye to grams. Saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest things I had to do. Her and I both knowing its likely the last time we will see each other. Sadly, she even told me happy birthday and it's not even till July!<br /><div><br /></div>There were some fun times. Being with family and stuff. It wasn't all bad.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>So I am making my peace with saying goodbye to grams. Its weighing heavily on my mind and its making this blog a jumbled mess. So much I want to say, but I just can't put it together.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>And lastly, I can now mend and heal and properly say goodbye to Lonnie. I could not before. I had to push it all inside to be so strong for Joey, Elonna and of course most of all Sean.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I even thought about saying goodbye to myspace. All the memories here. Good, bad, death, destruction. But, I have made many friends here over the years, and would not be kind of me to take my friendship away from those that have offered me their hand in return.</div><div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"> </span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />IIIIIIIIIIII LLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEE YYYYYOOOOUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UR MY BABY GIRL....AND I AM ALWAYS ALWAYS HERE FOR U...MYSPACE OR NOT...WE GOT EACHOTHER, MEN OR NO MEN.....<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;on Sunday, June 03, 2007 - 11:26 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098&amp;commentID=295743">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=197298938"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864">Tabitha</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Tabitha Stone<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Well, find you another edition.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864">Tabitha</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 2:32 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098&amp;commentID=296020">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=32959864"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=64557294">Des</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=64557294"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Des Hubbard<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Hi Chrys,<br /><br />Sorry to read of ur tumultuous life and matters of the heart. Hopefully you will find solitude soon.<br /><br />I know that anytime we have spoken I have tried to be pragmatic and help you to rationalise some things and sometimes that's the last thing people in turmoil want to hear, but I can be a good listener too without being judgemental.<br /><br />I will look for you online to be a friend.<br /><br />Peace<br /><br />D<br /><br />:-)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=64557294">Des</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 7:44 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098&amp;commentID=296198">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=64557294"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967">Patrice </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Much love and healing to you, my friend.<br /><br />xoxo<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967">Patrice </a>on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 9:46 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098&amp;commentID=296294">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=72753967"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=87565705">?KittenShark?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=87565705"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I think you might need this back....good luck in everything you do and every choice you make...<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=87565705">?KittenShark?</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 11:07 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098&amp;commentID=296389">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=87565705"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I applaude you! You truly are a wonderful person! xoxoxo -Joey<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 11:45 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098&amp;commentID=296435">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=176888092"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42336335"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Debbie Noneya<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Damn Girl! You poor thing - so much turmoil. I will pray that you get some peace of mind! Love ya girl!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42336335">Sgtdebbie</a> on Monday, June 04, 2007 - 10:41 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098#">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=272058098&amp;commentID=297676">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=42336335"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8285692644851760292007-05-27T16:29:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.515-04:00Made in Michigan<div>So many emotions running through my soul right now. I do not even know where to start.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I made it here, to Michigan, safe and sound. I am tired as hell and in desperate need for some real sleep. As yesterday I drove for 12 hrs straight, got stuck in some nasty sleazy ass hotel room, then drove for 5 more hours today to reach my destination.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Words can not describe how I felt walking in to this house. To see my grandmother muster up every ounce of strength she had to be excited and give me a hug and kiss. My poor grandmother, always my rock and life line. To see her so weak and frail. It saddens this Irish girl to tears. I look over and see my mom looking at me, that look that says "Keep it together Chrys" of course, then mom comes over to hug me. And, she fed me! Was nice to have a mom made home cooked meal. Not to mention she made my favorite cookies. I can tell you now I will go home 10 pounds heavier. LOL</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Being in this house is hard. Still trying to deal with gramps not being here. It just feels weird in here. He is in the cemetery right down the road, so I will go visit him tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, until the next update... be safe and have a good Monday Memorial Day!</div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=107908846" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/63/s_4fb0e5575f2a44c0b82fc548bb292ebb.jpg" /></a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_282268"><br /><br />I know things are hard keep your head up! Just think in all the good things and have fun Luv Ya<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />xoxoxox<br /><br />Crystal<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byMexican Babe on Sunday, May 27, 2007 - 8:56 PM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4126472473442916862007-05-26T16:24:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.946-04:00Feelings and My Road Trip<div><br />As I sit here, trying to force myself into my car and get on the road, I am thinking back to the last time I went to Michigan. When I came back, there was a disaster waiting to happen. As when I got back, Lonnie was waiting for me. Wasn't good. As the sitchy is what sparked our troubles and heading him down the path in which he took. Which in turn, turned me. And then, we all know the ending to this story. (R.I.P. my angel)<br /><br />At any rate, it makes me think back to everything and everyone involved in my lil pirate gang. Lonnie, Joey, Sean, Ray&nbsp; &amp; Elonna. And I see, where we all are in life right now. ~sighs~ It breaks my heart it so many little pieces. And, I just don't even know if I can mend it. Nor, if I want to. That pain is a constant reminder of my part in the whole ordeal with Lonnie. It reminds me how much I still miss him. And, it reminds me of my Irish One and all we have been through.</div><div><br />Here&nbsp;lately, I have just been going thru the motions of life. Feeling rather stuck and just floating along. There is something&nbsp;that's&nbsp;brought some sunshine into my cloudy days, but it is something I wish to not talk about publicly here.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I feel myself slipping away, and not sure why. I reach out, but there is nothing there to grab on to. So I slip more with each passing day.&nbsp; I don't know whats happening or what needs to be done to stop it. But, its there. I am thinking I will&nbsp;address&nbsp;it more when I get back from my trip. I dont need it weighing on my mind right now. Even tho, I know, this long drive ahead, my mind is sure to roam right to it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />At any rate, I am off to Michigan. The&nbsp;lovely&nbsp;1500 mile, 16 hr road trip awaits me. Soon enough I will be seeing grams. I know that is going to be hard. Mom says she is not doing well at all. And it has already broken my heart. I feel, that this quite possibly might be the last time I get to see her. But, right now, I refuse to think about it and enjoy what I can with her this week.&nbsp; I do plan to discuss my study abroad adventures with my Mom and see what sort of advice she can offer up. Maybe just having someone else to talk to will help push me along. The hubby&nbsp;isn't&nbsp;too thrilled about the idea. But, hes not thrilled with my going to Ireland to begin with. ~sighs~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Ok, I have rambled on too much , I really need to get going!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I will try to keep you updated on my adventure as I did the last time I went.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I wish you all a good week. And see you soon.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">MySpace Original Comments:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_279528"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Have a safe trip, Chrys! We'll be thinking of you! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Posted byCathyon Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 8:15 AM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_280219"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Be careful baby...see you when you get back.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Posted byBrian Kinneyon Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 5:12 PM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83472314351763055952007-05-22T16:22:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.517-04:00Accepted, Now What?<dd>Here I sit. Wondering what shall I write today. What words shall be released from my fingers and spread themselves thru these pages today.<br /><div><br /><br /><br />I'm late for work this morning. I sort of have to laugh to myself about that one. In the middle of my drunken stupor last night, I distinctly remember saying to Shannon, don't worry girl, I am not gonna be late, will see you bright and early in the AM. And, I got up my usual time, and beat my ass on the treadmill for a while. Went and sat on the couch to catch up on the news. Must have bored me cause the next thing I knew, I was looking at the clock going WTF!!! I think I was more excited that I slept!! I never sleep. Its almost ridic.<br /><br /><br /><br />~insert happy dance here~<br /><br /><br /><br />Went and checked email. Perhaps, not a good idea. Out of respect for the other person involved, I wont really get into much of that. But, I seriously got caught up in this email. And, well, time slipped away. So, I called the boss and got myself ready.<br /><br /><br /><br />I stopped at the coffee shop on my way in. I felt I needed to treat myself to my usual creamy delicious treat. A Mocha Big Train. Its this frozen mocha protein extra caffeine kick me in the ass morning delight. As I am waiting, money in hand... thinking back to last nights events.<br /><br /><br /><br />In the middle of the events with the other party, the phone rings. And not my cell. So I don't really pay attention to it. Only important people call me on my cell. Only boring people I don't want to talk to call me on the land line. So, the machine got it. I heard my name being mentioned. So I ran down the hallway to take a listen.<br /><br /><br /><br />Maybe it was something I did not want to really hear. But, I really didn't have a choice at this point.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was a guy calling from the college abroad. Oh yeah, forgot about that didn't you! I mean, its been what, a YEAR since I applied. I wanted to go LAST fall. And a YEAR since I left school. As it is I am going to be paying on student loans for the rest of my life. It wasn't enough to go thru college the first time, I had to do it again! LOL. Anyway, here is the deal, "after careful consideration" as his words, I have been accepted into the study abroad program in Dublin.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now, before you all start to cheer me on, its not so simple. Not by a long shot. If it were, my bags would of been packed and I would be on the next flight out instead of being here at work. I could make a list of the reasons, but I care not to get in to that right now. I guess I should be proud that I got selected. And I am.<br /><br /></div><br /></dd><dd>I &nbsp;turn to leave&nbsp;and&nbsp;&nbsp;I think ; their are certainly other things to be spending my money on.<br /><div><br /><br />Next week, I am off across the states to stay with my mom and grandma for a week. See the rest of the family. And I believe, my mother and I have much to talk about.</div></dd><dd><div><br /></div><br /></dd><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Original MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_271266"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Sounds like it was a good night and sure you had some fun. Sorry about you not going to Dublin I know that is your dream. Hope you have a lot of fun at your mothers. God bless you<br /></strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Posted byJ.R.on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 11:47 AM</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /><br /></strong></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47226506268938179772007-05-21T16:19:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.520-04:00Nothing in Life is Easy, Now is It?May 21, 2007<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>It's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard;</i></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>to do that because I want you. I want all of</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>you,everyday.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>~The Notebook~</i></span></div><div>**************************************************************</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>If things in life were so easy, many of us would not be left in the situations in which we were. My mind is spinning. So full of many words, but , I am not sure I want to let them out today. Things I need to say. Maybe should say. But maybe I have said too much. ~sighs~ I usually don't have much of a problem of putting my words out there. Maybe with those words, I put too much of myself in the line of fire. Then I build up this wall around me. Not so willing to let people come to the other side. In that rare occasion that someone does make it to the other side, my defense goes up. And the situation I find myself in doesn't appear to be any different.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;So, I am driving to work this morning. Its a pretty amazing thing. I hate the drive. Really. But, its complete highway from where I live on in to work. Most traffic heads in the opposite direction. I speed. As I am sure most people do. But I tend to take it to the limit. Working at city hall has its advantages. You get to know the police between my town I live and my town I work. Campus police, home police, highway patrol, sheriff, county police, work police and tribal police. That's a whole hell of a lot of police that cross my path on a daily basis. Am I intimidated? Lord no. They are regular people just like me and you. My problem is, since I joke with a lot of him here at work, its hard to take them seriously. I am sure someday, I am going to run into the wrong cop, but until that time, I am going to take advantage of me and the open road. Besides, it helps me clear my thoughts. So, this morning, I got the CD going as loud as I can. My mind doesn't want to catch up. It stuck on rewind. I keep having this same conversation on constant replay. And now that I am at work, its no different. My thoughts keep drifting away from the task at hand. Drifting right back to this sitchy. That, and now I feel like being destructive. Whats next to pierce. What tattoo can I have done?? blah....</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Where did it come from? How did it happen?</div><div><br /></div>And the million dollar question of the day, how do I wrong a right?<br /><div><br /></div>Choices , we all have them. Mistakes, we all make them.<br /><div><br /></div>Let me just hit pause... take a breath, close my eyes, then hit rewind and start over.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15543808316388106982007-05-16T16:17:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.522-04:00A Blog For You<div>I wanted to write a new blog, all about you.<br /><br /></div>Something about you. Intrigue me.<br /><div><br /></div>A blog just for you. Why? No reason. Just because I can.<br /><div><br /></div>What could I say? What should go here?<br /><div><br /></div>Tell me something. Anything.<br /><div><br /></div>Ready?<br /><div><br /></div>Set-<br /><div><br /></div>GO!<br /><div><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257617"><br /><br /><strong>HOW ABOUT .. KERRY IS THE SEXIEST THANG TO EVER COME ACROSS UR PATH AND SHE KNOWS HOW TO MAKE MY SECRET PLACES SHINE WITH WETNESS, SHES A SEXUAL TIGER ABOUT TO POUNCE ON MY LUCIOUS BODY WITH THE INTENSITY OF A HUNDRED LIGHTNING BOLTS..ONLY SHE CAN MAKE MY INSIDES QUIVER ...AND BURN DOWN MY INHIBITIONS..AND ALL SHE WILL LEAVE IN HER WAKE IS MY BODY AND MIND MIXED AND CONFUSED AND ALL I WILL SEE IS HER WICKED WICKED SMILE TELLING ME SHE WILL BE BACK FOR MORE!!......LOL DAMN I MADE MY OWN SELF HOT FOR THAT ONE HAHAHA LOVE YOU</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:31 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257617">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257617">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=166964290"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257617"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="10" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257629"><br /><br />OMG!<br /><br />Ok ok... my kerry is the sexiest thannnng evvvaahhhh!<br /><br />She makes me tingle in places I didnt even know existed.<br /><br />Ahhh fuck it, I am too flustered now!! hahahahah<br /><br />Imagine that, me.. flustered... queen of Erotic Confessions... hahahahah<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:41 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257629">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257629">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257629"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257633"><br /><br /><strong>SO TELL TERRY HES GOT SOME DAMN FINE COMPITION FOR UR SEXY ASS ...LOL</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:43 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257633">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257633">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=166964290"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257633"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="10" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257646"><br /><br />Thats just what you need to get the conversation started!! LOL<br /><br />Watch out tho... hes Master Dom !!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:47 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257646">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257646">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257646"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="10" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257643"><br /><br />Oh lord !! ~rolls eyes~ why dont you go on over there and tell him yourself missy!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:47 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257643">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257643">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257643"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="30" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257662"><br /><br />awwww honey bunny..... I loves you!!! ~winks~ Me matey...<br /><br />Ok.. keep checking... I am sure Kerry and I will keep it entertaining LOL<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 11:53 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257662">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257662">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257662"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="40" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=107908846">Mexican Babe</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=107908846" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/63/s_4fb0e5575f2a44c0b82fc548bb292ebb.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257723"><br /><br />Hey where I'm I in the mix you need my sexy mexican ass too I'm small you can fit me in somewhere see I was reading somethings well about big girls well you and Kerry are going to have to beef me up a little cus I wanna be part of the club starting today I'm going to eat all the sweet I love starting with you and my blonde babe<br /><br /><br /><br />xoxoxoxo<br /><br />Crystal<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=107908846">Mexican Babe</a> on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 12:34 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257723">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257723">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=107908846"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257723"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="50" /></td> <td><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257742"><br /><br /><strong>AAWW BABY U DONT NEED TO BEEF UP NONE...WE LOVE U THE WAY U R HONEY....ALTHOUGH U EATING US WE WOULDNT MIND HAHAHA ... LOVE YOU..</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 12:46 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257742">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257742">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=166964290"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257742"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="50" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257739"><br /><br />oye... mami.... You come on in and mix with us... pick your poison, choose your weapon. Me and Kerry are sure to take good care of you!! Or...is it you are going to take good care of us??<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 12:44 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257739">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257739">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257739"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="60" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=107908846">Mexican Babe</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=107908846" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/63/s_4fb0e5575f2a44c0b82fc548bb292ebb.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257751"><br /><br />hmmmmmmmmm.........weapon all have to think about that one ....and we sould take care of each other then will be all safe,warm, and well feed lol<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=107908846">Mexican Babe</a> on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 12:51 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257751">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257751">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=107908846"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257751"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="70" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257784"><br /><br />Well honey .. lemme know ;) hehehehe<br /><br />It would be a fun house thats for sure !!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 1:10 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257784">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257784">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257784"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://x.myspacecdn.com/images/no_pic.gif" /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257884"><br /><br />Blah Blah Blah<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byon Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 2:16 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257884">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257884">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=57526304"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257884"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="10" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_257922"><br /><br />oh hush, you're just mad cause we didnt invite you!! LOL<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 2:37 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_257922">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=257922">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_257922"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="20" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace </a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/140/s_f6aaade33ca547e69e5a2de3fc3e0b1c.gif" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_265093"><br /><br />The heck with me-- I find this whole exchange very amusing! Thanks for the laugh guys!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006">MySpace</a>on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 10:46 AM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_265093">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=265093">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=38569006"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_265093"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="30" /></td> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_265269"><br /><br />heheheheheh.... it was rather fun sis..... add it to the 101 ways to amuse yourself on myspace while at work !!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a> on Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 12:26 PM<br /><br />[<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564#" id="addReplyLnk_265269">Reply to this</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<strong><a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=152385547&amp;blogId=265230564&amp;commentID=265269">Remove</a></strong>]&nbsp; [<a href="http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=block.blockuser&amp;userID=152385547"><strong>Block User</strong></a>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34415801062907394492007-05-13T16:14:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.525-04:00My Mom<div>I know I have mentioned my mom a few times in passing. I doubt she will ever see this, but thats OK. For I know in my heart, she knows how I feel as I tell her I love her every time we speak. Without my mom I do not know where I would be in life today. Being put through some of the things I had to endure as a child can be just as traumatic to the mother as well as the child. My mother never gave up when she so easily could. She was there for me. She went above and beyond her duty as a mom, even when I reached past the age of 18. She was still there, taking care of me, watching me grow, and molding me into the woman&nbsp;I am today.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;This pic I am sharing here was taken just this past Easter. Those are my cousins kids. Thats my grandmother on the couch. Sad to see her in such a state. ~sighs~ And that be my mom in the bright yellow. ~smiles~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am very glad that here very soon I will be heading across the states to visit my mom, grandma and the rest of my family. I miss them so.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><em>What "Mother" Means</em></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>"Mother" is such a simple word,</em><br /><em>But to me there's meaning seldom heard.</em><br /><em>For everything I am today,</em><br /><em>My mother's love showed me the way.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>I'll love my mother all my days,</em><br /><em>For enriching my life in so many ways.</em><br /><em>She set me straight and then set me free,</em><br /><em>And that's what the word "mother" means to me.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks for being a wonderful mother, Mom!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>By Karl Fuchs</em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Original MySpace Quotes:</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">?Ken Scott?<br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" /></a></span><br /><div><br /><br />Ken Scott<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_259545"><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">God bless your mother!!! It's really nice to see the awesome mother to raise a great lady like you Chrys! Very cool family picture too! Take care my beautiful friend!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">Ken</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?Ken Scott?on Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 5:29 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40842465764245530922007-05-12T16:11:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.527-04:00Shattered~ A Million Little Pieces<div>Shattered.<br /><br /></div>Broken into a million little pieces.<br /><div><br /></div>I just let them lay there. I don't even have the energy to pick them up.<br /><div><br /></div>They can stay there for all I care.<br /><div><br /></div>Right now, I just want to crawl back into my dark little hole.<br /><div><br /></div>I don't want anyone to offer me a hand. I don't want to be rescued.<br /><div><br /></div>Hurt.<br /><div><br /></div>It all just hurts so badly.<br /><div><br /></div>Anger.<br /><div><br /></div>I just wanna rain down like lightening on someone.<br /><div><br /></div>But in the end, does it all really matter?<br /><div><br /></div>I pick up a handful of pieces. Toss them about. See where they land.<br /><div><br /></div>They do not fall far from their little shattered family.<br /><div><br /></div>Maybe it's a sign.<br /><div><br /></div>Things do not get better from here.<br /><div><br /></div>They are what they are and nothing will change.<br /><div><br /></div>I despise that.<br /><div><br /></div>Million little pieces.<br /><div><br /></div>What they hell do they know?<br /><div><br /></div>Pieces land on the flesh.<br /><div><br /></div>Cutting it open.<br /><div><br /></div>Its there for the entire world to see.<br /><div><br /></div>Want to watch me bleed?<br /><div><br /></div>I bleed so pretty.<br /><div><br /></div>No.<br /><div><br /></div>I will not take the easy way out.<br /><div><br /></div>Not that it matters.<br /><div><br />What matters is that the one person I thought I could talk to about anything, apparently I cannot.</div><div><br /></div>The one person I thought loved me with high regards obviously thinks so much smaller of me.<br /><div><br /></div>I thought this person would never talk to me in such a matter that made me feel beneath them.<br /><div><br />Belittled.</div><div><br /></div>Chewed on.<br /><div><br /></div>Spit out.<br /><div><br /></div>Million little pieces scattered all about.<br /><div><br /></div>Wind comes in and with one giant gust,<br /><div><br /></div>Some pieces fly away<br /><div><br /></div>Never to return again.<br /><div><br /></div>© C.H.5/12/07<br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td>Cathy<br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{{{{HUGS}}}} No rescue, just {{{{HUGS}}}}.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byCathy on Sunday, May 13, 2007 - 4:51 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>Sean<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=43233455"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />ugh...<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted bySean on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 - 10:50 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56160620469542836812007-05-08T16:07:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.529-04:00New Tattoo!<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/05/08/new-tattoo-2/l_f62d453cccd148deab077ea72b25b438/" rel="attachment wp-att-4712"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4712" height="295" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/l_f62d453cccd148deab077ea72b25b438-300x295.jpg" title="l_f62d453cccd148deab077ea72b25b438" width="300" /></a>When I feel blue, I get destructive hehehehe....anyway, went to have some touch up work done on my wrist band, and decided to get another tattoo done and add too it.&nbsp; New one is on my hand. Now I have 6!! So, these pics are freshly done , the tat is about an hour hold now, so excuse the patches of blood. I tried to wipe it off before I took pics! I have also posted these pics in my pic section(on myspace). My tats now have their own pic folder. Maybe I should start one of my piercings too!! hehehehe</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="10" /></td> <td>?IrishChik?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_237933"><br /><br />Well, this artist is a keeper. He was awesome. We were talking about me being lopsided and how I needed to have some work done on the other side. So we shall see. Something with color, all my tats except for one are green and black. Go figure. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 7:20 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /><label id="NewDiv_237933"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td>?Ken Scott?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/145/s_b223edabb8bd47d29b391fa183927089.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Ken Scott<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_237977"><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">Man this tattoo is bad azz! Hey put a clover tattoo on your azz and it should have like Old English letters that says "Kiss my ass I'm Irish!" hehehehe... Or how a bout a fighting Irish dude just like the mascot of Notre Dame! Shit Chrys I hadn't got one yet slow down! LOL JK! I am still thinking about getting a Celtic Cross with Clover bush tattoo... Baby you're just so hot and the tattoos makes you look spicy! xoxoxoxoxo take care hun &amp;amp; I love your new tattoo!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">your Irish pal Ken</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?Ken Scott? on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 8:53 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_237977"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="10" /></td> <td>?IrishChik?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_238000"><br /><br />Oh no! I aint putting nothing on my ass! nuh uh not gonna do it!<br /><br />I have no idea what I will do next. I am sure in time something will come to me. I am sure to slow down. I've spent my money, gotta save up for the next one!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 9:48 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_238000"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td>Patrice<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/143/s_294e8995c07b45a792dbde894b7d3ad3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_237979"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery nice!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;Patrice on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 9:00 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_237979"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="10" /></td> <td>?IrishChik?<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/112/s_c02244b0631c5cebe3e648b2b9429113.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_238001"><br /><br />Thanks girl!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 9:49 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_238001"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td>Tabitha<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/s_8cc4d4280cc84300b0d4fc01a64e5803.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Tabitha Stone<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_238830"><br /><br />That's very cool<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byTabitha on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 7:57 PM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63545477923033642132007-05-08T16:03:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.532-04:00Even the Best Fall Down Sometimes<div>I make no apologies. Not any more. I am who I am. End of story.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>It's been a rough road the last couple of weeks, and I am doing my best to keep on a bright face and put best foot forward. However, I am only human and I do make mistakes. I can not give it my all 100% of the time. I am not as strong as you think I am. I am going to fall down sometimes. And it might take me a day or two to pick myself up and dust myself off. It's not always right away. All I ask is that you just be my friend and have some patience.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Anyway…. No news from any docs yet. So nothing new to report there.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I talked to my mom this morning, and told her I would be coming up the week of Memorial Day. She cried. I am going to assume it was tears of joy.&nbsp; I even got to talk to my grandma for a little while as I drove into work. That made my morning. She sounded good all things considered.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I still feel very blah. I am tired and worn down emotionally and mentally. I just want to crawl into bed and hide under the covers. I would say sleep, but since I can't sleep half the time sort of a wasted point.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I come to work and I have to be all bright and cheerful. All that does is piss me off cause they way I feel right now, I just want to rain down like lightening on something or someone. I am angry and it's hard not to let it show.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Last time I felt this way was right after gramps died. I had just gotten back from his funeral. I was so angry and pissy. I ended up quitting my job and dropping out of school. All that did was send me into a dark downward spiral of depression.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am trying very hard not to follow that path again<br /><br /></div>At any rate-<br /><div><br /></div>Does anyone have a row boat I can borrow? I think I am going to need it. It has rained for the better part of 4 days now. And not just a sprinkle or a drizzle, but a down pour.&nbsp; So if you see me floating by, wave.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td>Kristi<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020"></a><br /><div><br /><br />KRISTI C<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />be careful the current might carry you this wave...I need something to float to work in and get back home. Vehicles are not equipped w/ the proper floating devices!!&nbsp; How many more days of rain are we gonna get? Its still raining here this morning...Anyway if I see ya floating by , I will be sure and wave only if you do the same<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;Kristion Tuesday, May 08, 2007 - 10:53 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>J.R.<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=47558354"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I wish you the best. We will pry for you. Good luck and I hope every thing goes your way. God bless you.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byJ.R. on Tuesday, May 08, 2007 - 11:06 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>Sean<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=43233455"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />aye...but me darling beauty always pulls back up....and pulls up her beast at the same time!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted bySean on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 11:42 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>?IrishChik?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />thats because you are always there holding my hand darling!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 11:45 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25574950112627014192007-05-06T15:59:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.534-04:00F*ck THIS!Fuck this! I can not take any more bad news. My world as I know it just keeps dropping. Now, it's just crumbling out from under me. Crumbling all around me. Just leaving me here to defend for myself.<br /><div><br /><br />I just want to curl up and …. Screw that. I just want to have my mind float away. Go some place else.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I am tired of the test in life.<br /><br /></div>Damn it, I am just plain tired.<br /><div><br /></div>There is someone, very dear and close to me, who is in a bad situation. And something happened to him. Something that words can not even begin to describe. Imaginable. Unthinkable. Unspeakable. And yet, I feel, I should have seen it coming. I should have extended my hand a little longer. Helped. Been there. Something. Anything. And now, I feel so helpless. Wanting to reach out and help in any way I can. But yet, knowing at the same time, their&nbsp;likely isn't much I can do.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>And as if all of last week's doc visits and worries were not enough, my mother calls me to tell me my grandmother is dying. She is going to die. Simple as that. Well, we all know people live and then they die. But, gramps just died last January, must she go too? Now?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Fucking cancer. Taking over all those close to me. Can't give grandma treatment because she is too weak. Can't do surgery because her body won't mend and she will just be a mess of tubes and wires. They don't know how much longer she has. Could be today, tomorrow, next week, or even a year from now. Although I am not holding my breath.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />In the short time since I have found out, I have had to make a choice. My grandmother or Ireland. Because I can not take time off from work for both. At least I don't think I can. I don't know. My grandmother has been waiting for me to go so I can come back and tell her all about it. Just breaks my heart. In so many ways.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I just don't think I know anything anymore.</div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td>Cathy<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Cathy McElhaney<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aww Chrys...{{{{HUGS}}}} You sure have had more than your share these past few years! My grandmother died of cancer 25 years ago, but we found out in early April and she died May 18th...it was really fast and hard to deal with. I still miss her. Sweetie, as much as we would love to "save the world", we just can't do that. Sometimes, the people we care about need to experience things and we just don't know why. It may not make sense and seems horrible, there is a reason for it...we just don't know what that reason is. Extend your hand now, because it's never too late! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The company should allow you to take off for both...if you are talking about the inevitable...the funeral. That is something most places make provisions for and it is not counted as vacation time or personal time. Usually they allow 3 days, sometimes 4 for out of state. As for Ireland...GO...maybe these things are happening to show you that life is short and there are no guarantee's! You have to go for what you want before it all slips away!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">{{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya...you know I do!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;Cathy on Monday, May 07, 2007 - 5:15 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>Joey<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Joey Vagance<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />Ahhh sis I am so sorry to hear this. Not sure what to say sides follow yer heart. Ya knows the right thing to do deep inside ya.<br /><br />I knows the feeling o enough is enough. Ya knows I do. Loves ya sis n hang in.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byJoey on Monday, May 07, 2007 - 9:19 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>Kristi<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020"></a><br /><div><br /><br />KRISTI C<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I can relate to your pain!! Losing a loved one to cancer is soooo tough.&nbsp; We&nbsp;lost my grandpa 9 years ago...&nbsp;1 month before I got married.&nbsp; He told us in October and they gave him 6 months and he was gone January 26!!&nbsp; Then last year it was Shane's grandpa and his was very sudden, just a couple of months.&nbsp; I am sorry you are having such a terrible time of it, you and your family are in my prayers!!&nbsp; About your Ireland trip, what would your grandma want for you??<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byKristi on Monday, May 07, 2007 - 9:41 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>?Ken Scott?<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Ken Scott<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">Oh Chrys! I am so so sorry about your grandmother :( I will have her and you in my prayers... I would agree with Kristi from above about asking your grandmother what she wants you to do... You take care Chrys! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600;">your loving friend Ken</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?Ken Scott?on Monday, May 07, 2007 - 10:04 AM<br /><br />[<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>Tabitha<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=32959864"></a><br /><div><br /><br />Tabitha Stone<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I hopes your mother feel well soon.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byTabitha on Tuesday, May 08, 2007 - 1:31 AM<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td></td> <td>MySpace<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=38569006"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div><br /><br />I agree, I hate fucking cancer -- I can't begin to count how many people I loved that it has taken. How ironic though about the grandma/Ireland thing. My grandmother has always wanted to go to Ireland with me, as that is her homeland, and now she is not in the best health either. Getting old sucks!<br /><br />{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}} sis.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;MySpace on Tuesday, May 08, 2007 - 10:17 AM<br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70638550273284365882007-05-04T15:57:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.536-04:00And the Beat Goes On - My Heart That Is. The Dreaded Doc Edition Part 2May 4, 2007<br /><br />&nbsp;Ok, so after reading the <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2007/05/what-up-with-chrys-dreaded-doc-edition.html">What's Up With Chrys</a> blog, I thought maybe I needed to write a part two, and catch everyone up on what's going on since.<br /><div><br /></div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Back</span></strong> – in check, still feels OK.<br /><div><br /></div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Intestinal Block</span></strong> – well, I am taking meds to try and "un-block" it so I do not have to have another surgery. Some background on this – about 5 years ago my gallbladder ruptured and sent me to the ER. I had to have surgery to remove it, as well as all the stones that had made their way into my body. What was suppose to be an "easy – every day" procedure turned into a nightmare. One stone was lodged in my intestine, causing it to rip. OUCH! Point is, with no gallbladder, my body produces no bile, which is used to break down and digest the foods we eat. Well, in the fall of 2005 I had pains in my side. And couldn't really keep food in me. After some test, we found a blockage in my intestines. Seems my intestines decided to produce their own make-shift bile and it had hardened and lodged itself. That was removed. And I was told at that point, that it could very well happen again. YEAH! I was so thrilled to hear this. ~rolls eyes~ At any rate, it seems that it has happened yet again. But this time, not quite so bad, but enough to make me grouchy and uncomfortable. We are trying a round of medication to see if we can get it to break up and move along on its own so that I do not have to face another surgery of intestinal sucking. LOL!<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Moving along.</div><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Heart Issues</span></strong> – So, I went to the hospital yesterday to get my fun little heart rate monitor. I was really scared and so nervous, just because I did not really understand what was going to happen. I sat in the waiting room for what seemed like an eternity. My poor husband, I just talked his ear off. This was rather funny because usually when I have to wait around like that, I get really reserved and nervous. Odd. Ok, so when the nurse called me back, my heart just started pounding. Nice, right? Ironic actually. So, I am lying on this table, hanging out, chilling. And he's wiping my chest down with alcohol. Phew! Stinky shit!! Then he takes this little sponge and starts to scrape my skin. A sponge you say? That scrape? But sponges are all soft and squishy. Ummm no. Not this one. This was more like a brillo pad. It was unreal. Or, more like a loofah that hasn't gotten wet yet. Wasn't the highlight of my day to be honest. Ok, so then, he put the huge round sticky things on me. Then wires connected to them. All the wires come together and are put on this box. Ok, now this little box looks more like the late 80's early 90's version of the pagers that came out. And don't laugh, because you know you wanted one! Oh, but the best part, it goes in this little case, with a strap. It's like a little purse. The nurse was all trying to be funny. He was saying I could just throw it across my shoulder and let it hang diagonal across my body. Um..dude, seriously. This thing is NOT fashionable by any means.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, here I am thing morning. Writing this when I should finish getting ready for work. I am dressed. Thankfully we can wear jeans. So, I got a belt and looped my little purse thru my belt. Ok, so that's in check. Can't really see it. Because I have a sleeveless hoodie on over my shirt, It's baggy enough that it covers the wires and what- nots that seen to not want to hide themselves under my shirt. Sadly, there is one that no matter what damn shirt I put on, you can see the sticky thing poking out around my collar. So, not fashionable by any means. However, I have done my best to make it not too noticeable.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am sure some of you are wondering what the big deal is. Well, I haven't told anyone at work. Aside from Shannon (daisybug on my friends list) cause she is really one of my best friends. And, Alison is also on my friends list. She is not in my office; she's next door in the library, so she could possibly know if she read my blogs. Which, hey, it's OK! I do just really not want to talk about it unless I absolutely have too. It's almost like having to admit there is something wrong with me…. ~sighs~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Weight Issue</span></strong> – I have been watching and writing down all my food. I have been using sparkpeople.com to log everything. And I did work out the other night, but now, with this heart monitor thing, I have refrained from that. But, I get to take it off today, so I am hoping to get a workout in this eve.</div><div><br /></div>And as you know, I love to be destructive in times of crisis! LOL… So I have an appt Monday when I get off work to work on my tattoo. The one I got on St. Paddy day is all healed. There are a few places I would like to have touched up, and I would like some shading and stuff done to it as well. BRING ON THE PAIN!! Hahah<br /><div><br />Ok, I am off to work. Enjoy the day!!</div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><br /></strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"> </span></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42154919" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/s_fa51ecd3152c45d5ba5f2315e578e351.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Joey Vagance<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_224987"><br /><br />Thanks fer the update sis. Loves ya ~brotherly hugs~<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;Joey on Friday, May 04, 2007 - 12:38 PM<br /><br />[<strong>Reply to this</strong>]&nbsp; [<strong>Remove</strong>]&nbsp; [<strong>Block User</strong>]<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><label id="NewDiv_224987"></label><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" height="1" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/clear.gif" width="0" /></td> <td>Atlanta Cellist.....<br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=61526780" id="ImageURL"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/13/s_e29970b183b24d8992ed5e871c09cdb6.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></td> <td width="100%"><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><div id="CommentDiv_226326"><br /><br />I got to wear one of those heart monitors a number of years ago.&nbsp; It was quite interesting!&nbsp; All I learned from it was that I have panic attacks....and they were what was making my heart jump &amp;amp; speed up (rolling eyes).<br /><br /><br /><br />I'll be praying for ya!!! :)<br /><br /><br /><br />big hugs &amp;amp; kisses of course :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by&nbsp;Atlanta Cellist..... on Friday, May 04, 2007 - 7:36 PM<br /><br />[<br /><br /></div></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82765370858582793972007-05-01T15:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.949-04:00What's Up With Chrys? - The Dreaded Doc Edition<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">So, the time has come again. Another What's Up With Chrys blog if you will.&nbsp;I just need to vent a bit, and let some things out.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I have so much going on inside my mind right now, that I am not really sure where to begin.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I had a doctor's appointment today. Not with the back doc, as that hasn't really been giving me trouble. Tis a good thing, considering. The longer it stays better feeling, the longer I have to put off surgery.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I was at my regular doctor today for 3 hours. We had much to talk about, but&nbsp;in the process something new came in to light.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">For some of you that got an email from me, some of this next part (ok bits and pieces) may seem a little familiar. And that's because I am too frustrated to keep writing the same thing over. Truth is, I just copy pasted some of it. Added to it. Took some away.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">You get the idea.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">~HANGS HEAD~</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I am sorry.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I know, twas wrong of me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>~sighs~</div><div><br /></div>Ok, my tummy/intestinal problems obviously will never go away. I have been dealing with them for the better part of about 5-6 years now.&nbsp;I have&nbsp;stopped taking all my meds because they don't help. So, why keep wasting my money if it's not doing any good??<br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">She (my doc) did not seem to have a problem with that. However, she suggests I keep a food journal and write what I eat and how it affects me. Perhaps I also have a food allergy and need to stay away from certain foods altogether. But, we&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">also know, due to my past surgeries and such, certain foods I should be&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">staying away from.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">A big NO NO – Fried Foods! C'mon folks, I live in the south for bayjezus! Ok really, I don't eat much fried foods. Not at home, I bake everything. And when I go out, I tend to shy away cause of all the grease. Greasy foods are a big big no no. I will literally lie on the floor and die. My body just can not digest it. Not anymore. Not after the surgeries I have had. Yeah, the lack of a gallbladder, and having your intestines ripped opened and repaired can do that do a girl.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">OUCH!</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">But, I do seem to have another intestinal blockage.&nbsp; Since I do not have a gallbladder, my intestines seem fit to try and produce its own make shift bile crap. And of course, since its not really a bile producing organ, all it does is block my intestines.&nbsp; Last time, I had to have surgery to remove it. YUCK!&nbsp; We are hoping that maybe this time, we will not have to take that route, and with a little medication, and some time, we can unblock and pass.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Hmmm sounds like a game of football! LOL...anyway, got to find some humor or I will lose my mind.</span><br /><br /></div>Basically I should be more vegetarian then I already am. Apparently I&nbsp;need to become vegan. Because it seems any thing animal related causes&nbsp;me much pain and discomfort.<br /><div><br /></div>But, damn it I hate being told what I can and can not eat!<br /><div><br /></div>~sighs~<br /><div><br /></div>Next.<br /><div><br /></div>My blood pressure was good. This means meds are working. So, no<br /><div><br />adjustments there. For those of you who don't know, I have high blood pressure. Hasn't always been that way. But, not sure if it's due to any of the drugs I am/have been on. Since I have quit taking some and changed others, guess we will just have to ride this one out.<br /><br /></div>Next.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, so I have some skin spots. Moles. Brown spots. Maybe age spots. Who knows? At any rate, I don't like them and neither does my doc. So, she called and on Monday the 14<sup>th</sup>I am going to the hospital to have the skin doc check me out. Some of them have changed, I have noticed. And that scares me. Cancer runs in my family. My grandmother is now on her 8<sup>th&nbsp;</sup>round of cancer being back, and it is her 3<sup>rd</sup>type. Her first being skin cancer when she was my age.&nbsp;I was always in the sun, and I spent the better part of my 5 years in college days inside a tanning bed. I kid you not, that shit is addicting. I am afraid; my skin may be paying the price now. I take much better care of my skin now. But, the damage may have already been done. Most people don't believe me when I tell them how bad of a tanner I was. Mostly, cause my face shows no signs of it. My face hasn't aged. I get told all the time that I can't be as old as I am. Oh believe me, I am. I just have good genes.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Yeah, oh, and I just found out about my grandmothers cancer being back the other day. I worry, that she may not fight anymore. I worry, that she will just want to give up, and then she can be pain free and with gramps. I really do not know what to think about this right now. I love my grandmother so much, and right now, I just can not think about losing her. Just losing gramps last year.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Then my poor Lonnie in December.&nbsp;I miss my angel. His angel wings must be tired these days. Fluttering between me, Sean, Joey and Elonna. Not to mention his family and daughter.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">And now, Elonna fighting cancer as well. I just can not take any more suffering.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Ok, moving along before I start rambling.</span><br /><div><br /></div>Next.<br /><div><br /></div>Apparently my heart beat is showing some abnormalities of its own. Not just showing, but I feel it too. My heart goes so hard and fast that I feel like I am having a heart attack. My heart is going to come right out of my chest. And it hurts.<br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">No, its not panic attacks. Trust me, I have those too. And they are not the same.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">So, while I was at the docs they gave me an EKG and a breath test. NOOOO</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"> that WAS NOT fun at all. And this was not something I was expecting on this visit.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">The good news is my breath test results said I had the lungs of a 16yr&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">old. That's good to know. I personally never smoked, but my mother did, and I always worried about how the 2<sup>nd&nbsp;</sup>hand smoke would affect me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">However, between the 2 tests, it has been determined that&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">obviously, something is off because I can feel it, but its not showing&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">on their machines. So, Thursday the 3rd I am being sent off to the hospital to&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">get another round of tests and get fitted for some heart monitor deal I have to wear for a few days. Then, once all docs have results, we will go from their.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I am so fecking frustrated.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Mad at myself for letting my self get so unhealthy. &nbsp;I used to not be&nbsp;this way, and I just hate it.</div><div><br /></div>Next.<br /><div><br /></div>So, I guess, I really need to get working harder on the treadmill and&nbsp;with the weights. And stop eating out so much....and likely, cut back&nbsp;on the Guinness as well.<br /><div><br /></div>BLAH!!!<br /><div><br /></div>My doc is also telling me I need to check back in with her in a month about my weight. She wants me to keep a food journal, not only to write about how certain foods affect me to see about allergies and what not, but so we can go over the&nbsp;good/bad in efforts to weight loss. She also wants to see how well I can do in regards to losing some weight.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Weight loss is not the answer, but we all know it will help. As well as the exercise. In more ways then one.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Ok, I think that about covers it.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I think I am going to go find something to throw and break now. Let out my frustrations.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Original MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow - well not much I can say after all that excep that I'm here for you.&nbsp; It will all work out - just takes time.&nbsp; Hugs and kisses to you!</span><br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=72753967">Patrice</a>on Wednesday, May 02, 2007 - 11:52 AM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /><br /></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">You have alot going on right now!!&nbsp; You will make it thru! I had to wear the whole heart moniter thing when I was pregnant with Cody, had to have it for a couple of days and anytime I felt my heart feeling weird had to hit a button that sent the drs a notice so they would be able to see if what I was feeling would show up!!&nbsp; Nothing did,(Thankfully)but it was still very scary!! I can relate to the whole cancer situation also, runs in my family, and I know it is very scary to go thru &amp;amp; deal with! All my best to your grandma!! Hold your chin up it will get better</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020">Kristi</a>on Wednesday, May 02, 2007 - 12:17 PM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47488369458406728692007-04-29T15:54:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.539-04:00~Pierced~<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:449774550_71ea8a9d82_b.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="several piercings" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/449774550_71ea8a9d82_b.jpg/300px-449774550_71ea8a9d82_b.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via </span></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So, as usual, whenever I feel like life is overwhelming me and I am up against the world, I feel like I must do something destructive. But, the reality is, its not destructive to me. Pain, brings me pleasure. Hence, the need for tats and piercings. But, whats left is a beautiful reminder of the life I have lived, what I have gone thru and what I have accomplished in life. For every piercing and every tat has a story behind it.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>At any rate, I got my nose pierced again.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>~smiles~<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=1243edfd-8b42-475b-b61f-fa0533077382" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67819481089548115732007-04-12T15:49:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:16.224-04:00Passports and Emotions: An Update<div><br />Well, it certainly has been a while since I have wrote an installment of Passports and Emotions. It seemed like it was about due time.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Much has changed since I last wrote of my adventure trip over the big blue pond.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>It seems when I was always ready to give up and throw in the towel, some thing, or some one would toss me a line and bring me back to shore.</div><div><br /></div>Now, I am living in self doubt and beginning to wonder if that is such the case these days.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, if you will remember, I had a trip to&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;planned last summer. For me and my brother, Joey's birthday. Things change. Joey was not going to be around. But, I still wanted to go. As I got to know his friends more and more, the trip took another turn. I have always wanted to go to&nbsp;Erie, in search of my roots and finding out who I really am. As, I have not always known who I was. But, that is another blog story.</div><div><br /></div><br />So, off across the big blue pond it was for me. A grand adventure waited. I knew that no matter what, it was going to be fun and it was going to be emotional.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I was glad to have Sean in my life, glad he was going to be my own personal tour guide. Showing me around&nbsp;Dublin&nbsp;and&nbsp;Cork, where both of our families are from. But Sean and I, we took another turn in life. He went his way to Sally, and I went right towards Lonnie.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Things happened and the plans were then changed (once again) to come on Lonnie's birthday, which was about a month later.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Obviously that did not work out. Much went on between me and Lonnie. Again, things happened, and the trip had to be postponed yet again. This time, we aimed for this year- St. Patrick's Day. It had seemed at the time that this was achievable; I was just going to travel alone. He was OK with that after much convincing. We pretty much had everything worked out.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am pretty sure most of you know the rest of the story with Sean and Lonnie. You know Lonnie has passed away. St. Patrick's Day has come and gone, and I am still sitting here.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>This trip, has once again taken on a whole new turn.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Now, I am sure many of you have noticed Sean and I are …. Well honestly I don't know really what we are. We have always loved each other, through everything. And we want to be together, but just do not know if that will happen. At any rate, I suppose you could say, we are in love, and we are together. Together as two married people oceans apart can be.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>However, we both have a separate life we lead. A life full of others. Honor, commitment, duty and the like. If he and I do not end up together in this life, I am ok with that. All I need is his love. And that is not likely to ever go anyplace. Sean and I will always have what we have.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Anyway, I am tired of putting this trip off. I need to go now more then ever. I won't be able to see Joey, for he's not in&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;right now. I do not know if I will even be able to see Sean. But I have to try. He was to have his first visit the other day. I don't know if this means the director will allow him visits now or not. As you know, he's doing his time for the passing of Lonnie. A situation which has made things hard to say the very least.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>What no one seems to understand is that I HAVE to see Sean. I missed out on ever being able to see Lonnie. I regret that only thing about our entire relationship. I regret never taking my trip to&nbsp;Erie. I regret putting it off so many bloody times. And, I HAVE to visit Lonnie's final resting place.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I DO NOT care what anyone says. I don't care who tries to protect me. I am going. I have to. I have to make my own peace with the sitchy and say my good-bye. I just wish everyone could understand that. I will find my way there, even if I have to go at it alone.</div><div><br /></div>I do not know what I am even doing any more.<br /><div><br /></div>I am tired of getting my hopes up about this trip.<br /><div><br /></div>I have reached the point where I am tired of the heartache. I am ready to just give up on it all together. I have reached a turning point these last few days. Some things will never change. Some things will never bend and give. Maybe its time to pack my dreams away and just live out the rest of my life in this bleak and mundane existence.<br /><div><br /></div>Right now I just feel like giving up is easier then dealing.<br /><div><br />I am going to put cotton in my ears….no longer hearing&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;calling.</div><div><br /></div>I want to keep believing. I want to believe in the fairytale. But, I just do not see how anymore.<br /><div><br /></div>It's Ok. I'll be alright. I always am. One way or another.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>As for my boys…my brother Joey, my angel Lonnie and my love Sean….will always love them, always in my heart, no matter where life takes me.</div><div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77163147464948161812007-04-12T15:45:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.541-04:00This One's For Shannon<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/04/12/this-ones-for-shannon-2/attachment/0016/" rel="attachment wp-att-4691"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4691" height="203" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/0016-300x203.jpg" title="0016" width="300" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />For those of you who don't know, Shannon is Daiseybug on my friends list. We work together. :) and she has fastly become one of my true best friends.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>It's nice to have someone that loves with, without questions, conditions or restraints.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>And I have found that in a friend like her.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I hope all of you have that one special friend in your life.</div><div><br /></div>Cherish them and hold them close.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Shannon has been there with me through much turmoil. She has listend with open ears AND open heart regarding the loss of Lonnie and the love of him and Sean both. Not once has she questioned it or judged.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>She was there the day I found out Lonnie had passed. She was the only one who listened. The only one who extended a hand in friendship.</div><div><br /></div>She's been holding my hand as all us Irish Pirates hope and pray for Elonna's speedy recovery.<br /><div><br /></div>And she has been there ever since.<br /><div><br /></div>At any rate...<br /><div><br /></div>Shannon, I thank you.<br /><div><br /></div>I read your card and didn't know how to respond. My words get tangled in person, so this was the only way I knew how.<br /><div><br /></div>So, my girl...thank you for everything...and I love ya :)<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>When we rise and fall, its good to know we can rise and fall together.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>~SMILES~</div><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Original MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_182899"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a wonderful tribute to your friend! I have been lucky enough to have my bestest friend for 42 years...all of her life! My little sister is my closest friend. Even though we are 5 1/2 years apart, we have that "twin connection" and used to freak people out when we would "communicate" without talking...it's harder to do that now that we are 1200 miles apart, but I know when she needs me...</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tell Elonna hi for me and that I am keeping her in my prayers! {{{{HUGS}}}}</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42270576">Cathy</a>on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 7:44 AM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-294522517137959462007-03-28T12:06:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.544-04:00Migraines Suck<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/03/28/migraines-suck-2/headache/" rel="attachment wp-att-4686"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4686" height="300" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/headache-229x300.jpg" title="headache" width="229" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />Migraines suck. Too sick to my tummy to do anything, can't see anything for very long before it gets a halo around it, can't sleep because my eye won't stop twitching, and I have taken anything I can to make it all go away. Doesn't seem to fully help.....Grr.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Just grr.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I&nbsp;got up yesterday morning at 4 a.m. -- you know, normal time -- seeing as how I never sleep much, and those chances I do, seems ALWAYS have to pee at 4am. Today was no different.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>And I&nbsp;felt bad. Just ... bad. More like shit. &nbsp;I couldn't figure out what was going on,&nbsp;4 a.m.&nbsp;not being prime diagnostic time for me, so I just kind of stayed in bed and waited for an epiphany.</div><div><br /><br /><br />By&nbsp;4:30, the hubby is up and getting ready for work, talking his usual bit of nonsense that I pay no attention to, and then&nbsp;it occurred to me that I was getting a migraine.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I figured at some point this was going to happen. I have been having these small random headaches for about 2 weeks now.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Anxiety again? Panic attacks again? Stress?? Who the fuck knows. All I know is I am rightfully sick of it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Now, guys, if you've never had a migraine, it isn't a headache. Other than the fact it's in your head, well, there's really not a lot of resemblance. Mine start with a tightness on the muscles of the right side, at the base of my neck, stiff, achy, and around 6:30a the pain exploded in a fiery hot little ball above my&nbsp;right eye.&nbsp; I had no choice but to call in sick to work. No way could I function. By&nbsp;7am&nbsp;it had spread to the left eye.<br /><br /><br />No problem, I have fine pharmaceutical products for this. So I took a&nbsp;Imitrex and&nbsp;went back to bed to wait it out. See, I can't really do much with a migraine. So I stayed home. I was a mindless lump, in a vegetative state, waiting for the meds to kick in.<br /><br />&nbsp;They didn't kick in. I got up around 9 or 10, sent a message to myspace friends letting them know I was ill and would not be around. Waited to hear from Sean and Joey.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Took another Imitrex and some Klonopin and headed back to bed.</div><div><br /></div>Nothing.<br /><div><br />&nbsp;By&nbsp;2 p.m.&nbsp;I'd reached the puking, weeping stage, convinced that I was having a stroke/heart attack&nbsp;and/or going blind. I retreated from the dim bathroom to the completely dark bedroom, crawled under the covers, stuck an ice pack on the back of my neck, and cried.<br /><br /><br />I got up around&nbsp;5 p.m.&nbsp;to find something to eat, in hopes of keeping it down. The hubby was home and all he wanted to do was talk. WTF???? When I say I have a migraine that means I WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE. After 10 years you would think he of all people would understand.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I took my happy ass to the couch, crawled under my covers and&nbsp;decided to watch a few DVD episodes of&nbsp;Queer As Folk.</div><div><br /></div>Went back to bed at 10.<br /><div><br />&nbsp;Woke up this morning only to find ... migraine. Still there. Less, though, so I took another&nbsp;Imitrex, called in to work yet again,&nbsp;and managed to find my way to the kitchen.<br /><br /></div>Am currently trying to sort through things and get back on the writing track, but it's hard.<br /><div><br /><br />Sorry. Whiny today, but at least the Imitrex and Klonopin is beginning to help, and I can look at the computer screen without much pain ...<br /><br /><br />So, now that my body is achy from laying in bed motionless, my head is a mess and my stomach in knots from all the meds...I think it is safe to say I will be back to work tomorrow.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Slow recovery. I hope I can keep the anxiety at bay (guess thats what I got drugs for LOL)&nbsp;and the stress to a .....well, really I don't think there is any help for the stress.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Original MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156363"><br /><br />thanks honey!! ~hugs~<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:41 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156366"><br /><br />awwwww....my lil daisybug (or is that bugger heheh) I miss you too and am about to go crazy being couped up in the house. Words can not express how miserable I am. Really. No, really, it fucking sucks ass.<br /><br />Special things....for me?? Oh lordy, Rodgers retirement party and DB can only mean one thing!!! HAHAHAHA..... Well, sorry I am going to miss the fabulous time. Perhaps, you can save me a bit of something. Well...no....wait....I'll pass on that DB if your kitchen stinks that bad.<br /><br />I do feel better today then I did at the begining. This is a good sign.<br /><br />Love ya, Miss ya.....be back to sunshine and giggles in no time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:44 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156081"><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">Dang Chrys,</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">Hey I saw your bulletin on here it shows</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">home today<br />ill<br />feel like crap<br />head is going to explode<br />miss you guys<br /><br />xoxo<br />Chrys</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #006600; font-size: small;"><strong>Huh?! Who's head are you talking about his or yours? LOL! Chrys! You got to slow down on that BJ's ; throat gagging! You're given it all you got!</strong></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">SLOW DOWN you're not always Wonder Woman you know...hehehe..</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">I hate it&nbsp;when you're feeling down well you get better and I know you'll be stepping up to the plate soon! ;) Take care doll!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">The Irish Hunk Ken</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?Ken Scott?on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 11:43 PM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156367"><br /><br />yer funny....now behave<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:45 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156211"><br /><br />I get 'em too.&nbsp; Not as bad as you...but just dull headaches and nausea.&nbsp;I feel your pain. Get better!<br /><br /><br /><br />Dan<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byDanny-Boyon Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 1:21 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156369"><br /><br />Thanks hun..... glad someone understands...well not really, cause I dont wish this pain on anyone...but it is nice to know that someone really gets how i feel, cause so many dont.... they are all like "eh its just a headache take some asprin" right...been there, done that, doesnt help....<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:46 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_156362"><br /><br />Yeap...out again...<br /><br />Day 3<br /><br />fecking sucks<br /><br />the world can not stop, but I have to.<br /><br />blech<br /><br />percription meds make me woozie and disconnected, only dull the pain and make my head fuzzy<br /><br />cant see straight<br /><br />sitting here is bothersome<br /><br />i lay down, its like i am drunk and the room spins<br /><br />i really need to get back to work....but i am useless<br /><br />about to go crazy being couped up inside<br /><br />~sighs~<br /><br />anyway...I'm alive....and I'll be around...<br /><br />Chrys<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 7:41 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19708170605297914802007-03-25T12:05:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.546-04:00I'm Just FloatingI am just floating around latley. Just roaming around this thing called life. I do not know where I am going anymore. Really, not sure if I ever did. Just when I think I got it *poof* its all gone. So far out of reach. The harder I try to change, the more it stays the same. I'm tired. I'm lost. I'm confused. Which way to go. Which way to turn. What choice to make. ~sighs~ Only one thing I am sure of. But, I guess I will keep floating...roaming....<br /><br /><br /><br />***************************************************<br /><br /><br /><br />Floating like a satellite,<br /><br />deep in space with the stars above,<br /><br />in my dreams, so late at night,<br /><br />dreaming of the one I love.<br /><br /><br /><br />Floating like a satellite,<br /><br />orbiting around your heart,<br /><br />keeping your soul in my sight,<br /><br />to assure we're never torn apart.<br /><br /><br /><br />Floating like a satellite,<br /><br />come join me on this distant moon.<br /><br />Our love shines like the sun, so bright,<br /><br />as we sing this eternal tune.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />MySpace Original Comments:<br /><br />I think there is something "in the air" because I know so many feeling restless, out of sorts, disconnected...maybe something planetary? I don't know, all I DO know is that you are not alone in your feelings here! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /><br /><br />Posted by Cathy on Monday, March 26, 2007 - 4:51 AMChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75396409730351776052007-03-20T11:57:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.952-04:00Letter to the Missing<div><br /><br />** I will have the after paddy day blog up soon, I promise. But, as I sit here this eve, insomia has hit. I started going through some of my writings that I never posted. Maybe not such a good idea, for hidden inside were many layers of unspoken words of Sean and Lonnie.&nbsp;Now I am&nbsp; empty and sad, and left with this huge empty hole and ache in the pit of my stomach. I miss him so much.&nbsp; Anyway, last year, Joey was taken away from all of us. Moved out of the country. When Lonnie found out, he flipped. A butterfly he was, always so delecate and fluttering about. Anyway, he took off. Weeks and weeks went by and I didnt hear from him. Worry became anger. When Sean found out where he was, he let me know. I was so hurt and upset. But despite it all, I welcomed him back with open arms. Despite the anger, the frustration, the hurt feelings, the sadness....all of it....there was so much love. I never have any regrets about my time spent with Lonnie. None. Period. I know, I will see him again , someday, when its my turn. For now, he is with me...in spirit.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Anyway, this is a little piece I wrote , hurting, anger, frustration crawls out from under me and presents itself here....its hard for me to read again, after so much time. Seeing how mad I was. Sometimes, I get angry that hes not here with now.....But, its doing me some good to release it, here , for everyone to see. Letting it go....becoming free.....hoping he will forgive me for my words.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />On a positive note......Sean and I are healing and mending. Tis a hard road to travel down. We know Lonnie tis watching us, fluttering about. But we are taking things&nbsp;one step at a time. On the path together, hand in hand. Road is much easier together, sharing a love that only we can share. A tale as old as time, a tale thats ours and ours alone.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />************************************************<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Letter To The Missing<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />It seems like forever since I've seen, or heard you're voice. I feel your absence like a knot in the pit of my stomach. I barely believe in you anymore. You seem waithlike, and fluttering,...half real, and transparent. More dream than a creature having any substance. It is a fearful thing, to love what is only alive and whole in your own head.<br /><br /><br /><br />This is not how I planned you. What I dreamed us up to be. I prefer the fantasy of us that I had when we talked for hours. I am becoming resigned now to feeling this way. I don't understand this change in you? You leave me alone to find a whores comfort in the arms of strangers and still I long for you. It is madness, my feeling affection for you right now. That is me in the corner, half dead, wordlessly. Where are you? What has happened to the you? Who are you? You are no good to me as a rumor. I need you with ground under your feet. I have enough mirages. I am tired out with absences; and with trying to fill them.<br /><br /><br /><br />Your silence is deadly. I hate it, and yet I fear your speaking equally now as well. Your truth might be death dealing. Loving you is nothing less than one of my grandest of self-betrayals. You've brought me no comfort in the last few weeks, only this dull ache. I feel no anger towards you, that is now hidden so deep that I can feel it only towards myself. I am ashamed that I accept this from you, and still want you near me as much as I do. I feel I should be outraged and insulted. Not sad, filled with longing, and missing you. However I am content with the lie that i should feel this devotion towards you. I must be, unable as I am to give you up. For now, it is enough. You create for me something to feel while traversing this empty space. I am passing the time in a web of fantasy and deceit. It is nothing more than hope in you though. I have no faith in you or us as I did before. Just a desperate clinging to hope. It is a sad thing.<br /><br /><br /><br />Mostly, I pass my day in a state that is numb enough that I can pretend to be happy. I pass as content enough. I do so by filling my thoughts with lies that give me comfort. Such as, I am fine, and strong. You are there and real and caring. I will become someone worthwhile. In the springtime I will love life again. In this state of self-defacing ignorance, I can pretend to not feel so alone without you, as the days repeat the same absences of you. It works until I hear the echo of you in the silence, or feel the breath of&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;an empty space, that is when the world becomes more difficult than I have said.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br />"There is no because in love." No reason. I have no explanation. Only that I hunger for you. You fill the void. Despite myself I crave you. I am living for momentary beauty. With you, I know my heart will belong and break. Still I leave it out on the shelf, like an uncertain offering. It is a lonely girls ignorance that keeps it there, knowing, as I do, it must struggle against the sapphire sharpness of the truth's you offer up. Lonnie, they are death-dealing.<br /><br /><br /><br />What I seek in you is not nothing. I am searching for what shines in you. What shines in everyone who's inner flame has not been snuffed out and hidden in thier own dark and murky depths. Mine feels lost and blue. I should know by now to give up wanting to touch it. I cannot grasp it. I cannot trust in love or you, neither have a shape I can see, nor a sound I can hear. I have offered myself up to you in trade for shelter. Although I haven't much to offer. A smile. Eyes. Hands. Mouth. No soul.<br /><br /><br /><br />I have prostrated myself before you. I want to live for you, through you. Making your will, your life, your desires, my purpose. My command center. My touchstone. I want nothing more than to hand up to you all that is me, and let you make it yours. I thought that it was something beautiful and rare. Undoubtedly much of me will be left on the side of your bed, hidden with the many other secret places with in you. In the end will you make me the better for it? Alive, transformed, and renewed? Where are you? Doesn't this mean more to you than all these empty spaces?<br /><br /><br /><br />What more can I say? I am beginning to speak in the past tence. I know fear of loss is not enough to cause love to stay. If hurting my feelings for&nbsp;&nbsp;weeks strait is not enough to move you, you are the anti-christ, a true dream-killer. There are no words that will move you. I put my faith in you, and it is faltering. Why do I hold so little weight? Don't you miss me at all?&nbsp;&nbsp;How can I be so far from your thoughts for so long if you care at all? Do you have some purpose? Or are you simply this careless? I can find no excuse or lie that justifies this.<br /><br /><br /><br />Say something, speak.<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>MySpace Original Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif, helvetica;"> </span></strong></span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_139809"><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/blog/smileys/tired.gif" />This letter is makimg me very sad , but cheer up Joey may return back home when he feel better.&nbsp;<img alt="" src="http://x.myspace.com/images/blog/smileys/jealous.gif" /><br /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Posted by&nbsp;Tabitha on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 1:26 AM</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong> </strong><br /><div id="CommentDiv_140488"><br /><br /><strong>~hugs~ I think it is going to be a while yet before my brother is released from where he is. But we keep the faith that it is SOON!</strong><br /><br /><strong> </strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Posted by?IrishChik?on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 3:48 PM</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><div id="CommentDiv_140150"><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><strong>nothing 2 say....</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong></div><strong><br /><div><br /><br />Posted bySeanon Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 10:46 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><div id="CommentDiv_140489"><br /><br />I'm sorry darling, to have made you so sad today...:(<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 3:48 PM<br /><br /></div><br /></strong></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39904864643454351912007-03-20T11:44:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.549-04:00St. Patrick's AftermathI'm not feeling very artistic today. But I have been telling every one that I am going to write the St. Patrick's Day blog. So, this is me, sitting here at work, when I should be working. But, I have not done crap all day, so why start now. I really wanted to write this blog. To tell you all what a fabulous time I had. And I did. Don't get me wrong. It was all great and wonderful. It was even better to be able to share my pics with Sean and Joey. And how it made them smile. That to me means everything in my world. To have my brother and my love happy and give me a smile. That's all I need to make my day complete.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But the excitement has worn off. As now I am back in the real world. The world full of loss, hurt and pain. A world where I have to realize the place that Sean is in. Realize that I just can't be there with him right now. The place where I have to come to terms that Lonnie is not coming back. The place where I have to face that sometimes Joey just can't be there. And, where I now must face facts that Elonna is facing the biggest challenge of her life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Life has to go on, I know that. I have a whole other world aside from this one here. But, they are such a part of my world.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The shine of the weekend has become dull and lackluster.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Slowly becoming a faded distant memory. All that remains is a shell of the good time I had.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I go thru these periods in life where I am just content with the way life is. I have been in one of those periods as of late. Realizing that this is just how my life is. How it is always going to be. I just tend to go with the flow of whatever is thrown at me, and try to make the best of it. But then, as time passes me by, that contentment turns to anger. For what I really want, what it is that I really need seems so far away and so far out of reach.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, as I begin to think of my words, and how I want to tell the weekend tale, I am slowly reminded why my feet need to move. Why I need to spread my wings and fly. Now days, I cannot follow my butterfly, but I can certainly follow the path left behind. These days, some things are very clear to me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My Friday started like any other. Happy that it is the last day of the week, and even better that it is the last day before St. Patrick's Day. I look forward to this day every year. To many, it's just another holiday in which to drink and party the night away. But for me, it's a chance to get together with those that I love and celebrate my heritage and who I am. It was really nice that we were able to have a little party at work. And Shannon went all out; she even made me a St Paddy Day survival kit. It was the cutest thing ever. She even brought in cookies for everyone and a balloon for me. (Thanks Shannon) It was amazing that work went by as quick as it did.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/03/20/st-patricks-aftermath-2/l_1ee37797f0b2dab74d2bd7ca703bbd3c/" rel="attachment wp-att-4671"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4671" height="225" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/l_1ee37797f0b2dab74d2bd7ca703bbd3c-300x225.jpg" title="l_1ee37797f0b2dab74d2bd7ca703bbd3c" width="300" /></a><br /><br />After work, we all met up, at a place called Aggie's Steakhouse. Steaks all around. But me, and my chicken. Drinks were ordered. We stayed long enough to eat and have a few drinks. Afterwards was off to Murphy's pub, which is where most of the pics where taken. The drinks overflowed, and there was always a game of darts and pool going on. We left Murphy's and headed to another local place on the strip called Dirty's. We did not stay there long. We headed to the tattoo shop, but they were pretty booked with only one artist working, so we ended up leaving and calling it night.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/03/20/st-patricks-aftermath-2/100_0551/" rel="attachment wp-att-4672"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4672" height="222" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/100_0551-300x222.jpg" title="100_0551" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Saturday was a beautiful day. Nice and sunny with a high of 75. We headed down to Oklahoma City for the parade. I had never been to the city parade before so it was a sight to be seen. There was a point where I have to admit, it was rather overwhelming. Thinking of my gramps, and Lonnie and Sean and Joey &amp;amp; Elonna. All the trial and tribulations our little Irish Pirate gang has been through. How I wished they could have all been there with me, seeing what I was seeing. A tear was shed. I had a sense of sadness, but I was also at peace. After the parade we went off to walk around the festival they were having. Bands were playing all over. It was fun to see so many partake in the celebration, Irish or not. We ate, we drank, and we had a good time. I even sat patiently for 4 hours while I got my new tattoo. Sunday was spent recovering I guess you could say. It was just a lazy day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/03/20/st-patricks-aftermath-2/100_0611q/" rel="attachment wp-att-4673"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4673" height="190" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/100_0611q-300x190.jpg" title="100_0611q" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/03/20/st-patricks-aftermath-2/100_0634/" rel="attachment wp-att-4674"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4674" height="222" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/100_0634-300x222.jpg" title="100_0634" width="300" /></a><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/03/20/st-patricks-aftermath-2/100_0631/" rel="attachment wp-att-4675"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4675" height="222" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/100_0631-300x222.jpg" title="100_0631" width="300" /></a><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/03/20/st-patricks-aftermath-2/100_0640/" rel="attachment wp-att-4676"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4676" height="198" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/100_0640-300x198.jpg" title="100_0640" width="300" /></a><br /><br />So, I wanted to tell this tale with much more enthusiasm and let you in on the conversations that took place….but, like I said, today, it just seems so dull and lackluster that I don't even want to put forth the effort anymore.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Right now I just got one thing on my mind, and I don't think I am going to fully be at peace and be at rest until I get there and do what I need to do.<br /><br /><br /><br />Original MySpace Comments:<br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_140909"><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">Chrys! I pray for you dear! May God grant you an Irish Blessings!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">God wills it!!! Hang in there Chrys! God and His people love you more than you know! xoxoxo take care hun!</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #006600;">your Irish Hunk &amp;amp; friend Ken</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986">?Ken Scott?</a>on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 8:25 PM<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><div id="CommentDiv_141082"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">thanks mate for the prayers and being a friend. I know what is meant to be will always find a way. I just got a little sad cause since we had missed out on my trip on me and Joeys birthday, then again on Lonnies, we had settled on Paddy day....and well...with the events, obviously that didnt happen. But, the trip will happen SOON and I cant wait!!&nbsp; I have faith...believe me....Sean keeps me going many of days when I just want to quit. His love is all I need to keep me going.&nbsp; But, I can not help those off days when I feel a little down and out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 - 9:47 PM</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5074791902935635902007-03-16T11:42:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.955-04:00Gearing Up for Paddy Day<div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/03/16/gearing-up-for-paddy-day-2/ce1/" rel="attachment wp-att-4667"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4667" height="211" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ce1.jpg" title="ce1" width="284" /></a><br />So, here I am at work, the day before St. Patrick's Day. Geared up and ready to go. We are having a little party here at work, it's been a fun day already and the day has just begun.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Shannon is over flowing with excitement as she has not really had a chance to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. And I am glad that I am the one who gets to be here to share this day with her. it gives me a new sense of the day, a new look on an old tradition that I have grown used to.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />After work the real fun begins. We will all be heading out to dinner and drinks. I think we are going to Aggie's Steakhouse so those meat eaters can have their thrills. hehehe Then it's on to Murphy's bar where we shall drink the night away. Pool, Darts, Fuse ball and well, Guinness of course! During the night we will be heading over to the tattoo shop so that I can get the next installment of IrishChiks tattoos. I think the piece I have settled on will be a Celtic band on my wrist. I have decided to intertwine the letter M into it as well. So, why the letter M you ask?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />As this St Patrick's Day rolls around, I am reminded of how things have changed in the course of the last year. I see where I was a year ago and where I am today. I see the girl I am these days. My skies not as cloudy as they used to be. So, I celebrate not only Myself, but I celebrate the friends I have new and old, I celebrate family and where I come from, but I also remember those I have lost.</div><div><br /></div>The letter M<br /><div>M for ME as I have grown so much in the past year.</div><div>M for McMahon, McCliggott, and Mahan as these are my roots and a strong part of who I am.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Ok, so you wonder now, well, what about Joey and Elonna or even poor Ray, the other members of the pirate gang. Well, not being really close to Ray, I doubt I will ever have a tattoo that will ever be a symbol that he is included in, unless tis a pirate tattoo that I get. ~winks~ But, not to leave Joey and Elonna out, I already have a tattoo picked out for the 2 of them. That not only symbolizes their relationship together, but also symbolizes what my brother and my bestest girl mean to me. I vow to get this tattoo on my birthday, as it is also Joey's bday too.&nbsp;However, it's a surprise and will be unveiled at such time.</div><div><br />~smiles~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok so, and then I think we are going to be going to another bar called Willies later in the eve to see one of the officers (Adam) brother's band play. Not sure about that. We are trying to convince Adam that he needs to come hang out with all of us.</div><div><br /></div><br />Saturday being St Patrick's Day, and I am not one to break tradition, I will be heading to <a href="http://www.eskimojoes.com/">Eskimo Joes </a>for the 8am tapping of the first keg. I have spent every St Patrick's Day at EJ's since I moved to this town. Will hang out there for a while. Then later in the day I will be heading over to the Irish Celtic festival. Which I am really excited about.&nbsp;Topping off the eve at my favorite hangout. Buffalo Wild Wings for Guinness and wings!!!<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, I am sure that I will get thrown off course of plans once the Guinness hits my blood, but that's Ok. What matters is, its Paddy day and I will be surrounded by my good friends.</div><div><br /></div>My moms already called me this morning to send her love and best wishes.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Today is a happy day. And I am glad to have all of you in my life. So cheers to each and every one of you. May you celebrate what being Irish is really about. Have a pint on me, and be safe.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Much love.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />xoxoxoxo<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Chrys<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />PS- you can look forward to pics next week!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>MySpace Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>cant wait for the pics!!&nbsp; sounds like a blast!! be safe and have a great weekend<br /></strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=81869020">Kristi</a>on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 11:51 AM</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><strong><span style="color: #009900;">WOW!!! That's great Chrys! The tattoo shamrocks baby!!! GO FOR IT!!!&nbsp;It's another great tattoo for your body and I can't wait to see it on ya! HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY CHRYS!!!!!!! Gurl I love ya and enjoy our friendship very much! I am gonna be cookin' corn beef, cabbage,&nbsp; big arse baked potatoes, &amp;amp; drinkin' me Guinness!!! I am still thinking about getting tattoos but haven't decided... You have a blast and party hard! </span></strong></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><strong><span style="color: #009900;">your Irish Hunk Ken</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #009900;"> </span></strong></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986">?Ken Scott?</a>on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 2:04 PM</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /><br /></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Lol...I think I am STILL drunk...<br /></strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong>Posted byon Monday, March 19, 2007 - 7:28 PM</strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=91156594-4b7f-4e2a-8152-53691d4f3acf" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64918318385698993572007-03-12T11:39:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.958-04:00My Elonna<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/03/12/my-elonna-2/1161018559_l/" rel="attachment wp-att-4663"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4663" height="225" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/1161018559_l-300x225.jpg" title="1161018559_l" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;I've tried to be the rock for everyone&nbsp;lately, and I just don't think I can be that rock today. I miss my sistagurl a great deal. It has hit me like a ton of bricks in just a breif moment. As I sit here this morning, making out a new card to send, it just feels like I am not doing enough. Its taking all that I have to not bust out in tears while I am here at work. I miss my girl. I have sent her a card just about every day since we found out she was sick. I have sent her flowers. I have prayed. It just doesn't seem like enough. Our little gang of friend have gone through so much just in the last 3 months. What more can I do?<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>My thoughts and prayers are with her as she goes through this difficult period in life.</div><div><br /></div>Get Well Soon Sista....I miss you!<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><b><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"</span>She believes in me. And I'm a dreamer so it's so good to have somebody like that in my life. If she goes away, I don't know what I'm going to do. I mean, she's my best friend, you know?...She's more than that...She's everything.<span style="text-decoration: underline;">"</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />xoxoxox<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original MySpace Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div id="CommentDiv_121608"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had her in my prayers since I found out...if prayers and the love of good friends were enough, she would be dancing around in the best health! Even though I am no longer on her friends list, I wish her the best and will continue to pray for her. She has had more than her share and deserves a little bit of happiness! {{{{HUGS}}}} to you and Elonna!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byCathyon Monday, March 12, 2007 - 11:31 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div id="CommentDiv_121613"><br /><div><br /><br />thank you mamma!!! xoxoxo<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by?IrishChik?on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 11:35 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_123036"><br /><br />You are doing all you can.. honestly I haven't felt very strong since I found out.. between the fits of tears I send her everything I have inside.. I miss her too. ~hugs~ Chrys.. keep faith that she is gonna beat this.. we won't have it any other way.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted byfairreegrlon Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 12:42 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_123353"><br /><br />Just a temporary lapse in emotions I suppose. I just miss her a great deal. ~sighs~ But, I KNOW, she WILL beat it!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 8:10 AM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_123835"><br /><br />Damn straight she will.. if there is one thing our sister is.. it's a survivor. And it may sound selfish but damn if I am letting her go w/out a major f'n fight... But I know what you mean.. my cyberspace feels empty without my SS and sometimes I feel so overwhelmed.. Sending lots&nbsp; of&nbsp; ~hugs~ Chrys.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956">fairreegrl</a>on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 3:19 PM<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="CommentDiv_130460"><br /><br /><span style="color: #009900;"><strong>Lady Elonna, I pray for you that the Holy Trinity watch over you and keep you safe. You have my prayers &amp;amp; thoughts May the Holy Trinity bless you in so many ways!</strong></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #009900;">Ken</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=121240986">?Ken Scott?</a>on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 1:47 PM<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16355962861580277072007-03-03T10:34:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.960-04:00What’s Up With Chrys – Volume 1 for 2007-The Matchmaker<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=B0000714BW" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br /><div><br /><br />It’s been a while since I wrote an what’s up with Chrys blog, and I know it’s long overdue.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>So this blog is all over the place. But, I just have so much I want to say. It’s been growing inside of me for so long now, that I just need to get this out.</div><div><br /></div>The Match Maker.<br /><div><br /></div>How I simply adore this movie. No, I am not talking about the 1960ish B&amp;W version. But rather, the 1997 version. With&nbsp;<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000413/"><span style="color: windowtext;">Janeane Garofalo</span></a> &amp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641244/"><span style="color: windowtext;">David O'Hara</span></a>.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>You see, if not for my sistagirl Elonna, I likely would have forgotten all about this movie. Having seen it so long ago just in passing, and always passing it up on the movie store shelves for something newer and hipper.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>At any point, last year, she reminded me. I bought it, and have never looked back. For a while there I was watching the movie almost daily. Then weekly, then…well you get the idea. I had not watched the movie in some time because of all the memories tied behind it.</div><div><br /></div>The story is a simple one. Girl meets boy. Boy meets girl. Boy and girl have a few obstacles in the way. Girl and Boy fall in love and all works out in the end. Typical movie, right?<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Right.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>But, this movie, it hit so many things inside of me. For, even the simplest of love stories can touch someone just the right way. Captures them and never lets them go. And this for me is one of those stories.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Marcy is from&nbsp;Boston. A senator’s assistant. He sends her over to&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;to trace his roots for an up and coming election. She does not find his roots, however, what she does find, is her soul mate.<br /><br />I’ve always been confused about love. Having seen it in such a screwed up manner growing up. Always questioning it. Never really knowing it. Always afraid of it. Not sure what to do with it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I met Marcus, and it seemed as if that was love. It was all the right things at the right time. But, I always felt like something was missing. Not knowing what that was I just went along in life as I should. We have had our bumps in the road. I have had my eyes opened about many things regarding this relationship. And now days, we do what works best for us. Whether that’s a good marriage in your eyes makes no difference to me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Having said that, this isn’t really what this blog is about. Rather, this blog is about someone else. And my meeting that someone else.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I always believe everyone comes into your life for a reason. And this proved no different.</div><div><br /></div>Joey introduced us Dec 2005. I remember the first time we spoke, like it was yesterday. It was a friendly conversation from that point on. Always full of laughter and smiles. We shared stories together through the holidays. I was always eager to hear was he was going to tell me next. But then, I got word that my gramps was very sick. And the next thing I know, I am taking a long road trip in the middle of winter, heading north for a funeral.<br /><br />Nothing in life could have ever prepared me for losing my gramps. He was my rock. My solid foundation of who I was and where I came from. Losing that was like losing a part of me. As I have talked about in past blogs, this event was horrible. The entire weekend was horrible. But, in the middle of everything, here I was, my feet stuck, unable to move. Everything else was moving around beside me, but I was standing still. It was a feeling like no other. I could not go in to that room. The room where my grandfather lay for his wake. But then, it happened. What I felt, was a feeling unlike anything else. What a heard, was his voice. Sean. A million miles away, and I heard him. Calling out to me. I felt him there, with me. Pulling me along. Telling me to be strong, that I was his girl and that I could do anything.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>It was an overwhelming feeling that just about brought me to my knees. A feeling I would never forget.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I did it. His encouragement came when I needed it the most. He was there for me in a way no one else in the world could ever be. He called out to me, and I heard him.</div><div><br /></div>It was also the scariest thing in the world. For this opened up a whole new world. A world I did not know. Wasn’t sure I wanted to know. But, he was there. And there he stayed. And here he has always been.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>After my gramps death, I went through a very rough stage in life. And Sean was always there, cheering me on. Even when he and I parted ways in our relationship, even when I landed in the arms of Lonnie, his best mate, even when we went through our darkest points together, there he was.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>This man has touched a part of me no other has ever touched, my soul. There is magic there, between us. The harder I try to deny it, run from it, be scared of it, the harder it drops me to my knees.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Well, no more. I am not running any more. After losing Lonnie, we see, life is much too short. I’m not running any more.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Recently, out of my own actions, I almost lost Sean. Not purposely. But, it happened. The thought of losing him, almost killed me. It was not something I wanted to bare.&nbsp; It’s not something I want to go through again.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>We may never get that chance to be together. We may never get to hold each other in our arms. We many never get to do a lot of things together in life. But, that’s OK. Because what we do have is simple, pure love.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I was reminded of this movie, right around the time Sean and I had parted ways. Deciding we would be better off just as friends. Thinking it would be best for him to work on his marriage. There is a song, <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/haunted-today-is-for-sean_14.html">Haunted,</a> that he used to play for me. To this day, that song remains a constant reminder of us. What we mean to the other.&nbsp; When I watched that movie, I cried. And I am not talking a few “oh that’s a great chick flick” movie tears, I am talking an all out war with my leaky eyeballs kind of tears. When I see this movie, I get so much emotion running through my veins. I see the shores of&nbsp;Ireland, and I know, in my heart, that’s where I long to be. I see this love, this sharing of souls, and I know I want to have that too. Everything the characters in this movie see together and share, I want that.</div><div><br /></div>Last night, I had a bad case of insomnia. Looking through the stack on movies, I saw an old familiar one covered in dust. I thought the time was right to bring it back.<br /><div><br /></div>Blowing away the dust I stuck the DVD in the player. I watched this movie unfold before me and it was as if I had never seen it before. Wide awake, eyes glued to the tube, I felt a smile pass over my face.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Many of you know the long and complicated story that surrounds Lonnie, Sean and I. So you know this road for Sean and I as well as the rest of our mates has not been an easy one.</div><div><br /></div><br />When Lonnie first passed away, I felt him. Beside me. With me. Like he was trying to tell me something. I figured it out. Slowly. But, with Lonnie gone and Sean away, I was just having a really hard time trying to find myself again. Just this constant ball of emotions. And yeah, I ran right into the arms of someone else. Someone who got caught up in the web. I saw Lonnie, once. And he did not smile. It was a look that scared me. I never talked with it to anyone but Joey. I thought, maybe it was too soon after Lonnie’s passing. To this day, I still don’t really know. But, I had to let that man go. It was not fair to be caught up in my web. When Sean was able to have contact with the outside world again, I knew what I needed to do. I needed to stand beside Sean. I needed to be His Girl again. He found out about the guy, and it was an ugly ordeal. And that’s when it all came down around me. I was about to lose someone that was indeed special to me. That was a very part of me.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Now, we heal and we mend our loss together. We walk hand in hand, side by side.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I watched that movie with eager anticipation. Taking it all in. Remembering all the stories Sean had told me. Reminding myself of all the talks we had about my trip to&nbsp;Dublin. My family and Sean’s come from the same area. Sean would talk about where he wanted to take me. I imagined what it would be like, Sean showing me around our families place. I saw it through the eyes of this movie. The air, the people, the green land, the ocean waves. All of it. Just as I imagined. Those thoughts are still with me. They have been awakened again.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Sean and I, we have a lot of obstacles to overcome in life. But, it warms the heart to know we can work things out together. I can understand and accept him; he can understand and accept me. All we need is our love to keep it together. And I am convinced, we will always have that.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I laid down, for a short time today. I felt him, there. That familiar smell. I was not scared. And there our Lonnie was. Smiles. He was smiling. Just the way I had always seen him before. The way I will always remember him. It was then, I knew, I was back on track and following the right path in life.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I have indeed met my match.</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53438201020611949712007-03-01T11:30:00.002-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.962-04:00Another Video on the TubeI talk about Elonna having cancer and touch on the loss of Lonnie. My kitty Belle is in the background.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UPLGkeyls5g" width="425"></iframe>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76144562852497043262007-02-28T11:26:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.965-04:00Look What You Have Done ~War Inside My Head<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/02/28/look-what-you-have-done-war-inside-my-head-2/waitingfor22/" rel="attachment wp-att-4602"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4602" height="252" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/waitingfor22-300x252.jpg" title="waitingfor22" width="300" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">"Look What You Have Done!" my brain screams and I hang my head in shame.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Will this war inside my head ever end?</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">The kind thing.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">The right thing.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">How do I know? What choice do I make? What path do I take?</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Oh yeah, looks like I already made those choices. Took that path. And&nbsp;dammit&nbsp;if those answers still are not clear to me.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Oops. Easiest word in the world to say, easiest way to get out of something that was indeed your fault. Oops. Very simple word. Simple to say, simple to write, and simple to walk away from.&nbsp;Or so I thought. Oops sums things up very nicely. Nothing else is needed to be said after saying, oops. Right? By saying oops, that's pretty much an admittance that you realize you have messed up.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Except in my case.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is plenty more to say here after saying oops. You see, I have a very big oops going on here. Likely the biggest oops I have ever made.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">A big oops that has caused 2 people very close to my heart to come to blows with each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;I'd say I was to blame, that I feel guilty, responsible – Basically I feel like it's all my damn fault. No matter how hard I try to shake the feeling, I just can not get rid of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;I big oops that has caused another to get tangled up in this web. Will I ever make things right? I doubt it. No amount of apologizing is going to align the stars again. It's not going to bring Lonnie back.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not going to get Sean out. Not going to make our future bright and cheery.&nbsp;&nbsp;And it's not going to save Brian's heart.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Is it an oops? Or is it a Sorry? Either or.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I realized that no amount of time is going to mend my loss of Lonnie. It's forever going to be a part of me. I thought I could push it aside. Maybe sweep it under a rug and forget about it. That worked, for a while. I felt myself pulling away from those that were close to him. Not wanting to be reminded of him. Not wanting to be reminded what I had to do with it. Nothing lasted long.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am forever going to hold myself accountable for my part it in.&nbsp;&nbsp;People have tried to tell me, I am not to blame. I tried to believe them. But I can't. It's something that haunts me in my sleep.&nbsp;&nbsp;Picks at me when I am awake. Once in a while I shake it, and just when I think the game is over…it picks at me again. Will I ever be free of this demon of guilt and shame?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Nothing I can do but accept it and move on. Easier said then done.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">So much left to say, but nothing comes out at all. Sorry. I am full of sorry. But that doesn't matter. No amount of sorry is going to change anything.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Sean,&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">mo chroí. Always my Irish One.</span></strong></span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Brian, I am sorry.</span></strong></span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Lonnie, RIP, I miss you.</span></strong></span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span></strong></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I should be punished too. Why does Sean have to go at it alone? It's just not fair.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those who know me and the story with Sean know I would do anything for him. Anything at all. He means the world to me. And this time, it's no different. He should not be the only one punished for Lonnie. So, I am doing what I can do. And that is just being there for Sean. Any way he needs me.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">But, there is one thing I can not do, and that is be someone I am not. I have worked too hard in life to be more accepting of the girl that I am. And I guess I just expect those in my life, to be as accep</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">ting of me as I am.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Well that and I can't bring Lonnie back.</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I don't know what to do anymore. I'm trying to just go one foot in front of the other. Trying to make things right. Do what's right.&nbsp;&nbsp;But that does not seem to be working for me. I keep getting stuck in these damn pot holes. Lingering. Waiting. Wanting so much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am really tired of it all really just want to give up. Blah. I hate feelings this way.</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I just want to stay here, in my little hole. Not wanting anyone to reach me. Being here alone means I can't hurt those around me. I can't get anyone else tangled in my web. It's safe here. Maybe I will stay here a while longer.</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Original MySpace Comments:</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></strong><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">I understand. And...I forgive you.<br /></span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Posted by Brian&nbsp;on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - 9:55 PM</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /><br /></span></strong><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Thank you for being so understanding Brian. I am glad we were able to work thru things and remain friends. You are a dear soul. Don't cut yourself short in life. Now then, if only I can forgive myself, maybe the stars will align again in life.</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> </span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 10:46 AM</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">~crawlin down into yer hole with you, just holdin ya close to me... lettin ya rest yer head in mylap as i stroke yer hair...~ i have nothin wise, no life-lessons. only i am here for you as always.. and as you have always been for me.. i didn't bring the teddy.. that's yours ad joey's.. did bring the double headed dildo *wigglin my brows suggestively* LMMFAO.. hey, if i get to make inappropriate jokes in the middle of my cat dyin and me comin down with cancer i certainly get to make them here ~stickin my tongue out at you before givin ya a tickly tongue bath all over~</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /><div><br /><br />Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=39469127">???Elonna???</a>on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 10:24 AM<br /><br /></div><br /></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span></strong><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">~perks up~</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">hehehe...girl you knows I am at work..how am I suppose to respond properly? Sick and twisted wench, must be why I loves ya so!!</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Double headed dildo you say?? hhhmmmmm...</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">~insert big cheezy smile here~</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">My sistagurl, ~wraps me arms around ye and holds you tight~ I too, have been at a loss for words as of late. Daily blog postings have turned into weeks.</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"> I got teddy here with me. Hanging on to him for dear life. He's pretty wet and soggy right now from my damn leaky eyeballs. Stupid fuckers, why can't I shut them off?</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Wiggles around in giggles as you errrrrrr...ummmm...tongue me? hahahaha</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';">Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=152385547">?IrishChik?</a>on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 10:44 AM</span></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><br /></span></strong><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79178425505909213692007-02-26T11:06:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.552-04:00I'm Gone~ No Way to Reach Me~So Let Me GO!<div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/02/26/im-gone-no-way-to-reach-meso-let-me-go-2/ibelieveintales-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-4597"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4597" height="286" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ibelieveintales1-300x286.gif" title="ibelieveintales" width="300" /></a><br />Here I sit. Blank page staring at me. So many thoughts rambling around in my head but I don't even know where to start. Even if I started, I wonder can I even put the words together right?<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I've got plenty to say. But yet, nothing wants to come out.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>My mind&nbsp;keeps roaming&nbsp;around in search of a complete thought. I'm so numb I can't feel a damn thing. I am so far gone I don't think anyone can find me.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>And why would anyone want to? I would be useless to them.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I am no longer anyone. I am nothing. Simply, I am gone.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I know I am lost. I can feel it. I see it. The way I am pulling away from all those around me. Secluding myself back into my own little world. This time, I didn't leave myself a trail to find my way back. I don't want to come back. Coming back from the world I am in means I am forced to feel. I don't want to feel. I felt enough in the beginning of this. Now, it literally is killing me. I numb it. I numb it to live.</div><div><br /></div>There really is no way to reach me.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Maybe I don't want to find my way back. Maybe I deserve nothing more then to be here, alone to rot. No one will find me. My body long decayed.&nbsp; No one will even notice I am gone.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>The mask is back and I have no choice.&nbsp; I know I can't be down. I know I can't let the depression kick back it. I tried to push it away. I tried to stay positive and seek out what makes me happy and hold on to it. It's not working. I guess I really don't deserve to be happy. Every time I am happy, it get kicked down. Why even bother. May as well just stay down.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div>Simple. Easy. Less drama.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>It doesn't fucking matter. Does it?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Deep inside the darkness pulls me. I feel myself caving in. Going back to that place. That&nbsp;darkness. It welcomes me with open arms.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am&nbsp;falling into my hole. My deep, dark, cold and lonely hole. No one is there but me. Alone with my thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>These thoughts consume me. Haunt me. I awake with these thoughts that follow me around all day. I sleep, these thoughts invade my dreams. I can't escape them. It's just me and these thoughts. Day after day after day.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>The one thing I want in this world. Gone. Out of my reach. The one thing I need is this world. Gone. I have&nbsp;lost my strength. I want to hold on. Hard to hold on to something that seems so out of reach. Hard to hold on to something that possibly doesn't want to be held on to.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I believe my&nbsp;fairytale&nbsp;ending has died. May as well let myself go along with it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I'll keep my mask on and go about my life. Still Chrys to those who see my outside. Everything else will be kept behind it so that no one will see the demons I hide.</div><div><br /></div>I'm Gone. And there really is no way to reach me……….<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />© C.H.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2007/02/26/im-gone-no-way-to-reach-meso-let-me-go-2/as/" rel="attachment wp-att-4598"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4598" height="300" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/As-221x300.jpg" title="As" width="221" /></a>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13990623915348300622007-02-14T11:03:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.554-04:00Todays Blog- I'm On YouTube! A Valentines Gift for You.<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ok, so, since my space got hacked and ruined, I just have not felt like writing. And, I have become a You Tube addict. After a&nbsp; year being there, I felt it was time for everyone who I left comments for be able to see me. So, I made my very first vid. I would like to share it with all of my myspace friends. Maybe this is just the inspiration I need to get my writers block "un-blocked"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qhM1FtDTkS4" width="425"></iframe>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54718885876958643512007-02-06T10:55:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:59:51.631-04:00~Reflections~ ( of 2006)1) Was 2006 a good year for you?It was a serious coaster ride. It had many up and downs. Death. Depression. Heartache. Illness. But, on the flip side, I grew, I lived, and I learned. I had to overcome many things, and I did. For me, that is something to celebrate. And now, I face each day as best as I can, with a smile to help push me forward.<br /><br /><br /><br />2) What was your favorite moment of the year?&nbsp;When I finally was offered a great job and got out of a serious 6 month long stay in bed depression.Yes, it really was that bad.<br /><br />3) What was your least favorite moment of the year?&nbsp;Jan 3 - the loss of my grandfatherDec 6 - the loss of my dear sweet love, Lonnie<br /><br />4) Where were you when 2006 began?in Okie, where I always am.<br /><br />5) Who were you with?When the new year hit in Ireland (6pm okie time) I was with Elonna and Sean. When the new year hit in Okie time I was with Marcus.<br /><br />6) Where will you be when 2006 ends?Someplace with Marcus I am sure, since it is also my anniversary.<br /><br />7) Who will you be with when 2006 ends?See #6<br /><br />8) Did you keep your new years resolution of 2006?I didnt make any. I was too depressed to care.<br /><br />9) Do you have a new years resolution for 2007?Yes, to keep taking charge of my health. And get my ass to Ireland once and for all.<br /><br />10) Did you fall in love in 2006?Yes. More then once. Love that will forever be with me. Forever a part of me. Never having any regrets.<br /><br />11) If yes, with whom?Everyone here pretty much knows the answer to that, for it was with Sean, then with Lonnie.<br /><br />12) If yes, do they know?Of course they do. For they love me just the same.<br /><br />13) Are you still in love with them?YES!! I will always love Lonnie. He is my guardian angel now. Forever a part of me. R.I.P. &nbsp;And I will always have a love for Sean.<br /><br />14) Do you regret it?Not at all. And never will. And I mean that, NEVER. For in this life I have learned, live life, no regrets. Learn and move on.<br /><br />15) Did you break up with anyone in 2006?No. Sean and I parted ways mutually although that love was still there. We always found a way back to each other. And well, Lonnie and I didnt not ever break up. You all know what happened there. If you don't, then I suggest you go back a few blogs and read.<br /><br />16) Did you make any new friends in 2006?I sure as heck did. LOTS of them!<br /><br />17) Who are your favorite new friends?all of them....<br /><br />18) What was your favorite month of 2006?March and July<br /><br />19) Did you travel outside of the country in 2006?No :( ..... but I should have, was suppose to, &nbsp;and now wish I did.<br /><br />20) How many different places did you travel to in 2006?Michigan in Jan for gramps funeral, and again in Oct to visit mom and family<br /><br />21) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2006?&nbsp;My gramps in January, and my love, Lonnie in December.<br /><br />22) Did you miss anybody in the past year?YES! My gramps. My mom when she moved to Michigan for good. My family. Some of my friends. And I miss Lonnie a whole hell of a lot right now.<br /><br />23) What was your favourite movie that you saw in 2006?&nbsp;Boondock Saints and The Wind that Shakes the Barley(thanks for that Patrick!)<br /><br />24) What was your favourite song from 2006?Oh I have a few:<br /><br />1. One - U2 and Mary J Blige<br /><br />2. Far Away - Nickleback<br /><br />3. Window in the Skies - U2<br /><br />4. Red - WHY<br /><br />5. Gaurdian Angel - Red Jumpsuit Aparatus<br /><br />6. Tell Me Baby, Torture Me, Make You Feel Better &amp; Hard to Concentrate - The Red Hot Chili Peppers<br /><br />7. Time of my Life - Justin Manville<br /><br />8. Savin Me - Nickleback<br /><br />9. Lips of an Angel - Hinder<br /><br />25) What was your favourite album from 2006?Hinder, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Red Jumpsuit Aparatus<br /><br />26) How many concerts did you see in 2006?Zero<br /><br />27) Did you have a favourite concert in 2006?N/A<br /><br />28) Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2006?&nbsp;More then my fair share, especially the first half of the year.<br /><br />29) Did you do a lot of drugs in 2006?Only those perscribed, and that was a whole hell of a lot for a while there between the depression, the stomach and intestinal illness and the back issues.<br /><br />30) How many people did you sleep with in 2006?&nbsp;not answering this one... sorry guys<br /><br />31) Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?~SIGHS~ Yeah, maybe.<br /><br />32) What was the biggest lie you told in 2006?wasnt so much that i lied, its what I kept to myself. But its pretty much all in the open now.<br /><br />33) What was the worst lie someone told you in 2006?I dont even want to go there right now. Sorry.<br /><br />34) Did you treat somebody badly in 2006?There was a period when I was not very nice to Sean. And I feel badly about that still. Even though we have made our peace about it long ago. There are some friends that reached out to me during my depression that I just didnt want to have to explain what was wrong with me. And I pushed away a lot of people. I regret that now.<br /><br />35) Did somebody treat you badly in 2006?&nbsp;Yeah, there were a few people that stepped on me and used me and treated me like shit. And all I got to say is, Kharma ...it's a bitch.<br /><br />36) How much money did you spend in 2006?Since I started working again, I am sure way more then I should.<br /><br />38) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2006?Oh! Lets see........<br /><br />39) If you could go back in time to any moment of 2006 and change it, what would it be?&nbsp;Most of you already know the answer to this. For that would be<br /><br />(1) to not have felt like I had to prove anything to "A", then maybe Lonnie would have never of gotten upset with me<br /><br />(2) that event caused the whole downfall of our relationship for then he felt I had left him and off he went to his ex<br /><br />(3) which led to him asking her to marry him for all the wrong reasons<br /><br />(4) which led to me finding out from everyone but him<br /><br />(5) when he did tell me I was very upset<br /><br />(6) and sean was already angry at him, which led me to rant and rave even more<br /><br />(7) knowing how sean still felt about me i should have kept my ranting and ravings to myself<br /><br />(8) perhaps the brawl with lonnie and sean would not have happened<br /><br />(9) perhaps lonnie would still be here<br /><br />(10) and sean would not be sitting in jail , where he was awaing trial for the murder of one of his best friends, but now, is going to be paroled and they are just trying to figure out when.<br /><br />40) What are your plans for 2007?&nbsp;To just keep plugging away at life one day at a time. To continue on the path of just being me.<br /><br />41) What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?had to experience death of 2 people close to me<br /><br />42) Did anyone close to you give birth?yeah my cousins<br /><br />43) What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?Less anxiety and panic attacks. More time to write. More real friendships. Acceptance for the person I really am.<br /><br />44) What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?&nbsp;Jan 3 - gramps diedJuly 25 - started my new jobDec 6 - Lonnies deathI dont think any of these really need an answer as to why.<br /><br />45) What was your biggest achievement of the year?Getting a new job<br /><br />46) What was your biggest failure?quiting my job after gramps death, dropping out of school, &nbsp;falling into a deep depression and not working for 6 months.Losing Lonnie.<br /><br />47) What was the best thing you bought?&nbsp;My project (RED) Motorola Cell phone<br /><br />48) Whose behaviour merited celebration?hmmmmmm.. Brett for sure. Hes accomplished SO much this year (woo hoo *wepod* I am so proud of you!)<br /><br />49) Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?my own at the&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;of the year<br /><br />50) What did you get really, really, really excited about?&nbsp;Having a job again<br /><br />51) Compared to this time last year, are you:i. happier or sadder? Well this time last year I had just lost gramps, and was starting on my downward path to severe depression. Right now, I am still dealing with the guilt of Sean being in jail, and Lonnies death. Dealing with loss of Lonnie. But, all in all, I would have to say that I am in a better place today, then I was a year ago. I am dealing with things much better. Don't get me wrong, when I think of Lonnie or Sean I get a extreme feeling of sadness that sometimes overwhelms me. But, I am able to cope much better with it.I have great friends and people who love me that surround me. And that has helped a great deal.<br />ii. thinner or fatter? the same<br />iii. richer or poorer? richer in so many ways<br /><br />52) What do you wish you'd done more of?exercised, listened to my docs<br /><br />53) What do you wish you'd done less of?Being depressed, blaming myself for so much<br /><br />54) How will you be spending Christmas?Spent it @ my in laws house.<br /><br />55) How many one-night stands?ugh whats with these questions<br /><br />56) What was your favourite TV program?Miami Ink, Lost, Prison Break<br /><br />57) Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?You know, I always say that hate is just a waste of my time. But, sadly, there are a few people that have burned me and I really am still pissed off as all hell about it, so yeah, some hatred is running through my irish blood right now.<br /><br />58) What was the best book you read?Oh gosh, I read so many I dont really know where to start.<br /><br />59) What was your greatest musical discovery?Christian Rock<br /><br />60) What did you want and get?lovea better understanding of me from the hubby<br /><br />61) What did you want and not get?Peace within me<br /><br />62) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?I went to arkansas and partied with my best friend steph and her husband and got my irish angel tattoo. I turned 31.<br /><br />63) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?Not losing Lonnie.<br /><br />64)How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?&nbsp;just me, relaxed and comfortable, at home, to relaxed professional at work.<br /><br />65) What kept you sane?Oh lord, I dont think I was sane much this year. But, Elonna helped me out a great deal.<br /><br />66) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?Colin of COURSE!!! And Cillian Murphy!<br /><br />67) What political issue stirred you the most?&nbsp;The war.<br /><br />68) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.Life is too short for petty shit. Tell everyone just what is on your mind because tomorrow may be too late. That forever is a lie.<br /><br /><br />69) Quote a song lyric."That I love youi have="" loved="" you="" all="" along="" And I miss you Been far away for far too longI keep dreaming you'll be with meand you'll never goStop breathing ifI don't see you anymore "<br /><br />70) Favorite discovered quote.""I'm troubled, I'm dissatisfied. I'm Irish."" •Marianne MooreChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3128831681433361042007-02-03T10:45:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.967-04:00YEAH!! Finally GOOD News!<div>Yeah!!<br /><br /></div>All the prayers and positive thoughts sent Seans way, just may have worked!<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Just got word this AM from Joey that Sean has been paroled!<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I am not sure when he will be released and when he will be home.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>But, at least it is some good news!<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">*kisses my Irish One....hope to cross paths soon.*</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">I Miss You!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12563352244542225972007-02-02T10:41:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.969-04:00I Will.....Again<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/stkLnpzsO3w" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />"I Will Learn To Love Again"<br /><br />(To love again...)<br /><br />Drowning in tears that wont be me<br />I will soon be free the chains of all this pain inside<br />And though I cry it wont be long till I regain the strength to know<br />I can go on<br />I will find my way through the heart break I will not give up on love<br />I believe<br /><br />I will learn to love again I will learn to trust<br />Once this heart can start to mend<br />I will learn to<br />Learn to love again<br /><br />All of these tears time will dry them I will survive them<br />And make it through into another day all of this pain<br />Time will heal it there'll be a time sometime I know<br />I won't feel it<br />I will live through life without you after the hurting is done<br />I believe<br /><br />[Chorus]<br /><br />I will find someone who deserves my touch after all the hurt is through<br />I will be so over you I will not give up on love<br />I believe yeah<br /><br />[Chorus]<br /><br />Oh yeah yeah oh oh love again<br /><br />(To love again...)<br />by Kaci<br />******************************************<br /><br />I miss Lonnie something fierce today.<br />Thats really all I have to say.<br />R.I.P. Baby, I miss you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55079145824201161982007-01-28T10:40:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.557-04:00Give Love<span>As I sit here pondering my thought, thinking about a topic for today's blog, I was surfing through some old websites that I used to visit, when I came across this:</span><br/><br/><span><br/></span><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><h1><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Give love</span></h1><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br/></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span>L</span><span style="font-size: small;">ove is the greatest gift. It brings warm light to the cold darkness and offers hope where before there was none.</span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Love changes lives. Even though it has no logical reason to be, love persists after all else has faded.</span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br/></span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Love is lighter than the smallest snowflake and stronger than the mightiest army. With love, the impossible becomes real.</span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br/></span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">What is built and nurtured with love can withstand any challenge. Love understands, enables, protects and inspires.</span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br/></span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The more love you give awa</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">y, the more you will have. In love is the power of patience and the freedom of forgiveness.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><br/></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">On this day of Christmas giving, choose to offer the greatest, most meaningful and lasting gift you can give.</span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">With every word, with every thought, with every gesture, with every interaction, give love.</span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br/></span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">-- Ralph Marston</span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">So, when so many people ask me why I love the way I do, why I am so open about Love....there my friend, is the answer.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">~Chrys~</span><br/><br/></div><br/><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br/></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br/></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span><strong>Original MySpace Comment:</strong></span></span><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span> </span></span><br/><div id="CommentDiv_14215"><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span>The tat on my shoulder (my profile pic on 360) means just that.. To Give Love in jap lettering.. rock on sweetie. ~big hugs~ and much love Chrys</span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span> </span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span>Posted by<a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=42544956">fairreegrl</a>on Monday, January 29, 2007 - 3:32 PM</span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span><br/></span></span></div><br/>&nbsp;Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35626771594311405032007-01-26T10:37:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.972-04:00~Starting Over~ F@cking Hackers!<div>OK, so here I am. I have to start ALL over. Everything is gone. 1.5 years worth of blogs and comments GONE.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I was in my old account. Sending out a comment. A friend was in chat telling me they could not see me. I sent the comment, and was taking right back to my home page. I could see my friends, but I was gone from all of their lists. I tried to restart that account and I got kicked out and could not get back in. It was gone, all gone.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>So, here I am, mad as hell cause there are so many things that can not be replaced. The major thing being, Lonnie. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/12/rip-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean_05.html">Since he has passed</a>, how the hell is he suppose to add me back? How am I suppose to mourn his loss and drop by a comment or two so his spirit can live on in memory. And what about Sean. Huh? How can he add me back from where he is? Really. You have no idea how bad this sucks for me right now.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Everyone else, I can find again or they can find me. My blogs, I saved to disk, so thats not a problem there.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>WHY did this have to happen to me?<br /><br /></div><br /><div>SUCKS!!</div><div><br /></div>Anyway, welcome back to<a href="http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik"> my new space.</a><br /><div><br /></div>~Chrys~<br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Original MySpace Comment:<br /><br />Oh, I know how it's feels<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Posted by Tabitha on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 1:07 AMChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74694154610827928672006-12-27T10:32:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.974-04:00Some Things That Must Be Said (For me brother, Joey)<div>I've had some ideas rolling around in my head lately about blog ideas. Not really sure what direction to turn in. I know I have had many folks ask me if I am going to bringIrish Chiks Erotic Confessions back, and truth is, I am still up in arms about that. I will have to think about that one a while longer. Anyway, I have some feelings that have been harboring up inside of me for quite a while now. Some things that I should have said long ago that I never did. And now, I have learned that I need to say what I need to say and not hold it in cause tomorrow could be too late. So, today's blog is long over due. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/i_am_joeyv/blog" target="_blank">And tis for me dear brother Joey.</a><br /><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, ~deep breaths~ here goes.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Joey, there is no easy way around this. There is no way to just beat around the bush. So, I am just going to blurt it out for the world to see. I love you. Not only are you one of my best friends, but you truly are the real definition of a brother. Being an only child, I never knew what it was like to have an older brother. Never had that feeling of brotherly love. Never knew what it was like to share those types of things with a sibling. But it is not coincidence that you and I were born on the exact same day. For it was some higher power greater then us both that had a plan. It was not just fate that brought us to cross paths, but it was our destiny.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Thank you Joey. Thank you for accepting my hand in friendship that first day. I can remember really the first time we talked after meeting. It was a blog on yahoo about my weight. And the comment you made, really opened my eyes about how I really needed to accept myself as is. That there were people out there that would like me even if I was not a size 2. And ever since that blog, I decided you were right. I was a beautiful person inside and out, and that I was never going to stop short of just being me. You have taken me under your wind, and helped to mold me to the girl I am. I know you don't think you have done that much for me, but the truth is, you have.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Thank you for allowing me into your world. You let me into your world, and you shared a part of your heart. For that I will forever be grateful. As time goes on, our relationship grows stronger and stronger. Forever sharing common bonds. The miles may separate us. Always at two different places at different times. But there is one thing that remains a constant, and that is our relationship.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />You are my big brother, and I your lil sis. You have given me a gift. A gift that no amount of money could ever buy. The gift of being loved and accepted. The gift of being taken under your wing and cherished. The gift of being a protector. The gift of just being you.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I look back and I see all the things we have went through. So many ups and downs. So many people walked in and out of our life. But yet, here we still are.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/27/some-things-that-must-be-said-for-me-brother-joey-2/l-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-4569"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4569" height="300" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/l-1-225x300.jpg" title="l (1)" width="225" /></a><a href="http://www.myspace.com/43233455/blog" target="_blank">You gave me the gift of Sean</a>. For bringing Sean into my life brought me more smiles and happiness then you could ever imagine. He has brought me so much love. A love that I never knew existed.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/goomba676/blog" target="_blank">And, you gave me Lonnie</a>. You didn't have to share Lonnie. But, you did. You trusted me enough to love him. That speaks volumes. Thank you for putting your trust into me.For having Lonnie in my life brought me so much. The love we shared unlike nothing words could explain. Love that opened my eyes to so much. For the first time I learned about unconditional love with no strings and restraints. For once I could really be me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Together, all 3 of you brought something into my world. Without you I would not have had the other 2. Without you, I would not be the girl I am today. For so long I let the real me be buried deep inside. You opened my world back up. You showed me that I should be me and those that don't like it can basically fuck off. And one step at a time, I let that girl out. And it was not an easy road. It had many obstacles. But, here I am. And it all started with you.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />As the year draws to a close, I think about all the good times, as well as the bad. The sadness that surrounds us now, it's hard to ignore. But, we are still together you and I, holding hands, walking down that path together. Once in a while we hide together in that hole, but one of us always seems to jump out and drag the other with them.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So, while those thoughts linger around, its also a time to think about the things that&nbsp;I cherish. And brother, I cherish you.</div><div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47924566832204697552006-12-23T09:40:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.977-04:00Am I Ok?<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My eyes are red, swollen, puffy, and just plain ugly. No amount of make-up is going to bring these irish eyes back to life. I was at work when I heard the news of Lonnie Tuesday. I had to fight it with every inch that I got. I lost it a few times. But once I got home it was a total disaster. I woke yesterday with a migrane and called in sick. The tears ran all day. This morning, my eyes are all dried up. I know deep inside more tears are building. I had to take the tear pic down. It was too much. Everytime I put a crying pic up Lonnie would tell me how much he didnt like to know I was sad. I can hear his voice echoing in my head now, "No more tears Chrys, please, no more tears. That pic is too much for me." So, the pic is gone. But just know that just because you are seeing my smile again, doesnt mean the sadness has left me. Not only am I mourning Lonnie's death, but I am also dealing with Sean and his trial. Its going to be a long and bumpy road ahead.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br /><div><br /><br />This is a very special song with deep meaning between <a href="http://www.myspace.com/43233455/blog" target="_blank">Sean</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/goomba676/blog" target="_blank">Lonnie</a> and I.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Tell that someone that you love, just what you are thinking of. Whether its family, a friend, or your true love. Dont hesitate to tell them. You never know when you will have that chance taken away from you.</div><div><br /></div>U2~ One<br /><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Iu72EZdVou4" width="425"></iframe><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />One Love Baby.....your angel wings will wrap me in comfort when I need you. I shall see you again my love. My love to you.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/23/am-i-ok-2/anim15/" rel="attachment wp-att-4533"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4533" height="110" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/anim15.gif" title="anim15" width="110" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />One Soul One Heart ....I will be right there beside you every step of the way. My love for you.<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1970284861862872006-12-20T10:29:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.559-04:00No Title (ugh, holidays) But this is a feel good story.<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Christmas_carol.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A mother plays the guitar while her two daught..." height="423" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/The_Christmas_carol.jpg/300px-The_Christmas_carol.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Christmas_carol.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br />So, usually this time of year I am sitting around thinking, well, about why I don’t like this time of year. As a matter of fact, this year about this time I wrote a blog entitled “Why I Hate This Time of Year.” I remember thinking while I wrote that, hoping, this year’s holiday would be better. Yeah well that didn’t quite work out as planned now did it?<br /><br />~shrugs shoulders~ Well, I tried.<br /><br />It’s just that every year for at least the last 5, could be more, but I have lost count. Anyway, seems something bad has happened around this time of year. Every stinking year it’s been something. And this year proves to be no different with the loss of Lonnie and Sean’s sitchy. Another big one is that my mother moved to Michigan so she is not here with me this year. Basically I am alone here aside from Marcus and my in-laws(which I NEVER see) ~sighs~<br /><br />As this day starts out like any other, these thoughts cross my mind.<br /><br />But when I got to work, something happened that totally changed my outlook. At least for today. For today my eyes were wide open.<br /><br />As many of you know, I work for the city. Not the city in which I live. But for a very small town just outside my city limits, about 20 minutes away. Population is about 4000. That’s like 1/16th of my city size. My actual job title is Deputy Court Clerk and Payroll Clerk. But I also help with the Utility Department. And this morning was no different. As a customer walked in to pay their water bill, I assumed this transaction was to be like any other.<br /><br />Boy was I wrong. The town in which I work is not a big town. It’s not a prosperous or wealthy town. Many people that live there struggle to make ends meet day in and day out. I know there are many people in many towns like this, but you would just have to be in this city to understand there really is no wealth there.<br /><br />This lady comes to my counter. She is very plain dressed. Hair pulled back in a braid. No make up. Clothes show signs of age and wear. But she doest seem to care. She doesn’t notice that the girl behind the counter has no Christmas cheer. She is too busy spreading it to those that need it. For this lady came in and paid over $800 to 13 families on their water bill. She was from a local church and they had received a donation. This is what this woman felt she was called to do. As Shannon and I looked through our list of people who had not paid and were soon to be cutoff, every worry that we had in our own mind went out the window. She had asked that we not tell these people who paid it, to just tell them that it was an anonymous donor. We spent some time with this lady. Just talking to her. And her words just touched my soul so deeply that my tears began to flow for her. When she was done I asked her if I could give her a hug. And she gratefully accepted. And when I did, she just held me and began to cry too.<br /><br />After she left, Shannon and I made cards for the people who had their bill paid by this woman. Shannon donated her own stamps. And I begin to think, you know, some of these people, their bill may only have been $30 and so minimal to some of us, but to them, it is the start of something good. It’s a little more then what they had in their pocket that morning. Perhaps some more Christmas cash. They will see that their is some good in the world. They will see that someone does care. Something so small and simple can amount to such a great deal. And this lady was not asking for anything in return. She did not even want to know who it was she was paying for.<br /><br /><b>Pay it forward.</b><br /><br />What goes around comes around.<br /><br />This lady may have been one of the poorer people in town, but she is one of the richest.<br /><br />Just when I thought I really had lost my Christmas spirit, this lady and her love for others brought it back. When I thought my year was rough, I was shown that others have it rough, too. Some even worse then me. Even when you are poor, you can be the richest person in the world.<br /><br />As the tears begin to swell in my eyes again, let’s just say that one lady, one small simple deed, brought back my faith.<br /><br />My eyes are open, and I can see ME again.<br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=25ae7281-94db-4517-b7db-e3277a2d2035" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84876718812566485812006-12-17T10:18:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.980-04:00ssshhhhhhh He Said In A Dream"No, don't go. Don't you leave me here all alone. Don't go where I can not follow" ~samwise LOTR~<br /><br /><br />So, I am driving home from work Friday after a relatively eventful day, and I throw in a CD. Not really paying attention to what it is. It's the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Cool. Love that CD. Thinking I can just pass over the Guardian Angel song, since it tied to Lonnie. It is at the end of the CD, I will be long home before then. But then, this song comes on. Cat and Mouse. And the line goes like this:<br /><br /><br />"You said that you would die for me, well you must live for me too."<br /><br /><br />That just echoed in my head. My soul started to scream at me. For there were times when Lonnie would tell me, he would die for me. At one time he even put Prince's "I Would Die 4 U" song on his myspace. I just started bawling. The tears were falling down my face faster then I could drive. It left me no choice but to pull over. And, that I did. When I did, I sat there, watching the whole world just pass me by. As I sat in my car, listening to this song, I was having a war inside my mind.'Tis all my fault. No its NOT. YES it is. NO. YES. NO. YES. If only…..he would still be here. This played in my mind over and over and over. I screamed. I cried. I punched the dashboard. I asked WHY? Why Lonnie. If their was ever a time I questioned my faith, it was now. As I started to have a conversation with God.<br /><br /><br />God, I know Lonnie wasn't faithful to his church. But he tried. And he was doing so much better as of late with finding his faith inside himself. He was trying so hard to do right in his life. Why would you take him from us now? When Lonnie said he would die for me, he did not literally mean it, I am sure. Right? NOOOOOOOOO…It can't be true.….I take it back. I take all those words back. I would give anything, anything at all if you would just give him back to us.<br /><br /><br />When I realized I was not being answered, I gathered my thoughts, wiped away my tears and pulled myself back onto the road. When I got home, I prayed. I prayed more in one night that I have in all of my time in life. So many things I prayed for.<br /><br /><br />I slept that night, a deep sleep. A sleep unlike any other.<br /><br /><br />He came to me in a dream that night. As real as the flesh and blood of you and I. I said I would die for you. A phrase that lingers in my brain. I never thought you really meant it.<br /><br /><br /><em>"Aye, but babygirl I did, for you it 'twas whom I died for. For your love, Chrys."</em><br /><br /><br />I find no peace in that.<br /><br /><br />He looked into my eyes. Smiled that little smirk, where the corners of his lips curl just ever so slightly and there was a radiant gleam in his eyes.<br /><br /><br /><em>"My Irish Angel," He said to me, "In this life I knew real love. I was loved by you. And in return I loved you back. A love that is as pure as this winters snow. I gave you my heart and you shall always have it. We were together once before, you and I. I have always told you that. Look inside yourself me wench, for all the clues are there. 'Twas a past life indeed for you and for I. And through it all, we found each other in this life. Hold tight to me my Irish Angel, for we shall find each other again. "</em><br /><br /><br />In reply I said to him, my angel of the night – For you I would have given anything, even if it was just for one night. I'd give my whole world just to be with you. Just to hold you tight. For you, I would die, too.<br /><br /><br />I see a hint of sadness upon his face. I know we must part soon.<br /><br /><br /><em>"Live together, die together. But not yet baby. Now is not your time. It's my time to go, but your time to stay. You will meet others along your way. They will cross your path for a reason. I must leave you behind baby, so your smile can radiate on to others. People in your life will be blessed because you loved them in your own special way. I will see you again my lover. Together again we will be. But, until that time, enjoy this life baby. Live it, and don't let it pass you by.I see your tears, I know you weep for me. Be strong me baby, you will get through. I am your Guardian Angel now….always right by your side. "<br /></em><br /><br />And with that he said good-bye.<br /><br /><br />All these words, he said to me upon a midnight dream. How I miss him so, and finding it so hard to let go. But I am thankful, that he was once mine. As the saying goes, tis better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all.<br /><br />Here is a video I found on YouTube. He loved Pon and Zi.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7eLQRYldFos" width="425"></iframe>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80899380748582526032006-12-15T10:09:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.982-04:00My Heart Will Go On. Today is For Me.Woo Hoo its FRIDAY! Thank goodness. I am just so drained.<br /><br />So, today's blog is suppose to be about me, but as I sit here trying to write it, I just feel like there really isn't anything about me to say.<br /><br />I'm sure everyone is tired of my blogs being about the same subject matter lately, but I suppose that can not be helped. Those boys have been such a big part of my life for so long; it's hard to not talk about.<br />I'm still mourning the loss of Lonnie. As another Friday night approaches, I am forced to face facts that he is not coming. That no matter how long I wait up for him, he is not going to show. I will not see him again. But, I know, he is with me.<br /><br />As for Sean, well, I just have to stay strong. I know the court system there is slow. And it is not going to be any better this time of year. It saddens me to think that Sean will have to spend Christmas alone, without his sons and wife. Without his (rather large I might add) family.<br /><br />While these 2 are deep within my thoughts, life around me has to go on. I know neither of them like me sad. Neither of them likes me to worry. But these are feelings that can not be helped. While I am dealing with these emotions, life is passing me by. For a while it was waiting for me to catch up, but I just let it go. I can’t let life pass me by. They would be upset with me if I let it, as well as everyone else. So, this is me, today, catching up with life. Putting one foot in front of the other. Still living with the emotions of the 2, but, not stopping, still moving.<br /><br />Not a whole lot has really been going on with me the last few weeks. Work has kept me pretty busy, which is a good thing. Helps to keep my mind off things. We had our employee Christmas party last weekend. It was pretty fun. Me and one of the girls had snuck some drinks in. We labeled our table the boozer table. ~snickers~ It was a Guinness night!<br /><br />I was supposed to go see a friend this weekend. But it has been postponed. For a few reasons. Which I don’t want to get in to right now, but one being my funky mood. Another being, I closed the lid on Pandora’s Box for a while. Only time will tell if things will ever change.<br /><br />As for the treadmill, well, it was going really well until the other night. I came home from work and went to take the trash out. I got dizzy and had a spell. All blah blah pounds of me fell directly on my right knee. Banged and busted it up pretty bad. Bruised and swollen. Needless to say, it has hindered my treadmill mornings. It is just now starting to feel better. Yesterday while at work I was the lucky one to get to walk around town and hand out these Christmas coloring contest pages that the kids did for the Christmas Holiday event they had in town. Good thing I work in a smaller town. Anyway, I got my exercise yesterday for sure!<br /><br />Moving along, I seem to be in blabber mode this morning.<br /><br />Today’s lyrics are from Titanic. A movie I simply adore. I had watched in Sunday night, and this song has really just stuck in my mind since then. I will never, ever forget Lonnie. I have no regrets. As the saying goes, better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all. He will forever be in my heart. But, just as life has to go on, so does my poor heart. Same with Sean. Forever a part of me. I have to get back to me. Get back to the girl I am. He needs my strength right now.<br />Ok gang, have a great day!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3O-yTPaxVNw" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />My Heart Will Go On (Titanic Theme)<br /><br />Every night in my dreams <br />I see you, I feel you, <br />That is how I know you go on <br /><br />Far across the distance <br />And spaces between us <br />You have come to show you go on <br /><br />Near, far, wherever you are <br />I believe that the heart does go on <br />Once more you open the door <br />And you're here in my heart <br />And my heart will go on and on <br /><br />Love can touch us one time <br />And last for a lifetime <br />And never let go till we're one <br /><br />Love was when I loved you <br />One true time I hold to <br />In my life we'll always go on <br /><br />Near, far, wherever you are <br />I believe that the heart does go on <br />Once more you open the door <br />And you're here in my heart <br />And my heart will go on and on <br /><br />There is some love that will not go away <br /><br />You're here, there's nothing I fear, <br />And I know that my heart will go on <br />We'll stay forever this way <br />You are safe in my heart <br />And my heart will go on and onChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26544326399794959912006-12-14T09:58:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.984-04:00Haunted ~ Today is for Sean<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/14/4547/1076241503_cehaunted2/" rel="attachment wp-att-4548"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4548" height="249" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/1076241503_ceHaunted2-300x249.jpg" title="1076241503_ceHaunted2" width="300" /></a><br />Emotions are off and running this morning as I spent the better part of last night digging through Sean's stuff. I miss my Irish One a great deal and would do anything to change this sitchy all the way around. Sean is a very loving and special person. And we will always be "Haunted" by each others love.<br /><br />He had a day in court. Lonnies family does not want to press any charges, thank goodness. However, the courts do. The jury selection has begun. My prayers and positive thoughts are heading across the big blue pond, right to Sean. <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/C8oyxrrEk58" width="425"></iframe><br />Haunted- Sinead O'Connor and Shane MacGowan<br />sinead:<br />do you remember that sunny day?<br />somewhere in london in the middle of nowhere<br />didn't have nothing to do that day<br />didn't wanna do nothing anyway<br /><br />shane:<br />you got a way of walking<br /><br />sinead:<br />you got a way of talking<br /><br />shane:<br />and there's something about you<br /><br />sinead:<br />and now i know i never ever wanna be without you<br /><br />both:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />sinead:<br />of your precious love<br />of your precious love<br /><br />shane:<br />first time i saw you standing in the street<br />you were so cool you could have put out Vietnam<br /><br />sinead:<br />all the girls ask "what's he like?"<br />i said "he's kind of shy but that's the kind of girl i am<br />he's my kind of guy"<br /><br />both:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />sinead:<br />of your precious love<br /><br />shane:<br />of your precious love<br /><br />sinead:<br />of your precious love<br /><br />shane:<br />i've build my world around you<br />i'll bless the day i found you<br /><br />sinead:<br />i'll stay beside you<br />i'll never leave or tell you all those<br /><br />both:<br />lies that you'd never believe<br /><br />both:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />sinead:<br />of your precious love<br />of your precious love<br /><br />shane:<br />you got a way of walking<br /><br />sinead:<br />you got a way of talking<br /><br />shane:<br />and there's something about you<br /><br />sinead:<br />that's the kind of girl i am he's my kind of guy<br /><br />shane:<br />and now i know i never ever wanna be without you<br /><br />sinead:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />shane:<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br />i wanna be haunted by the ghost<br /><br />sinead:<br />and now i know i never ever wanna be without youChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1981483816414716282006-12-13T09:50:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.987-04:00Far Away ~ Today is for Lonnie<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Many emotions run through me as I read Ray's blog For Lonnie. Lonnie has been laid to rest. I keep waiting for someone to pinch me so I can wait up from this awful nightmare. So many things I wanted to say to him. So many things needed to be said.&nbsp; This song was a big part of Me and Lonnie. Being so far apart, we always wanted to make sure the other knew they were loved unconditionally. I miss him so much.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NTLEouE2Os8" width="425"></iframe><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">This time, This place<br />Misused, Mistakes<br />Too long, Too late<br />Who was I to make you wait<br />Just one chance<br />Just one breath<br />Just in case there's just one left<br />'Cause you know,<br />you know, you know<br /><br />[CHORUS]<br />That I love you<br />I have loved you all along<br />And I miss you<br />Been far away for far too long<br />I keep dreaming you'll be with me<br />and you'll never go<br />Stop breathing if<br />I don't see you anymore<br /><br />One my knees, I'll ask<br />Last chance for one last dance<br />'Cause with you, I'd withstand<br />All of hell to hold your hand<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">I'd give it all<br />I'd give for us<br />Give anything but I won't give up<br />'Cause you know,<br />you know, you know</span><br /><br />[CHORUS]<br /><br />So far away<br />Been far away for far too long<br />So far away<br />Been far away for far too long<br />But you know, you know, you know<br /><br />I wanted<br />I wanted you to stay<br />'Cause I needed<br />I need to hear you say<br />That I love you<br />I have loved you all along<br />And I forgive you<br />For being away for far too long<br />So keep breathing<br />'Cause I'm not leaving<br />Hold on to me and, never let me go<br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47052635283329812762006-12-05T09:31:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.989-04:00R.I.P. Lonnie Mahoney and Prayers for SeanThis isnt going to be one of my best blogs. It is however, going to be the hardest one I have ever had to write. I just got word today, that my heart, some one I greatly love with every inch of my soul has been taken away. Lonnie passed away on Sunday eve. He was brought into the hospital in critial condition, in a coma he never awoke from. Sean is awaiting trial. So many things I want to say. So many things I need to say. But, right now, I just cant see through the tears. So, I am just going to leave you with this.<br /><br /><br /><br />This is my fave pic of Lonnie as a baby....<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/05/r-i-p-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean-2/baby/" rel="attachment wp-att-4524"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-4524 aligncenter" height="200" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/baby-300x200.jpg" title="baby" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/05/r-i-p-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean-2/ththrip1/" rel="attachment wp-att-4526"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4526" height="96" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ththrip1.gif" title="ththrip1" width="96" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/05/r-i-p-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean-2/thiwillrememeryou/" rel="attachment wp-att-4525"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4525" height="20" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/thiwillrememeryou.gif" title="thiwillrememeryou" width="150" /></a>As a wee lil lad<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/05/r-i-p-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean-2/around7/" rel="attachment wp-att-4527"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4527" height="266" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/around7.jpg" title="around7" width="200" /></a><br /><br />and this is my fave pic of him and his daughter Victoria.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/05/r-i-p-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean-2/lonnievictoria05/" rel="attachment wp-att-4528"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4528" height="225" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/LonnieVictoria05-300x225.jpg" title="LonnieVictoria05" width="300" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />I'm sorry guys. I just dont have it in me to write a blog right now.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Thoughts and prayers to Lonnie, his family, Sean and his family.<br /><br />and this would be my fave pic of Sean....how I love him so....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/05/r-i-p-lonnie-mahoney-and-prayers-for-sean-2/682760359_l/" rel="attachment wp-att-4529"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4529" height="225" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/682760359_l-300x225.jpg" title="682760359_l" width="300" /></a><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85184376134245777282006-12-04T09:26:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.562-04:00Opening Pandora<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/04/opening-pandora-2/pandoras_box/" rel="attachment wp-att-4520"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4520" height="220" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Pandoras_Box.jpg" title="Pandoras_Box" width="176" /></a><br /><br />Opening Pandora's Box<br /><br /><br /><br />So much to say and don't know where to start. Once again been sitting here looking at this blank page with this damn cursor blinking at me. Blink. Blink. Come on girl, type something…anything…just do it. Blink. Blink.<br /><br /><br /><br />I figured it was now or never. Here I am. Putting my words out there. Lots going on these days. Still worried about Lonnie. Angry that I can't just drive my ass to the hospital to see him. Worried about Sean. Upset that I can't help bail him out. Worried about the families. Just hate this waiting game I have to play. Wait. All I hear is the fucking clock…tick tock tick tock….I can't stand this. It's about to drive me mad. I have this need to know. I need to know what's going on. I need to know how they are. I need to be there, and I can't. What kind of friend am I? When two of my friends who are close to my heart need me the most, I can not be there. I can not come to their rescue. It sucks. I hate feeling helpless. But I guess that's just my punishment. The way I see it, the way I feel. It's what I deserve. I had my part to play in this ordeal. And no matter what anyone says, it will eat me alive. It will cut at my flesh, and I will bleed. Watch it drip....drop...drip...drop.<br /><br /><br /><br />I am taking all that negative energy and pushing myself into other avenues of my life. Avenues I have sort of put on hold for a while. There are some things in my life that I am sick of the way they are. And only I can change them. But these are things in which changing them means opening Pandora's Box.<br /><br /><br /><br />I know what I want. I have my eye on the prize. But I question myself. Am I making the right choice? Is what I want, what I need, what is such a part of me and who I am, is it worth it in the end for the things that could come out of it. Is opening Pandora's Box really the answer?<br /><br /><br /><br />What is with this thirst I have? Why can I not quench it with things I already have. Why must I seek more.<br /><br /><br /><br />How do I find the key? Maybe the key lies within me. Once I started the puzzle, it looked like the path became clear. Now I question that. Are the pieces fitting together as they should, or am I just forcing them along to get what I want in the end? That prize. What if the path I am on is clear and I am just a little cloudy right now. If that is the case, then will I be able to find the key in a hurry shall I want to close and lock the box?<br /><br /><br /><br />What if I think is the prize really isn't the prize after all. How will I ever know? Shouldn't I just open the box and take the chance and deal with whatever Pandora throws at me? Maybe I should just take apart the puzzle that I have started and forget about it.<br /><br /><br /><br />But the pieces have already been put into place. Walking the path already put into motion.<br /><br /><br /><br />I just don't know. It's all too confusing. This path, that path, what's right, what's wrong. We all know for every action, there is a reaction. But, what if you could force the reaction to be what you wanted it to be? Would you continue with Pandora or not?<br /><br /><br /><br />Too many words ramble in my head. Too many thoughts these days to even bother with completing.<br /><br /><br /><br />May as well just take a chance and ask Pandora to come play. Keep going on the path I started. Time to play this game.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50852367320860826602006-12-02T09:14:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.991-04:00What's Up With Chrys? Oct/Nov Edition<div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/12/02/whats-up-with-chrys-octnov-edition/oxford_crying_man/" rel="attachment wp-att-4515"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4515" height="182" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/oxford_crying_man.jpg" title="oxford_crying_man" width="182" /></a>To blog this or not to blog it, that is the question.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;So, this is sort of what’s up with Chrys blog since it has been so long since I have posted on. I’ll call it the Oct/Nov edition since it’s just now starting December</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Can you believe that it is December already? Neither can I, but that’s not what this blog is about.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, so, there have been a ton of questions regarding Lonnie and what’s happened and where has he been and why haven’t I been talking about it. Well the truth is, it’s been bumpy, and it’s been a lot of hurt and tears. I just needed some time to deal with it before I put it all out there. It’s still hard to deal with, but I think maybe this will be a good step in letting it go. Not to mention answering all of your questions.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Yes, Lonnie and I had a “thing”. Define thing however you want it. Part of my trip to&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;was to meet him as well as the rest of the pirate gang. But Lonnie and I had plans to hang out and just see if this “thing” that had developed between us was a real as we thought it was. All I know, is I know what I felt in my heart, and you can judge that however you like. We all know I am married. We all know for the most part my marriage is a good one, but we all have our issues. Most of you know that my marriage is somewhat open. It’s been a slow process, and it has been one step at a time. But the point is, for Lonnie, IF things were as we thought, there was that possibility I would have left my life behind here for him there. And he knew that. We talked about that more then once.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Lonnie doesn’t give love or his heart away so easily. The only one person besides me that I know he loves and has given his heart to is my dear brother Joey.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Anyway, Lonnie and I built a relationship, a good one, and a very open one.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I went off to&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;to see my family. I was out of contact with Lonnie at that time. There was someone I was talking to and he was a great guy. I just wanted him to know that he was great and that I did care about him. So, when I posted some blogs and bulletins, his name was mentioned. I even left him some really nice comments. When I got back home from&nbsp;Michigan, Lonnie was waiting. And this whole thing blew up in my face. He felt I had fallen in love with someone else and that I wasn’t telling him. He felt I was breaking up with him and it was over. That so wasn’t the case at all. I tried my hardest to get him to see that, but he would not listen.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Weeks went by with out a word.&nbsp; However, there was a blog posted on Lonnie’s page titled <a href="http://www.myspace.com/goomba676/blog/186321286" target="_blank">“Why Love” </a>sort of shows his side of things. It is public, you are more then welcome to go read it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I got Sean by my side telling me he is sorry for Lonnie’s behavior. Sean telling me there are things Lonnie is doing that he needs to talk to me about. Then Joey tells me, then Elonna. And it’s like, what the hell is he keeping from me?&nbsp; And then the bomb is dropped. Pretty much Joey and Elonna tell me at the same time. Lonnie has asked the mother of his daughter to marry him. ~insert jaw dropping here~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;About an hour later, I hear from Lonnie. Oh yes, indeed he has asked Megan to marry him. He is sorry but he thought things were over with him and me, and now he sees that he was wrong about the ordeal with the other guy. Yeah, well a little too late now. Apparently anything and everything him and I ever talked about didn’t make a fucking difference. He wants to go on to tell me all the reasons why they are getting married, mostly for Victoria, their child together, but for reasons like cheaper taxes and the lot.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Did he mention love? NO! He did not. He says him and Megan get along much better now then they did years ago, he says their relationship is like that of a brother and sister (huh?) but there is nothing there that is love. He goes on to tell me he still loves me and always will. I give this man my heart, and this is what fucking happens. So I have no choice but to heal and move on. I’m moving on.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />This is about the point where I say, FUCK LOVE and WHAT DAMN GOOD IS IT.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I refuse to let anyone over that wall again. There was someone who started to climb over that wall, and I pushed him down. I am sorry I pushed you down. I do have some sort of love for you, some sort of feelings and I do care. But right now, I just do not know what to do with that.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />My heart is too big and I easily care too much. This is something about me that I can not change. But I certainly can change who I let over that wall. And right now, I am building that wall a little higher. Making it a little tougher. I have to. I have no choice anymore. I am hurting inside too much.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>All that hurt turned into some very dark blogs. There were things going on behind the scenes that I am not proud of.&nbsp; Things that I can not change now. But I am working on trying to make those things better.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Sean was angry at Lonnie for hurting me. Sean and I, we still share a special bond. He feels my hurt and pain. He is very tuned in to me and my feelings. The poor guy, I almost feel sorry for him having this magical thing we share can be a real bitch sometimes.</div><div><br />For those of you who don't really know the backbone of that story, Sean and I were together for a while. We shared something very special and very magical. But for reasons I care not to rehash, we parted and went on with our lives and remained best of friends. But that bond we have and the kind of love we share will never be broken.</div><div><br /></div>When I first got together with Lonnie, Sean went after him in a fit of range. Sean beat him up pretty badly. I remember Lonnie coming home that same night telling me about it. Then a few days went by and Lonnie had not been to work and no one heard from him. Sean and Ray went to his house and ended up kicking down the door only to find Lonnie unconscious. They rushed him to the ER where he stayed overnight. He ended up with a concussion and lots of meds. With time and lots of love, he got better. Sean apologized and we all mended.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />But, history has a habit of repeating itself, and we are finding ourselves in the middle of another terrible situation. Just when I was getting to the point where I could be happy and be myself again, moving on and just trying to get over him.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;I knew Sean was hurting for me. I knew he was angry, for me. I knew him and Lonnie had a little riff when the news of the marriage first came out. Lonnie told me he deserved everything he got for hurting me. I had hoped that was the end of it. I had hoped Lonnie and I could move on as two adults and still remain friends. But Lonnie was never able to come back and talk to me. Because after my conversation with Sean, telling Sean I was still hurt and upset, how my anger was starting to take over and how I had wished I could smack Lonnie around myself, how in not so many words telling Sean to do it for me. He took all that, already boiling, he boiled over. The other night, he went after Lonnie. He went after him good and hard.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Joey, Elonna and I got news that Lonnie is in the hospital. He is in critical condition and word is, it’s so bad, they are not sure if he will make it. Sean has been sitting in jail. He could very well be facing manslaughter charges.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I feel helpless and so much more hurt and pain that I don't know what to do with it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Joey posted a blog today called <a href="http://www.myspace.com/i_am_joeyv/blog/200436346">Very Important Mates</a>, I am pretty sure his is public too if you would like to go read it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So for those of you who have bared with me and read along this far, I once again ask you to put both Lonnie and Sean in your thoughts and prayers, light a candle for them both in hopes the Lonnie makes a full recovery, Sean is set free. The families involved will be ok in the meantime and that once again, the Pirate Gang will be together just as before.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>~FRIENDS ARE FOREVER!~</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=4c753588-9a7d-409e-a463-d943289b9ab6" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12187264716951047502006-11-23T09:08:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.565-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? Gone.<div>Here I sit. Blank page staring at me. So many thoughts rambling around in my head but I don't even know where to start. Even if I started, I wonder can I even put the words together right?<br /><br /></div>My mind wanders around in search of a complete thought. I’m so numb I can’t feel a damn thing. I am so far gone I don’t think anyone can find me.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>And why would anyone want to? I would be useless to them.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I know I am lost. I can feel it. I see it. The way I am pulling away from all those around me. Secluding myself back into my own little world. This time, I didn’t leave myself a trail to find my way back. I don’t want to come back. Coming back from the world I am in means I am forced to feel.&nbsp; I don’t want to feel. I felt enough in the beginning of this. Now, it literally is killing me. I numb it. I numb it to live.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />There really is no way to reach me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Maybe I don’t want to find my way back. Maybe I deserve nothing more then to be here, alone to rot. No one will find me. My body long decayed. &nbsp;No one will even notice I am gone.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>The mask is back and I have no choice. &nbsp;I know I can’t be down. I know I can’t let the depression kick back it. I tried to push it away. I tried to stay positive and seek out what makes me happy and hold on to it. It’s not working. I guess I really don’t deserve to be happy. Every time I am happy, it get kicked down. Why even bother. May as well just stay down. &nbsp;Simple. Easy. Less drama.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Never mind that Halloween was a great day, a day for caring and raising money for the&nbsp;United Way&nbsp;at work, with our costumes, never mind that I got a promotion, a real job title and raise. It doesn’t fucking matter.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Deep inside the darkness pulls me. I feel myself caving in. Falling into my hole. My deep, dark, cold and lonely hole. No one is there but me. Alone with my thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>These thoughts consume me. Haunt me. I awake with these thoughts that follow me around all day. I sleep, these thoughts invade my dreams.&nbsp; I can’t escape them. It’s just me and these thoughts. Day after day after day.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>The one thing I want in this world. Gone. Out of my reach. The one thing I need is this world. Gone.&nbsp; I lost my strength. I want to hold on. Hard to hold on to something that seems so out of reach. Hard to hold on to something that possibly doesn’t want to be held on to.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I’ll keep my mask on and go about my life. Still Chrys to those who see my outside.&nbsp; Everything else will be kept behind it so that no one will see the demons I hide.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I’m Gone. And there really is no way to reach me……….</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />© C.H.&nbsp;11-2-06<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />******************************************************************<br /><br /></div><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">The day's last one-way ticket train pulls in <br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">We smile for the casual closure capturing<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There goes the downpour <br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There goes my fare thee well <br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">'Cause I'm already gone <br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's so many words that we can say<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Spoken upon long-distance melody<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">This is my hello<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">This is my goodness <br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">'Cause I'm already gone <br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Maybe in five or ten yours and mine will meet again <br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Straighten this whole thing out<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Maybe then honesty need not be feared as a friend or an enemy<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">But this is the distance<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">And this is my gameface <br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;"><br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">There's really no way to reach me<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Is there really no way to reach me?<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">Am I already gone?<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">So this is your maverick<br /><br /></span></pre><br /><pre><span style="color: #858585;">And this is Vienna</span></pre><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><h2>© The Fray -&nbsp;Vienna</h2><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26174479346627785512006-10-06T10:04:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.567-04:00~sighs~ Ok! I'm EMO this week...AND????<span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Ok Ok.... Seriously, I am OK! Really! NO! Really!! Still not convinced huh? Well I am trying. Whats it going to take to convince you? My Irish Eyes ARE smiles. We all have our moments. I guess this week just happens to be mine. I have my off days just like everyone else. I get down and out just like everyone else. I am a writer, I write about whats going on in life. It helps me to deal. So, sorry my writing has been a little EMO this week. It happens. But fuck it, I just MISS HIM!!! Ok, done with that. Moving on. I have to. No choice here. Life has to keep going right? See, I am smiles again. Thank you to everyone for all your comments, blog comments, the cell phone calls, the voice mails, the texts, the IM and the emails. You know I love you all. Now then, I am crabby, my back still pains me. I am tired. I am ready for the 3 day weekend. On that note....I shall end this blog ......see you all on the flip side..... I shall return to myself....typical Irish mode ASAP Promise!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yahoo Comment:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">commented</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hang in there Irishchik...glad we got to chat earlier. You seem to be doing okay to me girl ~~hug~~</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9c6fe9cf-fbaf-41dc-a92f-ac73546e54ce" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88695122021021059932006-10-04T10:02:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.570-04:00I Cant SeeOctober 4, 2006<br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="100" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/5fde.jpg?mgg7zHoCzph6fXJ0" width="100" /></span><br /><div><br /><br />Why can’t I see what you see?<br /><br /></div><br /><div>When you look in the mirror what do you see? Do you see yourself for the person you really are and agree with what those around you say? Do you look in the mirror and see a stranger looking back at you?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>When I look in the mirror, I don’t see what you see. To be honest, I don’t recognize the person staring back at me. I think, once upon a time I did, but not anymore.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I have had someone very close to me tell me how sweet I am, how I am just one of a kind. Been told what a great friend I am. How they think I have to be the sweetest and most understanding person that they have ever met. This person has told me they don't feel they deserve to have me in their life. That they don't deserve my love. They tell me how beautiful and sexy I am. I struggle with this. When I hear this, my insecurities take over and I want to crawl into my shell and hide.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I want so badly to see what they see. I want to look in the mirror and see myself as this good person. I want to see the beauty that they see. Will I ever? I don't know. Once upon a time I had no question about my beauty. I knew it was there. I knew what I had. I knew the person I was. But now, I don't see me anymore. I don't know this person I have become.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />They love me they say. But why? Why me? Why do you love me? I feel I am not any different then any other person in this world. But yet, it is ME. What did I do to deserve this? I feel I am not worthy of this love. A love that maybe I am the one who feels it is not deserved. I long for the day I see what this person sees. I want to see what they see.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I try opening my eyes a little wider, but, there is just nothing there. Nothing any different then the last time I looked.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />It makes me wonder, do they know me better then I know myself. Is that possible? How could that be? What is it that I am missing?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />This person has seen me start the year with many obstacles. They have watched me stumble and fall. They saw me down for many months. And they stood beside me, right there through it all. I slowly started to pick myself off and keep going, crossing over one roadblock at a time. I have tripped. More then once. I have tried my best to pick myself up and brush myself off. I have tried my best to keep going. But so many times I have wanted to give up. I have stayed positive for the sake of face. I have heard time and time again how proud they are of me. I don't feel it. I feel like a failure. I feel like I have failed myself and all of those around me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>When I look at me, I see no beauty. I don’t see this ray of sunshine that sends a positive voice and a bright light everyone’s way. But rather, I see a complete loser, a total failure. I feel I have let myself down, I have let everyone around me down. I have failed ME, I have failed YOU and I have failed this thing we call LIFE.<br /><br /></div>Will I ever see what you see?<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48476299034362007912006-10-03T09:58:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.572-04:00I Carry Your Heart With Me<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Heart-1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Heart" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Heart-1.jpg/300px-Heart-1.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Heart-1.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i carry your heart with me,<br />i carry it in my heart and i'm never without it.<br />anywhere i go, you go, my dear.<br />and whatever is done, by only me, is your doing, my darling.<br />i fear no fear for you are my fate, my sweet.<br />i want no world for beautiful, you are my world my true.<br />it's you or whatever a moon has always meant,<br />and whatever a sun will always sing is you.<br />here is the deepest secret nobody knows<br />here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud<br />and the sky of the trree called life<br />which grows higher and higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide<br />and this is the wonder that is keeping the stars apart<br />i carry your heart,<br />i carry it in my heart.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~unknown~</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**********************</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do not know who wrote this. But I was flipping through a magazine at lunch today instead of reading my normal book. It opened right to this page. It spoke volumes to me. I ripped it out and have been carrying it with me all day.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to post it because it just rang so true about my feelings right now.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been an emotional wreck the last few days. I wish I could explain it. My feelings are ripped, my heart torn. SO much longing and aching inside me. When I start to feel this , I get this overwhelming feeling in my heart, in my gut and I just do not know how to deal.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;deal. Rather I shut myself off. Tune out and walk away.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I miss him. I long for him. And it just seems that things that were suppose to happen, now never will.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes I wonder if I would just be better off giving up and walking away.</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=de36ebde-48a2-4da3-861c-a24741960c67" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29296615492907819962006-10-02T09:55:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.574-04:00My Irish HeartFor my Irish Heart, I don’t know what the future holds. But, I know how I feel about you. Unconditional Love. It scares me. It consumes me. At times I don’t know what to do about it. Other times I feel like I am going to explode. I hate the way things are for us right now. I know you tell me things will not always be this way. I hate not knowing. This constant going from day to day. One day leading to the next, with no more answers for me then the previous day. I need to&nbsp; know. I need a plan. I need a date. I need something concrete. And it is so hard for me when I cannot have that right now. I missed you so much when you were gone. Cut off completely. But, now that you are back, I think I miss you even more. Love isn’t suppose to hurt like this, is it?Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31966089344921899302006-09-19T12:40:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:47:19.519-04:00She Likes ME, She REALLY Likes me!!!<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; margin: 1em;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/57552806@N00/5864099784" target="_blank"><img alt="Portland 127" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5113/5864099784_1086099ff2_m.jpg" title="Portland 127" width="240" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My Dear sweet angel wrote this wonderful blog about me, and I wanted to share it with all my friends....</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">~face lights up and beams with pride~</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;">TOP #10 REASONS WHY I TOTALLY DIG</strong></div><br /><strong style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold;">"IRISHCHIK" </strong><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#10 Knowing IrishChiK on MySpace means I will always have something titillating waiting for me in my "Comments" section. ~~Big Smiles~~ I love it---Thank you!!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#9 The nickname "IRISH" just fucking ROCKS and I love screaming, (I mean saying) it!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#8 Being "Sexually Inappropriate" with Irish is just so much damn fun!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#7 She knows Donald from Ireland too (sorry inside joke :I )</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#6 Between her Right hip/back and my Left hip/back/foot we qualify for "Special Parking" ~~Not to mention together we&nbsp;can make 1 hell of a true GIMP for someone!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#5 She totally reminds me of someone I know very well. With the exception that I'm&nbsp;TOTALLY much more "subby"&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#4 She participates VERY well in GROUP settings and is seemingly most versatile&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#3 Her erotic Blogging's are so fucking hott that even if you find yourself with an Extra Super Absorbency tampon issue~ "Pots of Gold" will still cum&nbsp;flooding out your "Treasure Chest".</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#2 I simply have no issues of "PARANIOA" with Irish.&nbsp; She has freely shared herself with me, letting me see her on the cam and&nbsp; letting me call her computer to chat for a second.—(We won't&nbsp;discuss here the other ways we've freely shared—that can be for her to tell later~~perhaps possibly AFTER we include into&nbsp;our little&nbsp;mix a 4th participant~~wink! Wink!).&nbsp;*** MOST people who know me will know I generally live in this state of PARANOIA ~~especially while on MySpace (ie., thinking all new "Friend Requests" are somehow either directly or indirectly linked to my "EX" Stalking GF… OR that the "He's" I chat on here with are actually "She's" --- OR that the "She's" are really "He's"--- OR that the "She's" are in fact "She's" and the "He's" are in fact "He's" BUT they're totally NOT who they say they are! Like they are just sending me pictures of their hotter older brother or sister because they are some 13 year old teenager going thru puberty.. OR maybe even some estranged lunatic locked up inside some detention center with unlimited computer use. (*yes, as a matter or fact my paranoia has been an ongoing issue for me for sometime now~~ thank you for asking&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> )</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">#1 I can now HAPPILY sing the song "When IRISH Eyes Are Smiling" because somehow having an Irish friend makes it legitimate!&nbsp; Further, it's the one time I can sing about being GAY in mainstream society without raising an eyebrow to close minded FUCKERS~~ <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> -- Ohh yeah, AND it's a much happier vision singing the song now thinking of Irish rather then my 6 th grade Catholic School perverted Music Teacher who originally taught me it.</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">When Irish Eyes Are Smiling</span><br /><h5 style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;">From:</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Songs of Ireland, Vol. 2</span></h5><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><em style="font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">words and music Chauncey Olcott &amp; George Graff, Jr</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">There's a tear in your eye, And I'm wondering why,<br />For it never should be there at all.<br />With such pow'r in your smile, Sure a stone you'd beguile,<br />So there's never a teardrop should fall.<br />When your sweet lilting laughter's Like some fairy song,<br />And your eyes twinkle bright as can be;<br />You should laugh all the while And all other times smile,<br />And now, smile a smile for me.<br /><br />When Irish eyes are smiling,<br />Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.<br />In the lilt of Irish laughter<br />You can hear the angels sing.<br />When Irish hearts are happy,<br />All the world seems bright and gay.<br />And when Irish eyes are smiling,<br />Sure, they steal your heart away.<br /><br />For your smile is a part Of the love in your heart,<br />And it makes even sunshine more bright.<br />Like the linnet's sweet song, Crooning all the day long,<br />Comes your laughter and light.<br />For the springtime of life Is the sweetest of all<br />There is ne'er a real care or regret;<br />And while springtime is ours Throughout all of youth's hours,<br />Let us smile each chance we get<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Original Yahoo 360 Comment:</span></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div><br /><div class="user" style="color: #a0a1a2; float: left; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">commented</div><br /><div class="time" style="color: #a0a1a2; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">09/26/2006 08:55 am</div><br /><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Yes Irish I do like you~~kisses, licks and hugs</div><br /><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /><div class="user" style="color: #a0a1a2; float: left; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">commented</div><br /><div class="time" style="color: #a0a1a2; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">09/24/2006 12:16 am</div><br /><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Yea...I love this too...my Anna is so good with words. And you DO share so well Irish. *~~wink</div><br /></div><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9fced3db-393a-4264-8280-8bcadac72a2f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20270389969618790502006-09-18T09:41:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.577-04:00Roll Call<div><br /><br />I know I haven't been around much these days, spending all my blogging time on myspace. But, I just wanted to check in and see how ALL OF YOU were doing. I miss you&nbsp; guys!!&nbsp; Drop me a comment and tell me&nbsp; how you been. I promis to make an honest effort and get back to blog reading. That is, those of you I dont still see over on myspace. Unless you just really want me to comment twice!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div>As for IrishChiks <a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/">Erotic Confessions</a>, I have not decided yet or not whether I will bring those back here. We shall see.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />~Chrys~<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />UPDATE: 10/26/2010- I am moving those stories here <a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/" target="_blank">-----</a><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Original Yahoo 360 Comments:<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/19/2006 04:21 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Still here and loving it. Opened a myspace site, but don't use it yet. Will get there sometime!<br /><br /><br /><br />Things are busy, as always. Some of the things we shared back a while ago are still much the same. There may be a silver lining to these grey clouds... still searching for it. Perhaps it's green instead!!??!!?? :)<br /><br /><br /><br />Sure do miss the chats, and hopefully we can catch up again soon. Thinking of a trip down your way in a few weeks and may give you a yodel. (long weekend wander through Wichita and down to OKC for a day or two and visit some friends there.<br /><br /><br /><br />Be well, my dear friend. Cheers!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/18/2006 11:05 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Girl...you can comment me as many times in as many places as you want to. Hoping this finds you well...and fine. Well actually... we KNOW you are fine...lol<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/18/2006 07:06 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />hi sweet girl! hugs and kisses<br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91653460326575069812006-09-11T09:38:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.579-04:00Ouch! That Hurt<span style="font-family: Arial;"> I went to the chiropractor last week. Good ole back doc.&nbsp;I have had some very&nbsp; bad lower back pain for a few weeks. The first day I went I had a consultation, took some xrays and did a muscle penetration treatment.</span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">The next morning, I had to go back..&nbsp;Did another one of those muscle penetration treatments that I had yesterday. Then we went and looked at my&nbsp;xrays. Not good. I have DDD.&nbsp;Degenerative Disk Disease. My bottom two disk/vertebrae are practically on top of each other. No space that should be there. He said it was not good for someone my age. And it is in a progressive stage. To make things worse, my right leg is shorter so my hips are crooked which is why all my pain is on my right side. So, we talked about all my treatments. Basically we are opting to do what we can without having to have any type of spinal surgery.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">After the&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">xray</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> chat we went into an office where he pushed and pulled on me a little. He said since I was in so much pain that he would go light. But it was going to get more aggressive as time went on. After that I was put into another room where I was hooked up to this table and machine where it basically pulled my bottom half of my body away from my top. THAT HURT.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">And when it was over, and I tried to sit up.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> I could not. The nurse dude had to help me. Then when I went to stand up, every pain possible went through me, my face flushed and I cried and sat back down. It hurt so&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">bad</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">The nurse dude said he went through the same thing. And that it will get better as time goes on. Oh, well that makes me feel better. NOT!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Anyway, I have 3 stages of treatment. Which is&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">suppose</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> to help pull the spine apart and put some space between the parts there needs to be.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">This first stage is 3X a week for up to 12 weeks. And&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">its</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> doing more of the doc poking and pulling and then being hooked up to those machines again.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I am not sure what happens after that.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">One step at a time.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">He also wants me to work on some exercises, which he said he would give me, and didnt. So maybe that comes later in treatment</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> and getting to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">a healthy weight. Knew that was coming. Always got to be about my weight. As if I dont battle with that enough.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Anyway, without this turning into one of my Whats Up With Chrys novels, that's the basics of it.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">I go back for treatment on Wednesday (9/13) and Friday (9/15) of this week, then its 3X a week for a few weeks.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">We will see how things go.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I have started watching what I eat better. Moving around more at work so I am not sitting so much. Trying to follow docs orders and not twist and bend so much. But, its just hard. You dont even realize you do something so much until you are told you can not do it anymore.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">So, just when other things like my internal health and my mental health and work start to fall into place...something else gets thrown at me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">What a life.</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6813844511839504072006-09-03T09:35:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.582-04:00A Happier Chrys (What's Up With)<span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Things are not perfect. They never will be. That is just life. Despite the sad ordeal that I share with a certain group of friends, I am glad to report that I do have some good news to mention. Things with my job are getting much much better. With every passing day, I learn something new and get closer to the people I work with. Last weekend I even went out with some folks from work, as well as some other friends and had a really good time. Things in&nbsp; life are looking up. I am looking forward to taking some time in October to go see my family. Now my grandmother is battling cancer, and this is not the first time for her. Having just lost gramps this year after a long battle with cancer, I have to admit, this really worries me. She will&nbsp; be starting her treatments here within the next few weeks. I am trying to keep focused on other things around me as I dont want to fall back into that dark black hole that gramps death put me in. I want to have faith that grandma will pull through. I had an appointment with my internal specialist. And seems like we may have finally got the right mix of medications for all my tummy and intestinal battles. After dealing with these issues for about 5 years now, I am finally having some relief. I have been feeling really good latley and that puts a big smile on my face. &nbsp;I also realized, returning to the land of the living after being out of it for this entire year, proved to not be an easy task. So, like I talked about in my Whats Up With Chrys blog, I did get over to see my shrink. She was rather stern with me. Wanting to know why I had stopped seeing her. She seemed upset with me, as her and I had come so far in my treatments that this issue I had with gramps death pushed me 20 steps backwards.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> But she was also very understanding. We talked about everything I went through this year. It was rather overwhelming to actually have to talk it out. But, it has since been resolved, and I am back on my medications and in therapy. I started walking again and slowly getting back to eating right and working out. Just feeling good. Finally starting to feel like ME again. I even put a few of my piercings back in!!! Want more good news? Well, with the job brings MONEY!!! And so, I have finally been able to buy myself a new car. YAH!!! And the best part.......My eyes can see a trip to Ireland again. I am a much happier Chrys these days. It has been a hard battle and a long road. It is not over, I have a long way to go. I know I am not perfect, and along the way I am going to stumble. I have taken all these steps to get me here today. I am going to keep moving forward. One day at a time.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/03/2006 09:48 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />This is soooooooooooo awesome Chrys!!! I am soooooooo happy for you!!! You were struggling so for too long. Its nice to feel the positive emotions you are sending through your words!!! huggggggggggggs!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />09/03/2006 07:47 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />There is some serious positive energy emanating from this blog, and I for one am glad to sense it. Good on you, hon.<br /><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21004935935618606712006-08-08T09:32:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.994-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? August Volume 1<div><br />Long time since I have checked in, thought it was time for me to do so.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>WOW! Looking back over the course of the last few months, not to mention just this year alone, what a ride it has been. Defiantly a year of ups and downs.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I am trying very hard to put gramps death behind me. To put the sadness and depression I went through for 6 months after that behind me. The fact that I was without a job and dropped out of school and felt worthless, behind me. Damn how I have tried.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />But there was something I went through about 2 months ago, that I kept hidden from everyone. Something that has just torn at my insides and eaten away at my heart. Some of you have noticed my lack of blogs. Some of you noticed the whole miss you theme going on in the ones I did write. And some of you even noticed that my top friends changed order for a while. I don't know why I didn’t talk about it. Maybe because I just didn’t want to deal with it. It was easier for me to just hide it away and pretend it was not happening. I did not want to admit that I let someone else over my wall into my life, let someone get close to me again, only for them leave. But, that is what happened.&nbsp; Out of respect for Lonnie and the personal issues involved that include Elonna, Joey and Sean (and of course the quiet Ray), I have to leave a lot of the details out.&nbsp;<br /><br />But as you know, Lonnie and I are very close. You have all read the blogs. Seen the comments.&nbsp; And due to some situations that are happening in Joeys world, we have all been dealing with some sad things. For reasons I keep private out of respect for Lonnie, he left. He ran away to deal with things. He left without saying good bye. Went across the country without a word. It took weeks before Sean even knew where he was. My heart broke. How could someone tell you so many things, how could someone claim to be a friend, how could someone tell you they love you and are a part of their heart only to just vanish into thin air like nothing ever happened? Go away like you meant nothing. These boys, they are my Irish pride and joy and they know that. Joey, like a brother to me. Sean, my world, and Lonnie my heart. And Ray, well he’s just Ray.&nbsp; A group of friends bound together in this earth.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />First I worried. Words could not express how much I worried about him. Then, I was sad and hurt. With time, anger set in.&nbsp; I went through all these emotions. Shortly after he left, I had lost contact with Sean. Again, to have to go through the emotions of wondering what happened. Where was he? And Joeys contact had been taken away from him. Me and Elonna were left with each other. To try to make each other smile and laugh daily was a chore. All we wanted to do was cry and cry. Things were not right in the world. Who was to blame? What did we do to deserve this?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />One by one, with time, things started to fall in to place. Joey was able to render some contact. Sean came out of hiding. How I missed him. My Irish One. How happy I was to see him again, to know that he is OK. To know that we always have a bond that will not be broken.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Then, something great fell into place. I got a job. Well, the hotel job lasted a day. I was out of there quicker then you could spell supercalifragilisticexpalidocious. hmmm does anyone know really how to spell that word??? Ok, so I did get a job working for city hall. It is a good job. It’s about a 20 min. commute to work. Not too bad. But, it has been hard for me to get back into a work schedule. Not to mention back into the swing of life.&nbsp; Been out of the loop for so long. It has been a real adjustment. I’ve been so tired&nbsp; and so emotionally drained. There is just so much stuff I have to learn. My poor brain doesn’t know what to do. I thought I could handle things. Thought I would be able to make it. But, after dodging my shrink for a year and not medicating myself for 8 months I have decided that this is something that I can no longer do alone. So, I have made an appointment to go back to the shrink. And we have 8 months or more to get caught back up on.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>So meanwhile, I am dealing with the adjustment of this new job; dealing with the self doubt of can I do it? Will I be ok? Feelings of worthlessness, hopeless, self doubt, death, (yes I said death) not suicide, but just death in general. I think this is brought on by my not feeling well, all those tummy issues I have dealt with for years. Dealing with a work schedule and being in the land of the living…then I had to deal with the return of Lonnie. I freaked. I didn’t know how to act. Didn’t know what to say to him. Didn’t know how he was going to be towards me. So much time had passed. So many emotions had been thrown into the pot.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Now, don't get me wrong. Lonnie being back is a great thing. But, it just happened in the middle of so much self doubt and worries that right then I just did not know what to think about everything. So, when I actually got the chance to talk to Lonnie, it was time for me to face all those emotions that I ran from. And it was time for him and me to talk about them. And it was good. Lonnie and I are just moving on from here. Forever bound together. Nothing has changed, but at the same time, everything has changed. We will always be a part of the others life. Always.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I have realized some things. I have moved on from the past. It may only be little bits and pieces here and there, but I have moved on. I have dealt with things that needed to be dealt with, even if in my own way. And now I see that I am only human and that I can no longer deal on my own. I am not afraid to ask for help, I asked, and I will get it. I have learned that others are only human too, and that we all make mistakes in life. I have realized that I am moving forward, one day at a time.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;Original Yahoo 360 Posts:</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 06:26 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />A journey only you can travel... but I am happy to see you arrived home again, with your friends and those people important to you. I missed you too. : )<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 06:33 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />my dear...how I have missed you as well!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 07:02 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Welcome back!! It's not easy remembering we are only human. I go through it a lot myself.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 09:15 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />{{{{HUGS}}}} WE have missed you! Glad you are back! Love ya, girl!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/12/2006 11:22 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Glad to see you back here!!! One step at a time...one day at time. I know they sound cliche' but truly its the only way to get yourself back into the rythym of your life...Huggggggggggs Chrys!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/13/2006 04:35 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />glad to see you back, you have been missed<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/14/2006 07:10 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />welcome back sweet girl, you've been sorely missed. life is all about the steps we take ... make use of the baby ones honey ... life can only get better! hugs and kisses<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/14/2006 09:50 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />It´s important to move on and somehow leave past behind, cut oneself free from that... Even little by little, attitude and will are the things that MATTER<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/17/2006 08:15 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Glad to see you all!! I have missed you as well!!!<br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28624784009422936682006-07-23T09:21:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.584-04:00My Birthday Trip<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2006/07/23/my-birthday-trip-2/f5f2/" rel="attachment wp-att-4478"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4478" height="222" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/f5f2-300x222.jpg" title="f5f2" width="300" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />I had a great birthday! On my way to Arkansas Saturday my mom called me from Michigan. Thank goodness for cell phones. It was our family reunion. So the phone got passed around and I got to talk to lots of my cousins. They all said Happy Birthday to me. It was great because many of them I don't get a chance to talk to very often. I was sad when I got off the phone because it was like I was the only one that was not able to come.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />It took us about 3 hours to get to Springdale. We talked for a while and watched the kids run around. They had to show me every little thing that was new since I was there last. Then Stephs step mom came and picked up the kids. She stayed a little bit and we talked. It was really weird to see her again after so long. It’s been about 10 years since I have seen her.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Once we got settled we all loaded up in the car and off to the tattoo shop we went. We went right back to the same place we went last October when I got the tat on the back of my neck. Steph didn’t tell her husband she was getting a tattoo. That was pretty funny how she just sprang it on him at the last minute. I had my design all picked out. I found a Celtic knot from an Irish book I have. It has a shamrock in the center. It’s black and white. I took that with me, along with some Gaelic. I wanted wings drawn. So I told the guy my story with gramps being my angel and my idea for my tattoo (not too girly) and he went upstairs and drew it out for me.</div><div><br />This guy was from New Zealand, so he had the coolest accent. (Course, not as cool as the Irish). I was amazed at what he came back with. Once it was all put together. And I decided to add some color and not just have it all in black. So we added some green. Colored the shamrock and colored the wings. It turned out awesome. Steph and I were upstairs getting our tats having a bunch of laughs while Marcus and her husband played pool. They had a really cool tattoo parlor. Pool tables, indoor pond with fish, a giant fish tank, huge big screen TV, and even a cute little fur ball puppy that they called Speed Bump. We had a really good time there. I think we spent over 3 hours in that place.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;Afterwards we headed to eat. Steph took us to her fave Mexican restaurant. And I am glad she did. The food was great. We stayed and ate for a long time. Just talking. Cracking jokes. She and I shared a picture of strawberry margaritas. And just when I thought we were going to leave all these people came over and started to sing happy birthday to me in Spanish first, then in English. They stuck a sombrero on my head. This was too damn funny. I could not stop laughing. Then they sat this glass in front of me that could easily have been 2 shots of more in it, of tequila. YUM! And so I did my birthday shot.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;We got out of there pretty late. So we just went back to her place. Her husband passed out almost as soon as we got in the door. Marcus kept dozing off on the couch so steph and I just told him he should go to bed. And he did. It was funny because she and I stayed up to watch this DVD of a band we used to just love in Jr High and High School. Poison. We just stayed up and talked and talked all night.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Got up this morning (Sunday) and hung out for a bit. Headed to breakfast together. Then Marcus and I hit to road to head home.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />So, here I am now…..back home…..</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, even though my birthday wasn’t spent in Ireland, or back with my family, I did get to go see one of my long time closest friends, and I had a great time.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />08/02/2006 06:49 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Happy Belated, my friend! Long time no talk!<br /><br /><br /><br />(*tips a glass and toasts to C!*)<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/31/2006 06:31 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Happy late birthday!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/24/2006 04:40 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Glad you birthday turned out great. I like the tattoo.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/24/2006 09:01 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Happy birthday! :)<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/23/2006 10:16 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />LOVE the tat !!!! Beautiful design !!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/23/2006 06:30 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sounds fab, Chrys...and the ink looks great. :)<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25022924171648461642006-07-14T09:18:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.586-04:00Finally A Job<div>Finally, after months and months of pounding the pavement, sending out resumes, and going on countless interviews, I was offered a job yesterday.<br /><br /></div>Went in for the interview yesterday morning. Got a call to come back that same afternoon, and was hired right then and there.<br /><div><br /></div><br />I'm pretty excited about it. Everyone that I talked to seemed to be really cool, and really talkative. (LOL!!) Which is good because I was sure tired of sitting in the house all the time with no one to talk to. I will be working Front Desk/Reception at the Holiday Inn. So, I will get to talk and meet all sorts of new people.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Woooooo Hooooooo<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I start Monday. Hours are&nbsp;7am to 3pm.&nbsp; Mon - Fri with some Saturdays during busy season. Which around here in college town USA, that’s football season.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>It has been a while since I have had to get up early to get ready to go to work. So trying to get used to a schedule again might just prove to be a challenge. But, I know it will take no time at all to get back into the swing of things.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I am just very thankful right now, as finally some light has been shown to me on my dark tunnel.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Hugs to all of you for your constant support this year. Without you, I would have just given up on so many things.<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7882968714516053742006-07-08T09:15:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:47:19.521-04:00I'm About to Get Paid!July 8, 2006<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="" height="160" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/b57b.jpg?mgg7zHoCCsXtl.Ek" width="104" /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br />Yes, you heard me correctly, I'm about to get paid. Yah for ME!!!! &nbsp; I want to give a big HUGE thank you for those of you who have been reading my <a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/" target="_blank">Erotic Confessions</a> over the course of the last year. I appreciate all your kind words. When I wanted to quit, you were all there pushing me along. Not with just the erotic writing, but with my poetry and other blogs as well. &nbsp; Don't freak out, I am not leaving. However, Irish Chiks Erotic Confessions has been picked up by a website owner&nbsp; and I will now be writing for the website. &nbsp; There will be some changes in my blog over the next few days. All the Erotic Confessions will have to be removed. &nbsp; But not to fret, I will let you all know where you can find my work at, so that all my faithful readers can continue to be a fan. &nbsp; And of course, my poetry, my irish wits and wisdom, my life and my quotes will still be here. And maybe, just maybe, I will have a story just for myspace/yahoo.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />UPDATE: 10/26/2010 - I am redoing the blog here-------<a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/">Erotic Confessions</a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Original Yahoo 360 Comments:<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/31/2006 04:09 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />sweet!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/20/2006 04:24 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />good luck christal hope you make it to the top like so many great irish writers<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/15/2006 05:29 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />good on yah chrystal! ;) cheers!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/09/2006 12:36 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You go girl!!!! Very happy for ya babes!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 10:22 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />that's wonderful honey! I'm so happy for you! hugs and kisses<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 04:51 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />That is cool.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 04:14 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />AWESOME, CHRYSTAL! I am so happy for you! Congratulations! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 02:49 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Congratulations!!!!!!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />07/08/2006 02:41 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Big hug, CONGRAT$$$ and all the best!<br /><br />We´ll keep in touch<br /><br /><br /><br />SUERTE AMIGA<br /><br /><br /><br />SONGO<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88649671643153205952006-06-26T09:10:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.588-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? Just Me, Thus Far<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been hard to find my own words these last few weeks. Life has taken its toll on me again. Which explains why I have not really posted any new blogs. And rather then pour out all the darkness and the sadness right now, I tend to just want to hide away.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I find myself wanting to come back to the real me, trying to find my words again......but at the same time, I just feel so lost.....</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel lost without a few of my friends. It just boggles my mind that people can say and do so much. Spend so much time investing in you, then all of the sudden, it seems they fall off the planet. No warning. No words. All I get left with is a big empty spot in my heart.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, I am still not ready to talk about that.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just wanted you to know that Chrys is still here, the writer, the poet, the erotic tale teller. I'm&nbsp; still around. Words are still floating inside me. Its just a matter of finding myself again, and making my way back.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope, that someday I can put everything that has happened this year behind me and move forward.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe writing about it, getting it out there, maybe that will help with some closure. One can hope.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought I would start the week off on the right foot. Or, perhaps the left? Does it really matter? I guess not, so long as I start this blog at all, right?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to bring everyone new to my world up to date on life these last few months. And , this might help those of you who have been in my world for a while understand why I ran and hid.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've always been a happy girl. Always the one with the smile. Always the one to make you laugh.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That all ended on&nbsp;January 3, 2006. That was the day my little world came crashing down. That was the day my grandfather lost his battle with lung cancer, then colon cancer.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Marcus and I drove from&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;to&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;in the middle of winter. It was the only option we had. We made it to&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;just fine, but on the way to the funeral, there was a bad snow storm. We were following right behind my cousin on the way to the funeral home, when he slowed down a little. We followed his lead. And as we did, we lost control of the car and went into a total spin. We spun over into the other lane, back over, back again and again and again.&nbsp;Traffic&nbsp;was moderate. We ended up in the ditch. My cousin did not notice he had lost us. He saw the whole thing in his rear view mirror, but did not realize it was us. To this day, I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;know how we made it without someone hitting us, or us hitting them. I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;know how we walked away. All I can think of is my gramps must of been with us in the car that day. He had to of been my angel on my shoulder. We had to wait for a tow truck to come get us out, and they had to wait on us before they could start the funeral.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We made it back to&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;safe and sound. But, I was sad, and just not in a good place mentally. After 3 days back to work, I left my job. And for those of you who read my old blogs, you know I complained about this job every day. I thought I would be able to find work easily.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I week later, I dropped out of school. Shortly after that, depression started to creep in. I stopped my medications and had not been to my shrink since before Thanksgiving. I got really really sick. More intestinal problems. For the newbies, this is something I have been dealing with for the last 3 years or so. Docs cant seem to really pin point whats wrong. For the oldies, seems a shock since I just had surgery in September. All was well after surgery.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went to bed one day, and&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;get out of that bed (except a few hours a day) for about 8 weeks or so.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom sold her house, and moved in with Marcus and I for about 3 weeks. Then she packed all she could into her car, and moved herself to&nbsp;Michigan.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so here I am. Alone. Sad. Jobless.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Really missing close friends.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trying to dig myself out of this hole that I seem to be in.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so,&nbsp;that's&nbsp;what has been happening in my life for the last 6 months.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now, I am trying to find a job. Got my resume out there, been on many&nbsp;interviews.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got some new meds for my intestinal issues. I have my good days and my bad days.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok, thats all for this update. More</span><span style="color: #407f00; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on me later.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84230786572994758532006-06-19T09:05:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.591-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? Up to Speed<div><br /><br />I thought I would start the week off on the right foot. Or, perhaps the left? Does it really matter? I guess not, so long as I start this blog at all, right?<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I wanted to bring everyone new to my world up to date on life these last few months. And , this might help those of you who have been in my world for a while understand why I ran and hid.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I've always been a happy girl. Always the one with the smile. Always the one to make you laugh.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>That all ended on January 3, 2006. That was the day my little world came crashing down. That was the day my grandfather lost his battle with lung cancer, then colon cancer.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Marcus and I drove from Oklahoma to Michigan in the middle of winter. It was the only option we had. We made it to Michigan just fine, but on the way to the funeral, there was a bad snow storm. We were following right behind my cousin on the way to the funeral home, when he slowed down a little. We followed his lead. And as we did, we lost control of the car and went into a total spin. We spun over into the other lane, back over, back again and again and again.&nbsp;Traffic&nbsp;was moderate. We ended up in the ditch. My cousin did not notice he had lost us. He saw the whole thing in his rear view mirror, but did not realize it was us. To this day, I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;know how we made it without someone hitting us, or us hitting them. I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;know how we walked away. All I can think of is my gramps must of been with us in the car that day. He had to of been my angel on my shoulder. We had to wait for a tow truck to come get us out, and they had to wait on us before they could start the funeral.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />We made it back to <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/i-back-my-story-of-michigan-and-back.html">Oklahoma safe and sound.</a> But, I was sad, and just not in a good place mentally. After 3 days back to work, I left my job. And for those of you who read my old blogs, you know I complained about this job every day. I thought I would be able to find work easily.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;A week later, I dropped out of school. Shortly after that, depression started to creep in. I stopped my medications and had not been to my shrink since before Thanksgiving. I got really really sick. More intestinal problems. For the newbies, this is something I have been dealing with for the last 3 years or so. Docs cant seem to really pin point whats wrong. For the oldies, seems a shock since I just had surgery in September. All was well after surgery.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I went to bed one day, and didnt get out of that bed (except a few hours a day) for about 8 weeks or so.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>My mom sold her house, and moved in with Marcus and I for about 3 weeks. Then she packed all she could into her car, and moved herself to Michigan.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />And so here I am. Alone. Sad. Jobless. Trying to dig myself out of this hole that I seem to be in.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />And so, thats what has been happening in my life for the last 6 months.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;Right now, I am trying to find a job. Got my resume out there, been on a few interviews. I got some new meds for my intestinal issues. I have my good days and my bad days.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Ok, thats all for this update. More on me later.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comment:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/19/2006 11:40 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />There is nothing like losing a family member, friend or a loved one and there never seems to be the right words to say to make one feel better or more at ease about it. I am sorry for your loss and I really should comment more on your blog to just let you know that I do do read it often!! I wish you luck in your job search and I know how you feel about those intestinal issues; still trying to find a doctor that can resolve mine. Have an awesome day; stop by when you can!! Say hello to Sable for me!!!<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42850534632921005722006-06-19T09:01:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.593-04:00Where Did You Go?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I miss you so,</span><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Seems like it's been forever,<br />That you've been gone.<br />Where'd you go?<br />I miss you so,<br />Seems like it's been forever,<br />That you've been gone,<br />Please come back home..."</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ~ chorus sung by Holly Brook~</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the song : Where'd You Go rapped by&nbsp;Fort&nbsp;Minor</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**************************************************</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I posted these lyrics on here today because it represents how I feel right now regarding someone very dear to me. Its been about 11 days since&nbsp;we have spoke&nbsp;and I miss him a great deal. Right now all I can do is just hope that someday, our paths will cross again. </span><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7715559281756303422006-06-17T08:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.595-04:00To Blog or Not To Blog, That is the Question<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/company/myspace" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image representing MySpace as depicted in Crun..." height="47" src="http://www.crunchbase.com/assets/images/resized/0000/4414/4414v79-max-450x450.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="180" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://www.crunchbase.com/" target="_blank">CrunchBase</a></span></span><br /><div><br /><br />I've come to the conclusion that I just do not know what to do anymore. To write here, or not.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I have noticed it has been almost a year since I started blogging here on 360. A year since I have met many of you, and what a wonderful ride it has been.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I sit here, looking at my blog, and it feels so empty. I realize maybe I should not have removed my blogs from here. But, I had my reasons.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>For many of you, we are connected at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalirishchik" target="_blank">MySpace,</a> and you have been able to read my blogs. But to those of you that are new to my friends list, all you are seeing is&nbsp;Irish&nbsp;parts of me. You are not able to read my true words. My own words.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />It has been hard to find my own words these last few months. Life has taken its toll on me. And rather then pour out all the darkness and the sadness, I just post my bits of Irish.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I find myself wanting to come back to the real me, trying to find my words again......but at the same time, I just feel so lost.....</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I just wanted you to know that Chrys is still here, the writer, the poet, the erotic tale teller. I'm&nbsp; still around. Words are still floating inside me. Its just a matter of finding myself again, and making my way back.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 11:15 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I enjoy reading your Irish blogs and also all your blogs on myspace. Good luck and we will be thinking about you. God bless you<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 10:25 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />yes.we do embrace you sweet naughty friend...wherever we connect..you continue to inspire and have us drooling and squirming...feeling the passion whatever your mode...you speak from the heart...i love it!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 08:26 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />we love you, irish and all! hugs and kisses sweet lady!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 04:04 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />we all love u crystal especially the irish part..i think my space has divide us all up....anyway have a great weekend and dont forget to come to ireland sometime...<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/18/2006 01:44 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sorry that I haven't made it over to MySpace at all. Always meant to go and sign up, but finding that visits there are lots more noise than I want. Been doing much of the same, clarifying what I think and want to do in life. Evaluating friendships and relationships. Sifting grain from chaff... and feeling out dark passageways.<br /><br /><br /><br />Good to see you here, still, Chrystal. I do miss ya, and know we should stay in closer touch. It is good to know you are there. Be well and let's catch up soon.<br /><br /><br /><br />p<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/17/2006 11:44 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sometimes the courage lies in forging forward and not knowing how we are going to reinvent ourselves. It takes guts to dream new dreams. spike q<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/17/2006 10:44 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />We can be patient...(tap, tap tap goes the foot) yeah, really I CAN be patient (drum drum drum the fingers on the desk top)...who says I can't wait? (spins in chair...around and around and around)<br /><br />Umm ok I waited...where are the words??? LOL! Just teasing you...take your time...anyone worth it will still be here (or MySpace!){{{{HUGS}}}} Love ya!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/17/2006 09:16 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Pick up the pen!!! I said pick up the pen!!! LOL Just kidding......but really pick up the pen!!! I like your writing whatever it is!!!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />06/17/2006 09:13 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Whether it's here or MySpace, I'm paying attention, talk to me. : )<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=d76513fb-f37e-4af7-8444-201b76a258fc" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15426301473654606292006-05-30T17:37:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.538-04:00May Moon ~ Irish Poetry<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Thomas_Moore.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Thomas Moore (28 May 1779 – 25 February 1852),..." height="215" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/Thomas_Moore.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="135" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 135px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Thomas_Moore.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span>May 30, 2006<br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The young May moon is&nbsp; beaming, love,</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The glowworm's lamp is gleaming, love,</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">How sweet to rove</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Through Morna's grove,</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">While the drowsy world is dreaming, love!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Then awake! - the heavens look bright, my dear!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">'T is never too late for delight, my dear!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">And the best of all ways</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">To lengthen our days</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Is to steal a few hours from the night, my dear!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">~Thomas Moore</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div><br /><ul class="ypf-usercards" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="comment-item first" style="border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; font-size: 12px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><br /><div class="comment-content" style="margin: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px; zoom: 1;"><br /><div class="user" style="color: #a0a1a2; float: left; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">commented</div><br /><div class="time" style="color: #a0a1a2; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">06/13/2006 08:10 pm</div><br /><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Thomas Moore is one of my favourite poets ever.<br />BELIEVE ME IF ALL THOSE ENDEARING YOUNG CHARMS &amp; THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER are the most famous, however all of his work is WONDERFUL.<br /><br />Thanks Chrystal for posting it<br /><br /></div><br /><a class="handle-comment" href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=297081" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: #e0e0e0; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #5fa3ee; cursor: pointer; float: right; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Report abuse</a><a class="handle-delete" href="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: #e0e0e0; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #5fa3ee; cursor: pointer; float: right; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Delete</a><a class="handle-reply" href="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: #e0e0e0; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #5fa3ee; cursor: pointer; float: right; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li class="comment-item last" style="border-top-color: #a0a1a2; border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; clear: both; font-size: 12px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><br /><div class="vcard small-photo" style="border: 5px solid #e8e8e8; float: left; height: 48px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; width: 48px;"><img alt="Yahoo! User" class="photo" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" style="border: 0px initial initial; height: 48px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; width: 48px;" title="Yahoo! User" /></div><br /><div class="comment-content" style="margin: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 0px; zoom: 1;"><br /><div class="user" style="color: #a0a1a2; float: left; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">commented</div><br /><div class="time" style="color: #a0a1a2; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">06/10/2006 05:22 am</div><br /><div class="content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Awesome poem!!!!</div><br /></div></li></ul><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=b26771a1-3eef-42eb-8c5f-82f27a3212d1" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57250561578205039292006-05-29T10:56:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.598-04:00Just To Love Him<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/saye/Goth/Dark_love_2_by_Syrkell.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/saye/Goth/Dark_love_2_by_Syrkell.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yes, I Love Him. There is no denying it.&nbsp; I can't. I tried. I ran from it. Only to have it come at me full circle and slap me in the face. I can no longer outrun it. Here it is. Here he is. In my life. Just where I want him to be. Who cares what everyone else thinks. Only matters what him and I think. Who knows what will happen. Who cares. Why plan? Just take things one day at a time. That's all we need. One day. One Love.<br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8851366270885591852006-05-27T10:52:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.600-04:00Saying Good-Bye to Lil Bits of Me<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tongue_piercing.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="a pierced human tongue" height="301" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Tongue_piercing.jpg/300px-Tongue_piercing.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tongue_piercing.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><div><br /><br />Ok, so to anyone that knows me, or hell, that reads the surveys we post, then you know all about my passion for piercing and tattoos.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />But, as I try to change some things in life, there are some parts of me I need to let go of.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I said good-bye to some of my oldest friends the other day. It was sad, but it was also freeing at the same time.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;My oldest friend, for over 11 years now, my belly button ring, was the first to go. This was my first piercing, and maybe the hardest one to get rid of. I realize this one isn’t really seen by the eye. But, the truth is, my belly just is not what it was 11 years ago. A lil more plump these days. And no matter what I do, the ring just&nbsp;doesn't&nbsp;every lay right. And quite frankly, I am tired of it poking into my skin.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>So, bye-bye.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Done.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>My next friend to say good-bye to was my tongue ring. This one has many pros and cons. I have had this friend for about 9 years now. Most people don't even know I hate it. I for one am not one to be showing it to the world like many of those with them….you know who I am talking about, those pullers, teeth clinkers, call them whatever. But, I know you know who I speak of. Anyway, I just got tired of it and, like I said, it was just time to part ways and say buh-bye.</div><div><br /></div>Gone.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>The last friend I said good-bye to, was rather a new friend. Only been around for about a year now. But, I tell you, is the most pain in my ass. My cute lil nose ring has left the building as well.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Buh-bye. Gone.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Now, I know many of you are thinking I have flipped my lid. How could I get rid of something so close to me, so much of what I stand for, so much a part of me. And all I can say, it was not easy. But, it was something I felt I had to do. Felt it was just time to close the book on that part of my life.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Moving forward. Making changes.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I am still me. Still Chrys.</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=a6645def-0bec-4641-8387-ece5d46b910f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64802531374460401712006-05-21T10:46:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.602-04:00What's Up With Chrys? May Edition<div>Life is all about changes isn’t it? I feel like, a change is about to occur. I can feel it coming on. Like big freight trains steaming on down the track. You can hear its whistle, you know its there, but just can not quite see it yet.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>This past year, just has not been my banner year, and quite frankly, I am ready to move on and get on with my life. I am tired of being sad, tired of being sick and frankly, just tired of being tired.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I am trying very hard to keep my head above water, and find some small part of the life I once had and grab on to that.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>But so much of my life that was once in this town, is now gone. Vanished. Poof. Gone..Bye-Bye</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />My mom called me today. She is having the time of her life in&nbsp;Michigan, back with family. She loves to call me and tell me all the things that are going on there. And I love hearing it, but at the same time I feel so left out. She knows I have been contemplating the idea of moving back to&nbsp;Michigan. There really is not much keeping us here in&nbsp;Oklahoma&nbsp;anymore.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I have an uncle who lives in&nbsp;Florida, and he bought a business in&nbsp;Michigan. He wants my mom to run it for him. He is going to need someone to keep his books for him. And this is where I come in. I have an aunt who is an accountant, but she has her plate full as it is and just can’t take on another business. Perfect opportunity for me. Not only would I get to be with my family, I would get to work with my family again. I miss working with my mom. Hard work, but fun times. I also have an aunt that has her own mortgage company. She does a lot of work in&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Florida. She needs someone to help her out. Again, this is where I come in. My mom has offered me both of these today.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />My mom is thinking about coming down after Memorial Day weekend, sometime around the first of June, and she will fly. Then she wants to rent a truck to move her things that are being stored here at my house, back up there to&nbsp;Michigan. She wants me to come with her. She thinks it would do some good for me to be with family, work, and clear my head of all the problems that have been lurking in my brain. I know she means all my issues regarding my marriage. I have not really told her much, but I guess I don't need to. Moms always have a way of knowing when something is up.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />It’s just, the whole thing scares the crap out of me. Such a big step, a big change.</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84774486304642463202006-05-11T17:51:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.605-04:00Comfortable In My Own Skin<div>I never thought I would be able to type those words and mean them.<br /><br /></div>Sure, I still have my issues with my body and my insecurities, but who&nbsp;doesn't?<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>But right now, I am content. I am happy just being me. For the first time in a long time someone loves me just as I am. Takes me as I am. Nothing more and nothing less.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>My quirks, my flaws, my body, my attitude, my obsessions, my kinks, my oddities...everything about me....</div><div><br /></div>Doesn’t criticize, doesn’t try to change. Just takes me for what I am.<br /><div><br /></div>ME.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>With him, I am free..free to just be me........... this angel can spread her wings and fly..<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Oceans may separate......we may have many miles between.......but the distance&nbsp;doesn't&nbsp;matter.......what matters is how we feel about each other inside.......and some way.....some how.........we shall have our time together.</div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38405695548060305802006-05-10T17:49:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.541-04:00The Jewel ~ Irish Proverb<img alt="" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/9369.jpg?mgg7zHoCSgf4BH4K" /><br /><div><br /><br />The Jewel most rare is the Jewel most fair. ~ Irish Proverb<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26082383148945222132006-05-06T17:41:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.543-04:00Full House<img alt="" height="170" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/86d2.jpg?mgg7zHoCexK3R3o2" width="250" /><br /><div><br /><br />Leap Castle in County Offaly is reported to house more haunts then<br />any other castle in Ireland, with 24 ghosts rattling through its ancient halls.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.simonmarsden.co.uk/books-PhantomsoftheIsles-Sample.htm" rel="nofollow">Read More About Leap Castle Here...just click...I linked!!! ~C~</a></span><br /><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60733658417333058672006-05-05T17:32:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.607-04:00I'm Sorry<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">I’m SORRY!</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">What did I do?</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">You got me apologizing and I can not even begin to imagine what it was that I did. But, whatever it is, I am truly sorry if you took things the wrong way. I would never purposely hurt you.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">My heart, my soul, my love.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">But, I don't deserve this treatment,</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">This treatment from you.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">Tell me</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">Was I wrong?</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">Let me fix it</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">Let me make it right</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">Let me hold you</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">Hold you tight</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">Let me love you</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">Love you right</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">I loved you then</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">I love you now</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">I’ll love you forever</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">If we can take back this moments somehow.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">You are my heart, my soul, my love, my life.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">Missing You and Loving You Baby</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Batang;">C.H.</span></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9836215011553204772006-05-02T17:00:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.610-04:00What's Up With Chrys? Life Sucks, Except for One Thing<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dublin_lead_image.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A combination of Dublin pictures for leading p..." height="407" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Dublin_lead_image.jpg/300px-Dublin_lead_image.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dublin_lead_image.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">Oh how I need a new blog. It is way past due. So many things to talk about, but yet it seems I just cant figure out the words to say. Or, the main thing, I just get too damn distracted. Sure I can sit and type for hours at a time, but, not when I am the only one talking. Usually, there is someone on the other end of the email or the chat box.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br />I feel I have partly hid from writing is because all that has been coming out of me has been so dark. It seems I have found myself back in my dark hole, and I just&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;want anyone to know. I need to not be worried, and I need to be strong. But even I crack and break.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Maybe I should not have stopped seeing my therapist, and maybe I should not have taken myself off my medications. But, even so, that can not possibly be the reason my life has gone down the path that it has this year. This much I can fix. I can call the pharmacist in the morning and have my meds refilled. I can call my shrinks office and make and appt. And I can start that all over again. What fun that will be trying to fill her in on the last 4 months of my life.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;I get it, Gramps is gone and there is no bringing him back. I understand that. And, this isnt even about that anymore. I am here, in this house, in this town, ALONE. All alone. My friends are gone. They all have moved out and away. Sure, we talk on the phone and stuff, but it is just not the same as having them here. And, now that my mom is gone, it makes things even harder. And my in-laws, oh man don't get me started with them. I mean, they are good people, and we get along, we are just not close. Not close at all.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I'm broken, tattered, torn and confused about life, love and marriage. When everyone tells me to follow my heart, my heart says for me to not stay here anymore. It says I don't want to be here anymore. And when I told that to my mom the other day she said to me, "Chrystal, maybe its time to let it go. Time to call it quits." Maybe she is right. Maybe I am unhappy because I am in a marriage I don't want to be in. But I am so damn scared of it all.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />But then I question myself constantly. There had to be something there once before? Why is it not there now? What happened? What if&nbsp; its just me and my own worries and insecurities right now about life? So many "What If's". Not to mention the "Do I's"?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Do I even want to try and save it, or fix it? I mean, if I can love someone else(my dear Lonnie)&nbsp;so much, and&nbsp;him be so far away from me, would that not be a sign that maybe I should not be in the marriage. Or is it a sign that I am just capable of loving someone. To show me I have a big heart, and that I can and shall love someone.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Not that these questions matter much. Even if I did muster up the strength to call it quits and leave, where would I go? I mean, I could move home to&nbsp;Michigan, and start a new life over there. I would have to get family to come down and help me move, would not be something I could do alone. And I would have to stay with family until I was on my own two feet. As of right now, I cannot stand on my own two feet.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I feel stuck.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Or, just pack myself up and head to Dublin. Oh, if only things were that easy.</div><div><br /><br />As you know, after I got back from gramps funeral, I left that job working for the crazy lady. And she is making things rather difficult for me. Cant use her for a reference. She is fighting me over my unemployment and I have a court hearing over that on the 10<sup>th</sup>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I know having a job does not define my self worth. Neither does being in school. But, when I don't have those 2 things going on in life, I feel worthless. I feel like nothing. And right now, I just feel like a big blob taking up space in this house. Simply coexisting with another human being. Forcing someone else to take care of me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />School will just have to wait until fall before I can enroll.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />But then, finding a job brings me to my health. You all have heard me talk about this since the beginning of our blog days at&nbsp;360 Yahoo Drive. I have some internal problems. And had surgery last September. I was fine for a few months, and now it has all come back to me full force. My doc put me on new meds and it is sort of hit or miss. I have good days and I have bad days. I sleep A LOT. Part of that is from the meds, and I am sure the other part of that is my depression. So, whats the point of finding a job if I am just going to have to call in sick all the time? Or, maybe, I would feel better if I had a job and some sense of purpose in life.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />I'm tired of feeling like crap. I am tired of being sick.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>But then,&nbsp;wouldn't&nbsp;my job take away from my time spent with Lonnie. I worry. I wonder what would happen if I was not able to sit and talk with him for all the hours that I do. Sure, we would still get to talk, but it just would not be as much. And our time is so limited as it is. Would we drift apart? Fall apart? And that thought simply makes me sad. And losing any little part of him that I have is something that I just&nbsp;don't&nbsp;want to think about.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>And then that brings me to selling my car. I am not a materialistic person. But, I hate to get rid of my car. My rip roaring beast of a machine. But, the truth is, we just cant afford to have two cars. I guess the good thing is my lil brother in law wants to buy it. And with him still living at home with no bills, he has the time and the money to put into a car like that and get it back to showroom quality and put it in the car shows. So I guess he is trying to save up some money to buy it from us. Which, in the end, will help us all out. Even though we would end up with two people trying to share one car. My Explorer. The SUV beast.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">Oh all the freaking WHAT IFs.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">All the damn&nbsp;worries.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">My head is spinning.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">I should have written another installment of [intlink id="3611" type="post"]Passports and Emotions[/intlink] as; I got my passport in the mail last week. I was rather happy (doing my little Irish jig) about it, but sadness suddenly took over. The trip has been postponed. And until when, I dont know. I wish I knew. I wish I had a set date. I know its not the end of the world. But, when you are looking forward to something like that as much as I was, it does almost seem like the end of the world. To see as much of&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;as I could see in 2 weeks. Even if all I saw was in&nbsp;Dublin. Thats OK. To be able to say hello in person to Ray. To be able to see where Joey is, even if I could not see him in person. I would at least be able to send him my positive thoughts. To be able to give Sean a big ole hug, tell him how much his friendship means to me.....but, mostly.......to hold Lonnie and tell him in person how much I Love Him and how much happiness he has brought into my dark and lonely life. He is my bright light, my shining star. My King.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">Its always about the small things in life that matter to me. Little things mean a lot. If I wanted to travel alone, I could already be on my way there. I could have a set date. But, Lonnie asked that I not travel alone for it will worry him so, and therefore I made a promise that I would not come alone.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">I am not one for breaking promises, but damn it.....this angel wants to break free and fly.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">How she just longs to fly free.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=4e44c25d-9e52-4f86-881c-7701a08a0864" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88694223598008719532006-04-28T16:57:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.612-04:00Good-Bye<img alt="" src="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f228/I_Write_Sins/Quotes%20Words%20Lyrics/goodbye.jpg" /><br /><br />In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we may not give our words a second thought. If you’re like me, you just say whatever is on your mind without thinking first. Sometimes my words get the best of me. Or I do not choose them correctly. Saying one thing, meaning another, never getting things quite right. I try my best as my words are an important part of my life. But, even I make mistakes. And for that, I am sorry.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64738563062738874092006-04-26T16:52:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.614-04:00This Blog's For JoeyApril 26, 2006<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="227" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/6926.jpg?mgg7zHoCVjWsj.Gx" width="170" /></span><br /><div><br /><br />This blog is fer Joey......you see, seems the Gods of Yahoo have decided to attack him and his account now. First, his pics. Then, some months later, some more pics. Yesterday his 360, and now , his entire account.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />For anyone that knows Joey's story, and has read his blog, you know that he has gotten pretty tame these last few months. Not a hint of any nudity or things sexual. So, what reasoning does Yahoo have for yanking his account?<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Well, I dont know, but I know I will never get the answer I want.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I have seen so many friends come and go because of this.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I have decided to pull my blog. I will still come by your place, say hello. But my <a href="http://www.erotic-confessions.com/" target="_blank">Irish Chik Erotic Confessions </a>will no longer be posted here. All that will be left here are my lil' Irish writing...I mean, whats IrishChik without her Irish writings?...You can read&nbsp;all my stuff&nbsp;on myspace if you are there.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong> </strong><br /><br /></div><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>05/09/2006 04:43 am</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>really said.. so best ption is to keep it private for friends only..<br /><br />sorry to him...<br /><br />hugs<br />rock.</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>05/01/2006 09:28 pm</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>man that sucks.<br />TC &amp;amp; Stand Tall- M</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>04/27/2006 09:06 pm</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>I am really shock about Joey had lift the yahoo 360, I didn't realize that<br />he have that much pression on him like that.</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>04/27/2006 07:23 pm</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>So the yaholes pulled another one eh? censorship here is perfectly legal and they don't have to give a "reason." sorry to hear all of that. the censorship was one of the top reasons i decided to get my own domain. spike q</strong><br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45252287317140153922006-04-15T16:42:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.617-04:00Blink....Blink, Blink.....Blink<div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">blink…..blink……blink……blink</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">shut up damn it</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">blink…..blink……blink…..</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">would you stop already, I know what I am gonna say. At least I know what I want to say.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">blink…..blink…….blink…….blink…….</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">What the hell is with my cursor? Just tormenting me with its blinky blinky ass. Leave me alone.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">What? What’s that you’re telling me?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I need to write? Well, what in the world do you think I am trying to do here? Stop tormenting me….stop talking to me…</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">blink….blink…..blink…..</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">STOP IT!</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Ok, I can not be the only one in the world who has war with the blank page and their cursor. Blink damn it. I am gonna just keep blinking at you until you write something.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Easy enough to get it to stop blinking, right? So, then why am I having such a hard time of it lately? Usually I am so full of words. But, not lately. What happened to me? Writers block? Why? Is writers block for real or merely a figment of our imagination? I know its not because I don't have anything going on in life to write about. I got tons of stuff I could be writing about. Easy enough then. But, why can’t I find my words? It is my words that are lost.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I am sending out S.W.A.T. (cue music…duh na na….nanananana)</span></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90117952359622954392006-04-13T16:36:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.619-04:00What's Up With Chrys? Just Not Feeling Well<a href="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p2/bktrucking/bones.jpg"></a><br /><br /><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="446" src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p2/bktrucking/bones.jpg" width="640" /> <span style="font-family: Batang;">I've been trying to work on a new blog for a little bit now. Just with the events as of late, I&nbsp;haven't&nbsp;really felt like putting my thoughts into words, but rather just send my thoughts overseas.</span><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;">But, right now, my body is in utter agony. Those closest to me know this story. Have listened to me whine the last week or so. I cant sleep. I toss and turn all night. I cant eat, I just throw it up. So basically its been all liquids for a week now. Now, theres a way to lose weight huh? Right, it sucks. I cant leave my house. I cant take my dogs out for a walk. I cant run, cant work out. Cant bend to lift, nothing!!! I can barley walk from my bedroom down the hall to the living room. Im all doubled over like some drunk whose been punched in the gut one too many times.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;">My internal specialist has been out of town. And unfortunately, in this nice size college town in which I live, there is not another one that takes my insurance. Which, really is fine, cause I hate being passed off from DR to DR. Having to explain over and over again, cause lets face it, them charts only explain so much.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;">So, I called my family Dr. She wasnt in yesterday, was all booked today, so I can not get in until tomorrow morning. Well, thats just great, seeing has how this was the worst day ever. I feel like that helpless little girl again who cant get nothing done for herself and has to rely on someone else to take care of her. And this kind of discomfort and pain brings out the evil bitch in me. I am crabby, so stay away. Thankfully spoustoid has figured that out. Leave me alone, I don't need anything, I am trying to write something here! hehehe</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;">Ok, so, the surgery was a flop. And my medication no longer works. I have a feeling I know what she is going to say, and well, quite frankly is why I put off going to the DR. I dont want to go through yet another surgery. I want them to KNOW what the hell is wrong with me and FIX IT.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;">Part of me is just really worried. I know I should not think about things like this. These are the time when I need to stay optimistic. But, even I have my days. These Irish eyes do not always smile. But you know I just lost my grandfather to cancer. In the beginning it was lung cancer. In the end, colon cancer took over.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Having just lost him, and still trying to heal from that.and worrying so much about my own health, starts to play on my mental health as well.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Anyway, Im off to lie down, I cant sit here no more. Will get back to you after I get back from the docs.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6494014604957643732006-04-06T16:27:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:35.996-04:00Look At What You Have Done<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:All_You_Get_From_Love_Is_A_Love_Song_Logo.png" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img ..."="" a="" all="" alt="Logo to " from="" get="" height="61" is="" love="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/All_You_Get_From_Love_Is_A_Love_Song_Logo.png/300px-All_You_Get_From_Love_Is_A_Love_Song_Logo.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" you="" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">“Look What You Have Done!” my brain screams and I hang my head in shame.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Oops. Easiest word in the world to say, easiest way to get out of something that was indeed your fault. Oops. Very simple word. Simple to say, simple to write, and simple to walk away from. Oops sums things up very nicely. Nothing else is needed to be said after saying, oops.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Except in my case. You see, I have a very big oops going on here.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">A big oops that has caused 2 people very close to me to come to blows with each other.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I’d say I was to blame, that I feel guilty, responsible - yadda yadda, but that is gonna cause about 4 people to come and lash out at me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">One would agree for sure I was partly to blame.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">That was the original purpose of today’s blog.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">The events leading up to the brawl. But, right now&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><strong>we</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> have to move past all that.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><strong>I</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> have to move past all that. As while I was working on this blog, some rather unsettling news had passed my way.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">My brother has kicked me in the ass and made me see things for the way that they are. (((Hugs to Joey))))&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And so, now this blog has another purpose, a better and more meaningful purpose as Lonnie is someone very special to me, and very close to my heart. And I need to be strong, loving and caring.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So none of that who’s to blame matters now. What matters to me right now, is that Lonnie get better. Please say a prayer, light a candle, whatever it is that you do – for him.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">He was in a brawl the other night, and it seems it was worse then expected for he was recently taken to the hospital.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">It is likely he has a concussion, but at this point I am uncertain.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Keep him in your thoughts with the hopes that he get well soon.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Lonnie,&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">mo chroí.</span></strong></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=f05d8e57-53be-4d74-95e2-837124a6b8c2" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37588913281768500212006-04-05T16:20:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:16.226-04:00Passports and Emotions: Part 2<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_passport.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="US passport" height="353" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d0/US_passport.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="254" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Passports and Emotions – Part 2</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I find myself sitting here again, blank page staring back at me. I have been trying to sit down and write this post for hours now. My mind roaming back and forth. How do I want to start this? Some fancy, witty intro? Some Chrys humor?&nbsp; Or should I just dive right on in?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Doesn’t matter. The truth is I just don't know how to write today.&nbsp; I mean, I do. I just can’t seem to get my thoughts together to properly compose them.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Once again I find myself in one of those moods. Sad. Alone. Confused.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I keep returning to this topic, the topic of my trip. The wheels in my brain just keep turning this over and over.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I miss my gramps. I miss me weekly phone calls. I miss my “Hello Doll, how are you?”&nbsp; I miss him something fierce. I have lost a part of me. And it has really fucked with my world.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">You see, being adopted, there is a part of me that I don't know. A part of me that I will never know. I know who my biological father is.&nbsp; I have never met the man. And I also know of his family, as they are pretty well known in the town around where my mothers family live.&nbsp; I have a half brother and sister, I may never know. An entire family I will likely never meet. Another Irish family. All because one man chooses to not tell them about me. To not face up to his own mistake that took place 30 years ago.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I want my gramps back. I want him to tell me “Go Doll, find yourself.”&nbsp; And push me out the door. There is a part of me that I may never know, but there is this huge part of me that is dying to find herself. To know who and what she is. To see it, feel it, to just be there and breathe the air. I want to be able to come back home and tell gramps everything I saw. Tell him about the people I met. &nbsp;Damnit I just want to smile at him one last time. To hear his laughter. To hear him tease me for my southern accent when I go for a visit.&nbsp; I want to stop crying. I want my tears to stop falling.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Time is passing me by, and I am letting it.&nbsp; Tick . Tock. Tick. Tock.&nbsp; Drip. Drop. Drip. Drop. &nbsp;Tick Tick goes the clock. Drip Drip fall the tears.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I can’t get the time lost back. And I don’t know how to get back in sync with the time now.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Make it all stop, make it all go away. I don't want this life anymore. My life. Take it. Just take it. Take it away. Won’t somebody save me?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I want this trip more then anything else in my life. I would sell my soul to go. I mean, I can go. Need to go. I am a big girl. I am an adult. I have no problems going anyplace alone. I have traveled alone many, many times in my life. Why should this time be any different? People do it all the time, right? Sure. Then why can’t I?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Why can’t I follow my own advice, put my big girl panties on and deal with it? What is it that I am afraid of? People travel alone all the time. It’s no big deal. Sure. Maybe. But this trip consumes me with so much power and emotion, that I honestly do not know if I can even handle it. I don't think I could handle going alone.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">This isn’t a trip just about finding Chrys. This is also a trip about meeting some friends along the way as well. Anxious. Nervous. Scared. Just plain ole freaked the fuck out. All the what if’s start to whirl and twirl around in my brain.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I can see it now, Chrys gets off the plane…steps into the big town of Dublin, immediately is overcome with emotions….and someone thinks I am a crazy person. LOL!&nbsp; Ok, you knew I had to add some lame humor in here somewhere. It was getting way to heavy.&nbsp; No, this is really something that I need someone there with me to hold my hand. To help me find the way.&nbsp; I want someone to share this with. Need someone to share this with.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Heads you win, tails you lose.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">About this time some of you are questioning why I just don't bring Marcus. Ahhhhhh well there really is a damn good reason for that.&nbsp; This quest, to find myself, it involves leaving him home for more reasons then I care to get into here.&nbsp; As you have heard me say time and time again, our marriage is a good marriage. He is a good man. However, there just isn’t something there that needs to be. Is it Love? It could be. For, I know I do on some level love him. But, is he my ONE? Is he my TRUE LOVE? That is something I can not answer. &nbsp;I have been addressing this issue for a year now. Something I have been fighting with.&nbsp; Did I just settle? What the hell is love anyway?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I fight that battle within. Day in and day out. Time after time, moment after moment. Tick Tock Tick Tock</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">All I know is, I gave up me. I stopped being true to myself and who I am.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Someone very close to me said Love was something very simple. As simple as a feeling of when your heart just wells up for them. When you think about them all the time. I wish it was that simple for me. I tried and tried to make it that simple for me.&nbsp; But, it just does not seem to be working.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I have learned that before I can figure that missing piece out, I need to put myself together first. I need to just be ME. &nbsp;He is patient, and he understands and he more then willing to let me go on my own. I need to be away from him. I need to do this on my own without him. No influence. &nbsp;I have spent the last 9 years of my life under his wing so to speak. Its time for me to fly on my own. To find the person that has been lost. &nbsp;The quest to find and be ME again.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=ac3cd636-9de4-4340-ac25-cc594188a255" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79926999023983240582006-04-04T16:16:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:53:16.229-04:00Passports and Emotions: Part 1<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: left;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Slane_Castle_coMeath.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Slane Castle, Co. Meath, Ireland (with deliver..." height="225" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Slane_Castle_coMeath.jpg/300px-Slane_Castle_coMeath.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Slane_Castle_coMeath.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Passports and Emotions</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">That’s some kind of a title&nbsp;isn't&nbsp;it?</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">According to my countdown ticker on my home page, I have about 112 days until my birthday.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">A birthday you all have been listening to me talk about since last summer. A birthday started out meaning one thing has taken on such a greater meaning.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">It started as a group of friends setting out on a summer vacation to celebrate a birthday. For me, it was always about seeing where it is my family came from. For Irish Blood it runs deep and thick within me. Irish is my life, my passion. It is more then just a heritage to me. It IS me. I have had many people tell me this greatness that I feel, this desire, this strong hold that I feel comes from my living of a past life. They say perhaps in a past life, I did reside in&nbsp;Ireland. And that is why my feelings and emotions are all consuming.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">My soul is trying to bring me home.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Past lives, this life, the next life. Regardless, I know where I want to go.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">All the things I want to see.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Today I went and applied for my passport.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">It was rather overwhelming.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Going into the courthouse did not prove to be an easy task. As you know security issues are all around us these days, and my little college town is no different. Searched and checked just walking in the door. Done. Off I go. Around the corner and up the stairs. I tell the girl why I am there and she hands me this nice stack of papers to fill out. Great. That’s always fun when you have to write out a novel. Good thing I came prepared. She asked me if I had my pics…why, yes I do..I had them done 2 weeks ago! HORRIBLE pics they are too! ICK! So I give her those while I finish this book I am writing for her.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Next,&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">the birth certificate. Well, with me, they don't get just the certificate, but all the documentation that goes with it; name change and adoption papers. Pulling those out and being forced to look at them, handing them to a complete stranger, just floods me with emotions. These are the things in which I don't like thinking about.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Born&nbsp;July 22, 1975&nbsp;to an unwed mother and a father who took off and wanted nothing to do with her or I. My birth certificate stated my name as her maiden. A year later,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">February 14, she married her best friend, my dad. My dad the abuser, yep that dad. The dad that you all have heard me poor over so many blogs about. They tracked down my bio father, who signed his rights to me away. They then started the adoption procedure. It was final in May 1977, and I was then issued a new birth certificate with my new spiffy last name.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Sadly, I never knew I was adopted. Never knew the tale of this story. I was always told they married in February and I was born in July. The same year. I found out I was adopted about 3 years ago. <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">And that’s, a blog already written.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I give her all my papers…and my check for $97. Pics were $8. That’s the fasted $100 I ever spent I think. But, for good reason. Funny, then she has me raise my right hand and take and oath that all the things presented to her here today are true and correct (yup!) and that these pictures are indeed me and a likeness of me. (yup!) But seriously, what the heck kind of question is that? Can you not see me standing right here in front of you? Not only that, you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">had to look at my student id, my drivers license, my voter id card and my SS card…… how much more obvious it to you that it is indeed me?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Anyway, I leave with a smile. A feeling of excitement has come over me. Knowing that it is very real.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Ireland, I hear you calling.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Since gramps death, I feel lost. Little girl lost. Not able to find her way. All I know, is I want to find my way right over there. My feet firmly planted on that same soil that gramps came from.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Earlier this eve, I sat and watched U2 Coming Home, Live in Concert,&nbsp;Slane&nbsp;Castle,&nbsp;Dublin. Now, I have <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=freelan09-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=bpl&amp;asins=B0000TB05A&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>seen this concert before, as I have the DVD. I have listened to these songs over and over. I grew up listening to U2. Crushing on Bono in the middle of all the hair and grunge band era. All my friends asking me if I am crazy. Half of them not even knowing who they are. I don't know what came over me, but here I am watching this, and all this emotion just consumed me. I honestly felt like I was going to throw up. What was that? Where is this coming from?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I became flooded with tears. Uncontrollable. It has to be that strong hold for getting my bum over there. That’s the only thing I could come up with. Perhaps gramps, or someone else was trying to talk to me. Trying to tell me something.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I don't want to deal with the fact that this trip may have to be postponed. Perhaps not on my birthday, but later in the year.&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I shudder, and cringe at the thought of it not happening at all. So many people want to go, but the truth is, we all have our own lives. And those people just may not be able to go. Whether it is financial, family, time off work, or school. I understand that. Me off all people get that. But, I HAVE to take this trip, NEED to take this trip. But, I just don't want to take it alone.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I mean I am seriously thinking I need to start accepting applications for willing travelers….LOL!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Places to go. Places to see. I have met so many wonderful friends. All I want is to just cross paths with them. To be able to sit next to them and share stories. Ask them how they are. Hear their voice.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Is this trip too much to ask for?</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span></div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=9db4be03-7321-4488-9d42-5705bc497e9c" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45365338215812864152006-03-22T15:02:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.621-04:00Sad, Alone, and Hurting<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22333549@N06/2331445826" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="alone" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/2331445826_48a9392ddc_m.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="188" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22333549@N06/2331445826" target="_blank">dragonflaiii</a> via Flickr</span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Sad , Alone and Hurting 3/22/06</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I'm sitting here very sad. I am very alone, and yes&nbsp;dammit&nbsp;I still hurt.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">But this time, none of this has to do with anything Irish. Not that Irish, but rather my very own Irish. My mother.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Many of you have followed this story since summer...but, here is a recap for those that have not been reading my blogs as long.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">My mother went to&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;year before last to take car of my grandfather as he <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/fyi-my-grandfather.html">battled lung , then colon cancer.</a> As you know, he lost his battle Jan 3.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">She came home over the holidays. But, his passing changed many things.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">She sold her house a few weeks ago and stayed with me. She just left this morning to move for good to&nbsp;Michigan.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I am sad. Me and my mom are close. And now I am alone. As I have NO family here. I live in a college town. So people move in and out every few months. It is hard to maintain friends here. And all the friends I had when I was in college here have all moved on and away.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And I am hurting because she left this morning without even saying good-bye. I mean, how you gonna leave up out of your own daughters house without even saying good-bye. Knowing you are not coming back? Your only child.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">She called me a bit ago, to let me know she stopped for the night. That's all she said. Good-bye and I will call you tomorrow.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, here I sit…staring down the end of the bottle…my only answer…never leaves me alone, never leaves me feeling hurt and never hurts me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=3946a04b-4799-4f49-b416-e49fc8fc28a6" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49870348834473002162006-03-13T14:39:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.624-04:00What's Up With Chrys? - Pity Party<div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I know I am about due for a personal blog. No stories, no poems, just raw and uncensored Chrys. What's up with Chrys. Problem is cat&nbsp; has my tongue so to speak and my words have just been incomplete thoughts like my last blog that hodge podge mismatch of words I have tons of stuff floating around in my brain, things going on in my life but the problem is I just can not seem to sort it all out. I try. Damn, I do try. It sucks. I hate it when my brain has a meltdown. This is not a time for me to have meltdown. I need my brain to be in proper working order.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">This year has been nothing but an endless battle of drama. Soul searching, self discovery, reality checks, slaps in the face, being tested, tempted, gracious, happy, and well fuck it just out right horny. LOL! Nothing new there, right?</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">But every time make some progress and take a few steps forward, I get kicked in the ass and fall back a dozen steps. I really begin to question myself. Question my feelings, desires, wants, needs, emotions and my life in general. I am no closer to finding an answer. The only thing I am sure of, this is me, this is who I have always been. I changed once for someone, and I can't stay that person I changed into.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">The reality is, I am just sick of this life in which I lead. I want to keep moving forward in my progressbut damn these roadblocks.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm 'round the corner from anything that's real<br />I'm across the road from hope<br />I'm under a bridge in a rip tide<br />That's taken everything I call my own<br /><br /><br />One step closer to knowing</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One step closer to knowing<br /><br />I'm on an island at a busy intersection<br />I can't go forward, I can't turn back<br />Can't see the future<br />It's getting away from me<br />I just watch the tail lights glowing<br /><br />One step closer to knowing<br />One step closer to knowing<br />One step closer to knowing<br />Knowing, knowing<br /><br />I'm hanging out to dry<br />With my old clothes<br />Finger still red with the prick of an old rose<br />Well the heart that hurts<br />Is a heart that beats<br />Can you hear the drummer slowing?<br /><br />One step closer to knowing<br />One step closer to knowing<br />One step closer to knowing<br />To knowing, to knowing, to knowing</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">U2- One Step Closer</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Some times I wonder if it's even worth trying for the things I want in life anymore. I am tired of getting kicked in my ass. If I stop trying, then I am safe in my little world in which I live. I think this little fighting Irish spirit in me has lost its fire. The flame has been put out I just feel like giving up.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not supposed to be scared of anything, but I don't know where I am </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />I wish that I could move but I'm exhausted and nobody understands (how I feel) <br />I'm trying hard to breathe now but there's no air in my lungs <br />There's no one here to talk to and the pain inside is making me numb <br /><br />I try to hold this Under control <br />They can't help me 'Cause no one knows <br /><br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br />God, I feel so frustrated lately <br />When I get suffocated, save me <br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br /><br />I'm feeling weak and weary walking through this world alone <br />Everything you say, every word of it, cuts me to the bone <br />I've got something to say, but now I've got no where to turn <br />It feel like I've been buried underneath all the weight of the world <br /><br />I try to hold this Under control <br />They can't help me 'Cause no one knows <br /><br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br />God, I feel so frustrated lately <br />When I get suffocated, save me <br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br /><br />I'm blind and shakin'<br />Bound and breaking <br />I hope I make it through all these changes <br /><br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br />God, I feel so frustrated lately <br />When I get suffocated, save me <br />Now I'm falling apart, now I feel it <br /><br />Now I'm going through changes, changes <br />God, I feel so frustrated lately <br />When I get suffocated, I hate this <br />But I'm going through changes, changes</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 Doors Down - Changes</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">A few hours later : So then, here I am skipping through blogland when I run across a very dear friends. Something in it just screamed at me. I sat there, reading that open window for an hour. Then I sent and IM. Silly, seeing as how this person really just lives up the road from me, I could of just as easily called and hopped on over to discuss this great blog topic. As, it was something I really needed to hear as I was feeling my own Pity Party and since I am not really talking about my pity, no one around to slap me out of my funk. So, here were his words, giving me a dose of reality perhaps that slap across the face I need..and so, here is that blog. Snagged..with permission. Good- Night - Chrys</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">******************************************</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We have all taken a trip to Pity Party town from time to time. Some of us choose to stay there longer than others, or maybe it is not that we choose to stay there, but rather we don't know how to leave. Oh sure, I can pick on my own obvious faults, insecurities and character defects with the best of them, but damn, why? Looking for self-sympathynothing more nothing less. Sometimes I have to remind myself that a pity party is nothing more than feeling sorry for myself and I have no reason to do so. When I am not moping around and worrying about the woulda, coulda and shoulda of life, I can be very positive person.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I told someone the other night that one of my goals in life was to be a motivational speaker. Yes, a motivational speaker. Life is too short to worry about what happened yesterday or what is going to happen tomorrow. If we use our head and make smart decisions about what we do with our lives, we shouldn't have to worry about the woulda coulda shoulda. I am a firm believer that we also need to surround ourselves with positive people. When I look at those in my circle of friends I realize there is a reason I hold them near and dear to my heartthey have been a positive influence in my life.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> They don't&nbsp;blow smoke up my backsideusually they are the first ones there to give me a swift kick in the ass when I need iteven if it is not what I want at the time. I also believe that I have the potential to be a positive influence in the lives of those around me and hope to always remain that way.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, the point of all this is to say that I have been in a very good mood for several days and have not been on the pity party tripand it feels good. There are some reasons why I have been in such a good mood but I am not going to divulge that here. Just believe me when I say that have I looked in the mirror several times lately, smiled and said to myself, "Toad, quit worrying. Be yourself and stop worrying about things in which you have no control over. Make someone smile today".</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And with that, I am going to share something that a close friend sent me. It is about how to leave Pity Party town and it came at an appropriate time and I want to share with all that take the time to drop in on my little world.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never stop chasing your dreams, never stop believing and always take the time to look in the mirror and smile at yourself. Live each day like there is no tomorrow and let people in your lives know that are special.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take Care ~ Toad</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why Me?<br />Pity Party</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />We all have days when the bad things seem to outweigh the good ones and we begin to think that life isn't fair. You get stuck in traffic, which makes you late for an important meeting, and then your car gets towed. You might ask yourself, "Why me?" Events like this one can test anyone's ability to be grateful and feel optimistic. If you have a tendency to feel sorry for yourself, and many of us do, things usually progress to the next stage: the pity party. You begin to feel like the innocent victim of a dismal fate because you are seeing your life through inaccurate lenses. Most of the thoughts that run through your mind at times like these are not helpful, and they mainly serve to increase your indignation and feelings of powerlessness. What these feelings and thoughts don't do is change your circumstances or make you feel better.<br /><br />When you have a terrible day, there should definitely be a time and place to have your feelings so you can process them. It's important not to pretend that you are fine with things when you aren't. It's also important, however, to notice when you're having a pity party. It's a good idea to set a time limit in which to fully express your emotions and not feel guilty, ashamed, or judge yourself. Having a friend witness you during this process can be helpful. You may also want to write about your feelings. When your time is up, let go of the negativity you just expressed. You can declare your intention to your friend. If you've written down your feelings, you can burn the piece of paper or throw it in the recycling bin.<br /><br />Try not to dwell on unpleasant experiences and do everything you can to avoid holding on to negative emotions. When you indulge in self-pity, you only make a bad day worse. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, release the notion that you are a victim, and notice the good that exists in your life</span><br /><div><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77342346648474185622006-03-02T13:24:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.626-04:00Those In My Life<div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';">It has been such a whirlwind of emotions as of late.  I have so much to write about, but , odd as it may seem, I just can not complete the thoughts I write out on paper. I keep trying to find my words....but they just are not coming back to me. I keep reflecting on all that has happened to me since  Jan 1. These thoughts play in my mind over and over and over.  I keep looking for answers to questions that just dont seem to be there. But they have to be, you see. They just do.</span><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';">So today, I sat down with my thoughts, trying to find a balance of peace within....and, started to have some reflections regarding the friends that have passed through my life. I remember reading something very powerful and it stayed in the back of my mind for some time. I have read it many times...and remember seeing it on Lynns blog back about a month or so ago.</span><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';">Powerful to me then, each time I read it, but not really something I stopped to think about. Now, I am thinking about it....and it amazes me how true it really is.</span><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reason, season, lifetime</span></em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People always come into your life for a reason, a season and a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.</span></em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, or to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. They may seem like a godsend too you, and they are. They are there for a reason, you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die, Sometimes they just walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.</span></em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall, the season eventually ends.</span></em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LIFETIME, relationships teach you a lifetime of lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway);, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.</span></em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for being part of my life.....</span></em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><div><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br/></span></em></div><br/></div><br/>&nbsp;Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58646522100325812132006-03-02T13:20:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.628-04:00Heart Bleads<div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I'm so drunk its unreal.....I know I have so much to say, and that I don’t even know where to start, or even if I should say it at all.  But, you know what, it’s my drunk, so let me enjoy it.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Born in July, makes me a cancer...so blame the drunken stupor, or blame my sign for whatever it is I am about to pop off here...</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">(((Brett…stop texting me for 5 seconds and back me up here)))</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Relationships are like glass.  Sometimes it's better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together.  ~Author Unknown</span><span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I just can’t walk away. I can not turn my back and let you go.  I should. Maybe it’s what you want. It’s what you need. Who knows? But, the reality is...I tried to go, and there you were stopping me. Why? Why did you always stop me? ALWAYS!</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">How many times did we go through this? Think one of us was leaving, for whatever the reason.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">How many times did you tell them you were afraid to lose me? Afraid that you being so far away would pose a problem that I would find someone closer, perhaps someone better.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I don't want closer. I don't want better. </span><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I only want you</span></strong><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I knew this would happen...I just knew it....I wanted to go, to save us from this .....and now, here we are....I trusted you damn it, I gave you my all....I didn’t want to let you in....but you came in.....I put my walls up and you came over them....climbed right on over…and then just tore them down….... maybe I have no one to blame but myself. I should have known better to let you in.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Fairy tales are just that, tales…..I honestly believed, we could have what we shared, cherish it, just enjoy it for what it was, the rest of our life.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Never asking for anything more then what it was. Nothing more then what we had. That was the reality. We each knew the other had a different life. Reality. At times it hit us in the face. But we knew. We knew it would never be more then what it was. We were ok with that. I was ok with that. I never asked you for more.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">At first, I was sad. I read that first email and my heart just bleeds. I bleed for you.<span> </span>I never bleed for anyone. For myself only.<span> </span>But, here I am, deep in a pool of it. Crimson red. I cry a tear. Then more tears following. Drip Drop, Drip Drop…falling in that pool of blood…..mixing…emotions entwined…entangled….my heart now mangled.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I should hide. I shouldn’t let you see. Not suppose to let you see.<span> </span>Suppose to be strong. Always strong. Never let them see you cry. Crying only makes them run away. <span> </span>That’s what I keep getting told. But, I cant help it.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I felt you pulling away. I felt you leaving. You need to go. I don't want you to. Never want you to. But, can’t you see?</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It’s what you need to do.<span> </span>All I am gonna do is cause you confusion until you can find your balance in life. Part of me in running away, part of me is pushing you away, and the other part is hanging on to that last little thread. I am selfish when it comes to<span> </span>you.<span> </span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">CONFUSED! I am so fucking confused I am not clear. What do I do? What direction should I take?</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">NUMB! I feel numb. I feel empty. Alone.<span> </span>They hear what I am saying…but do they really get me? Does anyone really understand? I am a prisoner in my own mind. In my own life.<span> </span>Behind these walls in which I built. These walls in which you just tore right down, and now, I am left to build them back up again.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">CAN YOU HEAR ME? Calling out to you?</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">When I replied to that first email there was so much hurt in me.<span> </span>The brutal blow to my heart that you were leaving me. I did not know what to say.<span> </span>My reply was only my way of making things easy for you.<span> </span>I did not want you to know I was hurting. I wanted to hide that from you.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I may be hurting, but I understand.<span> </span>I may be angry, but this anger is not towards you. Its just anger about the whole situation in general.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">No matter how much I talk about walking away sooner, I am glad that you never did. Glad you never let me go. I am thankful for the time I have shared with you. For every day with you was a special gift. Every word from you, embedded in my mind forever to be cherished. <span> </span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">So much still there between us…..but, so many things have changed.<span> </span></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">IRELAND</span><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">…I am coming home….140 days till my feet are on Irish soil.<span> </span>I realize so much about the trip has changed. But, the purpose still remains. I still have the strong connection to know where I come from, to see all the things that I have so long dreamed to see.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Relationships are like glass.  Sometimes it's better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together.  ~Author Unknown</span><br/><br/></div><br/>&nbsp;Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71749301695055262652006-03-01T16:52:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.631-04:00Its Not Over Without A Fight<div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/theokirishchik/My%20Pals/Sean/682760359_l.jpg" alt="" /> </span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I sit here , wondering how to word this, I have come to the conclusion that I really am at a loss for words.  For no words, not even my own could possibley begin to tell any of you what I am feeling right now.  And I have no one to blame but myself, I should have known  better then to let someone behind my walls and steal my heart away..........</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br/></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br/></span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="color: #006600; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, I love him....I shall ALWAYS love him, no matter where he goes. He will always have a part of me with him. I will always be here for him. ALWAYS. I wont let him go so easily. </span><br/><br/></div><br/>&nbsp;Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33475456366360513062006-02-28T16:47:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.633-04:00Whats Up With Chrys? Not Feeling Very Pretty Today<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96697435@N00/204312656" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Sick:_" height="240" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/65/204312656_f942743374_m.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="180" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I am just having one of those days. Seems I have been having a lot of them lately. It doesn’t matter what I do, I just can’t shake this feeling. This feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, despair, depression, sadness…YUCK! I feel yuck and I look yuck.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I don't think there has been a time when I have been totally confident in myself. There were times when I felt much better about myself then I do now. Actually, I think the way I feel about myself, at this given moment is the worst I have ever felt.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I’m not feeling very pretty today.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I am a social butterfly. I love to get out there, see things, do things, meet people, talk to people, and just be me. But, I feel like now, people are not really looking at me, or wanting to take the time to get to know me as they are judging me on that first impression. I feel like they don't see me, but rather they see my pudgy belly, my hips, my thighs, my butt.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">There is so much more to me then that. I want to be confident. I want to love myself.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Be thankful I have my health. And you know I still watch what I eat, I work out, I run…and good lord don't get me started on the workout you get with taking my dogs to the park or lake.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">But, the weight just isn’t coming off.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And that just makes me mad at myself. Then I start to think, what’s the point?.....but I know if I give up now, I will never win the war with my body.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I think, if I didn’t eat this, or if I don't eat that. Maybe I should have ran an extra mile, did an extra set of reps with the weight. What if’s, shoulda, coulda, woulda…..</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I feel lazy. I feel like I have let myself go. I feel like a big blob just taking up space, wasting it.</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I try, I fail, I give up.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I get mad. I get even. Usually that means denying myself something I desperately need. I have to punish myself.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I have a huge trip coming up in only a matter of months. I am excited about this trip, I really am. This is something I have been wanting my whole life, and been planning for months now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And yet, here I am , this social butterfly, the one who adores seeing new things, meeting new people, so afraid of going that I ask myself “ What if they don't like me? “ What if I step off that plane, and not only Sean , but his mates as well, judge me the way everyone else does…by the size of my body rather then the true person I really am?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I don't want to be insecure about myself. I want to be the confident girl I used to be. How do I find her? Where did I lose her?&nbsp;</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">If you see her, could you please let me know…..</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=d591b363-e309-4c76-b13f-74928ac717a8" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13410235466011984962006-02-18T15:48:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.636-04:00Whoa! What's That??<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; margin: 1em;"><br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skiing_Christmas_%2705_034.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Taken in Megeve, France" height="225" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Skiing_Christmas_%2705_034.jpg/300px-Skiing_Christmas_%2705_034.jpg" title="Taken in Megeve, France" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Whoa! What's That?</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I am sitting here last night, my normal position, sitting in front of the computer dealing with all my random thoughts and what I should do with them. I hear the wind whipping the trees, branches scratching the window panes. I watched the news; they did say it was going to get cold. Now, let's define cold in&nbsp;Oklahoma. </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Under 60 – that's cold</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Under 50 – getting kinda nippley outside</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Under 40 – damn that's cold out side</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Under 30 – fuck all that noise, I ain't gonna go nowhere!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I woke up pretty early today. Have to brave the grocery store. And living in a college town with 3 grocery stores, and only one has everything you want, well….you have to prepare yourself for battling the mass amount of people.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I walk into the bathroom, and it catches me out of the corner of my eye. What the hell is that??? I flip back the curtain….OH MUH GAWD!!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">WHAT IS THAT STUFF??????</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Seems as though mother nature decided it was time for us Okies to participate in winter and dumped some of her white powder on us. GREAT. THANKS A STINKING&nbsp;LOT.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Snow, not a problem. Doesn't bother me. I like the snow. I grew up in&nbsp;Michigan, family still all lives there. Six months of winter. Good times. But, Okies don't know how to drive in snow. It would be alright if we JUST got snow…but you see…..we are in the south, warmer climate means warmer ground. So, when the snow does come from the sky, it melts as soon as it hits the ground. Then, as time goes on that turns into a big thick block of ice. I don't care who you are, what kind of car you drive, YOU CAN NOT DRIVE ON ICE. Nothing can help you….NOTHING…….</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Do us all a favor, go home. You don't need to get out in it anyway.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">As for me, I got my groceries (a girls gotta eat) and took my happy bum right on back home. All warm, feet kicked up, enjoying my nice hot cup of tea (yes, I said tea damnit….do I always have to have coffee?) do some writing....post another blog......….</span><br /><div><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';"><br /></span></div><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=748118a0-bc97-44e0-8db4-1484498ee28f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53217650337422700152006-02-17T15:08:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.638-04:00Let The Countdown BeginFebruary&nbsp;17, 2006<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="" height="288" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/d884.jpg?mgg7zHoCmkrETXAe" width="234" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />154 days 15 hours 58 mins and 2 seconds from writing this....it is my 31st birthday and my feet shall be firmly planted on IRELAND SOIL<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br />8 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: normal; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/18/2006 05:06 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I do Cathy, its one of my favorite songs...I actually did a blog about it months back!!<br /><br /><br /><br />I can't wait it is gonna be so much fun!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/18/2006 03:32 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Have you ever heard Garth Brooks' song "Ireland"? I like it, even though it's about war...it's more about...Ireland(imagine that, LOL!)!<br /><br />I hope you have a blast! {{{{HUGS}}}}<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/18/2006 02:45 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sette - you KNOW I will!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Joey......YOU WILL YOU WILL!!! My brother I CAN NOT wait to see you! ~hugs~<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/18/2006 11:16 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Hurry up Summer ehhh. Hope I kin help show ya around by then. ~hugs~<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/18/2006 02:33 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />oh wow WOW WOW WOW .....take lots of pics of us still here!!! i so wish i could go.. but not yet..<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/17/2006 02:56 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I KNOW! It doesnt seem like its that long off does it? Got my passport application....will go get my pics done this weekend and go monday to submit my pics and application.....sounds like fun huh?? Still a little unsure about the "execution fee" LOL LOL LOL<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/17/2006 11:08 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />sorry.. way to freak a sista out with a countdown.. damnit.. i really should think about gettin that passport huh<br /><br /><br /><br />hehehe<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/17/2006 11:08 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />HOLY SHIT!<br /><br /><br /><br />LOL<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49075599117655402222006-02-14T15:13:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:53:35.998-04:00MY Valentine Story: Beauty and the BeastBeauty and the Beast is one of the more famous fairy tales, nearly as well known as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. It has always my favorite, because it seemed the most realistic. Odd thinking perhaps, considering it contains an enchanted prince, invisible servants, and various other magical elements.<br /><br /><br /><br />But Belle was a simple girl. She found the greatest pleasure out of something such as reading a book. I could relate to that. I have no need for “things” and choose to surround myself with the written words. She wasn’t looking for love, but rather, love found her.&nbsp;I wasn’t looking for anything, but something found me. I have always just been content with my life. I knew there was something missing, something more I wanted outside this life in which I lead.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, I could not put my finger on it, as it was not something in my life in which I had planned.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>“”<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0641314/">Belle</a></em></strong><em>: [singing] I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell. And for once it might be grand, to have someone understand. I want so much more than they've got planned.””</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Consider this, though: Beauty and the Beast is one of the few fairy tales where the main characters&nbsp;actually&nbsp;get to know each other before falling in love. Unlike Cinderella, who falls in love in an evening, or Sleeping Beauty, who falls in love with a kiss, Beauty spends weeks, possibly months with the Beast before falling in love with him. In addition, the message given by the story, besides that main staple that true love will prevail, is that of&nbsp;true beauty is within.&nbsp;Admirable, and rare, it seems these days.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Belle is a beautiful and strong woman on the screen, falling in love with someone who everyone else considers to be a beast. She is smart enough to look beyond the outer layer of scary looks and find the true heart of the prince she loves.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>As a little girl, I never grew up believing in fairy tales. Having the childhood in which I have had, you believe those types of things were not meant for little girls like me.&nbsp;I never dreamt of my Prince on his white horse coming to rescue me. I never dreamed I would get married, huge white wedding, house with white picket fence and bunches of little babies running around. It just was never me. Was never who I was. Not part of my plan. I was never the pretty girl. Always the smart and fun girl.&nbsp;&nbsp;My mother brought me up to be independent, to never be scared of standing on my own two feet. She also taught me that real love has no colors, no boundaries; you love for who they are and not what they are or how they look. One day, she said, love would find me.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Despite the fact I never believed in fairy tales, this story of Beauty and the Beast has become a part of my life.&nbsp;&nbsp;I wasn’t looking for it, and sure didn’t ask for it.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>For those of you that read my blog on Yahoo 360, Blogger, or TagWorld, you are only seeing part of the story. You’re only seeing my written words, my thoughts that are being produced by these events that are happening in my life. For those of you who are reading my blog here on MySpace, you get the complete story, assuming you are paying close attention.&nbsp;For within these pages, the blogs, the comments, the friends list lays a very close, well weaved circle of friends.&nbsp;And in that close circle of friends lies the one in which I call, My Irish One.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>No doubt you have seen his comments on my MS home page, my own confessions of love with my own pics on my page….perhaps even the wonderful comments he leaves on my blogs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or perhaps, you have even checked out his page. Whichever, it is not a secret; we have put it out there for you to see.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>There is something magical there; something only dreams and fairy tales are made of. A little Irish Magic if you will…believe? I never thoughts I could believe, but now, I believe in it with all my heart.&nbsp;&nbsp;I believe in myself because he believes in me.&nbsp;Feelings I never felt before, are there. Smiles and laughter that had been hidden away for so long have come back. Happiness and cheer, it is now all around me.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>This didn’t all just happen to me, but it has happened to him as well.&nbsp;For the sake of the Beauty and the Beast theme, he has dubbed himself the Beast. For the sake of the tale, it fits. But, he is in NO WAY mean, vulgar or sore on the eyes as the beast in which we all think of.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>“”</em><strong><em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000913/">Beast</a></em></strong><em>: Oh, it's no use. She's so beautiful, and I'm... Well, look at me!””</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>His tale goes a little something like this: (copy &amp; pasted from his own blog)</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Tuesday, February 14, 2006</em><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td width="10"></td> <td>me forth oneCurrent mood:&nbsp;loved<br /><br />beauty and the beast<br /><br />tis a tale as old as time.. yet tis mine...<br /><br />...i was once the beast..locked away in his cold. lonely castle...angry, hurting...surrounded by others, yet so very alone. his heart like the rose in glass slowly dying...day by day..until u me sexee one...my irish princess, me BEAUTY..came into me life and set free the beast...unleashing the prince within..<br /><br />now we dance...we kiss..we laugh...we love..happy ever after...indeed.</td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><br /><br /><em>But rather he is sweet, kind, loving and honest.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>For the first time in my life, I see the fairy tale, and I am the Irish Princess.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>We started just as friends and it has bloomed into so much more. Much more then my words could ever explain to you today.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>We both may be married and have families in which to tend, we may be millions of miles apart and don't forget the oceans in between, we may never talk on the phone to hear each other’s voice, and it is very well possible that we may never meet. Of course, my friends know I have been planning this Ireland trip for many many many many months, not to mention years spent thinking about it.&nbsp;Others of you know about my desire to study abroad. Whether that happens or not, Love found us and brought us together. Each were lacking something in our life, and the simple things we do for each other bring more happiness and joy then anyone could understand unless they have found the magic themselves.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Love knows no boundaries….I believe this to be true now.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>I just love him. Nothing more, nothing less. I want nothing more than to just love him. Period.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>This Irish Magic lies within us, for I feel it every day. Miles may separate us, but I feel his presence in my life daily. I feel him, right here beside me.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Feelings I have never felt before.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>I tell this tale for you today, with the hopes of bringing a smile to your face. For, your fairy tale, it can come true….It happened to me, it could happen to you.&nbsp;Never give up on your dreams, and never give up on love.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Beauty and the Beast Lyrics:</em><br /><br /><em>Tale as old as time</em><br /><br /><em>True as it can be</em><br /><br /><em>Barely even friends</em><br /><br /><em>Then somebody bends</em><br /><br /><em>Unexpectedly</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Just a little change</em><br /><br /><em>Small, to say the least</em><br /><br /><em>Both a little scared</em><br /><br /><em>Neither one prepared</em><br /><br /><em>Beauty and the Beast</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Ever just the same</em><br /><br /><em>Ever a surprise</em><br /><br /><em>Ever as before</em><br /><br /><em>And ever just as sure</em><br /><br /><em>As the sun will rise</em><br /><br /><em>Whoa, whoa, oh, whoa-oh</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Ever just the same</em><br /><br /><em>Ever a surprise</em><br /><br /><em>Ever as before</em><br /><br /><em>Ever just as sure</em><br /><br /><em>As the sun will rise</em><br /><br /><em>Oh, oh, oh</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Tale as old as time</em><br /><br /><em>Tune as old as song</em><br /><br /><em>Bittersweet and strange</em><br /><br /><em>Finding you can change</em><br /><br /><em>Learning you were wrong</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Certain as the sun</em><br /><br /><em>(Certain as the sun)</em><br /><br /><em>Rising in the east</em><br /><br /><em>Tale as old as time</em><br /><br /><em>Song as old as rhyme</em><br /><br /><em>Beauty and the Beast</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Tale as old as time</em><br /><br /><em>Song as old as rhyme</em><br /><br /><em>Beauty and the Beast</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Sean, my words will never do justice as to how I feel. You make me smile, you make me laugh, you have brought me so much happiness, there have been tears and there have been some fears. We know all things happen for a reason, and that we crossed paths for a reason.&nbsp;&nbsp;I count my blessings daily that I have you in my life.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>táim i ngrá leat</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Gráim thú</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Blackadder ITC';"><br /></span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68521816153105014502006-02-13T15:11:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.641-04:00Interviews SUCK!!<div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I HATE THEM!</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Well, not really….what I hate are the tag team interviews where you are locked in a conference room with 5 people for a nice long interview. An hour to be exact. Then…for a one on one interview with someone else…</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Alright, here is my rant for the day, well quite frankly I have not ranted in a while, I am due for one, and it’s my blog so I can write what ever I want!</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, I applied for this Financial Coordinator job a few weeks back. It’s at the college. And I was in NO WAY expecting a phone call for an interview. To be honest, I felt some aspects of the job were a little out of my expertise. But, I figured it was worth a shot, and I would not know if I didn’t try. This, assuming, if I wanting to stay in the wonderful world of accounting.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, I get this phone call last week…you know the drill, are you still interested, well yes, ok would you like to come in for an interview? Well...no just hire me damn it….So, she gave me the interview time of this morning.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">That gave me all weekend to stew over it……worry about it, bitch about it, worry some more.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I get up this morning, get all ready to go and just had a complete and utter total meltdown….WHERE THE FUCK IS MY MEDICATIONS….I am in FULL panic mode….manic , panic whatever…….</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Oh hell, forgetting I have to go to the middle of campus…..I park in the Student Union parking garage, and trot my happy ass across campus, in heals mind you….to get to this interview…..now, one would think having spent 5years on this campus<span> </span>I could walk it blindfolded. Call it the case of nerves, my manic panic state, whatever, I went into the wrong damn building…….ggggrrrrrrrr……..this causes me to arrive at my destination LATE.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">DAMN, you are NEVER EVER to arrive for an interview LATE….</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, ya’ll know me, lets crack a joke about it….they seemed to like that….laughed with me, explain how lots of people get the two buildings mixed up….yadda yadda buncha bullshit….good thing it really was only like 2 minutes late and not a whole 5! Still late is late….</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Ok, so one lady leads me into a conference room…HUGE table, and I am like doing my deep breathing….our father, thou art in heaven……breath…..breath….in walk FOUR more ladies…..WTF? Is this really needed? WHY GOD WHY?<span> </span>I mean seriously, only TWO of them talked to me.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Oh, here come the questions. Tell me about yourself, what can you offer us, why do you work here……..So, here I am….ready to explode from panic….and my mutherfuckineverlasting gum decides to stick to my tongue ring which I have so skillfully hidden….OH NOOOOOOOOO</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">STRIKE TWO…never ever ever ever ever chew gum in an interview…. oh well, and prolly take the tongue ring out too while you’re at it...but I never bother anymore cuz u cant see it unless I let you so THERE!! ~sticks out tongue~</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I meant to spit it out, really I did…….</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">And now for the THIRD and final blow….just having a grand ole time, talking away, not the best interview, but not my worst either. I just hate all those dumb retarded questions. It doesn’t matter how you answer them, it will never be the right answer.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Ok, so, I casually glance at one of the ladies that are just sitting there, staring at me, listening and I catch this shiny glimpse out of the bottom corner of my eye….</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">awe…..gawd……FUCKIN NOSE RING~ Strike THREE……</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">I soooooooooooooooo totally meant to stop in the bathroom and remove it before I walked into the office…….</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">This concludes this interview…..thank gawd….</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, the lady then says, let me introduce you to our director…follow her into his office , I meet him, nice enough dude…..and she says nice to meet you to me and so, I turn around to leave. DUMB ASS. The dude starts laughing at me….and I turn around and realize, I ain't suppose to be leaving……heheheehheeh</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">So, then, I get the one on one interview with the big dawg……but he was all cool as hell….suit and tie dude with earrings…I was like COOL DUDE you rock!<span> </span>You just don't see that much on the suit and tie guys on campus or in the banks here in town. But, he was really cool and his interview went much much better. Well…by this time the gum had been swallowed, he didn’t care about the 2 mins being late…and he was just cool as hell…..</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">Anyway, I am SO NOT expecting to get this job. I am such a goof. LOL…which is why I would rather sit around the day care and play with little kids all day then go back to corporate America…..blah……..</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">It’s ok to laugh at me…I do it all the time!!</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: 'Calligraph421 BT';">HAHAHAHHAHAHA</span><br/><br/></div><br/>&nbsp;Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41713496879776767752006-02-03T14:56:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.548-04:00His Favorite Pub<span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Feb. 3, 2006</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/cadc.jpg?mgg7zHoCx.VLhR17" width="300" /></span><br /><div><br /><br />Just love this pic...inside of an Irish Pub<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><b>UPDATE: 10/26/2010</b> - I remember Sean telling me this was much what the pub Lucan looked like on the inside, which is Lucan County Dublin. Alas, this photo was the backdrop for a 3 part story I wrote, entitled The Pub, which was an erotica story so it won't be found on this blog.<br /><br /><b>UPDATE 6/2011</b> - The story will soon be published in ebook form. A collection of erotica short stories. Stay tuned to this website for updates.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />3 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: normal; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/13/2006 07:06 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Just showing some love!! Have a great week!!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/13/2006 08:27 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />woohooo!!! excellente. spike q<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/13/2006 03:17 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Okay, LoL...I scrolled down quick again to comment. Can I just say You Rock! First that funny *ss warning (TY btw;0)... &amp;amp; on toppa that, then you put up that cool link.<br /><br />TY twice:0).<br /><br />TC &amp;amp; Smile Big- M<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23257730735857493882006-02-03T14:54:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.550-04:00Ha'Penny BridgeFeb. 3, 2006<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="250" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/cc76.jpg?mgg7zHoCU0zF0vu9" width="333" /></span><br /><div><br /><br />Wonderful pic of Ha' Penney Bridge, Dublin Ireland.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />4 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/04/2006 09:02 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Teasing, intense, hot, yet sweet---<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8379309914018923622">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8379309914018923622">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/03/2006 09:04 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Well that one hit home. Great work, Chrystal!<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8379309914018923622">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8379309914018923622">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/03/2006 07:01 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />awww so touching .. xx<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8379309914018923622">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8379309914018923622">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />02/03/2006 01:41 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sis thanks fer all the love and support. ~hugs~<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8379309914018923622">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8379309914018923622">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li></ul><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Leave a comment...<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15420315773133497002006-01-22T11:34:00.002-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.643-04:00Poetry in Motion: Grandpa<div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOP6zuPVnGk/TXZMGm174eI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ZUo97fzyppU/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOP6zuPVnGk/TXZMGm174eI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ZUo97fzyppU/s1600/l.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">it wasn’t your time to go</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">why did he have to take you away</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">such a good life</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">but so much pain</span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">in the end</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">selfish, I know</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">you always said</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">I was spoiled</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Its just, grandpa,</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">I miss you.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Your time has come</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">To leave us</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Leave this place</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">When I close my eyes</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">I can still see your face.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Your smile</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Your frown</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">All those things</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">That got you angry</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">And turned you upside down</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Those things</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">They don't matter anymore</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Now you</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Have walked through</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Heavens door</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">In my dreams I see you</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Still throwing that fast pitch like no&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Other</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Still teaching all us grandkids to fish</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">And making us gut it</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Taking us to the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">bar with you, as little&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">grandbabies</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">how Proud you were</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Getting angry when we changed your tv</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Playing poker with your lost family</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">And friends.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">But, the best thing I see</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">You and duke dog</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Our favorite boxer</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Waiting for me</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Cain</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">And casey</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">My own boxer babies</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Sitting under</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Our favorite</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Castellar, serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">Willow</span><span style="font-family: Castellar, serif;"> tree</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">I miss you grandpa!</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Castellar, serif;">©&nbsp;1-22-2006&nbsp;C.H.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br />June 2011 UPDATE: This poem has been rewritten/revised and entered into a poetry contest. Stay tuned to the blog for updates.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34147990123138041942006-01-19T14:10:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.552-04:00A Special World ~An Irish PoemJan. 19, 2006<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="" height="179" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/44d6.jpg?mgg7zHoCMuoJE61n" width="260" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />A Special World<br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;A special world for you and me<br />A special bond one cannot see<br />It wraps us up in its cocoon<br />And holds us fiercely in its womb.<br />Its fingers spread like fine spun gold<br />Gently nestling us to the fold<br />Like silken thread it holds us fast<br />Bonds like this are meant to last.<br />And though at times a thread may break<br />A new one forms in its wake<br />To bind us closer and keep us strong<br />In a special world, where we belong.<br /><br />&nbsp;- Sheelagh Lennon -<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;"> </span><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;">5 Comments</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;"><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select></span><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;"><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;">commented</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;">01/19/2006 07:46 am</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;">It really touched me Crystal!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;">Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Comment</a></span><br /><br /></div></li><span style="color: #a0a0a0;"><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/19/2006 05:55 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Beautiful!<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/19/2006 05:13 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />very beautiful. you going to ireland??? spike q<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/19/2006 01:25 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Lovely poem...I am not sure Ireland could handle me and you!!! I can't wait to go....luv ya and I hope you're feeling better sis.<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/19/2006 12:51 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Irish?? hmmm... wana get drunk? lol<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8609017886703009314">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li></span></ul><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #a0a0a0;">Leave a comment...</span><br /><div><span style="color: #a0a0a0;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52300475991093336942006-01-19T11:32:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.645-04:00Bruce Lloyd Mahan Sr~R.I.PJanuary 19, 2006<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/6caf.jpg?mgg7zHoCmsaeQ7i4" width="136" />R.I.P Grandpa</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">3 Comments</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select></span><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">commented</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">01/14/2006 12:17 pm</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My respect</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=297017">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=2145183181169464874">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=2145183181169464874">Comment</a></span><br /><br /></div></li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/09/2006 05:25 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I know he is proud of you and is watching over you...love ya much!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=297018">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=2145183181169464874">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=2145183181169464874">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/09/2006 02:55 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Chrystal, I am sure he is resting in peace knowing that he was loved by such an awesome granddaughter! Hugs.<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></span></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17538072865408393422006-01-18T14:04:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.648-04:00Just a Little Note to You<div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">NOTE: Another Semester Has Started and I will not have time to blog hop daily, nor will I be able to comment daily. But, those that know me best know I try hard to keep up with making the rounds. I will post as much as time allows, and you can still expect at least a blog every day or so from me. Even if it’s crappy. LOL</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">I am sorry I have not been around to comment since coming back from <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2006/01/i-back-my-story-of-michigan-and-back.html">gramps funeral</a>. Once I was back, I was slapped in the face with some stupid damn illness.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">For one I was having medication withdrawals (BRETT…where is my stuff damnit? You promised…..)</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">And for two…I was just plain unexplainable ill…….</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">Well, I am getting a little better…but now my nose has to go be stuck in them college books…. Whose damn idea was it to put me back in college anyway?????</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">Now then, I must go rejoin Elonna in a drink..as we all gather together for Joey.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gungsuh, serif;">Peace out peeps…</span></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16177062463496075202006-01-09T11:27:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.650-04:00I'm Back! My Story of Michigan and Back<span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">January 9, 2006</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br/></span><br/><br/><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/c188.jpg?mgg7zHoCenJXY1Mq" alt="" width="333" height="132" /></span><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">Hello Everyone! I made it back safe and sound. Thanks to all of you that sent your prayers and well wishes my way. It really means a lot to me. It amazed me the outpouring of so much love.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">I see that I have lots of blogs to catch up on. But, first I have to say one thing…..for those of you who tagged my ass while I was away (you know who you are) you all can bite my ass! I was away at a funeral, I got immunity damn it! The tribal council has spoken; we took a vote without you. Because I am so behind, and have so many tags, I am gonna skip this round. Yup, the brat is back.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">Moving on...</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">We left Thursday morning at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">8am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> we drove right on through arriving in</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Michigan</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">3am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> Friday morning. Pulled into my aunt’s house, mom was there, said hi and went right to bed. We were woke up at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">7:30am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> because my cousin, his wife and his 2 kids were on the way over. So, Marcus and I hit the showers and got ready. Off to grandma’s house we go. We were there for a few hours, and then at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">1pm</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> we all went to the funeral home for the viewing. Nothing in my life could have ever prepared me for that. I have been to one funeral in my life and that was just last year for Marcus great aunt. It was open casket and it bothered me, but since I didn’t know her, I handled it well. But, this was different. This was my grandpa. I could not go into that room with him in the casket. I sat out in the waiting area for a good hour just crying, begging God for the strength to walk in there. Finally my two cousins we are more like my brothers, showed up. We hugged. And together, the 3 of us were able to walk in with my husband and their wives behind us. </span><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">Once I was in the same room with grandpa it still took me a long time before I could really look at him. All around the room were pictures and significant items for all of us to talk about. In time I was able to make it to the casket. And there, was grandpa in is favorite Kelly Green cardigan from </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Ireland</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. Pinned to him were his military wings and awards. He wore his wedding ring, and his million mile ring for driving millions of miles accident free for the trucking company and union he was involved with. There was an Irish Santa in there with him, a picture of the entire family, and the Shalaylie. For those of you that don't know what a shalaylie is, lets just say its an Irish thing, and I will explain it another time. This particular one came from his mother, when she was living in </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Ireland</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. She brought it to </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">America</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> with her. He was not buried with it, as it was passed down to my aunt. But, it stayed with him in the casket until the very last minute.</span><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">My grandpa was a avid baseball player. So many of his uniforms and jackets were showcased as well as pictures and newspaper articles. We stayed at this viewing talking to friends and family until </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">8pm</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> or so. Then we all went to the bar for a drink. We all had the same drink, grandpa’s favorite. Kessler’s Irish whisky and water. Marcus as I left, as we were beyond tired. Went to grandma’s house. And I just put my butt in grandpa’s chair and just sat there in silence, talking in my head. Just remembering all that I could. I could still smell him it that chair, I could still feel his presence in that house.</span><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">About 10 or so the rest of my family showed up, mom, uncles, grandma so me and Marcus went on to my aunts house to try and get some sleep. We were not able to get much. Up again the next morning about 7 had to be up and ready to go and at the funeral home by 10am. The funeral started at </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">11am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. My cousin and his wife and girls showed up. Her dad shortly after to watch the girls.<span> </span>Its just about </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">10am</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> and we are leaving. And, its starting to snow storm, bad. We stop at the gas station and hit the road. My cousin was behind us and then passed us. We assumed he was leading the way.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">And here is where my story takes a nasty little turn. You see, us okies, we don't get much snow. But, we were here in </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Michigan</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> last Christmas with snow up to my waste. Drove around with no problems. In OK we get frozen rain and ice. You play hookie or something and don't drive on the ice unless you have to. And, in my case, mostly always have to. So, we figured cousin was in front of us going at least 60mph we should be ok, he knows what he is doing. Well, he starts to slow down a bit cause there is a car up ahead with its 4 ways on. Marcus starts to slow, hits a patch of ice, and its near death we experience. We started to spin out of control, into the on coming lane, back over to our lane, back to the other side, over and over again, making about 5 full circles and figure 8’s. We do not know how we made it away without a scratch, without someone hitting us or us plowing <span> </span>into them. We ended up ass end first into a ditch on the side of the road miles up from where we started to spin. Right directly across from us on the other side of the road was 2 girls in a SUV that was flipped over. We had to sit in my SUV until a tow truck could get us out. I had called my mom on the cell to let her know what happened. My cousin showed up talking about what he saw and had no clue that it was us.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">We got out, and made it to the funeral, 30 minutes late. They waited for us. I am so thankful for that. This was something we should not have walked away from. I know there was an angel on my shoulder that day, named Grandpa.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">The funeral was a beautiful service. A few military salute. And, they played Irish Eyes Are Smiling. Of course, I don't think I stopped crying the whole time I was there.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">After the funeral the family went to the cemetery for the burial, and then we all met the friends at a place called Gracie’s, which was grandpa’s fave place to eat. There was sat for hours, talking and having good food and drinks. Spent a few hours there, then all us family went back to grandparents house for more drinks and to tell stories. Of course, Marcus and I were the running joke by this time. Don't let the okies drive; they don't know what they are doing. My cousin dubbed us the “Ditch Bombers” and even my grandmother got in on the joke cracking. And, I know I heard my grandfather laughing as well. I wish we could of stayed longer, but we had to start heading back this way. So, we said our goodbyes, and headed back out.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">We drove until about </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">11pm</span><span style="font-family: Batang;"> stopping in </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">Iowa</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. Got up and headed out making it home last night about </span><span style="font-family: Batang;">6ish</span><span style="font-family: Batang;">. Said hello to a few of you, checking in. And now, here I am today.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">Got my enrollment for school and ordered my books, all taken care of. Caught up on some rest. Back to work tomorrow. Not really wanting to. Something I did learn while being home, my life is to short to put up with a bunch of shit that doesn’t make me happy. And working for that woman doesn’t make me happy at all. So, onward and upward in life.</span><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/><span style="font-family: Batang;">I Love You ALL!! Thanks again for all your kind words and support!</span><br/><br/></div><br/>&nbsp;Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49308129968306572192006-01-06T11:25:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.652-04:00He Has Passed AwayJanuary 3, 2006<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><div><br/><br/>Grandpa has passed away.<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Thank you ALL for your prayers and well wishes.<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>~CHRYSTAL~<br/><br/></div><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br/><br/><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select></span><br/><ul><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/06/2006 09:23 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Sorry for you loss Chrystal... take care<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296992">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/06/2006 10:26 am<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>sorry to hear about your granpa..youl miss him<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296993">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/06/2006 10:14 am<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Chrystal darlin, just a little poem to you, your mother and everyone in your family............Love ya sweetie..<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>A LETTER FROM HEAVEN<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say.<br/><br/>But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.<br/><br/>Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.<br/><br/>Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.<br/><br/>God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.<br/><br/>As for your dearest family, They’ll be here later on.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.<br/><br/>There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.”<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.<br/><br/>And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>And when you lie in bed at night the day’s chores put to flight.<br/><br/>God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.<br/><br/>Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.<br/><br/>Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.<br/><br/>If I were to tell you,.. you wouldn’t understand.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er.<br/><br/>I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;<br/><br/>But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;<br/><br/>That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;<br/><br/>Then you can say to God at night....”My day was not in vain.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.<br/><br/>Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;<br/><br/>Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;<br/><br/>I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>And when it’s time for you to go....from that body to be free.<br/><br/>Remember you’re not going...you’re coming here to me.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296994">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/06/2006 03:11 am<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Oh sweetheart I am so very and truly sorry................... I will pray for you and your grandfather and that God will wrap his love and angels all around your grandfather and to keep him safe and not in so much pain..............I will keep all of you in my heart and prayers., Ilove ya sweetie!!!! Be safe and will all say a little prayer.,<br/><br/>My heart goes out to you &amp;amp; your family. Your grandfather is up in heaven next to Jesus.........He is in no pain and is safe &amp;amp; extremely happy.......<br/><br/>He will always be with you in your heart &amp;amp; mind &amp;amp; all those wonderful Memories the two of you shared...........<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296995">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/06/2006 03:06 am<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Entry for January 03, 2006<br/><br/>This message goes to all our Fabulous Friends here, Please say a little prayer for Crystal's (okirishchik) grandfather......... He is very ill with cancer and may not live long.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Crystal is at her wits end, and we can all recall a time when we have been in her shoes.............<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Please leave her a little note that she &amp;amp; her grandfather are in your prayers on her blog, or a message.....If she does not reply, it means she's flown out to where he is in the Hospital and is by his side...............<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Thank you my Awesome Fabulous 360 Fun loving Friends<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296996">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/06/2006 12:56 am<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>I am so sorry, I will keep you in my prayers.<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296997">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/05/2006 09:36 am<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>He and you are in my prayers as well. Take care.<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296998">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/04/2006 10:37 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Just dropped in to check you out...<br/><br/>You don't know me, but my I add my own 2 cents<br/><br/>To the list of condolences....<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Sorrow for your pain<br/><br/>Cheering for his gain<br/><br/>We'll go 'round again.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Take care of yourself, have a safe trip there and back.<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296999">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/04/2006 07:51 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>you and your family will be in my prayers<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=297000">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8470494747779618245">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/04/2006 04:41 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>I hope he will live on in your heart...... take care.<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=297001">Report abuse</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/></ul><br/>&nbsp;Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60440715363475147142006-01-03T12:22:00.000-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.655-04:00Update on My GrandfatherJanuary 3, 2006<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><div><br/><br/>Hey guys....I just got word that my grandfather is prolly not gonna make it through the night. I am pretty sure I will be heading out for Michigan tomorrow. Which means I will be MIA for a bit.<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Thank you all who sent your prayers and well wishes.<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Talk to you all very soon.<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>~Chrystal~<br/><br/></div><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br/><br/><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br/><div><br/><br/><span>7</span> Comments<br/><br/></div><br/><select id="cmt-order"> <option value="DESC">Latest comments</option> <option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option> </select><br/><ul><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/06/2006 10:11 am<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>A LETTER FROM HEAVEN<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say.<br/><br/>But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.<br/><br/>Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.<br/><br/>Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.<br/><br/>God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.<br/><br/>As for your dearest family, They’ll be here later on.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.<br/><br/>There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.”<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.<br/><br/>And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>And when you lie in bed at night the day’s chores put to flight.<br/><br/>God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.<br/><br/>Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.<br/><br/>Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.<br/><br/>If I were to tell you,.. you wouldn’t understand.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er.<br/><br/>I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;<br/><br/>But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;<br/><br/>That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;<br/><br/>Then you can say to God at night....”My day was not in vain.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.<br/><br/>Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;<br/><br/>Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;<br/><br/>I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>And when it’s time for you to go....from that body to be free.<br/><br/>Remember you’re not going...you’re coming here to me.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296985">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/03/2006 09:43 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Chrystal, my prayers are with you and your family. Hugs.<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296986">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/03/2006 08:36 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Oh C, I wish I could be there for you. I am here if you need anything....I love you sis. Please take care. God bless you and your family.<br/><br/>Mel<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296987">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/03/2006 08:10 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Aww sweetie...my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Praying that his passing is peaceful. Much love and huge supportive hugs!!!!!!!!!!<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Love ya sis<br/><br/>~M Kay~<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296988">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/03/2006 08:07 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>you always have my love and prayers sweetie hope everything will be ok with you<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296989">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/03/2006 08:06 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>Hi, Chrystal<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Sorry to hear your sad news. I'll keep you in my thoughts.<br/><br/>&nbsp;<br/><br/>Carol<br/><br/></div><br/><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296990">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5849355161945375257">Comment</a><br/><br/></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><br/><br/><img title="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" alt="Yahoo! User" /><br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><div><br/><br/>commented<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>01/03/2006 07:41 pm<br/><br/></div><br/><div><br/><br/>I'm very sorry about your grandfather, Chrystal. My thoughts will be with you and him.<br/><br/></div><br/></div></li><br/></ul><br/>&nbsp;Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2334574171046154212006-01-03T11:19:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.657-04:00FYI - My GrandfatherJanuary 3, 2006<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br />Just a quick note to let you all know what is going on and why I have been so moody these last few days. As many of you know...my grandfather has been battling cancer for the last 2 years. This past Friday he was admitted to the hopital because he was having difficulty breathing and coughing up blood. The specialist came in today. His lungs are collapsing , there is a lot of damage and basically there is nothing they can do. So, they are hooking him up to an IV drip and morphine to make him comfortable. They dont know how long he has, but basically he is suffocating to death. So, forgive me for being moody, and if I have to fly out and am not around for a few days, you know why.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />8 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"> <option value="DESC">Latest comments</option> <option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option> </select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 05:17 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Oh Chrys, I am so sorry, I didn'tknow. I love you and I will be praying for you. Please let me know if I can do anything...<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 04:24 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sorry to hear it..my prayers are with you<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 01:07 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Been there, take care of yourself - we'll be here when you get back.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:40 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />i feel for you girl. my heart and are with you and your family.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:13 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />My dad was hooked up to morphine and taked off food and water to allow him to die. With that he he died of thirst and/or starved to death. He was brain dead, so he had no idea what was going on, which was a good thing.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:11 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Sorry to hear, C. Prayers are with you, and I understand. Spend what time you can with him and the rest of the family. Call on me if I can help in ANY way, my friend...<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:10 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I pray he does not suffer long and you and your family are well.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/03/2006 12:00 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />My prayers are with you and Your Grandfather.<br /><br />Strength dear friend...<br /><br />I saw my grandparents last weekend in my hometown, they are all over 80 and LOVE is what we can give them<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83527185958098890482006-01-01T13:59:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.659-04:0010 Things to Say<div><br /><br />This post was originally on my MySpace<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Ok, today is let’s be unoriginal for once and borrow someone else’s blog idea. So my friend Maire, I have you to thank for this, oh, and well even though Patrick is only on 360 and not here, I will thank him too.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">The Rules:</span></em><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif;"> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">List 10 things you have always wanted to say to 10 different people </span></em><strong><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">(Edit: NOT necessarily on the MySpace friends list)</span></em></strong><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">.&nbsp; Do not admit to anyone who the things pertain to.&nbsp; Feel free to comment, but do not confirm or answer who people think you are talking about.&nbsp; Never discuss it again! </span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">1. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I am thankful for the time that we have had together. I am sorry that it was short lived and if I could take it back and do things differently I would change it all. And maybe you would still be here.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">2. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I am still trying to figure out how we crossed paths. We have absolutely nothing in common, but yet, here we are. We bump heads everyday. But yet neither can seem to part from the other. And I just want to know why. Why are you still here? It’s like we are sucked in and can’t walk away.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">3. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">We have known each other since we were kids. And when you were going through one of the roughest times in your life, I wasn’t there. I just want to say I am sorry. That I know we will always work through everything. But, I feel so guilty this time that I do not know if I can ever forgive myself for not being there.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">4. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">You’ve got to wake up. Stop being blinded by every guy who tells you they love you when they have only known you a day or two. They don't mean it.&nbsp; Once you stop believing all that you might just see the beautiful person that does live inside of you. One that is worthy of a great guy and worthy of their one true love.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">5. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">If I could take you out of your world and put you in a better one I would. And if I could give you everything to make your world better, I would.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">6. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">You are just simply amazing.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">7. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">How many times are you going to walk out of my life and try to come back in? I hear you out there knocking again. Don't you think there is a reason as to why you are still knocking?</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">8. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">I don’t think I will ever understand you. Maybe I should just stop trying to. Things would be better off.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">9. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Walk away. Just turn around and walk away. It would be best if you ran.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;">10. </span></em><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> [intlink id="3167" type="post"]I do love you.[/intlink] I know you question that. I know you think the things I do are bad and questionable. Maybe they are to you, but they are not to me. I just wish you would take a minute to try to understand me instead of always walking away.</span></em><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20112459013073706722005-12-31T13:57:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.661-04:00As the Year Draws to an End<div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;">As the year draws to an end……</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">And so we bring this year to a close, I am sitting here pondering over things that maybe don't require that much attention. I am sure I have other thoughts that need some tending to, but those can wait for the time being.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">It has been an amazing year, a year I will never soon forget.&nbsp; Defiantly a year of ups and downs, but it was also a year for growing. A year of no regrets.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">In a day the year will be over, behind us, gone, finished, the end. Never to return.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">On this same day, this last day of 2005, I also celebrate my 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"><sup>rd</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"> year of wedded bliss, of holy matrimony. 8 total years of togetherness. Can you hear the excitement flowing through my voice? What’s wrong with me, why am I not excited?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">This forces me to deal with the issues at hand. Things I don't want to deal with. Don’t want to admit. Don't want to face. I would rather just push it all under the rug and forget about it. Turn my back and run away from it.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Yes, there is something wrong. Something is missing. I guess something is not right. And I have to deal with that. I am now ready to try and deal with that. I have been running away from it for a very long time. I am scared of the dark path I have started to travel down. But I am even more afraid of starting down the correct path.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I am angry. I am bitter.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">It's easier to run</span></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;"> Replacing this pain with something numb<br />It's so much easier to go<br />Than face all this pain here all alone<br /><br />Something has been taken from deep inside of me<br />The secret I've kept locked away no one can ever see<br />Wounds so deep they never show they never go away<br />Like moving pictures in my head for years and years they've played<br /><br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(If I could take all the shame to the grave I would)<br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(I would take all my shame to the grave)<br /><br /><em>[Chorus]</em><br />It's easier to run<br />Replacing this pain with something numb<br />It's so much easier to go<br />Than face all this pain here all alone<br /><br />Sometimes I remember the darkness of my past<br />Bringing back these memories I wish I didn't have<br />Sometimes I think of letting go and never looking back<br />And never moving forward so there'd never be a past<br /><br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(If I could take all the shame to the grave I would)<br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(I would take all my shame to the grave)<br /><br />Just washing it aside<br />All of the helplessness inside<br />Pretending I don't feel misplaced<br />It's so much simpler than change<br /><br /><em>[Chorus]</em><br />It's easier to run<br />Replacing this pain with something numb<br />It's so much easier to go<br />Than face all this pain here all alone<br /><br />It's easier to run<br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made)<br />It's easier to go<br />(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)<br />(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)<br />(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)<br />(I would take all my shame to the grave)</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">These words, Easier to Run by&nbsp;Linkin&nbsp;Park, really bring some truth to how I am feeling.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">This year I remembered who I was and what I am about. I have found me again. I am slowly being me again. It has been a long rediscovery process. That girl was gone for so long, so far buried that it was hard to find her and dig her up. The things that I am about will carry over into the New Year as I continue back down the right path to me. The mean I really am, the me I deserve to be. The me I can be proud of, the me I can love.</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I am tired. Drained emotionally. I can no longer live my life for someone else, keep changing for someone else, and be someone I am not. I have to live my life for me, and it is now or never. I have dreams, things I want to do, things that I gave up on because I didn’t think I was good enough, or I worried too much about what others may think. And for some things I was just too damn scared to even try. And now I want to think about me, I need to think about me, work on me, and try to do the things I have always wanted to do. I have to know if I can do it; know for myself if it can be achieved. I can no longer worry about whether people understand me or not. Cannot worry about approvals. I have to be able to love me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I have made peace with myself and it is time to move on. I do not know the path that 2006 is gonna take me on. I am sure it will be a very bumpy path. But, I am prepared to deal with it.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">These words to “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera really are hitting home with me right now. As I sit here listening to these words over and over as I work on this blog, it has hit me...reality...and I can not run anymore.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang; white-space: pre;">'Cause it makes me that much stronger</span></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Makes me work a little bit harder</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">It makes me that much wiser</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So thanks for making me a fighter</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Made me learn a little bit faster</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Made my skin a little bit thicker</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Makes me that much smarter</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So thanks for making me a fighter</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Oh, ohh</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Never, saw it coming</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">All of, your backstabbing</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Just so, you could cash in</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">On a good thing before I realized your game</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I heard, you're going around</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Playing, the victim now</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">But don't, even begin</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Feeling I'm the one to blame</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">'Cause you dug your own grave, uh huh</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">After all of the fights and the lies</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Yes you wanted to harm me but that won't work anymore</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Uh, no more, oh no, it's over</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">'Cause if it wasn't for all of your torture</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I wouldn't know how to be this way now, and never back down</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So I wanna say thank you</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Cause it makes me that much stronger</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Makes me work a little bit harder</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Makes me that much wiser</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So thanks for making me a fighter</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Made me learn a little bit faster</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Made my skin a little bit thicker</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">It makes me that much smarter</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">So thanks for making me a fighter</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"><b>QUESTION:</b> What are some things you are leaving behind in 2005 and what are you looking forward to in 2006??</span></div><div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35431854138391356652005-12-28T13:55:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.555-04:00What Will You Do, Love?December 28, 2005<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="" height="250" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/d83b.jpg?mgg7zHoCCbfOciVO" width="333" /><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;">What Will You Do, Love?</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;">BY: Samuel Lover</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">What will you do, love,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">When I am going,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">With white sail flowing,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">The seas beyond? –</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">What will you do, love,</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">When waves divide us,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">And friends may chide us</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">For being fond?</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Though waves divide us, and</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Friends be chiding,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">In faith abiding,</span></div><div>I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">’ll still be true!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">And I’ll pray for thee on the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Stormy ocean,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">In deep devotion –</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">That’s what I’ll do!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">4 Comments</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select><br /></span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/29/2005 06:26 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />You are so beautiful and so is this poem...I love you and think you are so talented....Keep them coming sweet lady as I love to come over and visit you and your thoughts and writings....<br /><br />Happy Holidays love....<br /><br />Stacy<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3357564829696809672">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3357564829696809672">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/29/2005 08:37 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />What will each other do if the love is mutual... ?<br /><br />That is the question ;o)<br /><br />Good one here IRISH<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3357564829696809672">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3357564829696809672">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/29/2005 02:26 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />hmmmmm.....well C, it was so good to talk to you tonight, I missed you girl.....thanks for all your advice, I hope your friend was ok after the long studying session....let me know how it went when we talk tomorrow.<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3357564829696809672">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3357564829696809672">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/29/2005 12:52 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />"Wow" your writings are so "Equisitely True". I just love reading your blogs, they absolutely take my breath away!!!! Now if I can only find a nice gentleman who can almost make me feel sooooooooo gooooooooooooooood as ya do in your words, I'd be set for life.........Hope you and your loved ones had a safe &amp;amp; happy Kissmas. Let's talk soooon. Love ya, hugs &amp;amp; kisses<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></span></span></ul><span style="font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68309953370459291102005-12-26T13:53:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.557-04:00Irish Drinking SongDecember 28, 2005<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="225" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/c22f.jpg?mgg7zHoCVlAKK7t8" width="300" /></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Batang;">Irish Drinking Song</span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Here’s to the maiden of bashful fifteen,</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Here’s to the widow of fifty;</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Here’s to the flaunting extravagant queen,</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">And here’s to the housewife that’s thrifty:</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">CHORUS:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Let the toast pass,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">Drink to the lass,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">I’ll warrant she’ll prove an excuse for the glass.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Batang;">~Richard Brinsley Sheridan~</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong> </strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>3 Comments</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select></strong><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>01/02/2006 11:35 am</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>True irish soul... I love it! Cheers!</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong>Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8671325267285706008">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8671325267285706008">Comment</a></strong><br /><br /></div></li><strong><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/28/2005 07:01 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I need to master that. Everytime I try to sing while drinking - I choke.<br /><br /></div><br />Report abuse<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8671325267285706008">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=8671325267285706008">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/28/2005 06:06 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />give me a Pint<br /><br />;o)<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></strong></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53430873483614642822005-12-26T13:21:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.560-04:00Irish – The Gift of GabDecember 27, 2005<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/fb61.jpg?mgg7zHoCBDnBO.nc" width="250" /></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Irish – The Gift of Gab</span><br /><br /></div><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">If St. Patrick had been asked to designate a “purgatory” for</span><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Ireland</span><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">, Lough Derg would fit the bill perfectly. Not because it’s dreary-nothing in scenic </span><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Ireland</span><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;"> could be-but because you have to talk in whispers there. What could be more cruel for a nation blessed with the gift of gab!! Some might even call it “hell.”</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Lorraine O’Donnell William (describing a&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Monastry in Donegal)</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>6 Comments</div><div><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/02/2006 11:38 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Tis a land of beauty and love. Whispers or otherwise, good friends, dear friends, celebrating always...<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296964">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/28/2005 06:06 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />whispering...<br /><br />suggestive...that wouldn´t be so dreary 2 me<br /><br />cheers<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296965">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/28/2005 04:19 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Wow whispering can be really sexy alot of the times, BUT ALL THE TIME....<br /><br />That is crazy as HELL!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296966">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/28/2005 11:22 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I think Ireland wld be a great place to visit someday~<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296967">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/28/2005 08:57 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I wasn't kissing her, I was whispering in her mouth.<br /><br />- Chico Marx<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296968">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=4940220398138557284">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/28/2005 01:20 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I would hate to wisper all the time too.<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</span><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48746939751736161622005-12-25T13:19:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.666-04:00Hey You Guys!!!!December 25, 2005<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="309" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/2474.jpg?mgg7zHoCepa4e2pd" width="333" /></span><br /><div><br /><br />"You can't kiss an Irish girl unexpectedly. You can only kiss her sooner than she thought you would."~ Irish Saying</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Hey guys....pool and chat was awesome! It was so much fun, not to mention how cool it was to actually hear you guys.&nbsp;Defiantly&nbsp;have to do voice chat again.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Brett, honey I love ya, but I think you say ya'll more then me and Elonna put together do!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Jeremy..hmmm ...what can I say. I am still holding a grudge on the Irish bashing. I am gonna get you when you least expect it. You better watch your back!! mmuuuaaahhh</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>Elonna girl....my&nbsp;irish lovin' &nbsp;sista...what can I say, it made Christmas that much better didnt it?</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />~hugs~<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />And to all the rest of you - hope we can gather again sometime soon!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />It has been an awesome year, and my world is that much better with you guys in it. Oh, and even though you&nbsp;weren't&nbsp;there with&nbsp;us in person, you were in spirit, and&nbsp;that includes you two - Joey &amp; Sean !</div><div><br /></div><br /><div>*Hugs and Kisses, Smack and Licks*</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong>5 Comments</strong></div><div><br /></div><br /><strong><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select></strong><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>commented</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>01/02/2006 11:57 am</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>love the saying, C. So true, so true...</strong><br /><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><br /><strong>P</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><strong><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296959">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=9169728038924584631">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=9169728038924584631">Comment</a></strong><br /><br /></div></li><strong><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/26/2005 10:59 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Don't have voice or chat(can't get it to work but gonna look into it THERE WILL BE NO IRISH BASHING WITHOUT" THE IRISH JIG "AROUND TO DEFEND THE MOTHERLAND.......okirishchik "i got your back baby" ......hee hee IRA in the house hee hee lol lmfao going above to read the xxx stuff ............yep cya<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296960">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=9169728038924584631">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=9169728038924584631">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/26/2005 12:16 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />well damn i missed all the fun<br /><br />chick thats not fair..lol glad you had fun baby<br /><br />sweet kisses<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296961">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=9169728038924584631">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=9169728038924584631">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/26/2005 09:47 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Have a great day!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296962">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=9169728038924584631">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=9169728038924584631">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/26/2005 04:36 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Wishing you a Happy Holidays!!!<br /><br />*Hugs*<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm finally back on-line!! YES!! LOL<br /><br /><br /><br />This blog is cute!! LOVE the Monkeys!!<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></strong></ul><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1504364822639262882005-12-25T13:18:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.564-04:00A Guinness LegacyDecember 25, 2005<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="312" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/7942.jpg?mgg7zHoCkOgDemfm" width="333" /></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">The Guinness Legacy</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">The Guinness family, the noted Irish brewers,</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Regularly contributed to the renovation of</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">St. Patrick’s Cathedral over the years. It is</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Therefore interesting to note that a monument to</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Sir Benjamin Guinness’s daughter stands under a</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">stained glass window bearing the words</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">“I was thirsty and ye gave me a drink.”</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">~Little Irish Facts~</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;">Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: teal; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />3 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/25/2005 06:37 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />iv never been in st patricks must pay it a visit soon<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296956">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5527197170303411946">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5527197170303411946">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/25/2005 05:40 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Ohhh how much I miss it here, not possible to buy :( well have to wait till I m in the UK again ;)--hugs and kisses--<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296957">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5527197170303411946">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5527197170303411946">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/25/2005 05:28 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />That is amusing and I never knew it.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296958">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5527197170303411946">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5527197170303411946">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li></ul><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Leave a comment...<br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5807482003528551742005-12-24T13:16:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.567-04:00For My Friends ~An Irish Blessing<div><br /><br />December 24, 2005<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="" height="156" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/8394.jpg?mgg7zHoCD9wKa7ja" width="333" /><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Saturday’s Irish Blessing ~ For My Friends</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Hills as green as emeralds</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Cover the countryside</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Lakes as blue as sapphires –</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Are </span><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Ireland</span><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">’s special pride</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">And rivers that shine like silver</span><br /><div><br /></div><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Make </span><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Ireland</span><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"> look so fair –</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">But the friendliness of her people</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Is the richest treasure there</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">To all my wonderful friends new and old, it has been a wonderful year and I am thankful to have you in my life. I look forward to spending a new year with you and getting to know you more. Have a happy holiday and a blessed new year!</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Batang;">Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">6 Comments</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select></span></span><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /></span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">commented</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">12/25/2005 02:52 pm</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Merry Christmas~hugs</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296950">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Comment</a></span></span><br /><br /></div></li><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/25/2005 01:59 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Have a great xmas day with full of joy happiness and love<br /><br />--hugs and kisses--<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296951">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/25/2005 04:52 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Have a rockin' Xmas.. and a funky New Year!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296952">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/25/2005 01:08 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I needed that...........now i'm rich with the thoughts of a friend like you! Happy Holidays<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296953">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 07:03 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Have a great holiday and new year!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296954">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 01:30 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />nice blessing..and a happy christmass to you<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296955">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=3561920852297576665">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li></span></span></ul><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;">Leave a comment...</span></span><br /><div><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><span style="color: #a0a0a0; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62773536813675297552005-12-23T13:06:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.569-04:00An Irish BlessingDecember 23, 2005<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="" height="70" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/d1a2.jpg?mgg7zHoCO.JAs259" width="120" /><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">How sweetly lies old </span><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Ireland</span><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;"> </span><br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Emerald green beyond the foam,</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Awakening sweet memories,</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Calling the heart back home</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">~Irish blessing~</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">Original Yahoo 360 comments:</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />9 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 10:47 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Merry Christmas... I love ya!!! ~Hugs and Kisses~ HO*HO*HO ~Wiggles and giggles out*~<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296941">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 09:48 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />BEAUUUTIFIL dear!!!<br /><br />I appreciate the IRISH BLESSING and keep dear, warm, and deep into my heart<br /><br /><br /><br />SONGO<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296942">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 06:40 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />LOVE IT !!!<br /><br />My husbands family I believe first came from there .. I will have to check and see.. Merry Christmas<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296943">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 06:33 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Hi... I am of Scottish Heritage. You know I see ya all over &amp;amp; dang if I don't have ya as a friend. Whooooh I love Irish Women! Join me fast &amp;amp; u can pick up a prezzie under da tree!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296944">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 11:02 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Strong &amp;amp; very lovely...<br /><br />peace my friend.<br /><br />Have a great holiday.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296945">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 07:33 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />thank god i got back home, and stayed here ,its the best place on this earth....<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296946">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 01:12 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />I loved it thank you beautiful!!! ~kisses~<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296947">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 11:39 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />:: smiling proudly to be Irish ::: Thank you for posting that. i agree with Dex.. it IS beautiful !!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Erin go braugh !!! - erin<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296948">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=5562959742462035248">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 11:37 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />That is beautiful!<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28737068331777013012005-12-23T13:04:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.571-04:00The Green Little ShamrockDecember 23, 2005<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="123" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/6030.jpg?mgg7zHoCZ3HzMiZi" width="90" /></span><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">The Green Little Shamrock</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">There’s a dear little plant that grows in our isle,</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">‘Twas St. Patrick himself sure that set it.</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">It thrives through the bog, through the brake,</span><br /><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">and the mireland;</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">And he called it the dear little shamrock of </span><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">Ireland</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face';">~~Andrew Cherry</span><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;">~~</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Castellar;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69636202545277054722005-12-23T12:57:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.574-04:00Seasons Greetings in Irish<a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2005/12/23/merry-christmas-in-irish/attachment/9e78/" rel="attachment wp-att-3144"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3144" height="259" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/9e78.jpg" title="9e78" width="191" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Beannachtaí an tSéasúir - Season's Greetings</strong><br /><br /><em>by Bridget Haggerty</em><br /><br /><br /><br />In Ireland, one of the most commonly used phrases around the holidays is "Happy Christmas." We thought you might enjoy learning how to say it in Irish as well as a few other phrases you'll hear this time of year.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you were to say Happy Christmas to just one other person, you would say:<br /><br /><br /><br />"Nollaig Shona Duit"<br /><br />(NO-Lihg HO-nuh ghwich).<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br />However, if you were to be addressing the same greeting to two or more persons, you would say:<br /><br />"Nollaig Shona Daoibh"<br /><br />(NO-Lihg HO-nuh JEEV)<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />This literally means "You have a Happy Christmas."<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />The most common response to this would be: "Nollaig Mhaith Chugat"<br /><br />(NO-lihg Wy HU-gut)<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Literally-"A good Christmas to you."<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />If one were to wish someone a "Happy New Year," he or she would say:<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />"Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit"<br /><br />(AH-vlee ihn fwee WAH-shuh wich)<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />And if one were to be addressing two or more other persons, he or she would say:<br /><br />"Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh"<br /><br />(AH vlee-ihn fwee WAH-shuh Heev)<br /><br />Literally-"You have a Prosperous New Year."<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Just as in English, the two expressions are often combined to say “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” as follows:<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />“Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit.”<br /><br />(NO-lihg HO-nuh AH-guhs AH-vlee-ihn fwee WAH-shuh wich).<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Le gach dea-ghui i gcomhair na nollag agus na h-ath bhliana! (With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year!)<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />The plural of this would be:<br /><br />“Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh.”<br /><br />(NO-lihg HO-nuh AH-guhs AH-vlee-ihn fwee WAH-shuh HEEV).<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />For every greeting above, the common response is:<br /><br />“Go mba hé duit”<br /><br />(guh may hay wich)<br /><br />Meaning: “The same to you.”<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />If you have tried to learn these phrases in Irish, and all earnest attempts have failed, just try the universal greeting...lift a pint, thrust it forward in the internationally accepted toast, and you will be a hit in any language. (Especially if you buy the house a round.)<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Note:</strong> Letter groups that are capitalized indicate the stressed syllables. There has also been much debate as to whether Shona is pronounced with the sh sound or said as hona. As we understand it, much depends on what part of Ireland you are in.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Resources:</strong> Content is edited from the Irish Heritage Newsletter. If you would like to receive the newsletter, please email George at Steeler059@aol.com<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Images:</strong> Greeting card from Irish Abroad free cards.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />7 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"> <option value="DESC">Latest comments</option> <option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option> </select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 09:49 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Nollaig Shona Duit<br /><br /><br /><br />THANK YOU. "FELIZ NAVIDAD" (in Spanish)<br /><br /><br /><br />SONGO<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296934">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/24/2005 09:34 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Feliz Navidad!<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296935">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 08:29 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />My Dad tried to teach me Gaelic when I was a child,never could get the hang of it though<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296936">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 12:04 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Fröhliches Weihnachten zu Ihnen :) OK so I am 75% German and 25% Irish LOL so the German version is the one I am more familiar with!!! huggggggggggggggs<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296937">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 06:49 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />you have great irish...where did you learn it????i think it pronounced hona..there are about four differen ways of speaking irish in different parts of ireland....ulster irish is a good bit different from the others.....<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296938">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 01:14 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />thank you thank you<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://pulse.yahoo.com/@us1/y/abuse?type=c&amp;guid=TGW3TYBSD54MUTVWWHFEJGZ54E&amp;ugcId=296939">Report abuse</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Delete</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=6871050424374636301">Comment</a><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/23/2005 12:41 am<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />“Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit.”<br /><br />To you too may they be full of joy happines<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29655963506389418772005-12-18T12:54:00.001-05:002011-08-10T11:45:30.576-04:00Ireland, I am Calling..........<span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><img alt="" height="333" src="http://a367.yahoofs.com/blog/49bef81azeb2dc4dd/60/__sr_/d748.jpg?mgg7zHoCgetvlCjw" width="270" /></span><br /><div><br /><br />Hey guys.....really missing my famly today, and this song makes me think of them.....so here ya go! Will be back later today for a real blog!!!&nbsp; Luvs ya...sweets....~C~<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Ireland </strong>Written by: - Stephanie Davis- Jenny Yates - Garth Brooks<br /><br /></div><br /><table align="right" bgcolor="#8d8f92" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr> <td align="middle" bgcolor="#acaeb2"><strong>ORIGINALLY ON</strong></td> </tr><tr> <td align="middle" bgcolor="#d5d5d5"><a href="http://www.planetgarth.com/albums/fresh_horses.php" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Click here for more information about Fresh Horses" border="1" height="100" src="http://www.planetgarth.com/images/album_thumbnails/100x100/fresh_horses.jpg" width="100" /></a></td> </tr><tr> <td align="middle" bgcolor="#d5d5d5"><a href="http://www.planetgarth.com/albums/the_limited_series.php" rel="nofollow"><img alt="Click here for more information about The Limited Series" border="1" height="100" src="http://www.planetgarth.com/images/album_thumbnails/100x100/the_limited_series.jpg" width="100" /></a></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /></td> </tr></tbody> </table><br /><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=309799998869637057&amp;postID=1074548805197438051" rel="nofollow">More info about this song in the Song Database</a> </strong><br /><div><br /><br />They say mother earth is breathing<br /><br />With each wave that finds the shore<br /><br />Her soul rises in the evening<br /><br />For to open twilights door<br /><br />Her eyes are the stars in heaven<br /><br />Watching o'er us all the while<br /><br />And her heart it is in Ireland<br /><br />Deep within the Emerald Isle<br /><br /><br /><br />We are forty against hundreds<br /><br />In someone elses bloody war<br /><br />We know not why were fighting<br /><br />Or what we're dying for<br /><br />They will storm us in the morning<br /><br />When the sunlight turns to sky<br /><br />Death is waiting for its dance now<br /><br />Fate has sentenced us to die<br /><br /><br /><br />Ireland I am coming home<br /><br />I can see your rolling fields of green<br /><br />And fences made of stone<br /><br />I am reaching out won't you take my hand<br /><br />I'm coming home Ireland<br /><br /><br /><br />Oh the captian he lay bleeding<br /><br />I can hear him calling me<br /><br />These men are yours now for the leading<br /><br />Show them to their destiny<br /><br />And as I look up all around me<br /><br />I see the ragged tired and torn<br /><br />I tell them to make ready<br /><br />'Cause we're not waiting for the morn<br /><br /><br /><br />Ireland I am coming home<br /><br />I can see your rolling fields of green<br /><br />And fences made of stone<br /><br />I am reaching out won't you take my hand<br /><br />I'm coming home Ireland<br /><br /><br /><br />Now the fog is deep and heavy<br /><br />As we forge the dark and fear<br /><br />We can hear their horses breathing<br /><br />As in silence we draw near<br /><br />There are no words to be spoken<br /><br />Just a look to say good-bye<br /><br />I draw a breath and night is broken<br /><br />As I scream our battle cry<br /><br /><br /><br />Ireland I am coming home<br /><br />I can see your rolling fields of green<br /><br />And fences made of stone<br /><br />I am reaching out won't you take my hand<br /><br />I'm coming home Ireland<br /><br /><br /><br />I am home Ireland<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>Original Yahoo 360 Comments:</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />4 Comments<br /><br /></div><br /><select id="cmt-order"><option value="DESC">Latest comments</option><option value="ASC">Oldest comments</option></select><br /><ul><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />01/04/2006 10:31 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Wonderful. I feel every bit of that. Thanks for sharing it.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/18/2005 08:50 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />my granmothers granpa and great granpa were from Ireland. i would love to go but first i got find out where in Ireland. since there were so MANY thomas, james &amp;amp; william Hart.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/18/2005 04:30 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />That's a nice song.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></li><li><br /><div><br /><br /><img alt="Yahoo! User" src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/identity/nopic_48.gif" title="Yahoo! User" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br />commented<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />12/18/2005 01:54 pm<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />Since I was a child I have felt a unusual fascination for ERIN and all the Celtic Culture.<br /><br />"An Innis Aigh, ERIN"<br /><br /></div><br /></div></li></ul>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68028149111694453642005-12-15T12:52:00.001-05:002011-08-10T12:03:27.669-04:00What Am I Doing?What am I doing?<br /><br />I must be an idiot for listening to you, for believing in you.<br /><br />You’re not any different then all the rest of them<br /><br />. How could I have been so blind to see that?<br /><br />I would have thought I learned my lesson long ago.<br /><br />A chance meeting that changed my entire world in the blink of an eye.<br /><br />But then, you were gone. I lived. I loved.<br /><br />I moved on, never looking back.<br /><br />But, one day, out of the blue, there you were again.<br /><br />I welcomed your friendship back into my world with open arms.<br /><br />Maybe that was not the best choice I have made in my life.<br /><br />I cherished our friendship, it was a beautiful thing.<br /><br />But, without a word, you were gone again.<br /><br />No more Hello’s and no more Good-Bye’s.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30316681713713165152005-10-21T13:43:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.671-04:00Thoughts, AgainWHY?<br /><br />Why me?<br /><br />Why did it have to end up this way?<br /><br />This is not how it was suppose to be.<br /><br />I changed for you, not for me.<br /><br />I can’t go back to the way things used to be,<br /><br />can’t go back to the beginning of you and me.<br /><br />Don’t want to return to what we once were,<br /><br />only to relive it all over again.<br /><br />The damage is done.<br /><br />I have no where to run,<br /><br />no where to turn.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68083706737041779242005-10-21T13:40:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.673-04:00Just ThoughtsHere you are again, caught up in my mind.<br /><br />You’re like my secret addiction I can not break free from.<br /><br />I have tried, and tried.<br /><br />But I just fail.<br /><br />You’re not true.<br /><br />You can’t be real.<br /><br />It was all just a dream.<br /><br />All it can be. <br /><br />My whole world is changing day by day.<br /><br />Iam scared.<br /><br />What will happen to me?<br /><br />I have so many things to look at in life, things to work out.<br /><br />This is not helping me, but I can’t turn away.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85463765343937290302005-08-19T13:38:00.001-04:002011-08-10T11:45:30.578-04:00A Girl Can Dream<div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/2005/08/19/a-girl-can-dream/attachment/4343/" rel="attachment wp-att-3128"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3128" height="225" src="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/4343-300x225.jpg" title="4343" width="300" /></a></span><br /><br />&nbsp;The shores of Ireland - If only I could make this dream real.<br /><div><br /></div><br /><span style="color: green; font-family: Batang;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65419139399064949782005-08-05T16:14:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:03:27.676-04:00My Mind is Spinning<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; margin: 1em;"><br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dividing_Light_from_Darkness.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sistine Chapel, fresco Michelangelo" height="378" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Dividing_Light_from_Darkness.jpg/300px-Dividing_Light_from_Darkness.jpg" title="Sistine Chapel, fresco Michelangelo" width="300" /></a><br />My mind is spinning. I am out of control. Don't know which way I am going. I close my eyes and there you are. You consume my thoughts through out the day. It's difficult to concentrate. I am getting tired of this game. I feel stuck, like I don’t belong. Why can’t I figure this out – this mess in my head? It’s your entire fault, filling me with such thoughts. What gives you the right to tell me these things? I want to give up, run away and hide.&nbsp; I have learned in my life running solves nothing and he’ll still be there when I return. Do you see what you’re doing to my mind, heart, body and soul? I do not know what to do, which way to go or which way to choose.</div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=edbbf010-1def-42e4-83e8-79d06748a85c" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46947515082494601842005-07-02T15:47:00.001-04:002011-08-10T12:01:39.644-04:00Words Can Never Express<div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Words could never express the way I feel right now, at this moment after reading all the comments on my <a href="http://www.selfemployedwriter.com/2005/07/my-life-is-open-book-putting-my-cards.html">“Cards”</a> post. I can honestly say, I was not planning on this big of a reaction. Heck, I was not really even planning on coming back to blog. And then, someone wonderful sent me an IM to tell me he had read my page, and was putting me in his blast to send everyone over in my world.&nbsp; I am VERY overwhelmed by all the friends I have, old and new. But, I love it.&nbsp; So, I want to say thank you to Jeremy first of all for thinking I was a good enough friend to him for him to turn around and help me the way that I did. I love ya man, and look forward to do collaboration in the future!!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">The cards blog was not even going to be a blog. I go so mad and worked up that I actually had pen to paper and was writing this whole thing. My husband was like “What are you doing??” I never use paper and pen, usually just type. But, I was so mad I could not get my fingers to work. I started writing early Sunday morning.&nbsp; I was on a roll, so I took my paper and pen to church with me ((( yah I know))) because I did not want to miss a thought.&nbsp; Once home, I just kept right on writing. That thing must have been 10 pages long front and back. And once I felt I was done, I feel so much better. This cloud had been lifted.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Now, let me shout out to my peeps….and then I will be making the rounds in blogville.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR KIND WORDS!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">My words could never express my feelings. My friends list has grown so much in the last 24hrs, as well as my heart.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Now, rather then reply to all your comments in the comment section of that long blog, I am going to post them here!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Sanrica </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Yes, it is awful, but you know what…I am the person I am today because of it, and I have made peace with that.&nbsp; I will never understand people either, so for the most part, I have quit trying. I hope you had a good night.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Hadrian </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– I am sorry to hear you have similar deal with your mother and biological family. It was very hard to get over. I still have a lot of anger that she lied to me for 30 yrs. And that may be something I NEVER get over. But, she is my mother, we all make mistakes, I still love her dearly. And without her, I would have no one, and would not be where I am today.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Weezie </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Even though that pic is missing, thanks to Yahell deleting you, I know that’s you my darling! It does suck, but we did survive. I hate that I am connected to so many people by these horrible things in life, but I am thankful that we are able to be friends and know that at least one other person out there shares what we feel. We are not ALONE.&nbsp; We will STAY STRONG together!!! And not one message, but 2!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Mel</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Ok, about my Mel. This is a perfect example of my soul mate theory. In the very short time Mel and I have been friends, we have found a wealth of information about each other. We are so much alike it way too many ways. There is a connection there that neither of us can describe. She has become one of my best friends without even trying.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Mel, I call you my sister. My soul sister. I cherish our friendship, and I look forward to getting to know you more and more as time marches on. I hope that someday, when you are ready, that you share your story with me, and know that I will never judge you. And you not only left me 1 comment, but 3! Your AWESOME, You’re BEAUTIFUL and you’re WORTH SO MUCH. Do not ever let anyone tell you otherwise.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Mary Kay</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – I appreciate the shoulder! Not to mention you so hit the nail on the head with the freakiness! And I am very honored and proud to call you my friend!!!! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Debbie </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so very honored that you want to be in my circle of friends! I look forward to reading your blogs and getting to know you.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Lori </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Ah…the Queen of BA…keeper of the tiaras…..I am proud to call you my friend. Now, let me find my teeth…..and I shall be right over!!! Muuuaaaahhhhh</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Heather</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – First, I am sorry Yahell messed up and you had to wait until your second wind to retype! That must have sucked, but I thank you for trying again. It means a lot to me. I am glad I was able to give you some inspiration. You don't have to do it alone. If you ever need anyone to talk to, I am here. Please keep me posted on how it goes. I am a firm believer that is always better to know, and just find out things for the sake of knowing. I will cherish our friendship. And I mean what I say….you keep me posted!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Stacy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – the sweetest person I know. What can I say to you? It is has been a blessing to call you my friend. We can ROCK the therapy together. I know there are a lot of people out there that do not understand depression and the likes, as well as the medications involved. It took 28years to get all this built up. It is not gonna go away in the 2 years I have been in therapy. Nor will it ever truly go away. But, maybe, you should share with us some of these perversions you talk about??? I and Jeremy may be able to use it against you!! LOL and not one comment but 2!!!!! Thanks for ALL the love you have sent my way. It means more to me then you could ever imagine.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Kelly</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for the congrats. I do not feel like I deserve a congrats….but, will take in none the less….cause I am greedy like that!!!&nbsp; LOL j/k Thank you for your kind words.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Vanessa </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Are we related? LOL….I look forward to reading some of your work, and getting to know you as a friend.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Twinks</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – A big ole HUG and a loud shouting THANK YOU!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">OK, and even though I already gave a shout out to&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><strong>Jeremy</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">, he is next in line in the comments section. And not once, but twice, and even signed his name!!! Darling, you know, you just KNOW! I don't have to explain anything, you get it. Thank You from the bottom of my heart. Oh, and Marcus gives you a smile…..a Thank You, and a Your Welcome! My world is a better place because I can call you my friend. Remember that always.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Sundown</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for coming over. Please come back anytime, you are always welcome in my blog.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">FunInTheSun </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– HUGS right back to YOU</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Brett </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">- Ok, I can not imagine ANYONE saying ya’ll more then anyone from&nbsp;Oklahoma!!! Ok, well maybe I can cause I don't really say it that much. Do I? hhmmmm…maybe I do and I just don't notice it…….No, I really think I don't say it much. LOL Thank you for coming over and paying me a visit. I am glad I inspired you to go “unplugged” and I look forward to reading your blog, and getting to know you more. Would love to have you visit my world anytime you want!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Janet</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – THANK YOU! I am feeling SO much better now. I had NO idea my blog would impact SO many people. And your right, it IS only between me and God.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Cathy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – another 2 poster!!! LOL You never know, we could be related??? Lol I have seen you and Don around so much these last few months. Knowing that you are still happily married after 22 years is SUCH an inspiration for me!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Jenny </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Big hug back to you. The writing WILL continue. Glad you enjoy!&nbsp; Now, I need to pop over to your blog and see what you got going on over there!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Ken</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – THANK YOU…big hugs all the way from&nbsp;Oklahoma…..and YES please do join my circle of Friends!! I welcome you with open arms! And despite what Jeremy and Lori say….I don't bite…..ok well not hard anyway!! LOL&nbsp; j/k</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Lisa</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – wooohooo another 2 poster! I am glad you came over from Jeremys world. WOW! We are so close to being a mirrored image of each other. How COOL is THAT??</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Betty</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thank you for your kind words, glad you came over, please DO add me as a friend. I look forward to reading your blogs as well!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Betsy </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– ROCK ON! Thank you.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Jeanne</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for stepping over Jeremy’s world to mine. Thank you for your awesome words. It does mean a lot to me. I look forward to getting to know you more, and I promise to pop over and check out your blog!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Sean</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Oh yes, you know the feeling don't you??? Not just with family….but them damn migraines as well.&nbsp; You and Helen will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for chatting with me and being a friend.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Hunney</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – I am SO glad you came over. Jeremy is just sending all these wonderful people over to me! God has helped me a lot with my demons this year. And all I can say is AMEN to that. I am glad you were able to work past your demons. Your right, we will never be over things 100%, I mean, how could we?? I would love, and be honored, for you to join, and be a part of my circle of friends.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Kristy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for coming over, and Thank You!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Qalbi</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – I know we already talked through 360 messages, but I wanted to give you another BIG – THANK YOU. I will be over to see your blog very SOON!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Steve</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for coming over. I look forward to seeing you around the circle of friends.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Amy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Thanks for coming over, hugs to you!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Don </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– Hey Don!! I was thinking I saw you peaking around here a few times before? Don't be shy…leave a comment!!! Lol j/k I love reading you and Cathy’s comments. The way you guys bounce off each other. It makes 360 very real. I give you thanks for coming over all on your own….even if Jeremy paved the way for many. I have to admit, I have snuck into your blog a time or two, so, we are even.&nbsp; And well, I am glad to know, those showers are keeping you wonderfully clean!!&nbsp; Lol…thanks again!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Cat</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Welcome to my world. I am glad you came over. It seems that there are many of us out there that share so many things in common with each other. Kinky sex does work with the right person. It’s never boring, that’s for sure! I did tell Marcus what you had said….he sends a smile your way! Thanks so much for your awesome comments! I will be checking out your blog. And please, feel free to drop in here anytime!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Joey</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Hugs and Kisses from USA Irish to&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;Irish….gosh I hope I can reach that far? I love reading your blogs. You’re honest, you’re you, and I love it.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Rachel </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">– I am glad we are now connected in this circle of friends. I look forward to getting to know more about you!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Megan</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – thanks for coming over. I welcome all of Jeremy’s friend into my little world in this corner of blogland. You may not understand my heartache, but you have your own heartache with the loss of your husband. Those feelings I am sure are rather close to being the same.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Michael</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – Big Hugs all the way to the other side of the world! Thank YOU!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Night McOwl</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – I am glad Jeremy left good enough directions that you could find me!!!&nbsp; LOL Thank you for your wonderful comments. It really means a lot to me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Boofingirl</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> – WOW! I am so glad I pulled you in! LOL I look forward, and welcome you into my little world here in blogville. Thanks SO MUCH!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Stormy</span></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"> - Thank you and YOU ROCK!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">OK, PHEW!! I am so THANKFUL for all my NEW Friends, thanks for coming over. And to my OLD friends, thanks for sticking by me.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Now, if you will excuse me, I have MANY blogs to get caught up on!!!</span></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Much Love to You All!!!!!!!!!!</span><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">OK, had to SNEAK in for an EDIT cause Jeremy snuck another comment in….that makes 3? Or is it 4 for him?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19970733413259487212005-07-01T15:42:00.002-04:002011-08-10T12:01:39.646-04:00My Life is An Open Book : Putting My Cards on the Table<div class="zemanta-img" style="display: block; margin: 1em;"><br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Open_book_nae_02.svg" target="_blank"><img alt="Open book" height="167" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Open_book_nae_02.svg/300px-Open_book_nae_02.svg.png" title="Open book" width="300" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My Life is Now an Open Book</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My life is now an open book. I am throwing all my cards out on the table.&nbsp; There seems to be a lot of this going on in Blogland these last few days. But, I have a lot I need to get off my chest right now. This has been brewing for a few days, so watch out. Be warned there will be a few curse words. I do not mean to offend, but if you can not deal, then its really simple, stop reading now.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I have always been myself in my writing. And as we are seeing everyone on&nbsp;Blogville Drive, people want us all to be real, just be ourselves. Be true. I have been. But, by being me, and writing the exact way I feel at that moment in time, for whatever was in life going on around me, that made me a very open book and a very vulnerable one at that. I knew what I was getting into. I welcomed all comments good or bad. But, one person can take things to far and just ruin it for everyone.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I have always wanted to be a writer. I never really thought my words were good enough to ever get published, but it was still fun for me. I have been writing journals since I was about 9. I have kept every single one. These days I type it and save it to a disk. I love being able to go back in those moments, relive them. Within those pages are many stories, life, poetry, song lyrics, etc. As I got older, I got into erotica. This is not anything new for me. My writing is also a reason why I went back to school to obtain a liberal arts degree. I wanted to develop my writing skills to a higher level, while broadening my quest for knowledge.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Whether or not I ever become a “real” writer, one never knows. But I seriously doubt it. But, that is ok if I don’t. I will always write, even if it is just for me. But, I will always be a better person for furthering my education.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">When I first noticed Yahoo 360, I was a little unsure of it. But, it seemed a cool way to spruce up my yahoo profile. Slowly it started to become a fun outlet. In the beginning I had few friends, and no one posted comments. But, as I grew into it, so did my friends as well as the comments. I started to explore my friends list, and their friends, and so on. I began to see other forms of writing and talent. That was an inspiration, which gave me hope. Even if I wasn’t a published writer, this gave me as audience.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Now, let me tell you a little about me. Some background information if you will. I am NOT asking for a pity party. I am NOT asking anyone to feel sorry for me. I am so beyond that. But, I fear that maybe I have given you all the wrong idea about me and that make me feel like I have failed myself in some way.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Ok, here goes. Ready????? From the time I was a small child, until I was 12 years old I was molested by my father. I did not tell my mother until I was 16. As bad as this may sound, to this day I wish I never told her. Maybe they would still be married, who knows. I told my mother out of anger. I was pissed off at my father for following me and my boyfriend to a party where we were drinking.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My parents and I went to therapy. And for years everything seemed perfect. We were working through our issues.&nbsp; When I was 18 and graduated high school my parents moved to&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;to be closer to their family. I decided to stay in OK and live with my high school boyfriend. We were together all through high school. In my heart, despite his cheating, lies, mental, emotional, verbal and physical abuse, I thought he was the one. I felt like I was damaged because of what my father did; I felt that no one else would want me. That lasted 3 months.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My mother had enough, her and my father rented a u-haul and drove down and then moved my ass back to MI. I lived there a year. I found out way too much about my fathers family. Seems sexual abuse was a common occurrence. Uncles, cousins, mothers, brothers….I wanted to get as far away from that as possible. One thing, I did become really close to my cousin. But, I missed my friends and my life back in OK. When I told my mom I was going to move back, she told me she wanted to come too. To this day, I do not know the reason she left my dad, and I am sure I never will. &nbsp;We got back to OK, I was 19 and my parents divorced. My mother and I ended up here in&nbsp;Stillwater&nbsp;for a job with the company we worked for. I also ended up in college.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">College was the BEST time of my life. I admit I partied. I partied and drank A LOT. I slept around a lot. I am not ashamed of it. I will NEVER trade those experiences. I learned a lot about myself and my sexuality.&nbsp; At the same time I was battling my Demons. Demons that would later come back to haunt me. I was an aggressive girl, dealing with a lot of anger.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">8 years ago, I met my husband, Marcus.&nbsp; I was just getting out of a seriously sexual in nature relationship. With Marcus, I found some peace within myself.&nbsp; I did not have to be angry at the world. I didn’t have to be aggressive in my sexuality. Over the course of 8 years I learned to love, with passion. I saw a side of myself, which I never saw before. I would like to think that I was a better person with him, and because of him.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">About 3 years or so ago, the cousin that I had became so close to in MI told me some news that sent me over the edge. It forever changed my world. She said it was time someone told me the truth, and that she just couldn’t deal with me not knowing anymore. She told me, my father, the one that abused me, was not really my father after all. He had adopted me.&nbsp; WTF??? I confronted my mother. I was so angry. Here was this man that did something so bad to me, and wasn’t even my biological father. And how could my own mother and the rest of the family not ever tell me about it?? Life was a mess. My mother did not want to tell me anything about my real dad. She said, “”He didn’t want you then, he doesn’t want you know”” But, I had to find out for myself.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Once I moved out and in with Marcus, I got a little more serious about my search and with my cousins help, we found him. I sent him a letter. Weeks later I got a phone call and a letter. He explained his side of the story. And he wanted to build a relationship. I had a half brother and sister. Great. Since I was an only child growing up, I welcomed siblings. But, then one day a few weeks before Thanksgiving, I came home from work to message on the machine. It was him telling me to never call or contact him or the family again.&nbsp; It ruined my world, but I respected that, and to this day – never contacted them.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Meanwhile, here was me and Marcus, starting a life together. Just moving in together. But, being alone in a house with a man posed to be a problem. Those Demons came and took total control of my life. I started having nightmares, I was having a hard time concentrating at work, I was always angry and picking fights, I was having flashbacks, and even remembering things I had long forgotten. It was hard. I didn’t want to be touched. I was always scared. I became emotionally unattached. I developed an eating disorder and became obsessed with my weight. I had dropped to 150. Anyone who has seen me in person will know I am just naturally a big girl, and being at that weight was not good for me. I&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;care. I used Weight Watchers as my excuse. I hid behind it. Telling myself and others I was on a diet, changing my life. I was obsessed with my body. I&nbsp;couldn't&nbsp;make myself throw up, so I went the other direction and became addicted to laxatives.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I landed myself into a shrink’s office and began therapy. Marcus came with me at times. I wanted him to understand it was not him. He did not cause this; it was due to what happened to me. Depression, Post Traumatic Stress, ADHD, Panic Attacks, Eating Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder are just a few of the things I was diagnosed with.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">That December, Marcus and I got married. This December, New Years Eve, will be year #3.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">The deeper I got into therapy, the more I began to see things around me for what they really were. I had to rebuild a relationship with Marcus, my Mother, my Father, and get closure on my biological father. It was a very long and bumpy road. I hit many obstacles.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Once those layers were lifted, I began to see part of me was not really me, but the person I had morphed into over the years. The person that was into everything Marcus was into, forgetting the things she used to love and adore. I became this person I thought I was supposed to be for him. I lost myself. I had to find me again. I had to be me. Little by little, ME started to surface, and it felt good. I was glad to be finding me. I stayed on that path, and Marcus totally understood.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Let me also throw in here that Marcus and I, the entire time we were dating, and now that we were married, we have never spent more then a few hours at a time together. With school and full time jobs we were always on a different schedule. And then, when he was working nights, we NEVER saw each other.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Earlier this year, it took its toll on us. Or rather me. I was finally at peace with my past. On the road to getting better and finding me. He wasn’t there for me. I tried, oh how I tried. After time, it was pointless. It seemed to push me further and further away. Eventually it landed me in the arms of someone else. Yes, I had an affair that lasted about 4 months. Now, I am sure this is gonna get the gossip going but the truth is, I began to question my love and marriage. I tried to leave. I wanted to leave. I did not want to be in this marriage anymore. I just did not feel like I was totally in love with him. Yes, I LOVED him but was in enough for a marriage? Was it the right kind of love? He is a very patient, loving, caring, patient and sweet man. We are exact opposites. I am very outgoing, he is much more reserved. I felt that he did not deserve to have a wife that was going to betray him and question his love.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">When the day came for me to leave, the cards were all out on the table. He had told me that HE HAD AN AFFAIR, too a while back. He felt like the whole what goes around comes around was in full circle. He felt like he was just getting what he deserved. The way I look at him has changed forever. He did not want me to leave. He wanted to move past this and work things out together. I agreed to stay and try. But, with one breath my entire outlook on him had changed.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Honestly, and this may make me seem bad in your eyes, but I am being honest. I DO NOT have any regrets about my affair. I am sorry for the pain, but not for what it brought me. You see, I believe that everything happens for a reason. If this did not happen, I would not know about his affair. We were able to get all our feelings out in the open. We were able to openly discuss my sexuality, all of it.&nbsp; Out. It opened both our eyes. Marcus changed shifts at work so we could have more time together and have normal hours at home. We have also started going to church. With that came a whole new group of wonderful people that are now in our lives. We are spending more time together now then we have in 8 years. We are having to get to know each other all over again. And this time I am being myself.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">So, I keep talking about my sexuality. Let me explain. I am a very open person. I like things that may not be considered the norm, but are fun to me. I like things spicy, I like it different. Some say kinky. It has taken me a long time to be comfortable with it and see that I was not alone in the things I liked. I am not a weirdo. I make no apologies. I understand the things I like are not for all. And that’s ok. That’s what makes us all unique. I don't pass judgment; we all have our own fetishes. The downside is that Marcus is not at all like me. This has been a little struggle for us, but together we are trying.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I guess my erotic stories have been an outlet for my thoughts. Again, those stories are not for all. And that is ok. You don't have to read them. You can pass over them and move on. But just because you don't like them, you think I am a freak, think I am nasty and dirty - do not give you the right to pass judgment on me and send me hate mail. Only GOD can judge me. I did not force you to read it; so therefore, I should not be forced to see your opinion in my message box.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Questions have come to the surface abut me and how can my husband allow our bedroom to be on display? Well, he knows I write.&nbsp; He has seen me do it. But, something most people are not getting is that these stories are a work of FICTION. My imagination. They are not a look into my bedroom. My bedroom is a completely different world.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Another question that has been thrown at me is it how can I love my husband but then write stories, whole blogs, and poems about other men. And what about the whole soul mate blog – how can you say he is not your soul mate, say you love him and still sleep next to him at night?</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">It is like this: As I have said, and I will say it again, I LOVE Marcus. At times I think he deserves better then me. I start to doubt myself. Maybe I don't love him the way married people are supposed to love. These are MY Demons, and I wrestle with them daily.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">My stories are fictional. Some of them were written in the past, some even LONG BEFORE Marcus. Nuff said.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">All my life I have had more guy friends then girls. I was more of a tomboy, more into sports then being a cheerleader. I was not a prissy girly girl. I got along with the guys much better. I have some very awesome friends in my life. On and offline. They have been with me through thick and thin. And I love each and every one of my friends.&nbsp; I have many levels of friendship and love in my network. A completely different love then the love I have for Marcus. When one of these friends does something that hurts me,&nbsp;doesn't&nbsp;talk to me for long lengths of time, does something I don't like, I blog about it. I get it out. It may not make sense to you, but it does to me so stop reading between the lines thinking something is there that isn’t.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br />&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">As for the soul mate theory perhaps you need to go back to that post from a few days ago and re-read it. Being a soul mate has nothing to do with LOVE. It has to do with a very strong, intense connection. When you have it, you just know it. It is not something you can put into words to describe. You can feel this with a male or female. This connection is said to mean that in a past life, the two of you were connected somehow, and now you are being drawn back together in life. If you believe in that. If not, that’s fine, but I do. Now, I am sorry to say that I do not have this connection with Marcus. So, I don't know him from a past life. That’s OK. I know him NOW and we will be connected in the next life. Nuff said.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Does Marcus know I chat online?? YES! Why is that so hard for anyone to believe? He has sat in here with me while I chatted. He’s been on&nbsp;Cam&nbsp;with me before. ((get your mind out of the gutter)) I have no reason to hide anything from him.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">I don't judge you and your life. Things you like, don't like. Things you believe and don't. I should not have to even be writing a blog like this and explaining myself to you. But, apparently it needs to be put out there. The ONLY one I WILL allow to judge me is GOD.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Having said that, I have to now tell you that this same cousin, who has been with me through thick and thin, seems to want to play God and pass her judgment to me and my blogs. I have always welcomed her comments and listened to her opinions. But, when she came at me the other night, she was just down right mean. She said I was conceited. UM- what??? Anyone that really knows me knows I am the most insecure person. I SO DO NOT think highly of myself at all. So, I have no clue where this was coming from. She then went on to say I was just wanting attention and getting it any way I could get it. NO! I was not using 360 as an attention magnet like that. That is NOT what all of this was about. Has everyone, including her missed the ENTIRE POINT of my writing? But wait, it gets better. She proceeded to tell me I was just a whore; Marcus was a fool for staying with me. She said the pictures on my blog were just slutty and trashy. WTF???</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">All this came out when she saw me and Jeremy’s collaboration together on our blogs the other night. She said writing with Jeremy was cheating on my husband. I am still trying to figure that one out.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Marcus knew. He read it. I even told him how honored I was that someone with Jeremy’s talent thought I was talented and worthy enough to work with.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">So, maybe she just wanted her 15 seconds of fame. Who knows? Well, here it is. I hope it was worth it.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Let’s remember back, technically she is not my cousin, nor even a blood relative. So, squash all that blood is thicker then water shit cause it is not gonna work around here. Not this time. Once she came at me like this and I tried to explain, her not listening….I basically said I don't need this in my life. She said I was toxic. I think she must have been talking about herself. I have never in my life said these kind of things to her. And Lord knows, she has done MANY things that I do not approve of or liked. I had no choice but to just tell her she was dead to me. Never talk to me again. Mean bitch, I know. But, I will not allow anyone to talk to me like that. There will be repercussions if you do.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">She had to reply to that. Told me that was fine, I was dead to her. And it was my loss because I am losing a wonderful person. Fuck that.&nbsp; Ummmmm NO! Good people do not attack, call out to others, make assumptions, pass judgment, call them names – anyway, that’s done. She’s gone. End of story.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">This has just about got me to the point of never posting another blog again.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">This anger has been brewing within me for a few days – and now here is my great novel.&nbsp; My open book.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">QUESTIONS???&nbsp; Just ASK me. That ALL you have to do, it’s as simple as that.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">Much Love – thanks to those who are my REAL friends.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Verdana Ref', sans-serif;">You know who you are.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_a.png?x-id=091a3730-080a-4c64-8a3c-da6b411f99c1" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-827283853566560812000-07-29T15:36:00.000-04:002011-11-10T18:12:34.714-05:00Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=freelan09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0439139600" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br/>Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire. <br/><br/>Book #4, is said to e part of a 7 part series. So now, comes the wait for book 5. How long will we have to wait? I am already eager. Book number 4 has left us hanging on....knowing somewhat to expect in the next installment.<br/><br/>I don't want to give to much away in the book, as so many others have done. I got the book yesterday afternoon. I started reading, and I couldn't put it down. As with all Harry's books, he sucks you in. Making you turn page after page. I was up until 2:30 this morning finishing the last page. I had no idea where the time had gone, nor how it was that I managed to read all 734 pages without my eye ball falling out of the socket. But I knew as soon as I got up this morning I had to give praise to the long awaited book.<br/><br/>They just keep getting better, and bigger. <br/><br/>Highly recommended!!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-1731746649084962912011-11-02T17:37:00.001-04:002011-11-02T17:37:02.952-04:00Privacy Policy<span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Your Privacy</span><br />Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Google Adsense and the DoubleClick DART Cookie</span><br />Google, as a third party advertisement vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on this site. The use of DART cookies by Google enables them to serve adverts to visitors that are based on their visits to this website as well as other sites on the internet.<br /><br />To opt out of the DART cookies you may visit the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following url&nbsp;<a href="http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html" mce_href="http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #197034; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html</a>&nbsp;Tracking of users through the DART cookie mechanisms are subject to Google's own privacy policies.<br />Other Third Party ad servers or ad networks may also use cookies to track users activities on this website to measure advertisement effectiveness and other reasons that will be provided in their own privacy policies, The Self Employed Writer has no access or control over these cookies that may be used by third party advertisers.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Collection of Personal Information</span><br />When visiting Self Employed Writer, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access. This information is purely used to analyze trends, administer the site, track users movement and gather broad demographic information for internal use. Most importantly, any recorded IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Links to third party Websites</span><br />We have included links on this site for your use and reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites. You should be aware that the privacy policies of these sites may differ from our own.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Changes to this Privacy Statement</span><br />The contents of this statement may be altered at any time, at our discretion.<br /><br />If you have any questions regarding the privacy policy of The Tax Queen then you may contact us at info@thetaxqueen.comChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-31998262913757456782011-11-02T17:37:00.000-04:002011-11-02T17:37:02.850-04:00Disclaimer - Please Read!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Please be advised that this blog is not a substitute for professional tax advice. There are many resources listed in this blog, as well as the option to consult your own personal tax adviser for specific advice on your personal situations.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Although I have done taxes&nbsp;professionally, even I make mistakes.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Any advice in this blog that I give you should be considered as a guideline only.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Remember...your taxes are your responsibility and if you chose to use the advice in this blog, you are doing so at your own risk.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">The Tax Queen is not responsible for any of the advice provided, any actions or lack thereof taken because of that advice, or any potential consequences.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">I know this sounds weird coming from a professional, but I do so because I want YOU to seek out professional help that you can actually have a face to face&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;with. A person who can actually see your tax documents.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">Thank You,</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">The Tax Queen</span>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-76486085238332400802011-02-08T20:40:00.000-05:002011-08-02T15:24:53.868-04:00The Legal<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">Your Privacy</span><br />Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">Google Adsense and the DoubleClick DART Cookie</span><br />Google, as a third party advertisement vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on this site. The use of DART cookies by Google enables them to serve adverts to visitors that are based on their visits to this website as well as other sites on the internet.<br /><br />To opt out of the DART cookies you may visit the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following url&nbsp;<a href="http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html" mce_href="http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html">http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html</a>&nbsp;Tracking of users through the DART cookie mechanisms are subject to Google's own privacy policies.<br />Other Third Party ad servers or ad networks may also use cookies to track users activities on this website to measure advertisement effectiveness and other reasons that will be provided in their own privacy policies, The Self Employed Writer has no access or control over these cookies that may be used by third party advertisers.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">Collection of Personal Information</span><br />When visiting Self Employed Writer, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access. This information is purely used to analyze trends, administer the site, track users movement and gather broad demographic information for internal use. Most importantly, any recorded IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">Links to third party Websites</span><br />We have included links on this site for your use and reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites. You should be aware that the privacy policies of these sites may differ from our own.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">Changes to this Privacy Statement</span><br />The contents of this statement may be altered at any time, at our discretion.<br /><br />If you have any questions regarding the privacy policy of Self Employed Writer then you may contact us at info@selfemployedwriter.com<br /><br /><div mce_style="font-style: italic; font-size: 10px;"><div style="font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">Last updated Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:40</div><div style="font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;"><br /></div><br /><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>This policy is valid from 14 December 2010</b></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact &nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. It is posted in the post if that particular post falls into this category.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give <b style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal;">our honest opinions</b>, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. I am not&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">compensated</span>&nbsp;for&nbsp;positive&nbsp;reviews, only honest.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.</div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org</div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>My poetry, my life stories, and random content is me, all me. My words, thoughts and ideas and is in no way, shape, or form influenced by any sort of compensation.</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"></span><br /><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">All information and works contained on these pages is © 2005-2011 Chrystal Mahan.</span></div></div><div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.copyscape.com/online-plagiarism/" mce_href="http://www.copyscape.com/online-plagiarism/"><img alt="Protected by Copyscape Online Plagiarism Check" border="0" height="60" mce_src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-gr-120x60.gif" src="http://banners.copyscape.com/images/cs-gr-120x60.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" title="Protected by Copyscape Plagiarism Checker - Do not copy content from this page." width="120" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BRDW9_GG6N1_UBCGR" mce_href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BRDW9_GG6N1_UBCGR" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered &amp; Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered &amp; Protected" border="0" height="38px" mce_src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered &amp; Protected" width="145px" /></a></center></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-79734729713834297222011-02-08T20:34:00.000-05:002011-08-02T15:24:10.679-04:00All About<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">Reader. Writer. Blogger Extraordinaire.<br />Thinker. Quoter. Thought Provoker.<br />A place to share my life (inside &amp; out of the home office of a freelance writer).<br />My niche would be: LIFE<br />I am:<br /><ul><li>A full time freelancer</li> <li>Wanna be writer</li> <li>Full time college student</li> <li>Pet shop owner</li> <li>Cookbook collector</li> <li>Diet junkie</li> <li>Recipe queen</li> <li>Chef</li> <li>Housekeeper</li> <li>Weekend nanny</li> <li>Personal assistant</li> <li>Professional organizer</li> <li>Shopkeeper</li> <li>Wedding planner</li> <li>Survivor</li> <li>Fighter</li> <li>Freebie lover</li> <li>Bookworm</li> <li>Empathetic</li> <li>Bookkeeper</li> <li>Banker</li> <li>Biller</li> <li>Budget friendly</li> <li>“Green”</li> <li>MMA Fan</li> <li>Ireland Dreamer</li> <li>Music listener</li> <li>Crafter</li> <li>But most of all I am a thinker.</li> </ul>With all of these&nbsp;how could I pick just one?<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">About Me</span><br />Chrystal Mahan resides in Michigan. Mahan just graduated June 2011 with her Bachelors in Business and Accounting. She has plans to continue forward with a Masters. Mahan has been writing short stories since the age of nine and freelancing since 2005. Mahan owns her own freelance business and writing appears on various blogs and websites.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers" ~Charles W. Eliot</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">My posts and reviews are a gift of my words. My gift to you, the reader. I appreciate any support and welcome any feedback.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If you like what you read, I always welcome a warm cup of coffee or spot of tea!</span></div></div><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" mce_src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" name="submit" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" />&nbsp;<img alt="" border="0" height="1" mce_src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" width="1" /></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div></div></form><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">If for any reason you would like to contact me, please email me at:</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">cmahan@selfemployedwriter.com</span></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"></span>Links to my Work:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Self Employed Writer -&nbsp;</b>All about freelancing and working from home</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">The Tax Queen</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp; (is now here on Self Employed Writer) -&nbsp;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">A question and answer guide to taxes for the average taxpayer.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Ireland Forever &nbsp;(is now here on Self Employed Writer) - Me sharing a part of my heritage with you.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.chrystalmahan.com/">Chrystal Mahan</a>&nbsp;- The Author</span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://bizsupportblog.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Business Support Group</span></a></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.ehow.com/members/ds_caca5416-4882-481d-b245-83bf1d6afadf-articles.html">eHow</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;(through Demend Studios)&nbsp;</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chrystal_Mahan"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>EZine Articles</b>&nbsp;</span></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://iphoneappcafe.com/author/chrystalmahan/">iPhone Apps Cafe</a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Residuals:</span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/cmahan">HubPages</a></b>&nbsp;</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.webanswers.com/profile.cfm?userID=1050968632">WebAnswers</a>&nbsp;</span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1053671621">Helium</a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.helium.com/users/514049">&nbsp;</a></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/652747/chrystal_mahan.html">Associated Content</a></span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.odesk.com/users/~~d46f66354ca58c74"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">oDesk</span></a></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Examiner</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;–&nbsp;Detriot Depression&nbsp;</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Detroit Frugal Living&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coming Soon<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/759870">Suite 101</a>&nbsp;</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Other places I write:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Demand Studio<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Break Studios<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Textbroker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.starreviews.com/blog/cmahan/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Star Reviews</span></a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.experts123.com/users/10396/cmahan">Experts 123</a>&nbsp;</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eCopywriters<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merchant Circle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; 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font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/5-best-goose-and-maverick-quotes.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.mademan.com/mm/5-best-goose-and-maverick-quotes.html</span></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"></div><br /><br /><br /></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-7335830451544102712011-02-08T20:42:00.000-05:002011-07-30T15:22:58.315-04:00yesWeight Loss<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;"><a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" mce_href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com"><img alt="Calorie Counter" border="0" mce_src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/badges/show/106/5444/1065444.weight-lost-md.gif" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/badges/show/106/5444/1065444.weight-lost-md.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; width: 152px;"><small>MyFitnessPal -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" mce_href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="width: 152px;"></div><div style="text-align: left; width: 152px;"><span mce_style="font-size: 11.6667px;" style="font-size: 11.6667px;">January 4, 2011</span></div>After sorting through some old materials I ran across a document from years ago that listed all my stats from Weight Watchers. I decided to post those here as well as dig up my stats from various websites. I am hoping this will hold me accountable in making 2011 the year I finally get to my goal weight. &nbsp;I will post updates here as I go.<br /><tt>Week #/ loss or gain/ Weight/ total loss</tt><br /><tt>At Work Meetings</tt><br /><tt>Week 1 START: Begin Weight: 209.4, Height 5'9"&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">March 2002</span></tt><br /><tt>Week 2 -6.6 (202.8) 6.6 gone forever</tt><br /><tt>Week 2 -2.0 (200.8) 8.6</tt><br /><tt>Week 4 -1.4 (199.4) 10.0</tt><br /><tt>Week 5 -3.2 (196.2) 13.2</tt><br /><tt>Week 6 - 3.2 (193.0) 16.4</tt><br /><tt>Week 7 MAINTAINED</tt><br /><tt>Week 8 - 1.2 (191.8) 17.6</tt><br /><tt>Week 9 -2.4 (189.4) 20.0 (met my 10%)</tt><br /><tt>Week 10 -2.8 (186.6) 22.8</tt><br /><tt>Week 11 + .2 (186.8) 22.6 YUCK - WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THIS. My 1st gain</tt><br /><tt>Week 12 -2.0 (184.8) 24.6</tt><br /><tt>Week 13 - 1.0 (183.8) 25.6 Starting to slow down. Got my 25lb reward</tt><br /><tt>Week 14 + .6 (184.4) 25.0 about gave up on myself. Felt really bad about Week 11</tt><br /><tt>through Week 13.</tt><br /><tt>Week 15 -3.8 (180.6) 28.8 this ends my At work Program</tt><br /><tt>Week 16 + .6 (181.2) 28.2 Saturday Community Meetings</tt><br /><tt>Week 17 + 1.2 (182.4) 27.0</tt><br /><tt>Week 18 - 2.0 (180.4) 29.0</tt><br /><tt>Week 19 MISSED</tt><br /><tt>Week 20 + 1.2 (181.6) 27.8</tt><br /><tt>Week 21 -3.6 (178.0) 31.4</tt><br /><tt>Week 22 -2.6 (175.4) 34.0</tt><br /><tt>Week 23 MISSED this is where the At Home Program begins. My scale was only 5</tt>&nbsp;<tt>pounds off from WW. SO the weights are different, but the loss/gains should be</tt>&nbsp;<tt>the same.</tt><br /><tt>Week 24 MAINTAINED</tt><br /><tt>Week 25 -2 (173)</tt><br /><tt>Week 26 -3 (170)</tt><br /><tt>Week 27 +1 (171)</tt><br /><tt>Week 28 SAME</tt><br /><tt>Week 29 SAME</tt><br /><tt>Week 30 -2 (169)</tt><br /><tt>Week 31 +2.4 (177.8) 31.6 Back to Saturday WW meetings</tt><br /><tt>Week 32 -1.00 (176.8) 32.6</tt><br /><tt>Week 33 -3.00 (173.8) 35.6</tt><br /><tt>Week 34 +2.6 (176.4) 33.0</tt><br /><tt>Week 35 -0.6 (175.8) 33.6</tt><br /><tt>Week 36 -1.0 (174.8) 34.6 12.8 TO GOAL</tt><br /><tt>Week 37 -2.2 (172.6) 36.8 10.6 TO GOAL</tt><br /><tt>Week 38 +1.6 (174.2) 35.2 12.6 TO GOAL</tt><br /><tt>Week 39 MISSED</tt><br /><tt>Week 40 -3.8 (170.4) 39.0 8.4 TO GOAL</tt><br /><tt>Week 41 MAINTAINED</tt><br /><tt>Week 42 -2.4 (168.0) 41.4 6 MORE TO GOAL!!!</tt><br /><tt>Week 43 No Weigh In-pass</tt><br /><tt>Week 44 +1.6 (169.6) 39.8 :)</tt><br /><tt>Week 45 No Weigh In Pass</tt><br /><tt>Week 46 -0.6 (169) 40.4</tt><br /><tt>Week 47 -2.8 (166.4) 43.2</tt><br /><tt>Week 48 -0.4 (165.8) 43.6</tt><br /><tt>Week 49 PASS</tt><br /><tt>Week 50 MISSED</tt><br /><tt>Week 51 -3.2 (162.6) 46.8 total .........POINT 6 from GOAL@@</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt>Dr. said I was only 5 6" NOT 5'8 3/4" that I was measured years ago. WHAT???!!</tt>&nbsp;<tt>I shrunk?? Or the last nurse measured me wrong.</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt>Dr. said my weight was good for my height and bone structure and I did not</tt>&nbsp;<tt>really need to lose any more. But, I should not go below 10 more pounds.</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt>Told my leader about height, she said since Dr said my weight was good, and she</tt>&nbsp;<tt>thought so too, that we would not change it from when I first started WW.</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt>Week 52 MISSED</tt><br /><tt>April 11, 2003</tt><tt>&nbsp;My&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">1yr with WW</span></tt><br /><tt>Week 53 -.4 (162.2) 47.2 TOTAL</tt><br /><tt>Since I am .2 from goal, and it is noticeable my body is</tt><br /><tt>comfortable where it is, we changed my goal to 163 instead of 162. So,I</tt><br />AM&nbsp;<tt>AT GOAL!!!!! Now 6wks maintenance!!</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt>MAINTENANCE</tt><br /><tt>Week 54 -1.6 (160.6) 48.8 total!! Almost to 50!! Week one of Maintaining.</tt><br /><tt>Week 55 +0.2 (160.8) 48.6 total. Week 2 Maintain</tt><br /><tt>Week 56 + 1.8 (162.6) 46.8 total Week 3 Maintain</tt><br /><tt>Week 57 -3.4 (159.2) 50.2 total Week 4 Maintain</tt><br /><tt>Week 58 +.4 (159.6) 49.8 total</tt><br /><tt>Week 59 +.4 (160.0) 49.4 total…..END MAINTAINING!!</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt>HELLO LIFETIME!!!!!</tt><br /><tt>Month 1 May 2003 Same (160.0) 49.4 total</tt><br /><tt>Month 2 June 2003 +.8 (160.8) 48.6 total</tt><br /><tt>Month 3 July 2003 +1.8 (162.6) 46.8 total</tt><br /><tt>Month 4 Aug.2003 -.4 (162.6) 47.2 total</tt><br /><tt>Month 5 Sept.2003 +2.2 (164.4) 45.0 total</tt><br /><tt>Month 6 Oct. 2003&nbsp;&nbsp; +2.2 (166.6)</tt><br /><tt>Check-in 11/1/03 -1.4 (165.2) not recorded</tt><br /><tt></tt><br /><tt>Month 7 Nov. 2003 -1.0 (165.6)</tt><br /><tt>Month 8 Dec. 2003 -5.8 (159.8) BACK TO UNDER GOAL! Only 0.2 away from my end of maintenance weight.</tt><br /><tt>Month 9 Jan 2004 -1.0 (158.6) YAH!!</tt><br /><tt>Month 10 Feb 2004 -0.6 (158 even)</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt></tt><br /><tt>Doing things on my own now.</tt><br /><tt>Start 176</tt><br /><tt>June 20, 2004</tt><tt>&nbsp;172.5</tt><br /><tt>June 28, 2004</tt><tt>&nbsp;175.5</tt><br /><tt>August 1, 2004</tt><tt>&nbsp;178.0</tt><br /><tt>August 9, 2004</tt><tt>&nbsp;181.0</tt><br /><tt>August 15, 2004</tt><tt>&nbsp;179.5</tt><br /><tt></tt><br /><h2 style="font-size: 1.5em;"><tt><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">The previous stats I kept track of in real time.</span></tt></h2><tt>As you can see, doing things on my own did not work. I tried various nutrition sites and meal plans over the years. Here are a few of those. I have some random stats from WW online, but I can only&nbsp;retrieve&nbsp;those if I become a paid member&nbsp;</tt><br /><tt>again.</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">FITDAY</span></tt><br /><tt>1/8/01 185</tt><br /><tt>8/25/01 190</tt><br /><tt>2/25/02 210</tt><br /><tt>12/20/02 172</tt><br /><tt>5/10/03&nbsp; 159.2</tt><br /><tt>6/21/03&nbsp; 160</tt><br /><tt>9/5/04&nbsp; 188</tt><br /><tt>9/16/04 189</tt><br /><tt>1/12/07 219.4</tt><br /><tt>1/19/07 217.8</tt><br /><tt>2/26/07 222.8</tt><br /><tt>6/22/09&nbsp; 240</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">SPARKPEOPLE</span></tt><br /><tt>2/26/07 222</tt><br /><tt>4/2/07&nbsp; 233</tt><br /><tt>5/2/07&nbsp; 237</tt><br /><tt>9/28/07&nbsp; 240</tt><br /><tt>2/23/08 220</tt><br /><tt>1/23/09 233</tt><br /><tt>4/29/09 235</tt><br /><tt>7/9/09 240</tt><br /><tt>9/1/09 245</tt><br /><tt>9/15/09 240</tt><br /><tt>11/24/09 239</tt><br /><tt>12/2/09 238</tt><br /><tt>1/2010-6/2010 240-232</tt><br /><tt>9/30/10 225</tt><br /><tt>11/4/10 220</tt><br /><tt><br /></tt><br /><tt></tt><br /><tt><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">MY FITNESS PAL</span></tt><br /><tt>4/15/10 240</tt><br /><tt>12/31/10 220</tt><br />1/5/2010 228 (bah humbug!)<br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Disclosure</strong>: Nutrisystem is providing their Nutrisystem Women’s Plan to me free of charge in exchange for writing about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. All opinions are 100% mine. My opinions and results may differ from others.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">January 11, 2011</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am proud to say that I am now a member of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. I *should* be starting the program next Monday, January 24, 2011.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I will be using this page to record all of my weights and measurements. Follow my blog for related posts.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Todays stats:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Weight: 231</div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; cursor: default;"><tbody><tr><td id="ctl00_phMain_tdLastMeasurements" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; cursor: text; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Your Last Measurements</div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdDate" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; cursor: text; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Date:&nbsp;01/17/2011 02:00</div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdUpperArms" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; cursor: text; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Upper Arms:&nbsp;16.0</div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdChest" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; cursor: text; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Chest:&nbsp;46.0</div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdWaist" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; cursor: text; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Waist:&nbsp;46.0</div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdHips" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; cursor: text; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Hips:&nbsp;48.0</div></td></tr><tr><td id="tdThighs" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-left-style: dashed; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-right-style: dashed; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; cursor: text; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Thighs:&nbsp;28.5</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">****************************************************************************</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Start &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1/17/2011 &nbsp;2<b>31</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Week 1 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1/24/2011 :&nbsp;<b>229 &nbsp; &nbsp;Loss: 2 lbs</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Net: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -2</span></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Week 2 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2/31/2011 :&nbsp;<b>233</b>&nbsp;Total Loss :<b>&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss: 0 &nbsp;Gain: 4</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Net &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Week 3 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2/7/2011 :&nbsp;<b>Skipped</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Net &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Week 4 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2/14/2011:&nbsp;<b>235</b>&nbsp;(Tuesday) 2/15/11&nbsp;<b>Loss: 0 &nbsp;Gain: 1</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Net &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Week 5 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2/21/2011:&nbsp;<b>234.6</b>&nbsp;(Wed. 2/23/11) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<b>Loss: 0.4</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Net &nbsp; &nbsp; 2.6</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Week 6 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2/28/2011: &nbsp;<b>232.2&nbsp;</b>&nbsp;(Saturday 3/5/11) &nbsp;<b>Loss: 2.4</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Net &nbsp; &nbsp;0.2</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Week 7 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3/12/2011 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 228.4 (Saturday 3/12/11)&nbsp;<b>&nbsp;Loss &nbsp; 3.8</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Net &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;- 3.6 total weight loss in 7 weeks.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.page-27961516441284863372011-03-13T19:11:00.000-04:002011-06-27T20:59:24.737-04:00Write Tools<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>eBooks:</b></span></b></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>How to Find a Killer Niche</u>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/36308997/How_To_Find_A_Killer_Niche_v2.pdf">free download</a>). This is one of the first ebooks I read when I was trying to figure out my niche. Of course, it took me forever to realize my niche was right in front of me. But, for someone who is trying to learn, this is a great resource.</b></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Software:</b></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dJnaEBPJ9Y/TdwjWWfH9kI/AAAAAAAAAcI/GP1KAHD0aCQ/s1600/123ecover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dJnaEBPJ9Y/TdwjWWfH9kI/AAAAAAAAAcI/GP1KAHD0aCQ/s1600/123ecover.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></b></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>123 Shortcut Key</u>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.wupload.com/file/36309608/123ShortcutKey.zip">free download</a>). Just type a word and this program will automatically replace it with a phrase or paragraph. Perfect for writers.&nbsp;</b></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Bloggers Tools:</b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=11220&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042"><b>31 Days to Build a Better Blog by Darren Rowse</b></a>&nbsp;</u>&nbsp;Darren is the owner/writer at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger</a>&nbsp;one of the best and largest websites dedicated to blogging. 31DBBB is a must have tool for any blogger looking to build the best blog possible. The book is broken down into daily chapters. You do one task a day. The end result is pretty&nbsp;amazing&nbsp;if you stick with it.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/a%20href=%22https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=935983&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=11220">Probloggers Guide to Your First Week of Blogging by Darren Rowse</a></u>.</b>&nbsp;Here is another awesome ebook put together by Darren. This book is perfect for beginners as he goes day-by-day step-by-step to show you how to get your blog/website off the ground and running. Topics include finding your niche, social media and website building.&nbsp;</b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=899114&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=48658"><b>Blog Post Promotion.</b></a>&nbsp;We all know that content is king. These days it is merely a minimal requirement to writing. Learn how to produce quality content day after day while boosting your reader base.</b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Writers Tools:</b></span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=890584&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=17887">Financial Fitness for Freelancers: How to Survive and Thrive on an Irregular Income.</a>&nbsp;</b>The title says it all.</b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=887021&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=119114"><b>StoryADay.org: Time to Write Workshop</b></a>. Every month story a day has a writers challenge to produce 1 story, every day. The Time to Write Workship includes step-by-step instructions on how to write a story, every day. It will get you motivated to write today, not just "some day". Lessons, workbooks, and timesheets are all included.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><img alt="iphone app" src="http://apstylebook.com/images/iphone_app_2010.gif" style="cursor: move;" /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.apstylebook.com/">AP Stylebook for iPhone</a>&nbsp;(also available for the Blackberry and hardcover book form). We all know the Associated Press Stylebook is indispensable. Now we can carry it with us with this handy iPhone app. The fully updated features include search capabilities and live links. Now I never have to worry about another spiral bound AP book again.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="htpp://www.writersdigest.com">Writer's Digest</a>&nbsp;website has become my daily go-to website. I found the magazine to be extremely&nbsp;valuable&nbsp;in my quest to become a better writer and find markets suitable for my style of writing. The website has a store packed full of helpful books and materials.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.writersmarket.com/">Writer's Market</a>&nbsp;website has become my 2nd daily go-to website. The website has a subscription, or you can purchase the book, where you will have thousands of agents and&nbsp;genres&nbsp;just waiting for your submission. Writer's Market is the sister site to Writer's Digest.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Reader's Tools:</span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img alt="Book Jotter Bookmark - Bookmark" src="http://www.levimage.com/IMAGE/PRODUCTS/PAPER/MISC_PAPER/AB0430_1410.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></span></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.levenger.com/">Book Jotter Bookmark</a>. This product is so simple I am wondering why some of us book lover's didn't thing of it first! This nifty gadget is a beautiful leather bookmark complete with built-in replacement note cards. No need to jot notes in the margins of your books!&nbsp;</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Personal Tools:</span></b></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">I know a lot of people might laugh at me for this one. I have found that while writing I just can't listen to music with words. I find it too distracting and it takes me even longer to write. I find that classical music works well, but I prefer white noise. White noise doesn't mean listening to sounds like a fan running, or a light buzz all day long. Many noise machines offer sounds such as running water, the ocean waves, rain, bird chirping, frogs, etc. While some of these are ok, I am one who also likes to multi-task. I found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042">Sprudio</a>. Sprudio actually kills two birds with one stone. You get the ocean waves and subliminal messages. They have time management, organization,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=186378&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042&amp;cl=8454">achievement</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=8454&amp;c=ib&amp;aff=154042">career&nbsp;</a>related topics. &nbsp;</span></b></span></div></div></div>Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312theokirishchik@gmail.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18045989344503637222011-11-10T10:06:06.047-05:002011-11-10T10:06:06.047-05:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1083476930029418882011-11-09T03:52:23.223-05:002011-11-09T03:52:23.223-05:00Congratulations chrys!! Wish you both the best. Ta...Congratulations chrys!!<br />Wish you both the best. Take care girl.<br /><br />sincerely,<br />LandoLandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00987045626675433120noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78759222849976306102011-11-08T21:59:13.160-05:002011-11-08T21:59:13.160-05:00Congrats. You are right you owe nobody an explana...Congrats. You are right you owe nobody an explanation. I wish you well on your journey.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89183849965415921732011-11-10T10:09:12.583-05:002011-11-10T10:09:12.583-05:00I have a lot to look forward to. Right now I just ...I have a lot to look forward to. Right now I just want to get all of my health problems in order. Thank you for the luck, I need it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2733319669901151822011-11-09T08:45:54.136-05:002011-11-09T08:45:54.136-05:00The good thing is you can keep starting again and ...The good thing is you can keep starting again and moving forward. Good luck with this and all the stuff you are taking on.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47728906675218062322011-11-04T16:04:54.704-04:002011-11-04T16:04:54.704-04:00Erin, thank you so much. It was an honor to be abl...Erin, thank you so much. It was an honor to be able to read your book. Loved every minute of it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89986528509378640322011-11-03T21:43:28.194-04:002011-11-03T21:43:28.194-04:00Chrystal, thanks so much for taking the time to re...Chrystal, thanks so much for taking the time to read and respond to my book. So pleased that you liked it--thanks for recommending it.Erin Healyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021926977245785860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27303762867720960792011-11-02T10:55:25.940-04:002011-11-02T10:55:25.940-04:00Penny - I believe you can have up to 3 links in yo...Penny - I believe you can have up to 3 links in your post, but they cannot be to the same place. All of the websites have to be different and it can&#39;t be 3 links to 3 different posts within the same site.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75704376692344243202011-11-01T20:14:07.789-04:002011-11-01T20:14:07.789-04:00Good job! I am going to check Skywords out for sur...Good job! I am going to check Skywords out for sure! <br /><br />On Hubpages can you backlink then to your own blog or no? Thanks!Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15117388017313125160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43074247309538376762011-10-26T10:32:14.087-04:002011-10-26T10:32:14.087-04:00Thank you. I think the first of the year I will st...Thank you. I think the first of the year I will start with a clean slate and actually post my earnings for even more motivation. Right now I just want to focus on writing and backlinks!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57530489847413383402011-10-26T09:23:09.973-04:002011-10-26T09:23:09.973-04:00Good that you are focusing on what has to be done,...Good that you are focusing on what has to be done, after the huge setback. Go fight, and be a winner!JANUhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06983287092498427967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34562779918603460252011-10-22T12:46:38.952-04:002011-10-22T12:46:38.952-04:00Not my usual style, but it was really cute.Not my usual style, but it was really cute.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19422475346770347712011-10-22T08:14:02.056-04:002011-10-22T08:14:02.056-04:00Sounds like an interesting Christmas read.Sounds like an interesting Christmas read.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53947505632804533942011-10-24T10:56:11.998-04:002011-10-24T10:56:11.998-04:00Mandy I am sorry about your surgery! It can always...Mandy I am sorry about your surgery! It can always be hard getting back in to the groove.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25255827426052107412011-10-23T13:50:55.336-04:002011-10-23T13:50:55.336-04:00Those are great goals! I took off for a bit becaus...Those are great goals! I took off for a bit because of surgery and my blog suffered from it. I am trying to get back into doing it again.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12734614153119108002011-10-20T14:41:36.256-04:002011-10-20T14:41:36.256-04:00The plan is going to change as my class schedule c...The plan is going to change as my class schedule changes, and the clients change. Some jobs just take longer than other. I also have job training starting in December and in January I will be working back in taxes for the season. Pretty excited about that. oDesk has been great in helping me land some private clients. I blog because I love it. I don&#39;t make money from my blogs. If I do, fine. If not, I am still going to do it. I have been doing it since 2004 so I don&#39;t see a reason to stop. I have made some awesome friends during those years so it is not something I am willing to give up on.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50696871656829605192011-10-19T21:56:45.676-04:002011-10-19T21:56:45.676-04:00Having a plan is the first step in accomplishing t...Having a plan is the first step in accomplishing things..great job! I am working on a new blog and have tried to set my own goals each week.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15117388017313125160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46542997333791866742011-10-19T20:42:04.830-04:002011-10-19T20:42:04.830-04:00Sounds like a good plan!Sounds like a good plan!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80276506722078296082011-10-19T19:33:44.117-04:002011-10-19T19:33:44.117-04:00Sounds like you have a solid plan. I really haven...Sounds like you have a solid plan. I really haven&#39;t found my path since Google Panda hit. I am not sure which direction I want to go next. I still enjoying Blogging although the income is not building yet. I suspect it will be what it is meant to be as I move forward.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4443728791444258382011-10-17T14:47:29.586-04:002011-10-17T14:47:29.586-04:00I don&#39;t mind Christian books. I can totally un...I don&#39;t mind Christian books. I can totally understand what point the author was trying to make. It was a decent read, but nothing I really needed at the time. I plan to donate it to my church.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48057749205765328532011-10-16T13:18:57.312-04:002011-10-16T13:18:57.312-04:00My mother in love would probably love this book. N...My mother in love would probably love this book. Not my kind of thing as much. I will pass this on to her.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44256974902114991692011-10-12T19:26:25.289-04:002011-10-12T19:26:25.289-04:00I am so sorry. I do hope something good will come...I am so sorry. I do hope something good will come from the ashes of all of this.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69344183291518342022011-10-07T17:56:14.895-04:002011-10-07T17:56:14.895-04:00It&#39;s just so embarrassing. I thought I was sma...It&#39;s just so embarrassing. I thought I was smarter than that. At least its over now and I can deal with other tasks at hand.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75441608985712261622011-10-07T09:19:11.967-04:002011-10-07T09:19:11.967-04:00I am sorry you were defrauded. However, I am impr...I am sorry you were defrauded. However, I am impressed at the work you did. You kept the buyer from being abused and you didn&#39;t end up liable for the fraud. It hurts, but it demonstrates how incredibly savy you have become at tracking people down and following through with a task.<br /><br />Yes, you should consider the lessons, but you learned some positive things about yourself, too.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6790976419486301262011-09-20T20:44:34.136-04:002011-09-20T20:44:34.136-04:00Familiar can be good for a quick read. It depends...Familiar can be good for a quick read. It depends on my mood.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54358432991449721222011-09-21T20:04:11.063-04:002011-09-21T20:04:11.063-04:00Hi Chrystal! It&#39;s 90 degrees here, too...a lit...Hi Chrystal! It&#39;s 90 degrees here, too...a little hard to believe that Christmas will be here in the blink of an eye. But it will! Thanks for reviewing my book--really liked that you brought out the importance of &quot;hanging thou in there&quot; with marriage.<br />Warmly, Suzanne Woods FisherSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134027864904228982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71442051412261949802011-08-29T16:44:32.201-04:002011-08-29T16:44:32.201-04:00I still believe they are going to get bitten by th...I still believe they are going to get bitten by the quality of the work they are getting for that money and end up having to return to higher salaries.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26664145237789925862011-08-29T16:06:11.851-04:002011-08-29T16:06:11.851-04:00I am sorry Chrystal. I hope things work out for y...I am sorry Chrystal. I hope things work out for you and none of this BS will intefere with your focus on school. Please take care.<br /><br />Peace,<br />NicoInterruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57938444856954623802011-08-29T11:11:45.662-04:002011-08-29T11:11:45.662-04:00I try to filter it by searching for keywords and ...I try to filter it by searching for keywords and sorting by ratings. Most of the time those with a higher rating are paying much better than those who have very few. I seem to find the best jobs on eLance, but I don&#39;t have a paid account so I can&#39;t bid on half of them! LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70796732587257430912011-08-29T09:49:50.943-04:002011-08-29T09:49:50.943-04:00It can be tremendously frustrating. I check the bi...It can be tremendously frustrating. I check the bidding sites every so often, but usually close them after looking at just a few jobs.The Lazy Foodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14412852736424496592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22797256128539660042011-08-26T20:47:19.744-04:002011-08-26T20:47:19.744-04:00I like practical inspirational books that help me ...I like practical inspirational books that help me with steps I can do now and work up to things that take me longer. This sounds like an interesting read.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60008216748051079632011-08-26T13:42:39.366-04:002011-08-26T13:42:39.366-04:00You are right. My main electronic sources of distr...You are right. My main electronic sources of distraction are my PC (which I also use for work), my iPhone and my Nook. There are times when I have thought about giving some things up. But, without my PC I can&#39;t work.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57753138743027434182011-08-26T10:53:32.573-04:002011-08-26T10:53:32.573-04:00In order to be fully present I think we have to ad...In order to be fully present I think we have to address the reasons we want to escape. The Amish accept and deal with what is and I for one can admit the electronic and other distractions I choose are often based on a desire not to deal with the present.<br /><br />It is challenging to forgive, but more of a blessing to ourselves than those we forgive. The burden of anger and other negative emotions that prevent us from forgiveness is far more damaging to our lives than those we don&#39;t forgive.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48175157651518099732011-08-29T11:17:40.680-04:002011-08-29T11:17:40.680-04:00Hi Chrystal! Thanks so much for sharing your thoug...Hi Chrystal! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts about Amish Values, and raising kids. Sounds like you are having a very significant impact on your future step-daughter. Loved reading that! And loved your comment about living with less stuff and more love. Amen, sister! Warmly, Suzanne Woods FisherSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14134027864904228982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43324069294720544022011-08-26T13:41:17.217-04:002011-08-26T13:41:17.217-04:00I worry about that too. Her grammie (his mom) is a...I worry about that too. Her grammie (his mom) is almost 60 and she is 6 almost 7, and she has said more than once she is having more trouble keeping up with her. So what happens when neither of them can rely on her?<br /><br />It&#39;s sad is what it is. <br /><br />I do my best with her in the short time I get to see her each week. I guess that is all I can do.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23430843412299171402011-08-26T10:57:21.225-04:002011-08-26T10:57:21.225-04:00I&#39;ve learned this lesson with younger family m...I&#39;ve learned this lesson with younger family members, it is not kind to make them dependent and unable to care for themselves. I have a couple of nephews that are totally dependent on Mom and are no longer young adults. Mom is no longer young or healthy. What happens when Mom is gone?<br /><br />It starts when they are young. Chores are the start of independence and learning to take responsiblity for yourself. Plenty of people choose to do things differently when they are on their own, but if taught that is at least a choice. They have a starting set of skills for cooking, cleaning, etc.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43246860208291722552011-08-25T10:42:49.237-04:002011-08-25T10:42:49.237-04:00My mother gave me chores specefic to my age and th...My mother gave me chores specefic to my age and they changed as I got older. Now, as an adult I can appreciate why. If not for her I would not be able to make choices or stand on my own two feet.<br /><br />I try to teach that to his 6yr old, but they never taught her chores. Her mother has 3 other kids to keep up with and they run a muck. The house is always a mess and its chaos. His own mother spoiles the child and dotes on her, picks up after her and teaches her nothing. When she comes here I make her pick up after herself, put her dirty dishes in the dishwasher, help take the dogs out, and keep her own room clean. She helps with laundry when we do it on weekends. I give her a few cents allowance every so often to teach her saving for the things she wants instead of constantly asking for stuff. I also make her clean out old toys every so often to make room for new ones. Slowly she is learning the value of a dollar, that money does not grow on trees, to appreciate what she does have, to take care of what she does have because things are not disposable. It used to be terrible how she treated her toys. I stopped buying her things. Now she has to earn them. She loves cooking with me, so I am glad for that. She does like to feel like she is important and a good helper. Its just the appreciation for things and understanding of money we have to work on.<br /><br />I think it teaches us how to follow rules. Be disciplined. Learn responsibility, along with so many other things.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20654612268868962002011-08-25T10:14:57.827-04:002011-08-25T10:14:57.827-04:00In many ways we have lost the practical aspect of ...In many ways we have lost the practical aspect of chores. Chores are not punishment or cruel, most teach practical skills we all need to know when we live on our own. Cooking, cleaning, laundry skills are all basic skills that children can participate in in age appropriate ways. I remember starting to fold clothes as a young child. It was not punishment, but a way to participate in the household. As I got older, the types of training I got was more advanced.<br /><br />I always think it is sad when kids can&#39;t do basic things like laundry, housekeeping and simple cooking tasks. I hate cooking, but I do KNOW the basics because I had to learn them. It was because of the chores I did as a child.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18417355935616342042011-08-24T01:01:56.841-04:002011-08-24T01:01:56.841-04:00I want to be Amish....I want to be Amish....Devhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11398424923235776550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10657874906858278002011-08-26T02:12:07.676-04:002011-08-26T02:12:07.676-04:00Great contest! Thanks!Great contest! Thanks!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55362859218983597322011-08-25T17:43:56.886-04:002011-08-25T17:43:56.886-04:00The books are beautiful. Good luck with your busi...The books are beautiful. Good luck with your business.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57962632164628963952011-08-23T10:18:37.684-04:002011-08-23T10:18:37.684-04:00My youngest started middle school yesterday. My ji...My youngest started middle school yesterday. My jitters were far more severe than hers!The Lazy Foodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14412852736424496592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12580312233973393852011-08-22T14:16:48.750-04:002011-08-22T14:16:48.750-04:00Back to school stories are a great way to get the ...Back to school stories are a great way to get the discussions going for families. They often address the questions/concerns that kids/parents aren&#39;t openly talking about in a safe way.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91244597264102997592011-08-22T13:50:20.813-04:002011-08-22T13:50:20.813-04:00It is a slow process in the freelance world. Writi...It is a slow process in the freelance world. Writing bid proposals, finding clients. It is a full time job all by itself. <br /><br />The business I have is a freelance business. Its just me. The business I am helping my mom get started is a food salvage grocery store. The link is in the blog post, Tri Cities Food Salvage.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39748919143432358612011-08-21T16:24:20.567-04:002011-08-21T16:24:20.567-04:00Can you tell me more about the business you are ab...Can you tell me more about the business you are about to start?Lady-Know-A-Lothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07336843095354121476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61405649042843399742011-08-20T18:37:48.297-04:002011-08-20T18:37:48.297-04:00awww, I know what it feels like to be back at squa...awww, I know what it feels like to be back at square one, I&#39;m currently there myself. I hope things pick up for you soon, and I&#39;ll be sure to pass the word along. <br />God Bless<br />-Samantha<br />www.kreativekaring.comSamantha @ KreativeKaringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791389016065211292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12688987806680016072011-08-18T16:52:24.036-04:002011-08-18T16:52:24.036-04:00Good Luck!Good Luck!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5367261703342094802011-08-17T20:31:44.088-04:002011-08-17T20:31:44.088-04:00Off to go check it out! :)Off to go check it out! :)Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80413927498933315032011-08-17T17:09:38.874-04:002011-08-17T17:09:38.874-04:00I just listed some things yesterday, so no sales y...I just listed some things yesterday, so no sales yet. Will do some more tomorrow. *cross fingers*<br /><br />I have had my Ghost Bloggers account for a while, but there has yet to be anything I want to write. I should really look at it more, seems to be the hot favorite right now.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32879783821268900822011-08-17T13:33:38.059-04:002011-08-17T13:33:38.059-04:00I haven&#39;t tried this one- but I really like Gh...I haven&#39;t tried this one- but I really like GhostBloggers. :) Super sweet guy and he does pay out lightening fast once you hit that $25.00 mark. However, I will say that when he changed it so people could set their prices lower- I wasn&#39;t impressed. Started seeing writers low balling and ICK. No. But that&#39;s not his fault, and so far, it&#39;s a pretty good little gig.Tori Mizehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818333374881039086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48152297295883955012011-08-17T12:31:57.040-04:002011-08-17T12:31:57.040-04:00Nice find! Have you had any sales through there ye...Nice find! Have you had any sales through there yet?The Lazy Foodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14412852736424496592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75583280090776580372011-08-15T19:35:55.194-04:002011-08-15T19:35:55.194-04:00@Jan - I think I have cried way too much lately. M...@Jan - I think I have cried way too much lately. Maybe it is what I need. I think I have cried more in the last 2 years than I have in my whole life. I just keep moving forward, one day at a time. All we can do, right?<br /><br />@foodie - For the last few months I have had this focus of writing a memoir to help others that have been through similar situations. Abuse survivors. But my brain just wont let me sit down and write. Its clouded with so much its been hard to concentrate so I get frustrated and quit.<br /><br />@Debra - you know I know some indie book writers who only sell $1 ebooks and make a nice living off of that. Keep it up, and find your way!<br /><br />@Bongo - I&#39;ll write a post any time you need me to!<br /><br />@just another - I am trying to spend more time on myself and not worry so much about everyone else. Its a hard pattern to break.<br /><br />@Pushhyarag - thank you for stopping by. Thank you for all your kind words. I will be looking into those places you mentioned. I have been lacking in church these last few months because school/homework took up so much time. I actually called my pastor today to seek out some counseling help with him. I feel this is a good step for me. <br /><br />@Bailey - you are right, I do need to take better care of myself!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3499221266954001412011-08-15T12:43:18.006-04:002011-08-15T12:43:18.006-04:00I have been journaling a lot more. That used to he...I have been journaling a lot more. That used to help me in the past.<br /><br />Years ago I would buy plastic dishes at garage sales and thrift stores. I break dishes. At least I used to. I have told M I need a heavy bag downstairs in my gym so I can box.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80750981968798029302011-08-15T09:19:42.087-04:002011-08-15T18:27:23.040-04:00Therapy sounds like a good start. Having someone ...Therapy sounds like a good start. Having someone else help you find a direction is useful. Helping people is a great way to let go of some of the constant stresses in your own life. However, you also need to feed yourself. You have been carrying the burdens of others and it is time they pick up those challenges for their own well being. Take care of yourself and you will find a way forward.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42783082876779984482011-08-14T06:18:35.330-04:002011-08-15T18:27:23.044-04:00I followed the link at Authentic Blogger to reach ...I followed the link at Authentic Blogger to reach here. I am always on the lookout for people of keen intellect and active thoughts. The expectation I had was one of finding a successful, proud &amp; confident self employed writer. The reason is, I have a full time day job with too much pressure as Chief of a project. I have worked for more than 30+ years, I&#39;m actively contemplating freelancing &amp; working from home [office]. So, I came looking for recorded experience of freelancer; especially the title of this post intrigued me.<br /><br />I have read &#39;All About&#39; as also a few previous posts and find that you possess so many skills and traits that are noteworthy. And above all, your inclination to help. <br /><br />I am not sure as a first time visitor, I&#39;m right in attempting any suggestion, I can certainly tell you something that may turn out to be useful: Surrender to Lord&#39;s will. It has got to be a total surrender with deep inner conviction that He will do what is good for you. Without really any urge to check back if &amp; how that helps. Slow down; we all have a tendency to overdo assuming total returns. Too much expectation merely because we assess we have put in plenty. &#39;Expectation brings sorrow; surprise brings joy&#39;. Keep expectations low so every bit that accrues is joyous. <br /><br />I am also eagerly scouting for a formula for freedom from working for Companies because I believe in my ability to write. Any advice you think fits me is welcome. <br /><br />I write a blog mainly for my love of writing. I have also created a page &#39;Resonance Network&#39; at Facebook where I like to build a community whose thoughts &amp; ideas resonate. I am adding myself to Self Employed Writer. Hope some of those will join me on Resonance Network.<br /><br />The potential you have will take you far, temporary aberrations notwithstanding. <br /><br />Wish you brighter life!Pushhyaraghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06393042262686065046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50370106283309388312011-08-14T03:26:01.248-04:002011-08-15T18:27:23.051-04:00I understand where you are coming from...you alrea...I understand where you are coming from...you already know that life will get better it is just getting through today that is hard. <br /><br />For me I put off helping others until I can help myself. Sometimes helping others can be therapeutic, but sometimes it is additional strain when you need to focus on you. I also try to find that one thing I enjoy and focus on that. If you want your online journal then do it. Maybe start fresh, or transform this one back to its original glory. <br /><br />Finally, listen to your doctors and therapists.Just Another Thought Onlinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03730824813541587080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32199632826899701442011-08-14T01:55:06.237-04:002011-08-15T18:27:23.055-04:00do qht you need to do for you...then come write a ...do qht you need to do for you...then come write a guest post for me ...LOLOLOLOL love you...As always...XOXOXOXOOXOXOBongohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476508632697640785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21614906395749890012011-08-13T22:52:01.285-04:002011-08-15T18:27:23.059-04:00Prayer and meditation work for me. Fellow write...Prayer and meditation work for me. <br />Fellow writer here. Starving artist too :)<br />Not much money in writing unless you&#39;re Stephen King. Unless you&#39;ve been on Oprah&#39;s book list. Oh well, I write anyway because I must.Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02273349436461781371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52862927226833941442011-08-13T17:06:45.496-04:002011-08-13T21:02:31.018-04:00Number one...you need all the support you can find...Number one...you need all the support you can find. Number two, I write and write and draw and listen to music that relates to my feelings, If I am angry I listent to angry music, If I am sad I listen to music that will help me cry. Don&#39;t cut or hurt yourself...it is only temporary help. Talk to someone you trust if there is such a person. Go out and stab the ground with a knife or beat up on a pillow...just don&#39;t bang your head on things like me. Just let you feelings out in the healthies way you can. I have no other advice for you. I just hope this helps. Please take care. I care about you surviving and learning to thrive...Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34702026408148303912011-08-13T16:54:20.644-04:002011-08-13T21:02:31.022-04:00Your instinct to want to help others is right on. ...Your instinct to want to help others is right on. I feel so much better when I&#39;m helping someone else out. Somehow, I&#39;m less defeated when I know I still have it in me to give aid to someone else.The Lazy Foodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14412852736424496592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7857601811853547042011-08-13T16:27:11.457-04:002011-08-13T21:02:31.032-04:00Grieve for what is gone and pick up the pieces of ...Grieve for what is gone and pick up the pieces of what I still have and journey on. I sorry to hear of all your strife, you will get back on track. You may just need to relax your goals and enjoy what you have already. I know the pain, flashbacks, nightmares and recurring memory situation all to well. Just went through some terrible times with it myself. I did come out the otherside, this time stronger and happier and.....lighter I think is what it is. cry if you need to, laugh when you can, love yourself always. JanJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04931922143998773384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6011283264770959482011-08-15T12:38:25.074-04:002011-08-15T12:38:25.074-04:00You are very welcome!You are very welcome!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22754196207334933652011-08-13T16:51:46.165-04:002011-08-13T21:02:31.028-04:00Thank you for the eBook! It&#39;s always nice to g...Thank you for the eBook! It&#39;s always nice to get new information.The Lazy Foodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14412852736424496592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64743866886059631612011-08-10T18:51:35.506-04:002011-08-10T18:51:35.506-04:00They certainly can be. I usually try to ignore it ...They certainly can be. I usually try to ignore it and move on but this person just kept posting one comment after another. Bah, Humbug!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72076800988503105792011-08-10T17:49:22.661-04:002011-08-10T18:49:17.546-04:00People online can be pretty cruel :( Congrats on y...People online can be pretty cruel :(<br />Congrats on your freedom from Demand Studios!!Dianne Heathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11151050788310405016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78882200585152086922011-08-05T16:12:13.025-04:002011-08-08T14:11:20.220-04:00There are petty people every where. Don&#39;t was...There are petty people every where. Don&#39;t waste your time. You have a path to be on.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86058419391526000592011-08-13T12:22:41.091-04:002011-08-13T12:22:41.091-04:00You know, I did not have a lot of the problems wit...You know, I did not have a lot of the problems with CE that most did. Mine were easy fixes and I felt I had a few that were a little off. I had one who had accidentally deleted my paragraph and sent it back to me to put it back in. I was a little miffed about it. All the rules seemed to change weekly and I just got fed up with trying to keep up with it. I had other companies that were much less stressful. I still title as well.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52132264473566021992011-08-12T21:37:35.638-04:002011-08-13T12:20:36.512-04:00Writing for Demand was so stressful for me! I too ...Writing for Demand was so stressful for me! I too am glad I left it behind, though I still title. This was an excellent read -- pretty much sums up how I felt when I was writing for them too.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878874447792079643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78453676484058182882011-08-10T12:39:15.074-04:002011-08-10T12:39:15.074-04:00They stressed me out too much. For the most part I...They stressed me out too much. For the most part I did not have a lot of the CE issues that most people had. <br /><br />Clients are out there. It takes a bit of work to find them, but one client usually leads to another!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66700986991423077242011-08-08T18:46:23.901-04:002011-08-10T11:25:35.854-04:00LOVED THIS! :-) I can&#39;t wait until I have clie...LOVED THIS! :-) I can&#39;t wait until I have clients to replace Demand.MsConniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04460786395505839780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66781922897834133132011-08-05T07:35:25.250-04:002011-08-08T14:11:20.228-04:00I once wrote for them until a few articles in, I c...I once wrote for them until a few articles in, I couldn&#39;t take the stress. It just wasn&#39;t worth it.WAHMBrendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787695585015058777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74478986713847776652011-08-04T15:06:19.086-04:002011-08-04T15:06:19.086-04:00LOVE THIS :) I Got the boot last year and applied ...LOVE THIS :) I Got the boot last year and applied again and got hired again but my 3 &quot;test&quot; articles still sit and collect dust :PCelestehttp://organicmommytoday.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14633565673723908512011-08-04T14:53:05.745-04:002011-08-04T14:53:05.745-04:00I got one of those emails, except they wanted me t...I got one of those emails, except they wanted me to &quot;apply again&quot; for a position I already had.<br /><br />For the same $15 an article work I had before.<br /><br />It&#39;s kinda nuts. ;)Calissa Leighhttp://www.calissaleigh.com/writenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43301604604664310312011-08-04T13:45:48.699-04:002011-08-04T13:45:48.699-04:00;);)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79612130706904193612011-08-04T13:30:21.542-04:002011-08-04T13:30:21.542-04:00Well said.Well said.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14888910697231593882011-08-03T09:07:59.480-04:002011-08-03T09:07:59.480-04:00I certainly do not want to go back to when I was 1...I certainly do not want to go back to when I was 19! Well...the college parties were a hoot!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18610804609194157112011-08-03T08:50:34.566-04:002011-08-03T08:50:34.566-04:00If I could go back in time, I would do a WHOLE LOT...If I could go back in time, I would do a WHOLE LOT OF THINGS differntly. No use delving into them now. It would take forever to write them down!!! Take care and thanks for the book recommendation!Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61278902452059975422011-08-04T11:58:17.572-04:002011-08-04T11:58:17.572-04:00I am from WPLH,(mylilbeanb). I just started a webs...I am from WPLH,(mylilbeanb). I just started a website that is all about coupons. I am getting up information about how to start saving money with coupons. That is great you already have the binder for your coupons. You should check out my website, I hope it can be of help to you. I am feeding a 5 year old, an 18 month old, and my hubby! I know how it is to need to save money on groceries! www.jadorecoupons.comBrookehttp://www.jadorecoupons.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77130453542421844222011-08-03T09:40:06.571-04:002011-08-03T09:40:06.571-04:00@Sharon - my church used to be a host for the Ange...@Sharon - my church used to be a host for the Angel Food. I am not seeing it on the list yesterday when I checked. But, there is a church host close by, AND there is a Save A Lot close to it. I hate to waste gas so I can pick up my food from the church and pick up that weeks extras at the grocery store so I am not using gas going elsewhere. I looked at the $35 box they offer, they have a few types of meat, 1 pound of each. Seems like a pretty good deal so I am going to have to order a box and test it out. <br /><br />A while back ago I found a website that was a months worth of freezer meals for about $100. Going to have to track that down.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29546433838604746152011-08-03T09:37:24.213-04:002011-08-03T09:37:24.213-04:00@Nico - when I lived back in OK, I lived at Walmar...@Nico - when I lived back in OK, I lived at Walmart. It is where we did our shopping. Not a whole lot to choose from in the city I lived in. I love the prices, but I hate shopping there. Now the closest Wally World is about 25-30min away. I used to go there often, but then it got to the point it was not worth the gas or the trouble. Plus, the local Mejier opened. They have decent sales. Then I switched to Kroger. Its easier to get through and I get the gas points. I use their pharmacy too. Dollar General and Rite Aid are right next door.<br /><br />I am going to have to test out your crockpot recipe!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4699540113129875332011-08-03T09:34:03.486-04:002011-08-03T09:34:03.486-04:00@ Jeran - I think Kroger is going to be my best op...@ Jeran - I think Kroger is going to be my best option for grocery shopping because it offers the gas points. That saves me a lot. I can often get 30 cents off a gallon and for my big beast thats heaven. <br /><br />The problem is, I am not worried about myself, I am worried about Matt. I can&#39;t get over his mass quantities of food. Maddy is easy. I can keep the costs down with her. Thankfully she loves fruit for a snack. We are going to cut out cheese, except for taco night. I am going to sit with Matt and brainstorm some recipes and make a menu for the month. Do like taco Tuesday, meatless Wednesday, things like that. <br /><br />Our Kroger pretty much has meat on clearance every time I go in. I stock up there a few times a month.<br /><br />DG is pretty awesome. There is also a Dollar Tree the next cit over, by Walmart but its a lot further to drive. Sometimes those all items for $1 can work in a pinch, but some of the items are not really a bargain. <br /><br />I just need to find more coupons. I am thinking about getting the Detroit paper. Its just about the biggest one in the state, so the coupons should be decent. Its $15 a month though.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84191185404162132202011-08-03T09:24:34.415-04:002011-08-03T09:24:34.415-04:00@Mommy - I know we recycle here in my township, 2X...@Mommy - I know we recycle here in my township, 2X a month we set out a recycle bin. But I live in a small town. We don&#39;t have an area set up for recycling in town and I think maybe a larger city near me might, so I would have to look in to it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-301233032823254432011-08-03T09:23:09.390-04:002011-08-03T09:23:09.390-04:00@Bailey - I love my crockpot. I just seem to run o...@Bailey - I love my crockpot. I just seem to run out of ideas. We have a crockpot cookbook that we were doing really well with trying out new things. But, a lot of things changed with this last semester when I had those 9 classes. Ugh. Life went to the sideline. I have been taking notes the last few days trying to come up with ideas. Sometimes seeing things on paper help me much better.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91584140167458356872011-08-02T23:57:31.247-04:002011-08-02T23:57:31.247-04:00I have heard that Angel Food Ministries is a good ...I have heard that Angel Food Ministries is a good option to get food for cheaper. What you get changes each month though.<br /><br />Crock pot food does not have to be time consuming to prep. It just depends on what you are making. And I don&#39;t typically pre-brown the beef when I am making something.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32490590340826953822011-08-02T21:05:21.029-04:002011-08-02T21:05:21.029-04:00In general I am not a fan of WalMart, but that is ...In general I am not a fan of WalMart, but that is where I go for just about everything...except when I find sales at the other grocery stores. WalMart honors all competitor sales. But, you may not have one around your area. <br />Also the crock pot is great! Quick recipe: 2 jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce, large package of chicken breasts or your choice, onion (optional), bell pepper (optional) GARLIC (NOT OPTIONAL...LOL). Chop the vegetables and throw it all in the crock pot. It is yummy and easy. And it makes a whole lot! I use whole wheat pasta.<br />You can also cook a whole chicken in the crock pot. Rinse it, season it, and let it cook for several hours. Sometimes, I even throw a little barbeque sauce on it!<br />We also have a &#39;99 cent&#39; store and they have a lot of cheap food too. I love the Dollar stores!! Hope it works out for you! Take care.Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85379831943323948832011-08-02T14:26:39.086-04:002011-08-02T14:26:39.086-04:00Well I have been doing this for several months now...Well I have been doing this for several months now and have been able to save us a good bit of money.<br /><br />Kroger doubles and triples coupons. They also run 10/$10 sales ALL THE TIME. Which in essence makes each item $1...you don&#39;t have to buy the whole 10. Same thing with 2/$4, 3/$5..etc.<br /><br />Every evening they mark down Meats, Salads, etc. Anything that is headed towards it&#39;s &quot;Sell By&quot; date (which does not always meant it will be ruined by then..the store just has to move the inventory). These items will be labeled with a BRIGHT ORANGE Sticker that says &quot;Manager&#39;s Special&quot;. The meat is usually hidden in a corner by the butcher section. The salads will be right up front.<br /><br />I have gotten some awesome deals @ Dollar General. They also run 5/$5, 10/$10 specials.<br /><br />You can use coupons on Sale Items AND Clearance Items.<br /><br />You can also &quot;Stack&quot; Coupons..for example if Dollar General puts out a DG only coupon &amp; you have a Manufacture Coupon...you can use them both on the same item.Jerannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67174486983286719362011-08-02T13:13:51.957-04:002011-08-02T13:13:51.957-04:00I have to agree with Bailey the crock pot is my fa...I have to agree with Bailey the crock pot is my families best friend. Do you have a recycling center near you, my husband and I load up the kids once a week a go hunting for coupons in the local newspaper recycling bin. It may not be the most desired method but it works in a pinch ;) Good Luck.Organic Mommy Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109469474127407506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74392903396402400312011-08-02T12:52:53.029-04:002011-08-02T12:52:53.029-04:00When you have to do it, you find ways. The crock ...When you have to do it, you find ways. The crock pot can make meals that do require prep, but give you more freedom at dinner time because they are cooking while you are working/school, etc. They also are flexible for what you have on hand. You can substitute a good deal based on ingredients on hand.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19729427765239857282011-07-29T14:41:15.276-04:002011-07-29T14:41:15.276-04:00I really did enjoy it. Proves to show that no matt...I really did enjoy it. Proves to show that no matter what happens to you in life you do have the power to overcome it so long as you dont sit around feeling sorry for yourself. I went through a very short period like that. I was so depressed and in bed for 6 months, feeling sorry for myself. I watched the world pass me by. It sucked. But I mentally could not deal with it. To this day I cant even remember how I broke out of it. I just know it was a terrible point in my life. Just as bad as dealing with my past.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74937716465304890372011-07-29T11:41:07.936-04:002011-07-29T11:41:07.936-04:00It sounds like an inspiring story. It reminds us ...It sounds like an inspiring story. It reminds us that despite the challenges we can move forward.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4848852231097069742011-07-29T08:01:53.430-04:002011-07-29T08:01:53.430-04:00Savira, I am trying to take things one day at a ti...Savira, I am trying to take things one day at a time. Sometimes I just wish I had a couple more hours in the day. <br /><br />Jacqueline, thanks so much. I am hoping the famous quote &quot;if you build it, they will come&quot; holds true, no matter how long it takes me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48790929678923034132011-07-28T18:33:52.141-04:002011-07-28T18:33:52.141-04:00Congrats on your graduation. I wish you much succe...Congrats on your graduation. I wish you much success on your health savings website.Jacquelinehttp://bestdressstyles.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78125005398242571752011-07-27T21:09:59.131-04:002011-07-27T21:09:59.131-04:00There is no need to rush... the best things happen...There is no need to rush... the best things happen when time has been taken.Savira Guptahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17463773284421101573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7904217331224380482011-07-27T14:04:31.651-04:002011-07-27T14:04:31.651-04:00Thank you Mandy and you too Bonnie, love you too!Thank you Mandy and you too Bonnie, love you too!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75388095989293821022011-07-27T02:51:43.440-04:002011-07-27T02:51:43.440-04:00Love you and CONGRATULATIONS.....As always...XOXOX...Love you and CONGRATULATIONS.....As always...XOXOXOXOBongohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476508632697640785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10764610768840528172011-07-27T00:54:55.785-04:002011-07-27T00:54:55.785-04:00I have been neglecting min as well. You are doing ...I have been neglecting min as well. You are doing so great finishing up school!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83423865056608816352011-07-26T11:09:44.365-04:002011-07-26T11:09:44.365-04:00It is time consuming, but worth it. Now that I hav...It is time consuming, but worth it. Now that I have my BA my VA business is exploding. I tried it about 11 years ago, off and on a few times since then and nothing. I wonder what it will be like when I finish my MBA!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7848099552697499902011-07-26T10:41:24.478-04:002011-07-26T10:41:24.478-04:00Congrads on finishing one education journey. Good...Congrads on finishing one education journey. Good luck on the next one.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44217453699465717412011-07-26T09:47:11.356-04:002011-07-26T09:47:11.356-04:00Amen to that! School has been absolutely kicking m...Amen to that! School has been absolutely kicking my butt these days, I can relate.Torihttp://www.rebuildingtori.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15943260677790196032011-07-07T13:16:50.784-04:002011-07-07T13:16:50.784-04:00Hey Chrystal! Great article. I am an abo/member ...Hey Chrystal! Great article. I am an abo/member and I have a great story. My wife used to work for Wyeth Pharmceuticals. They got bought out by Pfizer and have been laying off a lot of people. I take Rampril for high blood pressure and was paying a $20.00 copay on her plan. We went on Cobra for awhile and in NY it is like $125/month just to keep the Rx coverage. Was still paying the $20 copay! It lapsed for one month and I paid $59 for the same drug cash out of pocket. Then I joined Xpress and guess what?? $9.97 cash with our card! So, sometimes, even WITHOUT insurance discounted cash pay, you come out ahead! I love it!Charles Orlikhttp://www.teamgoldrush.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22616976767104421602011-07-07T12:13:58.422-04:002011-07-07T12:13:58.422-04:00Thank you! I does not matter to me if I sell it to...Thank you! I does not matter to me if I sell it to anyone or if anyone becomes a rep. I just wanted to share what I found because I know a lot of people out there are going through the same thing I am.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40973963796993713732011-07-07T11:00:44.211-04:002011-07-07T11:00:44.211-04:00I hope this works out for you.I hope this works out for you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51843375384811192082011-07-11T10:22:22.156-04:002011-07-11T10:22:22.156-04:00Interesting way to support building traffic.Interesting way to support building traffic.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75941867796197839242011-07-05T19:39:58.714-04:002011-07-05T19:39:58.714-04:00This is what I&#39;m working towards...lol. Thanks...This is what I&#39;m working towards...lol. Thanks for posting this, gives me inspiration.D. Heathhttp://sillypennies.blogspot.com/2011/07/your-boss-might-be-micromanager.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44761979572522451182011-07-05T13:12:33.989-04:002011-07-05T13:12:33.989-04:00Sounds like a great opportunity.Sounds like a great opportunity.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39207551731932466142011-08-18T16:48:39.162-04:002011-08-18T16:48:39.162-04:00I have 10 blogs and not all of them are used. I ha...I have 10 blogs and not all of them are used. I have some that I shut down, then reopen and try again. I like too many things and I like to think I have a few topics I know something about. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45190723551091814952011-08-18T11:38:23.173-04:002011-08-18T11:38:23.173-04:00I really needed these...my problem is sticking wit...I really needed these...my problem is sticking with one thing...I want to write about education, working from home and fitness...I need help lol<br /><br />http://momsmoneysuccess-lady-know-a-lot.blogspot.com/Lady-Know-A-Lothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07336843095354121476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87902934080787844852011-07-08T12:20:33.958-04:002011-07-08T12:20:33.958-04:00It is a shame. I blame society, technology and soc...It is a shame. I blame society, technology and social media. Kids are growing up now thinking they dont need books when they have electronic devices to do everything for them.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10216573649801926102011-07-08T01:54:46.180-04:002011-07-08T01:54:46.180-04:00I love that smell too - there&#39;s something quit...I love that smell too - there&#39;s something quite intoxicating about the fusty smell of books...<br /><br />It&#39;s a real shame that more and more young people are finding different diversions and turning away from books. There&#39;s so much wonder and imagination to be had from losing yourself in a really great book... it&#39;s enriching, unlike some of the other diversions we have in our lives!Dan O'Neilhttp://www.crackingconfidence.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66910403838400450912011-06-29T15:18:55.705-04:002011-06-29T15:18:55.705-04:00Ooo, this one looks like a goodie. I love mystery ...Ooo, this one looks like a goodie. I love mystery reads.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58856318008454099432011-06-29T14:59:53.180-04:002011-06-29T14:59:53.180-04:00Sounds like a fun read.Sounds like a fun read.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46922866338524934602011-06-24T20:24:09.518-04:002011-06-24T20:24:09.518-04:00Mr. Williams?!? O_o I am happy you were able to r...Mr. Williams?!? O_o<br /><br />I am happy you were able to read the whole thing then. I was just scared that the file you had was corrupted or something. <br /><br />Katie, all feedback is welcome, so please let me know what you think too!!! I&#39;ll be looking forward to it.<br /><br />Thanks again Chrystal!Silvano Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948897895059282340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33877428835232332112011-06-24T15:57:53.351-04:002011-06-24T15:57:53.351-04:00I am a sucker for &quot;dear diary&quot; type of b...I am a sucker for &quot;dear diary&quot; type of books as well.<br />Even though the main character is a cliche a lot of these books that focus on drug stories tend to be different. There are different circumstances, you&#39;ll feel different emotions while reading it, etc.<br />I might have to check this book out and see how good it really is!Katie Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05331889107171257769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22155435167689018932011-06-24T15:26:10.196-04:002011-06-24T15:26:10.196-04:00Mr. Williams, thank you so much for stopping by! I...Mr. Williams, thank you so much for stopping by! I just wanted to let you know that I did read those chapters. When I do a book review I like to do mine a little differently than most who like to just give an overview of the book, giving away so many details. I left the ending hanging with the hopes of people wanting to pick up a copy to read for themselves!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40803753083680330412011-06-23T20:06:15.093-04:002011-06-23T20:06:15.093-04:00Hi Chrystal! Thanks for such an enthusiastic revi...Hi Chrystal!<br /><br />Thanks for such an enthusiastic review!!!<br /><br />I just want to make sure that the file you read had the entire story in it. We do get to find out what happens to poor Adiran in the last chapter, and no, Mexico is not in his to-do list! ;) The chapter Meetings of Empty should give you a pretty good idea of where Adiran ends up and the closure with Angie. Please let me know if you don&#39;t have that chapter and I will send you a new epub file.<br /><br />Thanks again! Great review!Silvano Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948897895059282340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27143163218330838992011-06-23T10:02:10.102-04:002011-06-23T10:02:10.102-04:00At least it dragged you in for some escape.At least it dragged you in for some escape.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70551906274644320212011-06-20T17:46:01.537-04:002011-06-20T17:46:01.537-04:00I think it would be a cute idea even for those not...I think it would be a cute idea even for those not poetic. You could write a memory of the place you visited on the back of the postcard and then put them together in a &quot;post book&quot;.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85499095674355178782011-06-20T17:35:05.346-04:002011-06-20T17:35:05.346-04:00That is such a great idea, I&#39;m so bad at poems...That is such a great idea, I&#39;m so bad at poems though. I guess this would great practice.D. Heathhttp://www.socialsciencemedley.com/2011/06/review-of-maxed-out.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15794112179037229912011-06-19T22:45:41.987-04:002011-06-19T22:45:41.987-04:00Great article! I am reading a book called &#39;Re...Great article! I am reading a book called &#39;Reinventing Yourself&#39; by Steve Chandler. Makes a lot of sense as well! Take care. Thanks for sharing!<br />Peace, NicoInterruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34394032342980938972011-06-18T13:05:56.083-04:002011-06-18T13:05:56.083-04:00You mught enjoy abraham hicks. Look it up on youtu...You mught enjoy abraham hicks. Look it up on youtube. ;)Spacenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78898362099235877762011-06-15T18:09:33.949-04:002011-06-15T18:09:33.949-04:00Those are good tips!Those are good tips!Shay Jordanhttp://www.visalusbyshay.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21175540418261724012011-06-15T16:57:18.230-04:002011-06-15T16:57:18.230-04:00Great Tips, Chrystal.Great Tips, Chrystal.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70366469747231340382011-06-14T13:05:31.698-04:002011-06-14T13:05:31.698-04:00They are doing well marketing their brand.They are doing well marketing their brand.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68564433407446406722011-06-27T16:19:48.349-04:002011-06-27T16:19:48.349-04:00You are very welcome!You are very welcome!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72794337284873107902011-06-27T09:18:42.380-04:002011-06-27T09:18:42.380-04:00I love the new look of your site and appreciate it...I love the new look of your site and appreciate it as always for sharing good content.teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29023988086027076222011-06-08T20:34:57.740-04:002011-06-08T20:34:57.740-04:00I think a couple of poems. None of my stories are ...I think a couple of poems. None of my stories are short as I turned them into novels.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87129416749978983682011-06-08T16:46:28.439-04:002011-06-08T16:46:28.439-04:00So what are you entering?So what are you entering?Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23009244589523316212011-06-02T20:43:15.232-04:002011-06-02T20:43:15.232-04:00The links are being posted on the Emerson Facebook...The links are being posted on the Emerson Facebook page and then tweeted with the hashtage #trust30Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2702702334849422982011-06-02T19:15:00.930-04:002011-06-02T19:15:00.930-04:00So how do we post our articles on the other websit...So how do we post our articles on the other website or do we have to???????Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14916514431639349222011-06-01T11:11:23.000-04:002011-06-29T15:42:04.958-04:00You are so right! Thank you for stopping by.You are so right! Thank you for stopping by.Chrystalhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67917656507625399432011-06-01T10:49:02.000-04:002011-06-29T15:42:04.947-04:00It is very important to remember all of those who ...It is very important to remember all of those who serve our country. Those who serve and their families sacrifice so much for our freedom. I am so grateful to all of them. Peace.Menancyhttp://www.rasbs-menancy.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47354876390558478392011-05-30T14:44:06.000-04:002011-06-29T15:42:04.976-04:00Bailey, you are very right. I had thought about gr...Bailey, you are very right. I had thought about grandpa and my uncle today I just did not think about writing about it! :)adminhttp://www.selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38403666219917928522011-05-30T14:16:52.000-04:002011-06-29T15:42:04.967-04:00It is so important we remember those in our family...It is so important we remember those in our family and our communities who served. The memroies are quickly lost unless we keep them alive.Baileyhttp://sortingthroughlifeslessons.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68456587209040474742011-05-29T18:20:36.549-04:002011-05-29T18:20:36.549-04:00Hello! I like your review! Fantasy is a genre I re...Hello! I like your review! Fantasy is a genre I really like, but I understand your attitude towards it :)<br /><br />BTW, I rated your review on the publisher website, and I was wondering if you could rate mine? http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/2011/05/crisis-i-need-your-help.htmlNoah Arsenaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10952623074114465281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7732692706270278542011-05-27T00:06:41.033-04:002011-05-27T00:06:41.033-04:00Accomplishing your dreams is a great thing to do, ...Accomplishing your dreams is a great thing to do, no matter your age! that said, its a little bit harder to accomplish the dream of winning the lottery than one such as getting published. :)Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13186109857959820562011-05-26T18:27:08.279-04:002011-05-26T18:27:08.279-04:00You are never too old to accomplish your dreams. Y...You are never too old to accomplish your dreams. You may have to move a little quicker, but I think most of us that work the way we do would agree that&#39;s the only way to move. ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89026832936730670542011-05-26T13:13:37.442-04:002011-05-26T13:13:37.442-04:00It is so important not to be defeated. If you hav...It is so important not to be defeated. If you have the desire, the willingess to work at it, you can develop your talents.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71775243771463181972011-05-26T12:07:04.249-04:002011-05-26T12:07:04.249-04:00You&#39;re definitely on the right track, Crystal....You&#39;re definitely on the right track, Crystal. In my mid-30&#39;s, I knew I had to get busy making a life outside being a mom, because my children were quickly growing up. The good news? There is so much life after 40! I&#39;ve had more fun in the past eight years, and it keeps getting better.<br /><br />Have fun, keep dreaming and doing - good to see ya!Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24954092148784633662011-05-26T10:01:40.378-04:002011-05-26T10:01:40.378-04:00It wasn&#39;t terrible. I liked the story of Mina,...It wasn&#39;t terrible. I liked the story of Mina, making a life for herself in Prague, of course it was hundreds of years in the past. But, it turned her life around. The story of Kit was alright. His character should have been made stronger and more on him rather than so much focus on King Henry. It was like 3 stories in one and that was just too much.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21184579638940182882011-05-26T09:11:06.520-04:002011-05-26T09:11:06.520-04:00Sorry it was disappointing. It did have a good pr...Sorry it was disappointing. It did have a good premise, just not well delivered I guess.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45402803251111872792011-05-26T11:04:37.928-04:002011-05-26T11:04:37.928-04:00Colors are hard. While I am still working on chrys...Colors are hard. While I am still working on chrystalmahan.com, colors have been the hardest challenge for me aside from trying to figure out what content to put there off of here. I think I have changed the color scheme and layout at least 4 times. I know with Blogger some themes are available with color customization, and I am sure there is a hack for those that don&#39;t. So far I like the new theme I have here for SEW, but I dont know how long I will keep this blog here. I would like to move it. I have been looking at Joomla a bit too.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29844784710102330742011-05-25T15:23:38.784-04:002011-05-25T15:23:38.784-04:00I had a hard time when choosing my site&#39;s colo...I had a hard time when choosing my site&#39;s colors and theme. I wanted it to be simple and professional yet still represent me...it is a blog after all...but I figured it out and I am really happy with it. But I know of many sites that have such valuable content yet their site is a complete eyesore. Great post!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53965541347729659682011-05-25T14:28:02.305-04:002011-05-25T14:28:02.305-04:00Contrasting colors is a big thing - I click off of...Contrasting colors is a big thing - I click off of a web page before I even get a chance to read the content if I can&#39;t focus on the colors.That Fish Ladyhttp://www.fishproblems.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44197281290391617362011-05-25T10:35:27.097-04:002011-05-25T10:35:27.097-04:00Colors can be challenging. I am learning more abo...Colors can be challenging. I am learning more about them all the time.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80507301742156598342011-05-23T11:13:13.997-04:002011-05-23T11:13:13.997-04:00It comes out of a community based idea, regardless...It comes out of a community based idea, regardless of whether it is WAH, blogging, or even Church. I find it amazing how much is focused on Moms that excludes those of us who are not parents. Having worked in education you can see how the marketing group works. These woman often are together with kids since birth. Now they are reaching out online to form bonds and communities and that provides a strong market base for advertisers to reach.<br /><br />Working at home is an obvious choice for Moms, but there are lots of people who have reasons to want to work at home that have nothing to do with children. Those of us with health issues are prime examples. Whether we have kids or not, if we have health issues being able to create our own schedules, control our working environments, etc. can be a huge advantage in staying healthy. Being able to get access to WAH opportunities and as a blogger, blogging opportunities is important. There are some instances where Mom experiences are important, but in others it is not a factor in the job, merely a preference for helping others with similar family situations. That is why WAHM boards have in many cases expanded to WAH boards. There has been a recognition that there are people who have legitimate needs to work from home even if they don&#39;t have kids at home.<br /><br />So I agree Crystal it is not about taking away the Mom connection. They have built it and many kindly share what they learn with non-Moms. It is about recognizing the need has grown larger and how to make the market work better for non-Mom&#39;s who want to find appropriate opportunities.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17584329468084493412011-05-22T13:18:14.061-04:002011-05-22T13:18:14.061-04:00Angie, thats kind of where I was going with this p...Angie, thats kind of where I was going with this post. Majority of these blog traffic sites are aimed at moms, like they are the only bloggers out there. I sort of lumped it all together. I pass on so many blog ops because they are geared so much to moms and motherhood that it makes me feel uncomfortable. I don&#39;t feel comfortable claiming to be a mom person just because I have lil m on the weekends. I may help take care of her and she is my family, but I am not &quot;mom&quot;. But, I do mom things. :) <br /><br />I wish we had a giant community of bloggers that were non-moms and we had our own thing. I am not against moms at all and I think the network they have is great! But, I just feel so left out.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56896189038659977472011-05-22T07:16:13.220-04:002011-05-22T07:16:13.220-04:00I don&#39;t mind the work at home stuff nearly as ...I don&#39;t mind the work at home stuff nearly as much as blog-related stuff. There are conferences, brand-to-blogger connecting communities, forums, etc. dedicated to mom bloggers that I would love to get into for more opportunities...but, I&#39;m not a mom. :(Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38186327002172414092011-05-21T19:24:22.139-04:002011-05-21T19:24:22.139-04:00It would be nice to have a freelance forum not cen...It would be nice to have a freelance forum not centered around moms, but a place for everyone. Moms included, but they are not the focal point.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30450162586257107412011-05-21T15:20:35.241-04:002011-05-21T15:20:35.241-04:00I agree. I gave up a long time ago on finding a c...I agree. I gave up a long time ago on finding a childless forum. If you do create something, let me know. :)Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5720124513986905062011-05-21T11:11:56.006-04:002011-05-21T11:11:56.006-04:00I loved it! While I do enjoy a good book review, I...I loved it! While I do enjoy a good book review, I always have a hard time writing them because I hate to really give anything away. I want to write it in a manner that leaves the person curious, then, they will want to buy. A little marketing technique I picked up a few semesters back I suppose.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79552506330813954882011-05-21T07:56:58.633-04:002011-05-21T07:56:58.633-04:00I told you it was awesome. Melzer&#39;s a firstrat...I told you it was awesome. Melzer&#39;s a firstrate storyteller.Nicolehttp://nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19159138696708996592011-05-18T13:27:41.486-04:002011-05-18T13:27:41.486-04:00The first thing that popped in my mind was &quot;N...The first thing that popped in my mind was &quot;Nature&#39;s first green is gold.&quot; A popular Frost poem featured in The Outsiders.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16340737374965426162011-05-16T18:32:07.316-04:002011-05-16T18:32:07.316-04:00And some of the photos my Facebook Friends post ar...And some of the photos my Facebook Friends post are just ridiculous!? I would be embarrassed for someone to see them, let along purposely post them!! Great read!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49944255308330359082011-05-16T17:36:24.470-04:002011-05-16T17:36:24.470-04:00I&#39;m an American, and I believe in freedom of s...I&#39;m an American, and I believe in freedom of speech; of course, that&#39;s not clearance to be stupid, but at the same time, it can&#39;t be legal to express your thoughts...and because the law has not quite caught up to technology, I&#39;d have to beg to differ on some of these &quot;rules&quot;...I guess if I cared what people thought, then I&#39;d abide by said rules, but really, when you are being honest, there has to be some type of leniency.black dariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171142171010675359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46364503830160898542011-05-16T11:07:54.168-04:002011-05-16T11:07:54.168-04:00It is so important to realize the long-term conseq...It is so important to realize the long-term consequences of posting on the Internet.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27336930060463015022011-05-16T09:21:25.857-04:002011-05-16T09:21:25.857-04:00Some people *so* need to read this. I saw quite a ...Some people *so* need to read this. I saw quite a few things on Facebook Pages this weekend that were out of control. It&#39;s plain nasty.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55952561576139046082011-05-14T21:25:11.966-04:002011-05-14T21:25:11.966-04:00Good suggestions..ALL! Thanks!Good suggestions..ALL! Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47706295640969967682011-05-13T17:40:45.450-04:002011-05-13T17:40:45.450-04:00Another great list, Chrystal!Another great list, Chrystal!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85646066960162092552011-05-23T18:26:54.867-04:002011-05-23T18:26:54.867-04:00It is very hard and it is something I have to deal...It is very hard and it is something I have to deal with quite often.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53105457874377707622011-05-23T12:17:18.915-04:002011-05-23T12:17:18.915-04:00It is great when you can find a book that speaks t...It is great when you can find a book that speaks to you. Forgiveness is a hard step. The best visual anyone every gave me is that not forgiving is like taking posion and expecting the other person to die. It is never the other person that suffers, but you from the burden you carry from not forgiving and letting go of the burden you carry from that experience. Whether the other person engages or not it is a gift to yourself not to have to keep the weight of that with you constantly.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56061118567091832612011-05-12T11:09:05.207-04:002011-05-12T11:09:05.207-04:00There does seem to be a local market. I see quite...There does seem to be a local market. I see quite a few local papers with food writers. I lack the skill.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27595713480321789852011-05-11T10:16:46.119-04:002011-05-11T10:16:46.119-04:00Good price for his reputation.Good price for his reputation.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27563188307361957482011-05-11T08:35:22.476-04:002011-05-11T08:35:22.476-04:00Sounds like a great deal! I know of a lot of peopl...Sounds like a great deal! I know of a lot of people who are thinking of starting a blog. I will share your post on facebook for them. Thanks!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66659111613503120112011-05-10T21:15:45.616-04:002011-05-10T21:15:45.616-04:00thank you!thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60656443140924655832011-05-10T17:27:35.939-04:002011-05-10T17:27:35.939-04:00Already tweeted! Good stuff.Already tweeted! Good stuff.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37675385258185987722011-05-09T19:14:13.151-04:002011-05-09T19:14:13.151-04:00I think it is over my head!! But, a very interest...I think it is over my head!! But, a very interesting challenge!!Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13398345552094866702011-05-09T12:05:31.638-04:002011-05-09T12:05:31.638-04:00That sounds challenging.That sounds challenging.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27013880353303981432011-05-08T15:07:14.410-04:002011-05-08T15:07:14.410-04:00It was a great marketing tool to get them to bring...It was a great marketing tool to get them to bring in new customers. But, I guess it backfired. I am sure that is why all of these other sites that are all free had to change the way they did things and others closed down.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62384873900431775232011-05-08T09:30:27.250-04:002011-05-08T09:30:27.250-04:00Sorry. There are always people who can&#39;t play...Sorry. There are always people who can&#39;t play by the rules. With the crack downs, I suspect hosting services are being more careful as well.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88072823481401395592011-05-08T14:41:02.623-04:002011-05-08T14:41:02.623-04:00I think I have the direction figured out, the self...I think I have the direction figured out, the self employed writer will be about writing, working from home, freelancing, FOR writers or those interested in it. The chrystal mahan site will be about me and my own writing. I think the rest will just fall in to place. For now I am keeping Cains Tails and the Ireland sites separated. I want to write a celtic wedding on a budget book and I think the Irish site would hold a purpose for promotion. Not sure yet, still working the kinks out.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65617860490860060102011-05-08T10:31:46.302-04:002011-05-08T10:31:46.302-04:00Putting the taxes with your writing make logical s...Putting the taxes with your writing make logical sense. The others are going to depend on your future plans for them and how you can tie them together.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42408331330983337092011-05-06T19:43:19.907-04:002011-05-06T19:43:19.907-04:00I like them too, and have quite a bit of fun with ...I like them too, and have quite a bit of fun with them. It just most of mine can be combined to make full sites with a lot of content, instead of a bunch of small wimpy sites. I plan to keep The Tax Queen name, but merge her with Self Employed Writer. I *think* the domain I will just forward to the category on SEW site. But, this site is going to be all things self employed freelance writing, which means self employment taxes. Then, my chrystalmahan.com will be all things authored by me. 2 writing sites is enough. One how to and informational, one just me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12081387127926663982011-05-06T18:21:00.902-04:002011-05-06T18:21:00.902-04:00I have to confess. I am a website addict as well. ...I have to confess. I am a website addict as well. I only have one blog at the moment, but I enjoy creating new ones. One that I am currently working on is http://destinationweddinglocations.net. I have seven websites at the moment and it can be overwhelming, but I love providing content on subjects that I find interesting.Jacquelinehttp://discoveringyourperfect.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19562560934610867242011-05-06T16:54:01.504-04:002011-05-06T16:54:01.504-04:00I&#39;m sort of facing a similar fork in the road....I&#39;m sort of facing a similar fork in the road. I own lots of domains, but I only have content on my one transcription site for now. I am eager to get going with my marketing company, but I don&#39;t have a site for it. And, I need to build another site - not a blog thank goodness, for different project. Sheesh. <br /><br />I like the idea of having one jumping off point and may pare down my transcription to only focus on a couple areas, that will fit in with my other projects.<br /><br />This year has been so liberating. Instead of two steps forwarnd and one step back, it feels more like growth and then pruning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57549931627293587052011-05-06T12:45:19.291-04:002011-05-06T12:45:19.291-04:00Check out Liz&#39;s blog - http://www.yourwordsyou...Check out Liz&#39;s blog - http://www.yourwordsyourvoice.com/, she has all of hers in different sections. Thats where I got the idea from.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3796746261534518702011-05-06T12:27:23.658-04:002011-05-06T12:27:23.658-04:00I think merging your blogs sounds like a great ide...I think merging your blogs sounds like a great idea! Enjoyed reading your article!Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722875415525131323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42336971371981412062011-05-06T11:45:04.929-04:002011-05-06T11:45:04.929-04:00I don&#39;t know how you keep up. I am considering...I don&#39;t know how you keep up. I am considering adding another blog, but I want them tabbed on one page I think so easy to find.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75656478203122414482011-06-12T15:22:36.861-04:002011-06-12T15:22:36.861-04:00Kelly, I am very familiar with your article in Wri...Kelly, I am very familiar with your article in Writer&#39;s Digest! It is actually what gave me the inspiration for this post. <br /><br />I think ghostwriting would be a lot of fun if you hooked up with the right clients. I am going to have to look into your book. Thanks for stopping by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43222196078726726722011-06-12T13:29:31.464-04:002011-06-12T13:29:31.464-04:00Great post, Chrystal. I&#39;ve been freelancing fu...Great post, Chrystal. I&#39;ve been freelancing full-time for 14 years and have focused on ghosting/coauthoring books for the last three or four years. For me, the biggest advantage has that ghosting keeps my hourly rate high--once the book is published, it&#39;s up to my client to sell and promote it, not me. (I&#39;ve written books under my own name too so I know the real work of authorship begins when the book is published--writing it is the *easy part!)<br /><br />If you&#39;d like to know more about ghosting, I have a cover feature on the subject in Writer&#39;s Digest in the March/April 2011 issue. I also have a book, Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks, out that shows freelancers how to break into and succeed in this lucrative field. Let me know if you have any questions! :)Kelly James-Engerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12518158232642872324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9488352270842520512011-05-08T14:38:32.852-04:002011-05-08T14:38:32.852-04:00There are times when I need a ghostwriter. I have ...There are times when I need a ghostwriter. I have all of these ideas and need someone else to put it all together. I don&#39;t think ghostwriting is a bad gig at all!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89142762245405902262011-05-08T10:49:50.390-04:002011-05-08T10:49:50.390-04:00Sharon makes a good point I have ghost written on ...Sharon makes a good point I have ghost written on a few occasions where I would much rather have others take on the heat.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6905724797659358442011-05-06T12:46:27.148-04:002011-05-06T12:46:27.148-04:00The editing work that I am currently doing is pret...The editing work that I am currently doing is pretty collaborative - it is very close to ghostwriting, especially on the last 2 books in the 5 book series; I&#39;m doing some pretty extensive rewrites. It *is* a very free feeling. I don&#39;t feel the pressure to come up with the story line itself - I just have to bring it all together and make it work (well). <br /><br />Also, with a family, it is nearly impossible for me to find the time to sit uninterrupted (long enough) to effectively write my own material (short pieces, sure, but I have epic novels rolling around in my brain) -- with 4 teenagers and a 6 year old in the house... there is *never* a dull moment around here - this means I won&#39;t be finishing my *own* work for at least 12 years ;-)Marsha Siouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040323358283380289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28771174765260700722011-05-05T19:45:33.576-04:002011-05-05T19:45:33.576-04:00Another reason is that it might not be a topic you...Another reason is that it might not be a topic you want to be known for. At this point, I certainly don&#39;t mind ghost writing though. :)Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1729999636426086302011-05-05T17:12:54.374-04:002011-05-05T17:12:54.374-04:00There are some content companies that technically ...There are some content companies that technically I am a ghostwriter for. I would not mind working on a larger project, but I have some of my own I want to get done first.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28572356249605855602011-05-05T14:37:19.042-04:002011-05-05T14:37:19.042-04:00I&#39;m a ghostwriter as well. I think it provide...I&#39;m a ghostwriter as well. I think it provides a certain sense of freedom knowing you aren&#39;t writing on your own behalf.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83816278272825847962011-05-05T11:42:51.318-04:002011-05-05T11:42:51.318-04:00You are welcome, and thank you!You are welcome, and thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23422406024634486452011-05-05T08:33:27.926-04:002011-05-05T08:33:27.926-04:00Huh, all those reasons to ghostwrite make sense. I...Huh, all those reasons to ghostwrite make sense.<br />I have always wanted to write! I will definitely be checking these sites out once I&#39;m not so busy with school and starting a new job.<br />Thanks for posting, I love your blog by the way!Katie Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05331889107171257769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51159513185580439202011-05-05T11:49:05.835-04:002011-05-05T11:49:05.835-04:00I could just make a separate post for each type. I...I could just make a separate post for each type. I think once I get all the snags worked out in my blogging things will fall in to place a little better. I finally had my light bulb moment and just have not had time to put it together. Just pieces at a time here and there.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18478899883353086092011-05-04T18:55:53.125-04:002011-05-04T18:55:53.125-04:00I think opportunities and resources both apply.I think opportunities and resources both apply.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45844031892220562852011-05-04T16:25:17.825-04:002011-05-04T16:25:17.825-04:00I&#39;m thinking resources since you are combining...I&#39;m thinking resources since you are combining conferences with open submissions, etc.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77057792747664842882011-05-04T15:56:23.962-04:002011-05-04T15:56:23.962-04:00There is always so a mixed bag, it is hard to cate...There is always so a mixed bag, it is hard to categorize. I think both opportunities and resources applies.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73172610048781975802011-05-04T15:26:44.492-04:002011-05-04T15:26:44.492-04:00Resources works for me. I often find that newbies ...Resources works for me. I often find that newbies looking to work from home equate opportunities to &quot;pay for jobs&quot; and will turn away. It&#39;s a great list you have too. I just don&#39;t have the time these days to devote to another position. <br />I agree, too, about blogger. I dislike labels very much. :(Ya Ya Couponzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07225336761199156085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11956880423268339062011-05-04T08:33:13.862-04:002011-05-04T08:33:13.862-04:00That&#39;s why I need to carve out some time and g...That&#39;s why I need to carve out some time and get this site off Blogger (again) and back to self hosted WP. I am just not sure when and I am trying to blend a few of my sites together.<br /><br />WP makes it easier to tag with SEO and put in categories. Blogger gives you labels, but they serve no purpose other than having the list show up on your blog.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57348880272470221362011-05-04T08:07:15.458-04:002011-05-04T08:07:15.458-04:00Resources for writers? I am trying to think what p...Resources for writers? I am trying to think what people would search for when looking into this but I think it&#39;s going to depend on the unique content of each post. For instance, this one might be something like &quot;finding an agent&quot; tagged, and &quot;conventions for writers&quot;?Torihttp://www.rebuildingtori.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79701441074483582542011-05-04T08:07:02.101-04:002011-05-04T08:07:02.101-04:00I think opportunities works fine. Thanks for shar...I think opportunities works fine.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing.Nicolehttp://nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19999389120558343282011-05-04T08:43:44.073-04:002011-05-04T08:43:44.073-04:00I respect him for that as well. While his messages...I respect him for that as well. While his messages in his books are nothing new, it seems how he presents them is what makes him stand apart from others.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71948190893245002432011-05-03T16:44:09.500-04:002011-05-03T16:44:09.500-04:00I listend to Seth Godin&#39;s interview on the Duc...I listend to Seth Godin&#39;s interview on the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast about this book. He said he figured he&#39;d actually do what he was promoting by breaking away from the traditional publishing route and I respect him for that. And, something about &quot;Nike&quot; must be in the air today :-)Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91448455371878365502011-05-09T17:05:52.585-04:002011-05-09T17:05:52.585-04:00I like that you found people to buddy with to do i...I like that you found people to buddy with to do it. That seems to make things like this easier.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4069169135226940522011-05-09T12:32:13.100-04:002011-05-09T12:32:13.100-04:00It is well worth it. I got mine a few years back. ...It is well worth it. I got mine a few years back. I have gone through it myself, and did a challenge this year. I plan to do another in June. Great stuff.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19281222843804155482011-05-09T12:14:13.807-04:002011-05-09T12:14:13.807-04:00Thanks! I&#39;ve been wondering whether to take th...Thanks! I&#39;ve been wondering whether to take the plunge and buy it, but this guy is amazing.feistynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89558842589636306092011-05-09T12:07:22.011-04:002011-05-09T12:07:22.011-04:00I&#39;m excited to hear the new book announcement ...I&#39;m excited to hear the new book announcement as well. Always great stuff!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65418102409289176432011-05-03T13:17:36.738-04:002011-05-03T13:17:36.738-04:00It is great to know when you produce quality there...It is great to know when you produce quality there is a market that will support it.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5085011430456417692011-05-03T14:43:51.800-04:002011-05-03T14:43:51.800-04:00I won from her too! I got two great pair of earrin...I won from her too! I got two great pair of earrings that I love. One for myself and one for my daughter. She is amazing!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70107980217001535492011-05-03T13:12:59.551-04:002011-05-03T13:12:59.551-04:00It&#39;s funny, I don&#39;t wear a lot of jewelry,...It&#39;s funny, I don&#39;t wear a lot of jewelry, but I know I have a lot that this will match!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54834498797948110242011-05-03T12:48:08.072-04:002011-05-03T12:48:08.072-04:00When I saw that green piece I did some how think i...When I saw that green piece I did some how think it would be you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79737213744799002652011-05-03T13:19:48.035-04:002011-05-03T13:19:48.035-04:00Sounds like a powerful read. You did a honest rev...Sounds like a powerful read. You did a honest review and that is not always easy to do when you know the person.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3611213221814198862011-05-06T13:35:33.964-04:002011-05-06T13:35:33.964-04:00I will take a good book over any gadget, but I am ...I will take a good book over any gadget, but I am a sucker for a good journal book. I think one of those posters would look great in my office, too :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12110463519422787662011-05-03T12:46:55.329-04:002011-05-03T12:46:55.329-04:00Our Mom&#39;s are more readers than writers. They...Our Mom&#39;s are more readers than writers. They love books for Mother&#39;s Day and birthdays.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43269923893968733052011-05-02T12:02:37.126-04:002011-05-02T12:02:37.126-04:00You are welcome, and thank you!You are welcome, and thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87022750966716971552011-05-02T11:23:50.137-04:002011-05-02T11:23:50.137-04:00Thanks, Chrystal. I don&#39;t need these, but I wi...Thanks, Chrystal. I don&#39;t need these, but I will be sure to get them tweeted along.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80341985739722117322011-05-02T10:11:57.690-04:002011-05-02T10:11:57.690-04:00Thank you! I hope someone can find it useful!Thank you! I hope someone can find it useful!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32206063992080164392011-05-02T09:04:21.182-04:002011-05-02T09:04:21.182-04:00Great inspiration.Great inspiration.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30429158555188467142011-05-02T10:59:48.408-04:002011-05-02T10:59:48.408-04:00Inspiration is always personal.Inspiration is always personal.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52916098218909063982011-05-02T10:03:43.413-04:002011-05-02T10:03:43.413-04:00Rimly, I am always up for a good glass of wine whe...Rimly, I am always up for a good glass of wine when writing creatively. :) Thank you for reading the post there, I know it was hard. I will visit you :) Thank you for stopping by here.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81968327418843182942011-05-02T03:55:32.238-04:002011-05-02T03:55:32.238-04:00That was very informative. Well I have no muses or...That was very informative. Well I have no muses or props but I sure love my glass of wine when I write and of course when my soul cries. Read your post in Bongo is me. Left a comment. Do come and visit mine<br />http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.comRimlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800381730067608251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20624092510255928052011-04-29T17:40:41.275-04:002011-04-29T17:40:41.275-04:00A resounding YES!!! I live with a notebook at my ...A resounding YES!!!<br /><br />I live with a notebook at my side. I write down every single idea, comment, quirky action that my characters-in-progress experience.<br /><br />I&#39;m getting there, and it&#39;s a GREAT ride!Ya Ya Couponzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07225336761199156085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72154161479817555032011-04-29T17:14:26.992-04:002011-04-29T17:14:26.992-04:00Not I. Blog posts, articles and quick quips are a...Not I. Blog posts, articles and quick quips are about my level of committment.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40376939045485022932011-04-29T13:13:55.269-04:002011-04-29T13:13:55.269-04:00I think it is a big commitment to write a novel. F...I think it is a big commitment to write a novel. For anyone tackling that endeavor, I wish them much success. Like you stated it should be something that brings them joy to make the emotional and mental commitment worth it.Jacquelinehttp://discoveringyourperfect.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2602823266619229132011-04-29T12:21:54.928-04:002011-04-29T12:21:54.928-04:00I admire the commitment and the talent to start ei...I admire the commitment and the talent to start either.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20973824970853404432011-04-29T11:21:51.990-04:002011-04-29T11:21:51.990-04:00I get pretty spacey myself. I used to be really go...I get pretty spacey myself. I used to be really good about keeping a journal, there I would write my poetry and story thoughts. I am just counting down the days when I am done with this degree. It was a good choice to do something for myself and finish something I started so long ago. Now, I want to start the 2nd thing I have always wanted to do, which is write and get a degree in English, or something creative writing related. That is what I should have done years ago when I first started college.<br /><br />I used to have a brain full of story ideas. Now it full of life clutter. Hopefully that will be cleared out soon and I can slow down and enjoy writing again.<br /><br />One step at a time.<br /><br />Nicole, it looks like to me you are doing a very good job of pushing!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86261090592207821632011-04-29T08:41:36.400-04:002011-04-29T08:41:36.400-04:00Oh, I space out during conversations. It&#39;s not...Oh, I space out during conversations. It&#39;s nothing for me to get lost in another world. I also can&#39;t sleep because my stories are always there. My characters pester me if I don&#39;t listen to them.<br /><br />And yes, I&#39;m scared, but I&#39;m facing that fear. I&#39;m not letting it hold me back. While it&#39;ll never go away, I think I&#39;m getting better at pushing it to the side.Nicolehttp://nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43842898324494548842011-04-28T21:28:08.926-04:002011-04-28T21:28:08.926-04:00You sound very pumped about this one and that&#39;...You sound very pumped about this one and that&#39;s what matters, is that it inspires you. I imagine writer don&#39;t really need more books on &quot;writing&quot; as you said, but more on learning how to not censor themselves.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30137750476812056402011-04-28T20:45:45.480-04:002011-04-28T20:45:45.480-04:00The King example is a great one.The King example is a great one.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33842280415368575632011-04-28T19:47:24.630-04:002011-04-28T19:47:24.630-04:00There&#39;s definitely no magic formula. You have ...There&#39;s definitely no magic formula. You have to do what works for you. We all have our own methods. What works for one won&#39;t work for all.Nicolehttp://nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26050187145122143452011-04-28T22:33:41.338-04:002011-04-28T22:33:41.338-04:00Short stories all the way here. I don&#39;t have t...Short stories all the way here. I don&#39;t have the attention span for a novel. Great tips!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57056918190533524162011-04-28T13:24:03.573-04:002011-04-28T13:24:03.573-04:00@Tori - I have no idea how many words I have on mi...@Tori - I have no idea how many words I have on mine. It started as a short story for creative writing class last semester (or was it the one before that?!?!) and I turned that short story into a few chapters. Now it is just collecting dust. I have been motivated to get started on it again so I am looking at some writing software to put on my pc and put this story into so I have that storyboard format. I am sort of stuck with it.<br /><br />I also want to write sort of a bio/self help type book but I have no idea how to start it. I started in back in 99 or so, and still have that. But, it obviously needs to be reworked. <br /><br />@Mary- they have a lot of word processor programs out there (for free!) that are great for journaling if you do not want to write it out by hand!<br /><br />@Bailey - hope you are feeling better!<br /><br />@ Anna &amp; Angie - I don&#39;t think I can do a novel. My attention span is nil, so I think short stories are the way to go for me. Maybe even a novella.<br /><br />@baldychaz - you are welcome and thank you for taking the time to stop by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36447875442577992062011-04-28T12:27:43.865-04:002011-04-28T12:27:43.865-04:00Wise words for a newbie writer thank you.Wise words for a newbie writer thank you.Baldychazhttp://www.baldychaz.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53911431202755393002011-04-28T09:52:48.104-04:002011-04-28T09:52:48.104-04:00I&#39;m more of a short story type of girl. It mat...I&#39;m more of a short story type of girl. It matches my attention span quite nicely. ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52923438431456749002011-04-28T09:51:40.100-04:002011-04-28T09:51:40.100-04:00I&#39;ve always been intrigued by the idea of writ...I&#39;ve always been intrigued by the idea of writing a novel, but I think I would never find the time. I know a lot of people are actually writing short stories now and selling them via Amazon&#39;s self-publishing feature. For me, a novel seems time-consuming, but a short story feels more like something I could actually make happen one day.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878874447792079643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9374249449228352402011-04-28T09:33:04.240-04:002011-04-28T09:33:04.240-04:00Great tips Chrystal. Mary have you ever considere...Great tips Chrystal. Mary have you ever considered writing it in a blog format for your kids? You don&#39;t have to share it publically, but it might be a way to get it down.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78132251717620623032011-04-28T09:08:56.317-04:002011-04-28T09:08:56.317-04:00I would love to write about my life...but not for ...I would love to write about my life...but not for sale type of thing. More like an ongoing diary for my children to have later in life. But if I&#39;m going to do it, I better get started before I forget half of what I want to write about:)Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181851742870395058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76795662633406972472011-04-28T08:13:51.372-04:002011-04-28T08:13:51.372-04:00Whooo hoo! I am at almost 7k words on mine. I put ...Whooo hoo! I am at almost 7k words on mine. I put it down for a bit, but the commitment is to write 2k words per day. :)Torihttp://www.rebuildingtori.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7949380097314259782011-05-24T19:00:51.880-04:002011-05-24T19:00:51.880-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44425870762570346982011-05-24T18:58:11.563-04:002011-05-24T18:58:11.563-04:00Looks fabulous!Looks fabulous!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33519378030965675162011-04-28T13:02:08.240-04:002011-04-28T13:02:08.240-04:00That is just how I feel! I have a list a mile long...That is just how I feel! I have a list a mile long of tools, so please check back. I will be adding more!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73828181441608762772011-04-28T09:43:56.151-04:002011-04-28T09:43:56.151-04:00The more tools we have to feed the content produci...The more tools we have to feed the content producing machine the better :-)Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86099718197725618002011-04-27T16:48:30.688-04:002011-04-27T16:48:30.688-04:00I have a list a mile long. I am just not sure how ...I have a list a mile long. I am just not sure how long to make the posts. So, I figure short and sweet. Make it a weekly series or something. :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87899855317069056952011-04-27T16:44:48.121-04:002011-04-27T16:44:48.121-04:00I have 31DBBB, but I haven&#39;t heard of the othe...I have 31DBBB, but I haven&#39;t heard of the others. There looks like there are some goodies in there!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14891736511708049532011-04-27T00:05:01.691-04:002011-04-27T00:05:01.691-04:00Great advice! I know so many people who need to re...Great advice! I know so many people who need to read this and take it to heart.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72864619400224952732011-04-26T15:13:22.990-04:002011-04-26T15:13:22.990-04:00I should not have tried to post because it makes n...I should not have tried to post because it makes no sense. It also should say I had a very limited internet life. Sorry my eyes are acting up with allergies making this very challenging.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85704672722019669662011-04-26T15:11:24.357-04:002011-04-26T15:11:24.357-04:00Once again I cannot type. That line was supposed ...Once again I cannot type. That line was supposed to say they think the Internet is a &quot;safe&quot; place...Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90076303669479971662011-04-26T15:10:23.484-04:002011-04-26T15:10:23.484-04:00I think we &quot;hear&quot; more complaining becau...I think we &quot;hear&quot; more complaining because we are connected by Internet and that is where we work. I think people in other industries are offloading, but they come to the Internet and it isn&#39;t their work place, it is a different place to come and vent.<br /><br />That is why you see so many teachers for instance getting caught. They too slip and say the wrong things the Internet is a &quot;safe&quot; place to offload their stress when their friends and family have heard them complain one too many times that they had no copy paper to make the math sheets for the day. I never had a VERY limited Internet life when I taught because we had parent stalkers that found anything and everything that was posted.<br /><br />It is hard, but people have to remember that burned bridges will bite you. Public complaints on a board seem like venting, but they can keep you from other work that you might have loved later.<br /><br />There is a place to ask questions, to learn about expectations, changes, etc. However, there are consequences for actions.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24183229264761620112011-04-25T14:28:18.572-04:002011-04-25T14:28:18.572-04:00Great list and inspirational.Great list and inspirational.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33085163302222333792011-04-25T14:14:07.515-04:002011-04-25T14:14:07.515-04:00Wow, great list! I am tweeting and sharing.Wow, great list! I am tweeting and sharing.WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67612396864364483182011-04-25T13:52:12.906-04:002011-04-25T13:52:12.906-04:00Thank you! I have more coming. I think I am going ...Thank you! I have more coming. I think I am going to make it a weekly thing.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19891109074293185582011-04-25T13:17:18.792-04:002011-04-25T13:17:18.792-04:00Great list of goodies there! I&#39;ll be passing t...Great list of goodies there! I&#39;ll be passing this one along.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-92073830599381533772011-04-23T17:49:28.497-04:002011-04-23T17:49:28.497-04:00I am glad I could be of some help!I am glad I could be of some help!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48037720632062289882011-04-23T17:32:10.356-04:002011-04-23T17:32:10.356-04:00It&#39;s funny how a post will come your way just ...It&#39;s funny how a post will come your way just following a pause and a wish for the exact information. This post today is what I&#39;ve been looking for. :)Ya Ya Couponzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07225336761199156085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2295152743671387902011-04-21T19:24:32.534-04:002011-04-21T19:24:32.534-04:00Oooo, that sounds rather juicy to me! ;)Oooo, that sounds rather juicy to me! ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90893951822381071692011-04-21T15:01:13.340-04:002011-04-21T15:01:13.340-04:00HAHHA! All is well, I got them out of a writers ma...HAHHA! All is well, I got them out of a writers magazine this morning. I was trying to put together the list of contests and stuff that I talked about yesterday and realized I needed to get started on homework, so I posted this instead.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39679098909600065712011-04-21T14:31:41.418-04:002011-04-21T14:31:41.418-04:00Oddly enough it sounds like these may be personal....Oddly enough it sounds like these may be personal.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67476957502021908782011-04-20T16:23:43.263-04:002011-04-20T16:23:43.263-04:00First, I don&#39;t think you are crazy about your ...First, I don&#39;t think you are crazy about your baby. I&#39;m a furmama, I get it. ;)<br /><br />Second, it was a good day for some mad blogging wasn&#39;t it? Whew!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86815315871190060292011-04-20T16:11:03.165-04:002011-04-20T16:11:03.165-04:00Your path sounds pretty &quot;traditional&quot; fo...Your path sounds pretty &quot;traditional&quot; for WAH workers. You have much to be proud of in making it on this journey.<br /><br />Your work ethic and attitude will see you to success.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19907773593543858762011-04-20T15:34:51.602-04:002011-04-20T15:34:51.602-04:00While your path may seem twisted to those who have...While your path may seem twisted to those who haven&#39;t been in the wah arena for all these years, I too have been self-employed for like eight years now as well. I was at WAHM way back then too. <br /><br />Good luck with your newest ventures and may the road rise up to meet you no matter what path you are on :-)Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38637579990313374452011-04-20T11:47:01.341-04:002011-04-20T11:47:01.341-04:00Yes indeedy MA&#39;AM! Please and thank you!Yes indeedy MA&#39;AM! Please and thank you!Stuart Nagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03083431072175725832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7733355591258078282011-04-20T11:28:09.377-04:002011-04-20T11:28:09.377-04:00I think it is a great idea and a way to attract ne...I think it is a great idea and a way to attract new readers.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70027348284531812992011-04-18T02:06:13.731-04:002011-04-18T02:06:13.731-04:00Great advice! thank you!Great advice! thank you!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48058011171943695502011-04-16T20:14:05.081-04:002011-04-16T20:14:05.081-04:00Great advice! I really would love to learn how to ...Great advice! I really would love to learn how to do one better myself.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81998970053286956502011-04-15T18:17:30.560-04:002011-04-15T18:17:30.560-04:00Ch - Ch - Ch - Changes. Liking the changes, Chrys...Ch - Ch - Ch - Changes. Liking the changes, Chrystal. You and Angie make me so jealous with your technology.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35150394804461837722011-04-15T16:38:13.743-04:002011-04-15T16:38:13.743-04:00The related articles is from Zemanta, I thought yo...The related articles is from Zemanta, I thought you mentioned it in a wplh post? I use the Chrome extension.<br /><br />Thank you Bailey!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82508860163622187562011-04-15T13:38:55.706-04:002011-04-15T13:38:55.706-04:00You are really moving along with this.You are really moving along with this.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46076673905158765962011-04-15T13:25:59.325-04:002011-04-15T13:25:59.325-04:00Ooh, love those related articles. I hadn&#39;t not...Ooh, love those related articles. I hadn&#39;t noticed that before. Is it new?Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39129419747036166862011-04-15T21:00:34.797-04:002011-04-15T21:00:34.797-04:00I have been trying to do some of these myself.I have been trying to do some of these myself.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88623923170103610512011-04-14T21:16:05.100-04:002011-04-14T21:16:05.100-04:00I love #4! Now there&#39;s one I didn&#39;t think...I love #4! Now there&#39;s one I didn&#39;t think of!Felicia - The Small Biz Coachhttp://www.she-business.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52013074008321854842011-04-14T20:42:41.193-04:002011-04-14T20:42:41.193-04:00Great ideas! :) I need to try some of these!Great ideas! :) I need to try some of these!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89698107674769877092011-04-14T11:52:33.179-04:002011-04-14T11:52:33.179-04:00Great ideas! I love number two, I always find myse...Great ideas! I love number two, I always find myself sharing details of my life and then feeling like I am boring my readers. Glad to know that is most likely not the case! I will be putting these tips to work!Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55004397385661067922011-04-14T09:07:42.308-04:002011-04-14T09:07:42.308-04:00People seem to understand the need for fresh blog ...People seem to understand the need for fresh blog postings, but websites do seem to get stale.<br /><br />I do like the idea of more interaction be it website or blog.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69139585713769109202011-04-14T08:38:44.557-04:002011-04-14T08:38:44.557-04:00I love polls. Even though people may not comment, ...I love polls. Even though people may not comment, they don&#39;t seem to mind giving their opinions anonymously.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69410159731104828382011-04-13T15:30:52.957-04:002011-04-13T15:30:52.957-04:00I agree, I get annoyed when audio starts playing, ...I agree, I get annoyed when audio starts playing, usually an ad, that I can&#39;t turn off. I usually have my headphones on when surfing the web or researching, because I&#39;m basically taking a mini transcription work break, and some of these sites are cranked up.Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73971453165298490522011-04-13T14:25:38.204-04:002011-04-13T14:25:38.204-04:00Yes! I have been visiting a lot of blogs lately an...Yes! I have been visiting a lot of blogs lately and I am shocked by how many have audio playing! That is completely annoying and I immediately back out. <br /><br />I also agree about the pointless Welcome Pages on websites. There is no purpose and are only a burden to online users who want their information NOW, easily accessible and easy to read.WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69339951281935176472011-04-13T12:38:44.239-04:002011-04-13T12:38:44.239-04:00The music drives me crazy. I almost always have m...The music drives me crazy. I almost always have my own background audio playing and having random music pop up makes me want to leave no matter how great the content. I have encountered this on several craft and ed sites and it drives me NUTS!Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16323635013994512292011-04-13T12:31:27.240-04:002011-04-13T12:31:27.240-04:00While I do like music and videos, I like the choic...While I do like music and videos, I like the choice of being able to watch them. Usually I have music playing through my PC and I hate it when a website blares at me!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19344971913189288312011-04-13T12:29:42.070-04:002011-04-13T12:29:42.070-04:00Oof, please no auto-playing videos or audio..I do ...Oof, please no auto-playing videos or audio..I do not like that!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43193728188477965012011-04-13T08:49:04.723-04:002011-04-13T08:49:04.723-04:00Thank you! So far Hostable has been great.Thank you! So far Hostable has been great.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82632241980315313322011-04-12T20:42:06.020-04:002011-04-12T20:42:06.020-04:00Best wishes with your new set up.Best wishes with your new set up.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21858575966927328902011-04-13T09:30:50.315-04:002011-04-13T09:30:50.315-04:00I&#39;m not so savvy when it comes to blogging so ...I&#39;m not so savvy when it comes to blogging so half of what you say here makes very little sense to me...BUT...I am pretty happy with my hosting company right now. It&#39;s very afforable, eco-friendly, and the owner is very hands on. It&#39;s called Birdhouse Hosting:<br /><br /><a href="http://hosting.birdhouse.org/" rel="nofollow">Birdhouse</a>ManWifeDoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00976280792381420011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42709240724465201242011-04-11T18:37:31.960-04:002011-04-11T18:37:31.960-04:00I also meant to add that I did get things fixed wi...I also meant to add that I did get things fixed with Unlimited Tree, so I am going to test it out a little more.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6611955584051429512011-04-11T18:33:03.335-04:002011-04-11T18:33:03.335-04:00I actually talked to one of the managers there, we...I actually talked to one of the managers there, well two of them. Both of them were very helpful in answering all of my questions. When I asked them what the purpose of this &quot;sale&quot; the answer I got was that it was to bring in new people. The main company, Brinkster is pretty successful. If something happens to Hostable, you get a move to Brinkster. If it is a server problem, slowness, over crowding (lol), then the possibility of moving services is there too. So either way I don&#39;t feel I have anything really to lose. There are others that have been on the service longer than I and they have decent things to say about it. <br /><br />If something happens in the next 3 years, since I back up pretty much every day, I can always back up WP and load it up on another company if need be and not cancel my account until the contract is up. They reserve the right to charge you, but that does not mean they will.<br /><br />Having been a startup company myself a few times, I am more than willing to give underdogs a fair chance. And so far, their customer service has been top-notch. I drilled them with a ton of questions, and they were more than willing to answer them all.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-25914584103717028162011-04-11T11:45:14.353-04:002011-04-11T11:45:14.353-04:00I would be a little scared of moving my blogs ther...I would be a little scared of moving my blogs there due to the early termination clause. Even the biggest and best hosts can have unforeseen issues pop up down the road. Three years is a very long time. If they later on turn into a poor service, I wouldn&#39;t want to be forced into paying up or dealing with a poor user/reader experience.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67144131023466406192011-04-11T10:11:57.867-04:002011-04-11T10:11:57.867-04:00You don&#39;t seem to be the only one struggling w...You don&#39;t seem to be the only one struggling with the host issue.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22711123704583995482011-04-09T14:43:43.173-04:002011-04-09T14:43:43.173-04:00Just wondering if you&#39;ve looked at Yola.com. ...Just wondering if you&#39;ve looked at Yola.com. That&#39;s who I&#39;m using and I really like it. I haven&#39;t found any limitations yet but I&#39;m sure they do exist.Brenda Mariehttp://www.onlinewritingbiz.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74725252280096647522011-04-09T13:16:43.919-04:002011-04-09T13:16:43.919-04:00Thank you for your honest opinions on these hostin...Thank you for your honest opinions on these hosting companies!Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60845137638997525802011-04-08T12:56:23.510-04:002011-04-08T12:56:23.510-04:00I really like Yola. It takes a bit of getting use...I really like Yola. It takes a bit of getting used to but for a free host, it rocks :)Brenda Mariehttp://www.onlinewritingbiz.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1134215684527956002011-04-08T12:31:32.994-04:002011-04-08T12:31:32.994-04:00I am interested in hearing more about your experie...I am interested in hearing more about your experiences with hosting sites! I think the time has come to purchase my domain name and get more serious about my blog.Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63454940393216837452011-04-08T11:27:42.010-04:002011-04-08T11:27:42.010-04:00If you have an interest in the Irish site you will...If you have an interest in the Irish site you will eventually find your &quot;niche&quot; that is original and stands out from the rest. That will keep you from being labeled with the duplicate content slap. It may just take a while to figure out where you want to go.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49503293312050896992011-04-08T10:13:26.890-04:002011-04-08T10:13:26.890-04:00I did not find Hostgator as user friendly or helpf...I did not find Hostgator as user friendly or helpful as I had read in reviews. I think I was with them for 2-3 days! lolChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41329879237294172032011-04-08T09:27:29.429-04:002011-04-08T09:27:29.429-04:00I so feel you here. I have been boggling through H...I so feel you here. I have been boggling through Hostgator on top of everything else. LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26037265452298532302011-04-07T18:43:26.257-04:002011-04-07T18:43:26.257-04:00If it is what you have been talking about doing th...If it is what you have been talking about doing the last few weeks, I can&#39;t wait to see it!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82638889767796927172011-04-07T11:00:59.438-04:002011-04-07T11:00:59.438-04:00I think people have to find what works for them. ...I think people have to find what works for them. I think the constant fights remind me too much of the Mommy wars. We all do what works for us. <br /><br />I wish you well as you start your new journey.<br /><br />As for the local classes I have gotten some great deals on local adult ed classes at the high schools.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51590616205103489992011-04-07T09:53:13.666-04:002011-04-07T09:53:13.666-04:00I love Blogger. We go way back, its my BFF! LOL. I...I love Blogger. We go way back, its my BFF! LOL. I think it is a wonderful tool for beginners. There are enough hacks and themes to get it to look a lot less like a google site and more like a professional website. T<br /><br />With what I want to do, Blogger is not going to work for. I tried. It&#39;s just not suiting my needs right now. So, I made a new plan, and I am testing it out.<br /><br />I am all for taking writing classes. $89, thats a steal! I would take it. Besides, it would be a business deduction if you are a paid writer. :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39900721304176609572011-04-07T09:36:51.837-04:002011-04-07T09:50:37.300-04:00I am still trying to learn blogger. Seems to be a ...I am still trying to learn blogger. Seems to be a good site for those new to this blogging world. <br /><br />Found an online class at the local vocational school. Its a 10 week course and for 89.00, I believe it will do me a world of good. <br /><br /> <br />Class Description <br />You may have heard that every day, another traditional writing market disappears. Don’t let that discourage you from writing! Instead, discover the thousands of lucrative publishing opportunities that await you on the Internet if you understand Internet marketing. Whether you’re just taking your first steps toward that dream of getting published, or you have a dozen books to your credit, this course will show you how you can start earning income on the Web right away. You’ll learn how to make the Internet work for you from a writer who has spent years exploring its potential. You&#39;ll find out how to sell e-zine articles, write for Webzines and online magazines, create a blog, sell manuscripts to an e-publisher, and self-publish your own work as an e-book or a traditional book using print-on-demand (POD) publishing. <br /><br />You&#39;ll also find out about the unlimited opportunities to make income from your writing through advertising revenue. You can achieve that either by adding advertising to your own Web content or by letting a revenue-sharing site take care of the technical details for you. We&#39;ll explore both options. Then you&#39;ll learn how to query and submit your writing electronically, how to understand electronic submission guidelines and online contracts, and all about the future of Web writing.RShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17216245197202574128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55462255583122695212011-04-07T08:42:57.651-04:002011-04-07T08:42:57.651-04:00It&#39;s going to take some time, but I think it&#...It&#39;s going to take some time, but I think it&#39;s going to be great when it is all said and done.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44750027416080537812011-04-07T06:23:51.237-04:002011-04-07T06:23:51.237-04:00Oooh I cannot wait to see what this plan becomes. ...Oooh I cannot wait to see what this plan becomes. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24560517342397728082011-04-06T10:33:30.791-04:002011-04-06T10:33:30.791-04:00It makes a huge difference. It is a skill that ca...It makes a huge difference. It is a skill that can be learned and can improve performance.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73649201864082899342011-04-05T18:30:21.563-04:002011-04-05T18:30:21.563-04:00Time management just eeeekks out the need to contr...Time management just eeeekks out the need to control something I cannot control. Maybe it is the free flowing need to be in the flow to make things happen easy part of me.. because when I am in flow.. wowee. things go FAST! When trying to control or manage my time.. it takes FOREVER to do anything when I feel I am up against a wall of time.. probably because I then see it as limited, instead of limitless!! <br /><br />I think I am just time management ( ok.. any management) rebel!!<br /><br />Peace and light <br />Elissa Joy <br />www.wholisticmama.cominspiredejhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16961893010009828184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77780401562680288502011-04-05T11:17:50.577-04:002011-04-05T11:17:50.577-04:00Managing ones time is important whether your worki...Managing ones time is important whether your working or not. I find the day goes so much smoother when things are done on a schedule.RShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17216245197202574128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86001917930755942322011-04-05T11:14:07.711-04:002011-04-05T11:14:07.711-04:00I used to be extremely organized and have pretty g...I used to be extremely organized and have pretty good time management. These last 6 months all of that has gone out the window. Seems no matter how many lists or schedules I make, it never goes as planned. <br /><br />LOL@ Tori. When that happens, I title and watch TV ;)<br /><br />@Bailey - I think when I am done with school I will see a huge decrease in stress. It is what is eating up all of my time and because of that, have not been able to write like I was.<br /><br />@Brenda - I need to get back to that!<br /><br />@ Angie - thats a pretty good motivation!<br /><br />@Carrie - I am glad you find it helpful!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54375991712598531392011-04-05T11:07:42.598-04:002011-04-05T11:07:42.598-04:00I am inspired by your time management posts! I am ...I am inspired by your time management posts! I am definitely mentioning your blog in my post today. Since I am gaining so much from reading it, I know my readers will too!Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62452783306256733782011-04-05T10:59:31.405-04:002011-04-05T10:59:31.405-04:00We bad time management starts impacting your pocke...We bad time management starts impacting your pocketbook, it&#39;s time to get things under control QUICK! That&#39;s the only list I&#39;ve ever seen my husband make, but he sure runs a tight ship when it comes to paying bills on time.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46126567614875323882011-04-05T10:52:10.811-04:002011-04-05T10:52:10.811-04:00I don&#39;t have a schedule that I follow but I st...I don&#39;t have a schedule that I follow but I still manage to have good time management skills somehow LOLBrenda Mariehttp://www.onlinewritingbiz.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1845949824647108602011-04-05T10:48:54.773-04:002011-04-05T10:48:54.773-04:00It decreases the stress and creates more time to e...It decreases the stress and creates more time to enjoy life. The benefits only increase, it just requires the motivation to get moving.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77822193321030360042011-04-05T07:59:37.889-04:002011-04-05T07:59:37.889-04:00It&#39;s really no fun to not have decent time man...It&#39;s really no fun to not have decent time management- after all, how can you step back and catch that Law and Order marathon if you&#39;re backlogged with work?rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89337216234177422622011-04-05T11:24:38.410-04:002011-04-05T11:24:38.410-04:00Angie I did the Outlook reminders too. Then I foun...Angie I did the Outlook reminders too. Then I found myself not entering them or ignoring them, too.<br /><br />I am easily distracted and lose track of time. That is my biggest obstacle right now.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84120690336562992372011-04-04T18:32:40.683-04:002011-04-04T18:32:40.683-04:00Try as I might to utilize time management skills t...Try as I might to utilize time management skills to their fullest, there is never enough hours in the day! LOLDaisyhttp://theblogphotog.com/2011/04/cemetary.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69982954408570442982011-04-04T16:20:35.960-04:002011-04-04T16:20:35.960-04:00I agree, the sound of my alarm just makes me want ...I agree, the sound of my alarm just makes me want to go back to sleep! lol<br />I do find timers to be helpful though, and I am definitely considering using the alarms on my phone. At least then it can be a song I like! :)Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31616449096627104412011-04-04T15:11:57.284-04:002011-04-04T15:11:57.284-04:00I use onlinestopwatch.com sometimes to keep myself...I use onlinestopwatch.com sometimes to keep myself in gear when I am working. But the thought of setting my alarm clock all throughout the day irritates me. I cannot stand the sound of the alarm clock. I guess I could set my phone&#39;s alarm, which is a much more pleasant sound. <br /><br />Worst sound in the world- my alarm clock!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14589583267492137222011-04-04T14:44:43.546-04:002011-04-04T14:44:43.546-04:00I tried Outlook reminders for a while and found my...I tried Outlook reminders for a while and found myself ignoring them more often than not. I&#39;m still with the task list and the weekly list of things to do.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54631013971505825672011-04-04T13:50:44.447-04:002011-04-04T13:50:44.447-04:00Hey there Chrystal! I love this topic it is one of...Hey there Chrystal! I love this topic it is one of my favorites! I love using timers. Cool timer is a free download and I use it like a stop watch for my bigger projects. I like to plan at least 2, 90 minutes blocks of time each week to work hard and focus on getting a project complete.<br /><br />Your last idea to find a time management seminar was a perfect place for me to share an upcoming FREE productivity training I am doing on April 26. http://FreeProductivityTraining.com<br /><br />Your blog is filled with great content, I look forward to getting to know you better!<br /><br />xox<br />@HelenRappyHelen Raptoploushttp://helenrappy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88789341718837798772011-04-04T08:56:18.663-04:002011-04-04T08:56:18.663-04:00The key is to find the one that works for you. Th...The key is to find the one that works for you. The tools can be distracting if you spend as much time keeping them up as you do working.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62167526353166979422011-04-05T11:22:39.765-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.026-04:00I think a lot of people have been down the road wh...I think a lot of people have been down the road where they have had to sign for a spouse for one reason or another. I know when I was married to my ex, we did it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40846311204827850362011-04-04T18:34:37.405-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.041-04:00In a stable relationship, signing for the other is...In a stable relationship, signing for the other isn&#39;t a big deal, it&#39;s in situations such as divorce that can create havoc! EEK!Daisyhttp://theblogphotog.com/2011/04/cemetary.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87613890570453997652011-04-03T16:10:48.786-04:002011-04-03T16:10:48.786-04:00These are great comments. But I&#39;d like to add ...These are great comments. But I&#39;d like to add a 9th tip: be realistic about your time. I thought I had a serious time management problem because I wasn&#39;t getting through my to-do list. Then I sat down and wrote out how much time I thought each task should take. My one day to-do list included 29 hours of work! No wonder I couldn&#39;t get it all done.<br /><br />Thanks for a great post.Andrea J. Stenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16050055486082968122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4242057636215658532011-04-03T13:23:31.748-04:002011-04-03T13:23:31.748-04:00Great tips and some I need to try! Thanks!Great tips and some I need to try! Thanks!C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91265455251706470682011-04-02T19:33:20.001-04:002011-04-02T19:33:20.001-04:00I don&#39;t think any of us spend to much time.......I don&#39;t think any of us spend to much time....*cough, cough* <br /><br />I have tried Focus Booster, but I learned to trick myself and then just turn the darn thing off. So, it doesn&#39;t really work for me.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68343929745457949602011-04-02T14:59:39.026-04:002011-04-02T14:59:39.026-04:00Social networks are a big time waster for me too. ...Social networks are a big time waster for me too. Focus booster does help, when I actually use it correctly! lolCarrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65887794936986671712011-04-02T11:11:42.276-04:002011-04-02T11:11:42.276-04:00Great tips! I definitely need to stay off of socia...Great tips! I definitely need to stay off of social networks more often. I do use Focus Booster and try to only visit social networking sites during break time but sometimes I allow myself to stay a bit longer and I need to stop. I was scrambling to get done with everything last night to the point where I was not off the computer until 1 am and I fell into bed exhausted again. I wanted to get up earlier today like I usually do but my husband couldn&#39;t get me up because I was so tired from yesterday.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44480211034675220062011-04-02T10:06:17.363-04:002011-04-02T10:06:17.363-04:00I don&#39;t spend too much time socia- haha. No, n...I don&#39;t spend too much time socia- haha. No, no, not me. *cough*rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83779010204776597812011-04-02T19:30:40.901-04:002011-04-02T19:30:40.901-04:00When it comes to online matters, I multi task well...When it comes to online matters, I multi task well. I get the same thing as Tori, oh you are chatting here or there so you must not be working. But yet the Facebook is open to my business page, the IM is someone I am contracting with, and the other tabs are my websites and such. *derr*<br /><br />I am trying to do a overhaul myself, but it doesn&#39;t seem to be working as planned.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73673800109406153922011-04-01T22:49:51.182-04:002011-04-01T22:49:51.182-04:00This article couldn&#39;t have come at a better ti...This article couldn&#39;t have come at a better time for me, as I am in the midst of a major time management overhaul for myself. I work at home full-time, and it can be very difficult to separate business from personal (especially since my apartment is the equivalent in size to a mousehole). I am looking to transition into a new business that will give me a more flexible schedule to focus on my writing, and will give me more &quot;me&quot; time, since right now, it seems like a fantasy, lol! :)Krissy Brady, Writerhttp://www.krissybrady.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6747892126478880292011-04-01T22:28:51.825-04:002011-04-01T22:28:51.825-04:00What is time management? Lol. Yes I have a problem...What is time management? Lol. Yes I have a problem with it big time and I need help! I schedule things when I already have too much to do and last night I signed up for three challenges and now not only am I scrambling to finish up main work but I am also scrambling to do more before it gets too late and I fall into bed exhausted again like I do almost every night. Great advice here and it is something I need to dig down deep and do something about to keep myself same.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17132862257762067102011-04-01T20:50:33.757-04:002011-04-01T20:50:33.757-04:00Time management issues?? Say it&#39;s not so. LOL ...Time management issues?? Say it&#39;s not so. LOL The problem with time management is that there are not enough hours in the day. Great advice here and I&#39;ll have to check your previous post as well. One thing I would add is to make sure to take time for yourself each day.Kenhttp://www.thefreelancertoday.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78605743062446622082011-04-01T18:24:36.074-04:002011-04-01T18:24:36.074-04:00Thanks for the broad base covered in your post. Ho...Thanks for the broad base covered in your post. How you do anything is how you do everything. Yet we often lose sight of the people and ourselves when we attempt to manage our time.Alihttp://healthyyouuniversity.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60588859955790297522011-04-01T17:37:18.019-04:002011-04-01T17:37:18.019-04:00Yes, poor time management can choose many unpleasa...Yes, poor time management can choose many unpleasant situations. Since I started blogging a month ago, I have been challenged in managing my time. I try to schedule in my tasks for the day and this also includes spending time with family. It&#39;s good to also step away from the computer and do other things that I enjoy :) I am still figuring it all out but it&#39;s a balancing act everyday!Diana Simonhttp://www.dianasimon.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63028647457372453892011-04-01T16:04:47.167-04:002011-04-01T16:04:47.167-04:00You have some awesome tips here. I admit I get way...You have some awesome tips here. I admit I get waylaid ever once in awhile but I manage to get myself back on track.<br />You have some great advice and pointers thank you<br />I found you via The Ultimate Blogging Challenge <br />here is my first post for April Enjoy <br />http://findingonesway.com/2011/04/this-%EF%BB%BFmoment-in-time-40111/Jessica Branthttp://www.findingonesway.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77473035199757449402011-04-01T14:50:07.134-04:002011-04-01T14:50:07.134-04:00I think I have the opposite problem. I OVER-manage...I think I have the opposite problem. I OVER-manage my time. If something isn&#39;t on the schedule, I become a mess. I think I have control issues...Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77893272170113230212011-04-01T13:28:35.610-04:002011-04-01T13:28:35.610-04:00I am admittedly a work addict. I am also unfortun...I am admittedly a work addict. <br />I am also unfortunately a rabid multitasker.<br />Now you see, being a work addict as it stands already can put a big kick to the butt on your personal life.<br /><br />..it is worse when your spouse sees you goofing on Facebook, not realizing that you&#39;re multitasking. XP Oooh lawd.<br /><br />This morning, I finally had to explain it. Now, if I had half a brain when it comes to relationships- I would have done this already. Alas, I really stink at romantic relationships. <br />&quot;Baby, when you&#39;ve noticed me goofing on Facebook, what else did you notice? Tabs? Docs open?&quot;<br /><br />&quot;Yeah, come to think of it, you usually have about a dozen IMs up, twenty tabs and a page full of notes going...&quot;<br /><br />THAT IS WHAT I THOUGHT! Which, again, wrong answer. LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18517591923396387482011-04-01T11:39:39.487-04:002011-04-01T11:39:39.487-04:00Time management isn&#39;t a big problem in my pers...Time management isn&#39;t a big problem in my personal life, but my professional life is a whole different story! Trying to balance clients, deadlines and still make sure my personal life does run smoothly often leaves me stressed and frazzled at the end of the day.Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17945498787424024172011-04-02T19:31:33.215-04:002011-04-02T19:31:33.215-04:00I always forget about Google alerts, I guess that ...I always forget about Google alerts, I guess that must have been how they knew. Or maybe they just did a search.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18046304429225006152011-03-31T21:34:29.807-04:002011-03-31T21:34:29.807-04:00that is great! google alerts or whatever system t...that is great! google alerts or whatever system they use at work. :) but even better that they contacted you to see if you would help with some feedback. congrats!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62885719667200887082011-03-31T11:47:32.357-04:002011-03-31T11:47:32.357-04:00I love that! I have been doing a few &quot;unsolic...I love that! I have been doing a few &quot;unsolicited&quot; reviews on my blog lately that have brought a few PR or owners from those companies over to blog. At first it scared the living crap out of me and I was rather embarrassed. Now, I think it is great however that these places really ARE paying attention to us little guy&#39;s complaints. That rocks!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68354611405074183872011-03-31T11:32:37.459-04:002011-03-31T11:32:37.459-04:00It would be nice if all business owners, developer...It would be nice if all business owners, developers, etc would actually listen to what people have to say. That is awesome that they actually responded. I also hate it when ads pop up everwhere. If I were to download something like that and all I saw were ads, I would delete it.Mia@ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75248709175655273202011-03-31T11:22:03.352-04:002011-03-31T11:22:03.352-04:00That is great that you were heard! I think busines...That is great that you were heard! I think businesses need to pay more attention to what consumers say about their products. Happy customers are good for business!Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64599796655199638802011-03-31T11:04:51.373-04:002011-03-31T11:04:51.373-04:00My initial reaction was &quot;wow, someone actuall...My initial reaction was &quot;wow, someone actually paid attention!&quot; that is so cool. lolChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87292894665295157872011-03-31T08:51:04.183-04:002011-03-31T08:51:04.183-04:00Lol That is kinda awesome. I mean, I can&#39;t off...Lol That is kinda awesome. I mean, I can&#39;t offer much commentary on the iPhone situation- I get lost just looking at one. XP <br /><br />But, well, you hit a nerve, there, and that&#39;s always super fun. ;)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2012413021355032122011-03-31T12:09:42.716-04:002011-03-31T12:09:42.716-04:00Cleona, it is really easy. Once you have the favic...Cleona, it is really easy. Once you have the favicon photo, upload it to a site like photobucket. Also, Google &quot;favicon blogger&quot; and you will find some sites that will make the code for you. Just copy/paste it into your blogger theme. Easy as pie!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33124857850071675902011-03-31T10:05:18.006-04:002011-03-31T10:05:18.006-04:00Yes, I could use a favicon for my blog. For some r...Yes, I could use a favicon for my blog. For some reason it just looks complicated to do so I&#39;ve always put it off learning to do it. When I get to that part of my blog, I&#39;ll definitely mention Dion in my next post. Anyway, I haven&#39;t started searching, but does anyone know of a good free video screen capture software or program?Cleonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18164329205761107100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86551046125509242522011-03-30T21:15:16.289-04:002011-03-30T21:15:16.289-04:00I just realized, after visiting the site, Dion had...I just realized, after visiting the site, Dion had offered me the same thing. But I mistook a favicon as being my facebook icon. All is well. It is great to know there are still people willing to help out and spend extra time for nothing really. Great service!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19583133718258578552011-03-30T08:59:57.742-04:002011-03-30T08:59:57.742-04:00Awesome! Gotta love the blogging community.Awesome! Gotta love the blogging community.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68765365584426739742011-03-30T08:25:12.833-04:002011-03-30T08:25:12.833-04:00Awesome! I always hated those big orange B&#39;s o...Awesome! I always hated those big orange B&#39;s on my blog! I need to find some for my WP blogs one of these days.Mia@ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19444363278192443012011-03-29T21:06:53.627-04:002011-03-29T21:06:53.627-04:00I agree with this. Its also why I will bold thing...I agree with this. Its also why I will bold things in my articles, so that those who are skimmers will still get the jist of itSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534095336525562657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79972270120297936762011-03-29T16:29:28.791-04:002011-03-29T16:29:28.791-04:00I appreciate shorter posts. I&#39;m a drive-by blo...I appreciate shorter posts. I&#39;m a drive-by blog reader. Writing them however, isn&#39;t always so easy.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74797376743096986782011-03-29T16:11:42.787-04:002011-03-29T16:11:42.787-04:00I like the idea of writing shorter posts especiall...I like the idea of writing shorter posts especially when everyone is busy! There are times when I see a long blog post and think oh gosh this post is long. <br /><br />However, if I see there is valuable in the first few paragraphs, I continue to read. I have seen there are many long blog posts that provide a lot of value.Diana Simonhttp://www.dianasimon.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75921210648646358272011-03-29T11:43:18.470-04:002011-03-29T11:43:18.470-04:00I totally agree. I find it hard to read longer blo...I totally agree. I find it hard to read longer blogs. To me they seem overwhelming. I like to get right to the point. When I write I read it over like 3 or 4 times to see if I have extra stuff. I want to make my point without wasting someone&#39;s times.Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00829662866569402813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11590088184879868512011-03-29T11:08:37.817-04:002011-03-29T11:08:37.817-04:00Good luck! I think this is difficult for freelanc...Good luck! I think this is difficult for freelance writers to do sometimes.wahmbrendahttp://onlinewritingbiz.yolasite.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84528213587381979952011-03-29T10:21:29.825-04:002011-03-29T10:21:29.825-04:00Important tip.Important tip.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54956136159627019922011-03-27T16:52:58.068-04:002011-03-27T16:52:58.068-04:00We have to stop letting others define us. We ALL ...We have to stop letting others define us. We ALL have opinions of what writing we like and define as &quot;good.&quot; Our opinions are just that. If people are willing to pay for material that we don&#39;t think is &quot;good&quot; too bad. That person is laughing all the way to the bank.<br /><br />I have always had sympathy for the material I love that seems to get ignored.<br /><br />As far as e-books go my only frustration is at times it is much like people in direct sales. Everyone wants you to buy because you are friend, family, Internet buddy, etc. I don&#39;t buy from everyone who does direct sales and I am not going to buy everyone&#39;s e-book. It is not personal, just practical. :)Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17897635149399928982011-03-26T19:52:00.404-04:002011-03-26T19:52:00.404-04:00Bailey, when you feel like a little fish in a big ...Bailey, when you feel like a little fish in a big pond it really does make a difference in someones day. <br /><br />Thank you Stacey! That means a lot!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71645388476418313392011-03-26T12:21:09.576-04:002011-03-26T12:21:09.576-04:00I think you have that effect on people Chrystal! ...I think you have that effect on people Chrystal! You&#39;re energy is more inviting than you think. You are helpful and humble and that shows in everything you do :-)Stacey Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12817323384308051440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23347150216416923622011-03-26T09:56:45.888-04:002011-03-26T09:56:45.888-04:00There are still people that value personal connect...There are still people that value personal connections in this world. It seems you stumbled upon one in your journey.<br /><br />The power of thank you is never to be underestimated.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88349881500535790252011-03-26T09:00:04.212-04:002011-03-26T09:00:04.212-04:00hahah there are just some things yet to be learned...hahah there are just some things yet to be learned about me! LOL. I hope you like that post, not to mention the blog is just great! I got a reply to my reply this morning. Seems like a really nice guy. Enjoy the blog Tori!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67132732937356724972011-03-26T07:04:12.661-04:002011-03-26T07:04:12.661-04:00I had no idea you were a Vonnegut fan! (And of cou...I had no idea you were a Vonnegut fan! (And of course, I&#39;m checking that out, now. LOL) <br />Isn&#39;t it neat when someone takes the time to really connect with you in that way? I mean, it&#39;s such a simple thing- but it just made your day. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68389548878805879402011-03-27T11:01:36.456-04:002011-03-27T11:01:36.456-04:00I use Fruitful time manager for my to do lists. I ...I use Fruitful time manager for my to do lists. I LOVE that thing.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55575294194987952142011-03-25T14:02:33.289-04:002011-03-25T14:02:33.289-04:00I make a list for my list. I have a problem. I thi...I make a list for my list. I have a problem. I think I am addicted to lists. LOL. Not really. But it seems for every item I cross off, I add 3 more!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38623526855886290612011-03-25T10:09:53.170-04:002011-03-25T10:09:53.170-04:00Organizing and prioritizing are my issues in getti...Organizing and prioritizing are my issues in getting things done. It is so easy to put things off.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11868363489692961702011-03-25T09:37:56.857-04:002011-03-25T09:37:56.857-04:00I love my To Do Lists. I just need to work on that...I love my To Do Lists. I just need to work on that ongoing time management problem... :)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85265900701595424692011-03-24T21:37:09.851-04:002011-03-24T21:37:09.851-04:00Thanks for this! It is always so hard to know for ...Thanks for this! It is always so hard to know for sure.WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27531009183474892872011-03-24T14:57:39.622-04:002011-03-24T14:57:39.622-04:00Great suggestions. It is one of the challenges of...Great suggestions. It is one of the challenges of this market.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85814785309728570732011-03-24T14:37:57.317-04:002011-03-24T14:37:57.317-04:00I&#39;m still using QuickBooks and have been since...I&#39;m still using QuickBooks and have been since Day One. The invoicing is there. The online version will pull in your bank and PayPal accounts. More than anything, I&#39;m familiar with it and haven&#39;t found a good alternative.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35665122699130927892011-03-24T14:00:55.004-04:002011-03-24T14:00:55.004-04:00I never work without a contract, but I also make u...I never work without a contract, but I also make use of invoicing. Deposits are a good thing, too. People need to not be afraid of things that protect them!rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63600488146153194662011-03-23T17:57:51.463-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.072-04:00I wish I would have known about the quit smoking s...I wish I would have known about the quit smoking stuff a couple years ago. We used Chantex to quit and even with insurance, the co-pay was high.Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13833669212118784292011-03-23T16:20:12.177-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.082-04:00It is time for my niece to change her instrument. ...It is time for my niece to change her instrument. Her dental bills are going to be high. :)Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23278991463085005692011-03-23T15:40:40.388-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.092-04:00Well who the heck knew?! lolWell who the heck knew?! lolAngiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65814686641317548052011-03-23T20:21:32.434-04:002011-03-23T20:21:32.434-04:00How cool is that!How cool is that!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/23/seed-tape-make-your-own.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83273312697400250672011-03-23T13:17:27.601-04:002011-03-23T13:17:27.601-04:00It is great to have a fun writing job that earns.It is great to have a fun writing job that earns.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44426002147997493402011-03-23T20:16:03.575-04:002011-03-23T20:16:03.575-04:00I don&#39;t have any ideas about scheduling but I ...I don&#39;t have any ideas about scheduling but I do enjoy all of your blogs so keep up the good work and find what&#39;s best for you and your market! No matter what direction you decide to go, I&#39;ll happily read!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/23/seed-tape-make-your-own.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1295019562453573302011-03-23T14:24:45.985-04:002011-03-23T14:24:45.985-04:00Chrystal, sounds like you may be realizing you are...Chrystal, sounds like you may be realizing you are spread a bit too thin. All my online writing pals, from a certain forum, you gals/guys are what motivated me to start my own site, realize I am a business owner and not just a freelancer, etc. I am always humbled and blown away by how much y&#39;all accomplish. But, just reading your list I got tired :-)<br /><br />The first thoughts that come to me are A) What is it that you enjoy most about starting a new blog? Is it the design, the technical set, the idea of the niche itself, etc.? <br /><br />B) I think the perhaps the Erotic Confessions and These Words, My Life, might be something that you can pull together for your own book?Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81527631720239686202011-03-23T13:59:43.516-04:002011-03-23T13:59:43.516-04:00I have no idea how you keep up. I can&#39;t keep u...I have no idea how you keep up. I can&#39;t keep up with more than one blog. I love the tax one so please don&#39;t give it up, but you could combine it.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68581917536791281352011-03-23T13:16:41.493-04:002011-03-23T13:16:41.493-04:00I would say evaluate what you want to do and focus...I would say evaluate what you want to do and focus on creating content for those blogs. I am not sure combining makes for any less work if you want to actually reach all the niche markets you have created.<br /><br />I think you have made a good start with your tax site, but you may want to decide what your goal is for the site and then work from towards that goal. From there you can work on the money aspects more clearly.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45399995055645499562011-04-09T12:19:54.595-04:002011-04-09T12:19:54.595-04:00I really think its a great service. It has a littl...I really think its a great service. It has a little something for everyone.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91233563153180746452011-04-09T03:18:36.512-04:002011-04-09T03:18:36.512-04:00Glad to know you love Weebly too, Chrystal! I had ...Glad to know you love Weebly too, Chrystal! I had Weebly host my wedding blog last year, and our guests said they loved it. They didn&#39;t even know it was a free platform :)teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40649370000527361542011-03-24T11:01:46.689-04:002011-03-24T11:01:46.689-04:00That was a bonus for me. With a free Weebly the fo...That was a bonus for me. With a free Weebly the forum is limited, but there are 3 folders and I am pretty sure if I remember correctly it will save posts for quite a while. I thought if I ever had a book published that Weebly would make a great website for my personal webpage.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14703119146755645272011-03-22T12:06:17.029-04:002011-03-22T12:06:17.029-04:00I like the addition of a forum.I like the addition of a forum.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27135870088661050432011-03-22T12:40:51.792-04:002011-03-22T12:40:51.792-04:00I can manage to categorize almost anything these d...I can manage to categorize almost anything these days as work of some kind...even if it is not. That IM&#39;ing is networking. lolAngiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-76497029735741686572011-03-22T12:05:05.908-04:002011-03-22T12:05:05.908-04:00When I worked in an office, I think my co-workers ...When I worked in an office, I think my co-workers were more of a distraction than anything I have going on here at home!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40160155949476380702011-03-22T12:04:49.593-04:002011-03-22T12:04:49.593-04:00How to make sure you actually work? Hm, have bill...How to make sure you actually work? Hm, have bills to pay, that&#39;s always a good motivation :-)Teresehttp://thewordtranscription.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8334802025268494262011-03-22T12:03:15.704-04:002011-03-22T12:03:15.704-04:00I found it just as easy to get distracted in tradi...I found it just as easy to get distracted in traditional environments. There are always things that get in the way. (Even when you aren&#39;t working in your PJ&#39;s) :)Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38109875379962237382011-03-22T11:45:12.062-04:002011-03-22T11:45:12.062-04:00Oh lordy. tell me about it. LOLOh lordy. tell me about it. LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-67606153347106636362011-03-23T00:37:31.281-04:002011-03-23T00:37:31.281-04:00This is a great one!This is a great one!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89938208009283363242011-03-21T22:10:32.232-04:002011-03-21T22:10:32.232-04:00Thanks!Thanks!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/21/recycled-craft-supplies.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12918044840830570482011-03-21T10:06:28.548-04:002011-03-21T10:06:28.548-04:00Great explanation.Great explanation.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5659447251511890972011-03-21T09:52:35.823-04:002011-03-21T09:52:35.823-04:00Not at all! :)Not at all! :)Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52733289990180377252011-03-21T09:14:09.154-04:002011-03-21T09:14:09.154-04:00I&#39;m going to link to this in my next blog post...I&#39;m going to link to this in my next blog post- hope you don&#39;t mind. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48683229024898433372011-03-20T20:32:06.963-04:002011-03-20T20:32:06.963-04:00There are also reports of competitors that target ...There are also reports of competitors that target each other with &quot;click wars&quot; to attempt to get the other banned.<br /><br />I am still looking for better opportunities. Google&#39;s ads are not always as targeted as one would hope to actually encourage people to click. Therefore the advertiser gets free space the owner of the space gains little.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65837363283893921192011-03-20T19:08:34.453-04:002011-03-20T19:08:34.453-04:00I made $0.40 cents in Adsense yesterday from 26 cl...I made $0.40 cents in Adsense yesterday from 26 clicks and it scared me to have that many clicks. This is why I quit using Adsense months ago because I was afraid someone would click on my ads too much and get me in trouble. I reluctantly decided to try it again and so far so good but it still scares me a little.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74235328716002760912011-03-20T17:56:22.109-04:002011-03-20T17:56:22.109-04:00Interesting! I don&#39;t do this of course, but ca...Interesting! I don&#39;t do this of course, but can&#39;t help but be worried someone would click too much on my ads and get me in trouble somehow.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79627338347132355752011-03-19T14:14:27.575-04:002011-03-19T14:14:27.575-04:00I am waiting to hit payout on Google. However, I ...I am waiting to hit payout on Google. However, I am looking for some alternatives. Thanks for the list.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57168482258736976672011-03-19T11:58:14.293-04:002011-03-19T11:58:14.293-04:00I use LinkedIn ads alongside Google&#39;s ad. I tr...I use LinkedIn ads alongside Google&#39;s ad. I try to keep ads at a minimum, but I&#39;m tempted to switch out Google&#39;s ads as those don&#39;t generate clicks. :)Calissa Leighhttp://www.calissaleigh.com/writenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37878382934227876382011-03-19T14:16:57.367-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.124-04:00The free resources are a great starting point.The free resources are a great starting point.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89400360147843950472011-03-18T14:01:56.693-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.138-04:00Thing is, if we don&#39;t pay taxes...how will our...Thing is, if we don&#39;t pay taxes...how will our government run? Who&#39;s gonna support our country&#39;s finances? I think many Americans don&#39;t get that we&#39;re paying for US. ;-) I don&#39;t mind paying taxes - am proud to do so.<br><br>But thanks for reminding me that the deadline is quickly approaching!Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17805664465189305542011-03-18T12:14:42.196-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.162-04:00I will never understand people getting irate with ...I will never understand people getting irate with the IRS that way. Actually, I get it, I&#39;m just not keen on horking off someone who can seriously mess with my money. <br>You gotta figure, you make the guy who makes your food mad- you might get spit in your chow. What happens if you upset the IRS? XP (I kid...sort of.)...at the very least, it just won&#39;t do any good.TS Mizehttp://www.elementcontent.com/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64802778294395075932011-03-18T13:58:41.525-04:002011-03-18T13:58:41.525-04:00Chrystal...you need to publicize this post in the ...Chrystal...you need to publicize this post in the writing folder of our fav place. With the recent Google changes, lots of writers are looking for new avenues, but haven&#39;t a clue how and where to start. You rock, girl! :-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58025976906070453012011-03-18T12:47:41.983-04:002011-03-18T12:47:41.983-04:00Great tips.Great tips.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73952517040913694382011-03-18T13:36:13.747-04:002011-03-18T13:36:13.747-04:00For a while I quit using Adsense because of what o...For a while I quit using Adsense because of what others were saying about the down side to it. I started using it again and we will see how it goes.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55838750541547437212011-03-18T02:18:19.139-04:002011-03-18T02:18:19.139-04:00Great tips! I have adsense, but still have huge mi...Great tips! I have adsense, but still have huge mixed feelings on it.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51255781551522662092011-03-17T22:00:48.275-04:002011-03-17T22:00:48.275-04:00I&#39;ve worked with Adsense awhile, I really like...I&#39;ve worked with Adsense awhile, I really like it especially now that it seems it&#39;s picking up. Never thought about the impact of blockers.Tomica Bonnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15364466475032725408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54879884360123567912011-03-17T11:36:54.598-04:002011-03-17T11:36:54.598-04:00I know little about Adsense. What I wonder is how ...I know little about Adsense. What I wonder is how many people, like me, use the blocker so we don&#39;t see ads? Since bloggers still earn with Adsense, I&#39;d think blockers are not the norm.<br /><br />The high payout does seem to be a deterrent, and I&#39;ve never considered that a competitor could bring your entire business down with click fraud. Seems like Google needs to combat that, whether click fraud happens internally or externally.<br /><br />Thoughtful piece. I like how you plug doing your research...well written content will always rise to the top.Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48772451269132089552011-03-17T09:46:20.313-04:002011-03-17T09:46:20.313-04:00One other benefit I have found is some of my blogs...One other benefit I have found is some of my blogs don&#39;t qualify for some advertisers&#39; affiliate programs. (Too little traffic, too new, etc.) But, if I mention that advertiser in a post and they use AdWords campaigns, their ad will show up and I can still earn from a click. It&#39;s a crazy roundabout way to still earn a bit if you don&#39;t qualify for their affiliate programs, but it works sometimes. ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62237011765430895212011-03-17T09:36:48.029-04:002011-03-17T09:36:48.029-04:00I think one of the drawbacks is the payout amount....I think one of the drawbacks is the payout amount. It can take a while to produce the revenues required to get paid. That means if you have made a commitment you are less likely to leave because you do not wish to loose the money you have made.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35687434683167300132011-03-16T16:12:35.822-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.193-04:00UGH! What a nightmare. You would think that after ...UGH! What a nightmare. You would think that after being a tax preparer for almost 10 years, I would have known better. I owed over $10,000 for 2 consecutive years-over $20,000. Yep, they started garnishing my husband&#39;s wages and we had to go take out a loan. I was no longer in the partnership that I had been in. My so-called &quot;partner&quot; was keeping money from me, so I lost my $1000 profit a week business. We are still paying the loans. Not something I want to ever do again.Mia@ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86498801469071081972011-03-16T12:55:29.267-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.204-04:00As someone who&#39;s owed taxes (and will owe agai...As someone who&#39;s owed taxes (and will owe again), I can say that if you can&#39;t pay it all at once, the IRS will work with you. My experiences have been positive. :-) If you don&#39;t stick with the plan, however, the IRS will definitely bite ya. I&#39;ve known folks who evaded paying taxes...and it was not pretty.Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70274785496046928712011-03-16T11:04:51.317-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.213-04:00We should be OK this year. However, the changes a...We should be OK this year. However, the changes are going to create some need for research for next year.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12263962222567357322011-03-16T10:28:41.574-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.223-04:00Last year, I owed state taxes, but not federal. o....Last year, I owed state taxes, but not federal. o.O <br>Still, 35 bucks didn&#39;t kick me in the butt. LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73410522717239810772011-03-16T12:53:00.511-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.235-04:00Working on it...but will be ready once April 15 ge...Working on it...but will be ready once April 15 gets here! :-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73426096011381005982011-03-16T11:03:00.415-04:002011-11-02T17:37:03.257-04:00Papers are with the tax man to prepare.Papers are with the tax man to prepare.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18380944714664512082011-03-17T01:14:13.751-04:002011-03-17T01:14:13.751-04:00Thanks for the info about this. I will definitely ...Thanks for the info about this. I will definitely be checking this out right now!C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71368829790371625342011-03-16T15:49:44.548-04:002011-03-16T15:49:44.548-04:00Never head of this one! I will have to check it ou...Never head of this one! I will have to check it out. Thanks!Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87240372885599845762011-03-16T12:40:55.251-04:002011-03-16T12:40:55.251-04:00Thanks for info - how do you think this program fa...Thanks for info - how do you think this program fares for B2B networking?Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6631013704595638772011-03-16T10:59:09.093-04:002011-03-16T10:59:09.093-04:00The world keeps expanding the options.The world keeps expanding the options.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-38204727377611923772011-03-16T12:49:15.172-04:002011-03-16T12:49:15.172-04:00One of my daughters has an iPhone and LOVES it. I ...One of my daughters has an iPhone and LOVES it. I don&#39;t know what kinds of apps she has, but I know her phone is very cool.<br /><br />I&#39;m with Bailey - you have a super gig, Chrystal. Congrats and have fun!Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56215371137984426522011-03-16T11:00:00.626-04:002011-03-16T11:00:00.626-04:00This sounds like a fun gig.This sounds like a fun gig.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-182174631903412252011-03-16T16:10:19.442-04:002011-03-16T16:10:19.442-04:00Titling is my priority and I have a stack of laund...Titling is my priority and I have a stack of laundry to prove it, lol. :)C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54795780180685392872011-03-15T17:33:54.566-04:002011-03-15T17:33:54.566-04:00Today my priority is cooking..but, it should be wr...Today my priority is cooking..but, it should be writing. ;)Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45636105212949703622011-03-15T11:01:35.867-04:002011-03-15T11:01:35.867-04:00You mean I am supposed to be writing. :)You mean I am supposed to be writing. :)Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45241856764140690542011-03-15T10:56:04.656-04:002011-03-15T10:56:04.656-04:00And a stack of dishes that would make your Momma c...And a stack of dishes that would make your Momma cry!rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68604327491101969582011-03-15T11:00:28.567-04:002011-03-15T11:00:28.567-04:00It&#39;s a great program, but I don&#39;t have the...It&#39;s a great program, but I don&#39;t have the ability to use so I will pass.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47211783091964330212011-03-14T21:29:28.240-04:002011-03-14T21:29:28.240-04:00I hate writers block! I have trouble with it a lot...I hate writers block! I have trouble with it a lot but not lately, thank goodness! These are great tips. I find going for a walk and changing my surrounding helps a lot. Thanks for the tip on the websites. I am going to head over there and bookmark them for later.C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77935250704493286492011-03-14T17:23:30.608-04:002011-03-14T17:23:30.608-04:00Writer&#39;s block sometimes plaques me for days a...Writer&#39;s block sometimes plaques me for days at a time. I find that changing where I write often helps to get me out of the funk and back to churning out the words.Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46892035477415360762011-03-14T13:01:21.461-04:002011-03-14T13:01:21.461-04:00I do the same thing, Bailey. Inspiration comes in ...I do the same thing, Bailey. Inspiration comes in a flash, and if I don&#39;t get it down, it blows away as quickly as it came.Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59825483185621725172011-03-14T10:29:07.466-04:002011-03-14T10:29:07.466-04:00I save blog drafts that I don&#39;t have time to w...I save blog drafts that I don&#39;t have time to write, but are there when I need something for later.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83694817557813996142011-03-14T12:59:03.244-04:002011-03-14T12:59:03.244-04:00The world was going paperless back in the late 80s...The world was going paperless back in the late 80s...hmm...<br /><br />I love your humor, Chrystal. Thanks for the smiles this morning! :-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21232588787023385852011-03-14T10:26:43.388-04:002011-03-14T10:26:43.388-04:00I always come back to the motto &quot;is it workin...I always come back to the motto &quot;is it working for you?&quot; I worked in payables and receivable for several years and was very atypical of the people I worked with for the most part. My desk was not neat as a pin. However, my accounts were paid to date as long as the company had the money to pay.<br /><br />I worked for one woman who used to have me take the staples out and restaple invoices because she felt that it hindered the filing system. Her office was immaculate and she could find any paper in minutes. When I took over I found we were 90-120 days late with most of our vendors and not because we lacked cash. The bosses thought she was a wonder of orginization. When I explained to them our credit stunk and we were having complaints from purchasing that we were getting shut off they seemed very confused. Doesn&#39;t organization lead to success?<br /><br />My desk was not always Martha Stewart, but the bills got paid or billed when I worked in receivables.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80556449155799220652011-03-14T00:11:49.039-04:002011-03-14T00:11:49.039-04:00Love this! I want to get into a magazine so bad bu...Love this! I want to get into a magazine so bad but I am afraid to even try again. I tried twice to get into Sasee magazine and never heard back. I would love to try again if I can get enough courage to. I am also going to start writing fiction again. I want to expand my writing, get private clients and get out of the content mills. :)C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4982929600477249162011-03-13T11:39:14.283-04:002011-03-13T11:39:14.283-04:00The organization tips you listed as well as unders...The organization tips you listed as well as understanding the guidelines suggested here are both critical to getting someone to even read it.<br /><br />There are going to be lots of people looking for these markets. Getting it right will be critical to getting the slots.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-152993409648505642011-03-13T09:48:09.994-04:002011-03-13T09:48:09.994-04:00Nicole, I have those, the magazine and the website...Nicole, I have those, the magazine and the website. Problem is, I can&#39;t find the confidence to apply to those types of publications. I finally got a subscription to Poets &amp; Writers magazine. I love it. I am more confident about my poetry. I am not the best creative writer. I know I have a self-help type book I could write, and then a novel in the works. I think I could write for certain magazines. I guess I need to suck it up or I am never going to move forward.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40990049584607279232011-03-13T08:30:37.341-04:002011-03-13T08:30:37.341-04:00I love the yearly Writer&#39;s Market book because...I love the yearly Writer&#39;s Market book because of the submission guidelines included, as well as who published what. That&#39;s a bit timesaver.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47697796356744876132011-03-13T08:24:08.113-04:002011-03-13T08:24:08.113-04:00I started to read through that last night. I alway...I started to read through that last night. I always forget about that forum. I should spend a little more time reading it. I have that thread bookmarked, if I had some time today I was going to check it out. Sundays tend to get a little crazy around here.<br /><br /><br />I have a TON of leads for getting published in books, mags, and so on. I should start sharing those here, someone might get some use out of them. I can&#39;t seem to gather enough courage to apply myself in these departments.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37761276643125131802011-03-13T08:08:34.269-04:002011-03-13T08:08:34.269-04:00Well, also- I started following one of the markete...Well, also- I started following one of the marketers that was involved in that thread yesterday. If you haven&#39;t read that thread over at the Warrior Forum, you really should. One, it does help you to get an idea of what the marketers want. That helps with other clients, as well. So many writers I know get angry about not getting clear instructions, I always wonder: why not come up with a list of questions? Why not ask a bit more, go that extra mile? So- when you see a thread like this, it&#39;s smart to look. <br />Two, you&#39;ll feel much better. Just trust me. When you&#39;re awash in a sea of cheeseballs (Aren&#39;t we all) seeing something like that is really very heartening. <br /><br />Where was I going with that? Oh yeah! One of them posted a decent sort of blog.<br /><br />http://www.sitepronews.com/2011/03/11/14-tips-to-improve-your-article-writing-and-article-marketing/<br /><br />Granted, now, it&#39;s that usual only-a-taste advice so common in blogs, but it goes along with your topic rather well.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81967564833762197702011-03-13T08:02:40.358-04:002011-03-13T08:02:40.358-04:00Good idea Tori! Since the crackdown I have a feeli...Good idea Tori! Since the crackdown I have a feeling more of us are going to go that direction. To magazines and such.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5297584360731154292011-03-13T07:46:15.008-04:002011-03-13T07:46:15.008-04:00It also helps a great deal if you can find their s...It also helps a great deal if you can find their submission guidelines and sort of tailor your pitch to at least somewhat adhere. :) Many sites and magazines look for a particular tone and if you can capture that, use it from the word go- it helps.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20130185250530790202011-03-12T10:39:30.874-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.267-04:00As one of eight kids, I can testify it was not eas...As one of eight kids, I can testify it was not easy before the Millenium. Great tax tips.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83158416520093717112011-03-14T10:04:59.307-04:002011-03-14T10:04:59.307-04:00I love Break Pal. Just an FYI, the link is an affi...I love Break Pal. Just an FYI, the link is an affiliate link, but only links you as my friend. I don&#39;t get any money or compensation from them. I just really like the program and I know their are many who could benefit from it. <br /><br />The stretching is awesome. And there is a punching one that I really like. <br /><br />Some days it is easier for me to do a few minutes here and there instead of all at once. Something is better than nothing and every little bit helps.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31738161773273110302011-03-14T01:26:26.512-04:002011-03-14T01:26:26.512-04:00I will have to check out Break Pal! I love exercis...I will have to check out Break Pal! I love exercising. I hate talking myself into it...but love the feeling I have when I am done!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63165894066711210042011-03-12T15:40:38.553-05:002011-03-12T15:40:38.553-05:00Thanks for this! I am really bad about taking brea...Thanks for this! I am really bad about taking breaks too because I feel guilty when I do. I am definitely going to try this Break Pal Out. :)C. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437797059756578393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82717775734478211352011-03-12T07:39:52.449-05:002011-03-12T07:39:52.449-05:00I often forget to take a break. I&#39;m really bad...I often forget to take a break. I&#39;m really bad about it. I&#39;m going to check out Break Pad to see if it helps. This is the first I&#39;ve heard about it.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82831030211885644242011-03-11T12:26:19.282-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.279-04:00Thanks for the breakdown. I&#39;m glad I take my b...Thanks for the breakdown. I&#39;m glad I take my business things to someone else. Far too confusing for me.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66823783641145268932011-03-11T13:55:02.864-05:002011-03-11T13:55:02.864-05:00Great advice! I blog and I freelance write but I f...Great advice! I blog and I freelance write but I freelance for other people and I blog for me. My blogs don&#39;t really have a niche yet. I just write what I want right now. This is great advice to listen to when I start to get serious about making money with my blogs! Thank you!Clarissahttp://cwilson26-ramblingthoughts.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53814750482102863322011-03-11T13:04:20.181-05:002011-03-11T13:04:20.181-05:00Great information! Thanks for posting it for the r...Great information! Thanks for posting it for the rest of us.Carrie Beasleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920111856382534580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87997709904006427252011-03-11T10:04:56.504-05:002011-03-11T10:04:56.504-05:00Your audience has to have money to spend, too. Th...Your audience has to have money to spend, too. That was what I learned after launching my education blog. My crafters spend more money.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5383390918389995802011-03-11T09:00:05.470-05:002011-03-11T09:00:05.470-05:00Great advice for those looking to start a niche si...Great advice for those looking to start a niche site.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-51792609824683496992011-03-10T21:02:48.837-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.305-04:00I&#39;m bad at keeping track of any of that so DH ...I&#39;m bad at keeping track of any of that so DH does it all. LOLDaisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21128506562226126502011-03-10T15:29:43.867-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.316-04:00Great advice! I am getting better at keeping track...Great advice! I am getting better at keeping track.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81057154759338611422011-03-10T12:00:11.954-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.327-04:00Boy, do I ever know that one! <br>Also, use a CPA ...Boy, do I ever know that one! <br>Also, use a CPA or no- the more organized you are the less headache come tax time. More headache for your CPA usually means more expense- sooooo, keep it neat and tidy. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9308984740618455832011-03-09T16:26:57.016-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.348-04:00Me either Angie! Bailey, sometimes I wish mine wer...Me either Angie! Bailey, sometimes I wish mine were heading off to college. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82483533648169698822011-03-09T13:21:48.695-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.363-04:00Aw, shucks! :) Unfortunately, I&#39;m not willing ...Aw, shucks! :) Unfortunately, I&#39;m not willing to take on those other expenses/responsibilities for the tax break. lolAngiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9826382300924695032011-03-09T09:40:49.122-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.376-04:00I keep telling my husband the upside is they will ...I keep telling my husband the upside is they will not be headed to college. We miss those expenses.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43300901671270857342011-03-09T22:28:04.457-05:002011-03-09T22:28:04.457-05:00Time management is an issue I continue to struggle...Time management is an issue I continue to struggle with although I&#39;ve gotten much better with it.Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553921975493267048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82744326342342129152011-03-09T16:27:54.477-05:002011-03-09T16:27:54.477-05:00I am the worst about procrastination, that is why ...I am the worst about procrastination, that is why I have to do my school work first thing before I start any writing projects. Otherwise, I get lost in writing and never get my homework done!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23095606064329241202011-03-09T11:42:40.548-05:002011-03-09T11:42:40.548-05:00I find doing what I do not want to do first means ...I find doing what I do not want to do first means less stalling and I get more done. This morning I put in an application which I was nervous about doing, then went with the chores I did not want to do, an article I should write, and down the list. If I had put the application further down the list it would be there on tomorrow&#39;s to do.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84642275900251631092011-03-09T10:24:39.230-05:002011-03-09T10:24:39.230-05:00I so need to get my time planned out better. I kno...I so need to get my time planned out better. I know I could do better if I planned better. RIght now, I just do things whenever. NOT the best way to do it! Thanks for the info.Mia@ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24736884184097084372011-03-09T10:15:27.315-05:002011-03-09T10:15:27.315-05:00Great advice. Work smarter, not harder.Great advice. Work smarter, not harder.Angiehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86362359596315554972011-03-07T20:05:34.331-05:002011-03-07T20:05:34.331-05:00Oh I could NEVER get on &quot;TV&quot;. I&#39;m n...Oh I could NEVER get on &quot;TV&quot;. I&#39;m not shy by any means but I&#39;m certainly not photogenic. Blech!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/07/benefits-of-growing-strawberries.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40805857449815047162011-03-07T16:44:09.766-05:002011-03-07T16:44:09.766-05:00I have tried a few separate time to actually get a...I have tried a few separate time to actually get a daily vlog going. I just don&#39;t feel like that alone I am funny or entertaining enough to keep people coming back. I do have an idea that Big M and I have been toying with. He also tried to do a vlog diary type thing with his band a few years ago. We both still have our accounts. I just think its fun.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6143956837590022972011-03-07T14:22:41.574-05:002011-03-07T14:22:41.574-05:00It&#39;s not only writers using video...many of my...It&#39;s not only writers using video...many of my clients are adding video in addition to Facebook, Twitter, etc. to build their brands and market products/services.<br /><br />More opps to write! (And help with social media campaigns.) ;-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55391372847836894212011-03-07T12:53:15.695-05:002011-03-07T12:53:15.695-05:00I just can&#39;t get into the video thing. No yet ...I just can&#39;t get into the video thing. No yet anyway, maybe someday.Mia@Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11433769949892743462011-03-07T10:25:43.474-05:002011-03-07T10:25:43.474-05:00Okiedoke. Today, today I do it. You&#39;ve got me ...Okiedoke. Today, today I do it.<br />You&#39;ve got me convinced, Chrystal.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65475199761305420712011-03-07T09:15:20.140-05:002011-03-07T09:15:20.140-05:00Dylan Thomas said he would not go gently into that...Dylan Thomas said he would not go gently into that good night. I just can&#39;t go there, yet.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88057304996649153652011-03-06T16:39:29.773-05:002011-03-06T16:39:29.773-05:00How cool! Congrats!How cool! Congrats!Daisyhttp://www.openspaceproductions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31725198001568311882011-03-06T16:00:39.224-05:002011-03-06T16:00:39.224-05:00Thank you!! They are really fun to write and there...Thank you!! They are really fun to write and there are writers from all over the world writing there. I figure, why not get paid for something I already do? Play apps. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31313717829930538012011-03-06T12:37:25.766-05:002011-03-06T12:37:25.766-05:00Great job. You are finding great ways to expand y...Great job. You are finding great ways to expand your blogging jobs.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41098626349259098032011-03-06T11:01:49.031-05:002011-03-06T11:01:49.031-05:00Like! :DLike! :Drebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29503312950560004262011-03-05T14:55:42.175-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.425-04:00Oh my goodness. I better start keeping my tickets...Oh my goodness. I better start keeping my tickets, I never win. I wonder how many people actually deduct their losses? I never have, I didn&#39;t realize that I could. You always have such good information.Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/05/growing-spouts-and-microgreens-at-home-part-1-how-to-grow-sprouts.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2990191807920760132011-03-05T15:04:22.692-05:002011-03-05T15:04:22.692-05:00This might be something to ask Andie (beechrose) a...This might be something to ask Andie (beechrose) about. She does Goal Lancer. I know you click on her site, then it takes you to the paypal. Pretty sure your download right there. She emailed me mine because I was testing it for her.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55644018630444025442011-03-05T14:48:07.739-05:002011-03-05T14:48:07.739-05:00I have a couple ebooks on the cooking blog and I j...I have a couple ebooks on the cooking blog and I just use a paypal button but then I can&#39;t do instant download so I was thinking of something else.Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/05/growing-spouts-and-microgreens-at-home-part-1-how-to-grow-sprouts.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36298290708462959382011-03-05T13:27:13.687-05:002011-03-05T13:27:13.687-05:00I wanted to redo the ebook site I had. I thought a...I wanted to redo the ebook site I had. I thought about putting it there because you can add the function to sell. I think a free account is 5 items in the store. Which is a good place to start. But then I figured I could do that just as easily here at Blogger with a paypal button. :)<br /><br />This is something I will dive into more after June , I will graduate then and have more time.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75499716941929541012011-03-05T12:23:18.891-05:002011-03-05T12:23:18.891-05:00Sounds like it has potential for people who need s...Sounds like it has potential for people who need something that comes packaged and inexpensive.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28708695568841479152011-03-05T11:29:15.682-05:002011-03-05T11:29:15.682-05:00It&#39;s not easy. I had a free WP, hosted through...It&#39;s not easy. I had a free WP, hosted through WP. I had the general idea of how things worked and I had a lot of help from Tori and Angie up there!<br /><br />It was so frustrating, but I got it. And I learned from it. My problem was I was not making enough money off of them at that point to pay for my habit. So, I switched back. <br /><br />When I am ready to make the move, I will be more prepared this time.<br /><br />In the process I found some other alternatives that others might like.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91600697209899508522011-03-04T21:46:34.859-05:002011-03-04T21:46:34.859-05:00When I set up my blog, I figured WordPress would b...When I set up my blog, I figured WordPress would be simple, because I&#39;d used it to blog for clients.<br /><br />Needless to say, there was a much higher learning curve than I anticipated. WordPress is an excellent platform, but it&#39;s not as easy as folks make it out to be.Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-62387646959044505272011-03-04T18:43:08.901-05:002011-03-04T18:43:08.901-05:00I have no doubt that someday I will got back to us...I have no doubt that someday I will got back to using WordPress on self hosting. I just want to build more before I do. Blogger is easiest for me because I have been using it for so long. <br /><br />I also know people ask for other options. I figured I would look at some of the other places the girls on WPLH were using for their basic websites. Squarespace seems to be pretty popular and I have not really checked that one out.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48043716392175799032011-03-04T13:56:52.233-05:002011-03-04T13:56:52.233-05:00This is where I have found my networking skills pa...This is where I have found my networking skills paid off big time. When I got all excited about finally organizing what I&#39;d been doing all along- I chirped excitedly to a friend.<br />I&#39;d referred that person to some work in the past, and, well, next thing I knew, he was offering to build my site for me, host it and everything in between. <br /><br />I am of the personal opinion that when you do decide to really GO for it with a business, you&#39;re going to have to spend a little money. However, if you network well and you do your research, it doesn&#39;t have to be *that* much. :Drebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64791170701616194492011-03-04T13:23:48.105-05:002011-03-04T13:23:48.105-05:00Lots of great information for the website newbie!!...Lots of great information for the website newbie!!Mia@Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84517769915346663932011-03-04T12:53:45.321-05:002011-03-04T12:53:45.321-05:00I should have said or use the free version. My po...I should have said or use the free version. My point was that the more complicated versions are not best if you are not going to be able to make them functional.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45142764886241209292011-03-04T12:52:24.218-05:002011-03-04T12:52:24.218-05:00You have to know what your going to use and willin...You have to know what your going to use and willing to work at developing. It is all fine and dandy to promise ourselves we will grow and adapt to the new and improved, but if we know we need plug and play, we need to buy it. If we are more in tune with designing then by all means go for it.<br /><br />There is room for both in this world. You have demonstrated that clearly.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16122326506869182942011-03-04T21:53:38.841-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.454-04:00Good info! So when people have a large lottery win...Good info! So when people have a large lottery win, they pay at the end of the year? Or does the government take their share before the payout is made? <br><br>(How nice it would be to have to pay millions to get your millions, yes?) ;-)Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73174946910239277782011-03-04T16:47:23.353-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.476-04:00Great info, Chrystal. I think this is one of those...Great info, Chrystal. I think this is one of those areas that people tend to *forget*.Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11134992176459434732011-03-04T13:26:59.816-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.487-04:00It is amazing how many times, as tax preparer, I ...It is amazing how many times, as tax preparer, I was asked if winnings were taxable income. Many people will appreciate your info on this one!mia@freebies and cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74551500752548269002011-03-04T13:37:18.228-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.518-04:00Great post, as usual. I love the tax advice!Great post, as usual. I love the tax advice!Mia @ Freebies and Cheapieshttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60071097226634772762011-03-03T19:44:00.768-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.539-04:00I&#39;m sure many people have not thought of this....I&#39;m sure many people have not thought of this. I know I wouldn&#39;t have. Thanks!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/2011/03/03/easy-ways-to-make-your-home-more-eco-friendly.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89581825480096828192011-03-03T10:05:25.159-05:002011-03-03T10:05:25.159-05:00Thanks Angie. I am still not sure of the SEW, so I...Thanks Angie. I am still not sure of the SEW, so I just leave it what it is. I actually used Bailey&#39;s (Thank you!) for Tax Queen and put it in the header this AM.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57039537414337944222011-03-01T18:24:50.508-05:002011-03-01T18:24:50.508-05:00Eww..forgot about the elevator pitch. I hate those...Eww..forgot about the elevator pitch. I hate those. Especially in the beginning when you are not quite sure where the wind is going to take to you and your new blog. :)<br /><br />Best of luck with those pub opps! They sound great.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4765072231095748602011-03-01T16:57:29.828-05:002011-03-01T16:57:29.828-05:00Tori - my facebook and twitter post once it goes t...Tori - my facebook and twitter post once it goes through Networked Blogs, then I ended up posting it again with the hashtags :) It should show soon. <br /><br /><br />Bailey - I finally got the name of the person who writes for the local Herald newspaper for my small town. I am going to see if I can get a post in the paper about the website. I have also posted it various groups on my college, mostly my accounting peers. They are pretty good about sharing stuff. Hopefully that will get me a little bit of traffic while I build up my site content.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48425984712029336062011-03-01T16:51:38.427-05:002011-03-01T16:51:38.427-05:00A question and answer guide to taxes for the avera...A question and answer guide to taxes for the average taxpayer. That is what comes to mind when I think of your tax blog. I love the format. I think it would be a great thing for high school and college kids to read.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58062713995924928762011-03-01T16:44:16.269-05:002011-03-01T16:44:16.269-05:00I was just reading about this- this morning, in fa...I was just reading about this- this morning, in fact. LOL <br /><br /><br />I was also sort of flailing widely because I got the announcement from WPLH that you&#39;d posted this, but it wasn&#39;t on my Facebook feed. Rather than simply go to my email, click the link, I immediately went to my wall, wailing, &quot;WHERE IS IT?!&quot; LOLrebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9747458840608505322011-04-05T22:58:09.444-04:002011-05-13T21:21:41.341-04:00For regular employees, if you work than 20 years, ...For regular employees, if you work than 20 years, multiply your 3-year average by 1.1 percent.adult communities long islandhttp://www.meadowbrooklinks.com/MPMillPond/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57596481354256248812011-03-01T12:14:04.712-05:002011-05-13T21:21:41.354-04:00Thank you!Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77511624905036005282011-02-28T10:55:53.399-05:002011-05-13T21:21:41.362-04:00Great explanation.Great explanation.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34219950492261708822011-02-27T15:45:40.158-05:002011-02-27T15:45:40.158-05:00Good for you Bailey!! It sounds like to me you hav...Good for you Bailey!! It sounds like to me you have made your own personal commitments and goals! Right now, I need all the kicks in the butt I can get. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23212932638768784822011-02-27T15:35:53.197-05:002011-02-27T15:35:53.197-05:00I am not ready for that kind of formal commitment....I am not ready for that kind of formal commitment. However, I will say our daily postings have made me more accountable. I am actually thinking about another blog.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53472485646510608962011-03-01T12:15:06.963-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.575-04:00Baily I am going to work on that post! <br><br>Mia...Baily I am going to work on that post! <br><br>Mia, thank you. There is a lot to remember and thankfully I get emailed updates or I would be lost!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84803181767223223502011-02-28T10:15:19.112-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.588-04:00Great idea! There are so many people that have no ...Great idea! There are so many people that have no clue about taxes. I did taxes for 10 years and there are so many things to remember, not to mention the annual changes in the tax laws.Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36499750089780796572011-02-26T15:05:17.916-05:002011-02-26T15:05:17.916-05:00It may not be yours, but the list is helpful. Peo...It may not be yours, but the list is helpful. People often use words, but they don&#39;t always mean the same thing to all users. It helps to have a central vocabulary.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11879732389448685582011-02-25T21:03:07.998-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.623-04:00I saw people in tax offices do it too. It would bo...I saw people in tax offices do it too. It would bother me a lot. I should have said something, but I was younger than and honestly, I guess I really did not care. If they got in trouble that was all on them!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2592551215917483382011-02-25T16:47:29.313-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.634-04:00It is really amazing to me how many people file fr...It is really amazing to me how many people file fraudulent returns. I worked in a tax office for almost 10 years and saw pepole do it everyday. I would be too scared to even try it-I would be the one to get caught.Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65132231350519257582011-02-25T08:53:03.974-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.667-04:00For the life of me, I cannot understand why someon...For the life of me, I cannot understand why someone would think they could get away with anything with the IRS. I mean, I am sure people do- but the risk is soooo not worth it.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40232705866533124562011-02-25T21:01:52.040-05:002011-02-25T21:01:52.040-05:00I have seen a lot of crap. Even back in the mid 90...I have seen a lot of crap. Even back in the mid 90s when online forums were still fairly new, it was not as bad as it is now, but it was still there. <br /><br />I have always been able to just walk away from it and laugh it off. I think it is silly.<br /><br />But, I think when it comes to taxes and me trying to help someone, it just irked me. I tried to stay calm on the forum and just say what I needed to say, but this is my blog and I felt the need to vent! LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24509170314248371642011-02-25T16:50:08.647-05:002011-02-25T16:50:08.647-05:00Al I can say is WOW! That is craziness. I try to s...Al I can say is WOW! That is craziness. I try to stay away from drama as much as possible. It amazes me how people act when they are online.Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64600162344572977622011-02-25T16:16:55.309-05:002011-02-25T16:16:55.309-05:00Oh these online bullies are so pathetic. They real...Oh these online bullies are so pathetic. They really must not have a life. I have seen some pretty disturbing things from people in a forum where I used to work. I even remember reading where one woman teased and poked fun about another woman&#39;s young daughter&#39;s death. Just so cruel. They need a life, they need a heart, they need all of us to completely ignore them. I wish we could &quot;hide&quot; posts on a lot of forums.WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89946648313272290402011-02-25T11:02:42.927-05:002011-02-25T11:02:42.927-05:00Sweetie, you did what you could. When that person ...Sweetie, you did what you could. When that person makes a big tax mistake- maybe they&#39;ll think back to you trying to help, and their reaction to it.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58327817124102276302011-02-25T10:42:01.245-05:002011-02-25T10:42:01.245-05:00I hadn&#39;t seen the drama. I am trying to stick ...I hadn&#39;t seen the drama. I am trying to stick to one folder and one folder only there lately. Things have gone a bit off the deep end and I don&#39;t care to get sucked in any deeper than what occasionally blindsides me regardless. It is far too easy. I try to keep my blinders on to anything outside of the one folder I want to be in. <br /><br />People can spend their precious time focusing on the drama while we&#39;re off focusing on making a living. The best revenge is success, Chrystal. Chin up, fingers to the keyboard. :)Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41053586114268298722011-02-25T10:35:11.501-05:002011-02-25T10:35:11.501-05:00I am so sorry you are going through this now. I ha...I am so sorry you are going through this now. I have learned to let the comments roll off easier than they used to, but it is still hard.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14712048621259214492011-02-25T10:23:04.243-05:002011-02-25T10:23:04.243-05:00Don&#39;t feed the trolls. The drama does come wi...Don&#39;t feed the trolls.<br /><br />The drama does come with the territory and sometimes I think we all engage. The problem is you have to be able to disengage. <br /><br />You don&#39;t know or owe these people anything. If you got something out of letting off steam about the topic so be it. However, at the end you HAVE to be able to walk away and NOT let it matter. When it does matter, it is time to take a break from the Internet until it does not matter again.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78193866405225389232011-02-24T14:55:46.311-05:002011-02-24T14:55:46.311-05:00Hey, right on! Congrats!Hey, right on! Congrats!rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66295951365211357952011-02-24T14:51:26.467-05:002011-02-24T14:51:26.467-05:00Congrats to you!Congrats to you!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60908780387023885422011-02-24T14:08:50.475-05:002011-02-24T14:08:50.475-05:00Good for you. I hope this builds into something b...Good for you. I hope this builds into something big for you.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9272581019042233972011-02-24T13:22:31.458-05:002011-02-24T13:22:31.458-05:00That is so awesome! I hope it goes great for you!That is so awesome! I hope it goes great for you!Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9366236364462661732011-02-24T09:27:25.911-05:002011-02-24T09:27:25.911-05:00Congrats, Chrystal.Congrats, Chrystal.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10648219695558481562011-02-23T14:56:00.269-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.686-04:00Great points as always. One of the first calls I ...Great points as always. One of the first calls I made when I decided to WAH was to our tax guy to find out what to keep, etc. You are doing a great job laying out the do&#39;s and don&#39;ts.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47872880178260837532011-02-23T17:34:22.301-05:002011-02-23T17:34:22.301-05:00I am noticing this too! I find people I know every...I am noticing this too! I find people I know everywhere online now. It is great!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47162177477001074142011-02-23T12:41:20.558-05:002011-02-23T12:41:20.558-05:00I love my cyberspace friends!! I have met so many ...I love my cyberspace friends!! I have met so many people online over the past few years. The have helped me in any ways.Miahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34014607766837760822011-02-23T12:31:41.773-05:002011-02-23T12:31:41.773-05:00Just jumped feet first into the world of blog, lov...Just jumped feet first into the world of blog, loving it. just not enough time in the day. thanks for post. await further tipsbaldychazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781208165930562253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57136792474577281852011-02-23T11:43:49.621-05:002011-02-23T11:43:49.621-05:00I&#39;ve met some great people online too. I can&#...I&#39;ve met some great people online too. I can&#39;t imagine my life without them.Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86255758764521059432011-02-23T11:25:19.718-05:002011-02-23T11:25:19.718-05:00I have found some great contacts professionally an...I have found some great contacts professionally and with my craft hobbies online. People can be very helpful.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61618748113015405612011-02-23T11:17:54.211-05:002011-02-23T11:17:54.211-05:00I am a firm believer in the amazing community aspe...I am a firm believer in the amazing community aspect you can foster through the &#39;net. <br /><br />This is an awesome post. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1935457754699316452011-02-23T09:50:15.289-05:002011-02-23T09:50:15.289-05:00Fabulous post! I love the people that live in my c...Fabulous post! I love the people that live in my computer. ;)Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-103303463942059952011-02-22T10:18:43.532-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.857-04:00LOL@Bailey&#39;s comment.<br>Truer words were neve...LOL@Bailey&#39;s comment.<br>Truer words were never spoken, my friend.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88772480903512328742011-02-22T10:00:09.961-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.869-04:00I try not to depend on their dates. While they ar...I try not to depend on their dates. While they are always in a hurry to get my money, they are not so quick to return it.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73988617266619595712011-02-22T15:43:22.173-05:002011-02-22T15:43:22.173-05:00My very first website was on webs. Way, way back i...My very first website was on webs. Way, way back in the day...Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60803468694946834682011-02-22T09:58:51.657-05:002011-02-22T09:58:51.657-05:00Thanks for sharing your resource list. It is alwa...Thanks for sharing your resource list. It is always nice to know what alternatives are out there.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8881600887638101982011-02-22T08:14:14.131-05:002011-02-22T08:14:14.131-05:00Interesting. I was able to create three blog sites...Interesting. I was able to create three blog sites using Weebly - including a wedding blog - and loved the simplicity of the experience and the variety of tools and features. I&#39;ll try out Webs on my free time.teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22090972142151105582011-02-22T10:18:52.218-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.881-04:00It&#39;s the IRS it is supposed to sound scary. T...It&#39;s the IRS it is supposed to sound scary. Thankfully we only had to do this once and our accountant did a great job. These question/answer formats are wonderful.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-4292497478887271982011-02-22T07:50:57.252-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.897-04:00This is one of those situations where it looks wor...This is one of those situations where it looks worse than it really is.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45768191100822784492011-02-22T10:15:22.838-05:002011-02-22T10:15:22.838-05:00This is an area I really neat to kick into gear. ...This is an area I really neat to kick into gear. Thanks for the suggestions.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50330957744974563242011-02-22T07:49:34.661-05:002011-02-22T07:49:34.661-05:00I was thinking I was going to have to make a excel...I was thinking I was going to have to make a excel sheet with the different products I have signed up for, that way I have easy access to them and that would spark an easier idea &quot;light bulb&quot; moment with what to put where. I have a few affiliate sites aside from Google.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49795005961705513672011-02-21T15:09:21.257-05:002011-02-21T15:09:21.257-05:00I have been struggling with wrapping my head aroun...I have been struggling with wrapping my head around this affiliate stuff too. Adsense is easy, but it&#39;s the other stuff that I seem to be having a hard time with. I signed up for Google Affliate, but I don&#39;t know how or where to link the stuff on my page! I guess I have been too impatient to really sit down and read it through.<br /><br />Thanks for the additional info!Stacey Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12817323384308051440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50355344077403274092011-02-21T14:12:32.425-05:002011-02-21T14:12:32.425-05:00Thanks for the mention and additional resources! H...Thanks for the mention and additional resources! Have a great week.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80688888641489187922011-02-21T12:48:40.729-05:002011-02-21T12:48:40.729-05:00This is one aspect of blogging that I have admitte...This is one aspect of blogging that I have admittedly just never been able to wrap my brain around- your posts and Angie&#39;s are a great resource for people like me. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1160684034930614632011-02-20T11:11:26.274-05:002011-02-20T11:11:26.274-05:00The dogs had the full spa treatment this weekend. ...The dogs had the full spa treatment this weekend. Well it felt like it cost for a full spa treatment. However, it was worth it to see them come home clean and trimmed. Our latest rescue came home acting like a princess so I would say what ever they did, it worked. I have not seen her this happy and relaxed since we brought her home. <br /><br />This is one of those catch up and relax weekends. There are all those little things that never seem to get done and this is a great time to finish them.<br /><br />Enjoy the pampering.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85641684859394351442011-02-20T10:54:15.863-05:002011-02-20T10:54:15.863-05:00:( but at least the kids make it better!:( but at least the kids make it better!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47605816690043093122011-02-20T10:50:48.095-05:002011-02-20T10:50:48.095-05:00My weekend&#39;s been spent fighting being sick an...My weekend&#39;s been spent fighting being sick and failing. :P BUT spending time with the kiddos has been fun, in spite of that.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1142923127908228062011-08-18T16:50:36.790-04:002011-08-18T16:50:36.790-04:00There were times when I used to think it would be ...There were times when I used to think it would be great to help others that had been through the things I had went through, but I realized thats not really the type of work I am cut out for. I am starting my Masters in Business next month. Finished my BA last month. Maybe one of these days I will go for an English degree.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88732643562880100052011-08-18T11:36:42.303-04:002011-08-18T11:36:42.303-04:00I also thought about being a lawyer too and I also...I also thought about being a lawyer too and I also thought about being a teacher...<br /><br />I am working on a master degree in social work so I guess I have to work with people lol<br /><br />http://momsmoneysuccess-lady-know-a-lot.blogspot.com/Lady-Know-A-Lothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07336843095354121476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89870195011468059112011-02-19T13:36:09.219-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.946-04:00Great advice! I love any deduction I can take.Great advice! I love any deduction I can take.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-32906551645637292122011-02-19T11:35:40.340-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.957-04:00Understanding how the deductions work and then tra...Understanding how the deductions work and then tracking them is huge. You are doing a wonderful job explaining the importance of both.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41916531672692024342011-02-18T11:47:04.117-05:002011-02-18T11:47:04.117-05:00Then you have those that are successful because th...Then you have those that are successful because they are the ones selling us this information, but they aren&#39;t actually using the information.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70541880140165635152011-02-18T11:34:09.935-05:002011-02-18T11:34:09.935-05:00I think especially when starting reading is essent...I think especially when starting reading is essential. There is much to learn. However, I have never believed there is a &quot;easy&quot; solution that will make us all succesful. I also think that what works for one is not the path that will lead all to the writing promised land.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69833254032671258282011-02-18T10:11:32.067-05:002011-02-18T10:11:32.067-05:00I think sometimes it is an excuse. The constant se...I think sometimes it is an excuse. The constant search keeps us from having to commit. <br /><br />I didn&#39;t buy anything for years. I just read, and read, and read more, never doing anything. Or, trying to do everything and wondering why nothing worked. Once I committed to stop the madness and commit to one thing, it actually started working. Who knew?Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21056983600343439562011-02-18T13:57:20.241-05:002011-11-02T17:37:03.966-04:00I love your blog. Thank you!I love your blog. Thank you!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70928853003238098352011-02-17T11:12:59.775-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.026-04:00Good reminder about keeping track of the books and...Good reminder about keeping track of the books and products for reviews. Have not started that yet, but hope to in the future.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68043544012500018282011-02-17T11:23:41.319-05:002011-02-17T11:23:41.319-05:00I think I will just a toss something over there wh...I think I will just a toss something over there when I can, but I don&#39;t think I am going to make it a regular part of my daily routine. It does seem like a good place to throw some of our links.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80976675730516886492011-02-17T11:15:04.701-05:002011-02-17T11:15:04.701-05:00It will be interesting to see how the new rules wi...It will be interesting to see how the new rules will effect all these sites.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40740256051762755122011-02-17T10:31:30.269-05:002011-02-17T10:31:30.269-05:00I go in spurts. I publish a bunch, then I don&#39;...I go in spurts. I publish a bunch, then I don&#39;t publish anything for months...but, I am a lazy backlinker. :) It does bring me traffic on occasion, though. <br /><br />As long as they continue giving dofollow links, I will keep publishing there. Even if the backlink is worth less, it will still be worth something. If they go nofollow, I don&#39;t think I would devote much time to it. It doesn&#39;t bring THAT much traffic, and it certainly doesn&#39;t earn. :) <br /><br />I think those that get all of their website content from EZA may be in trouble. But that isn&#39;t something either of us have to worry about.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9067029547986315182011-02-16T19:17:24.992-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.040-04:00Good advice!Good advice!openspaceproductionshttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34650149518790492932011-02-16T19:18:34.165-05:002011-02-16T19:18:34.165-05:00I hate getting junk with a keyword I&#39;m looking...I hate getting junk with a keyword I&#39;m looking for. I try very hard not to have junk and only create good quality content for my readers.openspaceproductionshttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46429217867354311132011-02-16T17:02:22.390-05:002011-02-16T17:02:22.390-05:00Another informative post..thanks from this fairly ...Another informative post..thanks from this fairly newbie blogger!Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15117388017313125160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-87785194807785102972011-02-16T13:53:05.225-05:002011-02-16T13:53:05.225-05:00I agree with pp that you do need a balance, but co...I agree with pp that you do need a balance, but considering that Google is the largest search engine in all the world, I think at this point, yes we do need them, at least until something bigger and better comes along but that looks like a very far off view.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03496354205963402127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83780968417318687062011-02-16T12:45:21.877-05:002011-02-16T12:45:21.877-05:00There is a balance. People have to be able to fin...There is a balance. People have to be able to find your site so finding the word they will search for is important.<br /><br />However, people are tired of junk popping up when they search for X keyword. They want a search engine to provide them with resources and info, not just a ad farm.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89427808473330293572011-02-15T21:53:57.103-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.086-04:00So, can we only claim one of these deductions? I d...So, can we only claim one of these deductions? I did the American Opportunity Deduction but I claimed the expense of my books too! Now I am worried...WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83061625741895449072011-02-15T20:43:39.837-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.098-04:00Great info!Great info!openspaceproductionshttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72821679899586455322011-02-15T21:51:29.927-05:002011-02-15T21:51:29.927-05:00Whoa that list just keeps going! :) Thanks for sha...Whoa that list just keeps going! :) Thanks for sharing!WAH Adventures!http://www.blogger.com/profile/00948807062719719653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9810428004590248332011-02-15T20:46:47.111-05:002011-02-15T20:46:47.111-05:00Oh boooo for having to spend you day at the eye do...Oh boooo for having to spend you day at the eye doctor. It&#39;s horrible not to be able t see.openspaceproductionshttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45544077053940211062011-02-15T09:50:27.042-05:002011-02-15T09:50:27.042-05:00I was just telling DH that I need to make an eye a...I was just telling DH that I need to make an eye appointment. I have been having more trouble reading lately. Last night I thought I had broken my glasses, but thankfully they were tougher than expected.<br /><br />As for people&#39;s reactions I try to change the topic. I have no need to justify my existance to them. I am not asking for charity therefore I do not need to explain how I earn the money I use to pay for their services.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57714193570287047702011-02-15T09:19:57.266-05:002011-02-15T09:19:57.266-05:00I have a widescreen laptop, which I love. I have i...I have a widescreen laptop, which I love. I have it hooked up to a large monitor, which I also love, but think it makes it worse. I am constantly hitting the zoom to make my page bigger. <br /><br />I have pretty much just gotten to the point where I say I make money off blogging and writing website content.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48996290400735579572011-02-15T08:56:00.205-05:002011-02-15T08:56:00.205-05:00I broke my eyes, too. I just bought a huge monitor...I broke my eyes, too. I just bought a huge monitor thinking it would make me feel less blind. Instead, I feel worse. :)<br /><br />I envy those of you who can get out there and speak in detail about what you are doing online. Even after 4 years, I still have issues with that. Like Nicole, many look at me like I am a lazy weirdo. I can hear their unspoken &quot;yeah, right&quot; loud and clear. :)Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-68915784746771109692011-02-15T08:02:22.466-05:002011-02-15T08:02:22.466-05:00I get the same questions anytime I mention what I ...I get the same questions anytime I mention what I do. Some people are fascinated, thinking I must be some hotshots. Others could care less and think I must be lazy &#39;cause I get to work from home and they can&#39;t. Oh well!Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58912114383558582712011-02-14T14:49:58.520-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.121-04:00As long as your doctor has prescribed it, then its...As long as your doctor has prescribed it, then its medical. One way to look at it, and the person has to be clinically diagnosed as obese. I think its great that insurance companies try to help out these days, of course they dont want you to be overweight as it costs them more.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9827847503462710722011-02-14T09:10:04.124-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.146-04:00Oy..do they ever saying anything in English? lol T...Oy..do they ever saying anything in English? lol Thank you, ma&#39;am. I am thinking this is one area that many people get themselves into hot water.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-19534469038799812542011-02-15T10:03:27.350-05:002011-02-15T10:03:27.350-05:00You guys are very welcome. I have so much more to ...You guys are very welcome. I have so much more to share. It is just making a schedule and getting things in order!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41453057890294014952011-02-14T21:16:46.583-05:002011-02-14T21:16:46.583-05:00It seems like there&#39;s a lot I yet have to lear...It seems like there&#39;s a lot I yet have to learn about SEO. I plan to take note of the lessons and share them on my blog (will link back to you and attribute the content, of course)<br /><br />Happy Hearts Day and cheers for sharing!teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24358101468172434822011-02-14T21:08:14.221-05:002011-02-14T21:08:14.221-05:00Thanks for the info..I still fairly new in the blo...Thanks for the info..I still fairly new in the blogging. I have been doing it a little over a year.<br />There is so much too learn!Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15117388017313125160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-14376810208459678572011-02-14T14:45:17.103-05:002011-02-14T14:45:17.103-05:00I wonder what it would have been like for me now i...I wonder what it would have been like for me now if I would have known this stuff back in 2005 when I first started blogging.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6261218137979311872011-02-14T09:28:22.882-05:002011-02-14T09:28:22.882-05:00I would love to have had these resources when I wa...I would love to have had these resources when I was starting.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-30736470204756606102011-02-13T11:16:38.165-05:002011-02-13T11:16:38.165-05:00Awesome list! Very helpful.Awesome list! Very helpful.Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44079467164392284812011-02-13T09:39:39.248-05:002011-02-13T09:39:39.248-05:00Ah, marketing speak. :D I always tell people to p...Ah, marketing speak. :D <br />I always tell people to pay attention to the commercials. Best way to glean what&#39;s working these days.rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-57288280333564547852011-02-12T21:58:39.393-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.156-04:00Great advice! Luckily this one thing I don&#39;t h...Great advice! Luckily this one thing I don&#39;t have to worry about on taxes.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91984748496352869542011-03-02T07:42:15.455-05:002011-03-02T07:42:15.455-05:00Thank you, and you are welcomeThank you, and you are welcomeChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3678802164042504442011-03-02T00:58:30.678-05:002011-03-02T00:58:30.678-05:00Hi Chrystal, just a heads up: I&#39;ll be linking ...Hi Chrystal, just a heads up: I&#39;ll be linking back to this post on my upcoming entry. Thanks for sharing.teecuphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05994705687793844709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40838650617112054192011-02-12T22:01:19.390-05:002011-02-12T22:01:19.390-05:00Wow bookmarked! Love it!!Wow bookmarked! Love it!!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10131842681125043202011-02-12T12:35:47.541-05:002011-02-12T12:35:47.541-05:00You are all welcome!You are all welcome!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50392041320939165982011-02-12T12:00:44.293-05:002011-02-12T12:00:44.293-05:00This is helpful, I&#39;ll def be referring back to...This is helpful, I&#39;ll def be referring back to this when I have to title my posts, I always have a hard time. Thanks! :)EVE UNDERGROUNDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03585555800487910153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15677317409144203692011-02-12T09:55:22.030-05:002011-02-12T09:55:22.030-05:00Thank You!!! I hate writing headlines.Thank You!!! I hate writing headlines.Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09767754895398722143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26304269417804738682011-02-12T09:33:41.234-05:002011-02-12T09:33:41.234-05:00Thanks for the mention, Chrystal! Have an amazing ...Thanks for the mention, Chrystal! Have an amazing weekend.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5706256170518957552011-03-01T21:21:12.381-05:002011-03-01T21:21:12.381-05:00Chrystal, I&#39;m glad you found our group. We&#39...Chrystal, I&#39;m glad you found our group. We&#39;re here to support you and help you through, especially when the going gets tough. Lean on us. That&#39;s why we&#39;re here. :)<br /><br />LisLisbeth Tanzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04467397795696146009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-31234145394495504932011-02-12T13:08:29.375-05:002011-02-12T13:08:29.375-05:00Oooh I like one tast a week! I have been stuck on ...Oooh I like one tast a week! I have been stuck on day 4 or 5 for months now. I keep stopping, and starting over. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75455998978005894882011-02-12T13:04:59.121-05:002011-02-12T13:04:59.121-05:00I&#39;m in the midst of the 31DBBB right now, only...I&#39;m in the midst of the 31DBBB right now, only we&#39;re doing it one task a week since 31 days straight tends to be overwhelming. We&#39;re on day 17 if you&#39;d like to jump in. This is my second time through, and very helpful! <br /><br />Lindsey @ GrowingKidsMinistry.comLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11834737751083541492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27905127933637584322011-02-11T13:12:55.852-05:002011-02-11T13:12:55.852-05:0031DBBB was one of the best &quot;blog challenges&q...31DBBB was one of the best &quot;blog challenges&quot; I have done. I love getting down to &quot;the guts&quot; of a blog. <br /><br />I still need to check out 6 Figures. I think we can all can relate to that &quot;if I only had more time&quot; excuse lately. We are all doing so well, though! I&#39;m impressed. :)Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287455638986350368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16652550548684949052011-02-11T07:20:32.934-05:002011-02-11T07:20:32.934-05:00I&#39;ve never checked any of Darren&#39;s books o...I&#39;ve never checked any of Darren&#39;s books out, but I should since they&#39;d really come in handy with the new site.<br /><br />Guess I know what I&#39;ll be doing this weekend.Nicolehttp://www.frugalmaine.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21070292551997179012011-02-10T08:16:22.750-05:002011-02-10T08:16:22.750-05:00@eduardo - well, you would think. I have been here...@eduardo - well, you would think. I have been here going over 6 years now and nothing has happened to me. I know for seo purposed, self hosting with wordpress is easier because of the plugins they offer. I feel pretty safe here. I might move again at some point when things pick up.<br /><br />@nicole - it was not easy, but more for financial reasons I had to. Plus GoDaddy was just getting on my nerves. My site slow, my fiances site, super fast. I don&#39;t get it. I think I will take all of them at once over to hostgator when the time is right. Thank you for the words.<br /><br />@Tori - It is weird. The ones I did track down, I can see why they were angry, I would be too, but yet they did not offer us any proof which leads me to believe they violated the TOS and are just pissed off about it. I do know that Google has a spam filter, and just like the plag filter at DS, sometimes it flags things that arent. Google has a 4 step process to restore your blog if this is the case. <br /><br />@Daisy - thank you.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18836882574139015902011-02-09T21:15:52.081-05:002011-02-09T21:15:52.081-05:00I hope it works out for you. :DI hope it works out for you. :DDaisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/?p=136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74459223839208464832011-02-09T14:41:12.042-05:002011-02-09T14:41:12.042-05:00It is so weird to me that people get things delete...It is so weird to me that people get things deleted from any platform, really. I mean, if it&#39;s THAT important, surely you know the TOU, right?<br />Anyhoo, it&#39;s good to see you got yourself back on track. :)rebuildingtori.comhttp://rebuildingtori.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1992909757851438462011-02-09T13:54:39.645-05:002011-02-09T13:54:39.645-05:00I know this was not an easy decision, but I know t...I know this was not an easy decision, but I know that you made the right one for you. And you&#39;ll be successful no matter where your site is located or who it&#39;s through. You&#39;re an extremely talented person, and I know you&#39;ll do great.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42003106337584100962011-02-09T13:30:12.347-05:002011-02-09T13:30:12.347-05:00I haven&#39;t had anything deleted from Blogger as...I haven&#39;t had anything deleted from Blogger as of yet. You did have me scared but I figure as long I&#39;m not doing anything wrong i should be safe. I&#39;ve thought about leaving but I&#39;m not equipped to do so, at least not yet.Royal Eduardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14180910857047075245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35513496287196868422011-02-08T11:58:45.580-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.225-04:00I&#39;m still waiting on one 1099 before I file. T...I&#39;m still waiting on one 1099 before I file. Then again, I also itemize, so I guess I&#39;ll be waiting a bit longer.Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49760611438896564882011-02-08T08:19:45.879-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.247-04:00I know its never fun. When I was working in a tax ...I know its never fun. When I was working in a tax office I was always very understanding. Oddly, I have the education credits but my returns went through. I was a little confused by that.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71873169412209852252011-02-06T06:31:23.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.928-05:00When I actually feel like I have a free moment, I ...When I actually feel like I have a free moment, I plan on checking The Keyword Academy out.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8101639473040032952011-02-05T12:39:21.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.933-05:00Then Internet has provided us with access to a gre...Then Internet has provided us with access to a great deal of free information that is valuable. Some people do find value in having it presented to them without having to do the research. Others find a certain &quot;voice&quot; speaks to them in a way other methods do not. I tend to start with free resources and work my way up to paid resources when the free ones do not work.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-88798605531490407832011-02-06T19:51:31.645-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.283-04:00I could probably utilize more of the items listed,...I could probably utilize more of the items listed, but I&#39;m so damn paranoid.Nicole Irelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09164201909384064031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3851591407782359982011-02-05T13:43:12.457-05:002011-11-02T17:37:04.309-04:00Great advice! I just started working at home last ...Great advice! I just started working at home last year and I hope to keep better track this year.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10813844322191139652011-03-24T13:19:28.767-04:002011-03-24T13:19:28.767-04:00You jumped around like I did. I started with Yahoo...You jumped around like I did. I started with Yahoo360, to Myspace, to Blogger. I still have that MySpace, but now I just use it to share links on. Myspace turned in to Facebook, which has proved to be pretty valuable. I do have a Tumblr, but again, all I do is share links on it. I never tried TypePad. <br /><br />Self hosting may have been better if I was someone who already had 1000s of followers and millions of pages views. Someone who pulls $1000 a month or more off their residuals. For the small time folk like me, this is a better option.<br /><br />Did you save your WP files? There is a way to import them into Blogger.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74995929570439223502011-03-24T12:23:25.052-04:002011-03-24T12:23:25.052-04:00When blogging just came about, I started with blog...When blogging just came about, I started with blogger then I switched to typepad, then to tumblr then to wordpress because everyone was talking about wordpress this and wordpress that. Then I switch to self hosting because everyone else said it was the best way. In the end I didn&#39;t accomplished anything one bit. I was too focused on what other so called experts said and less on creating great content for readers. So I&#39;m back with blogger and I&#39;m starting a fresh.<br />Great article, Chrystal and I have made reference to this article in my post.Cleonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18164329205761107100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54470099476768041412011-02-04T13:37:31.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.939-05:00That happened to me, too and it really bothers me....That happened to me, too and it really bothers me. I am linking blogs with each other and the format is sloppy. People are not going to know that it was a transfer format error, they will just assume I did it like that.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70907355170320689462011-02-04T11:03:48.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.955-05:00My biggest complaint when moving my Blogger posts ...My biggest complaint when moving my Blogger posts over to WordPress was the loss of formatting. I had no idea that would happen, so when I saw that once they were moved over, I was so upset. I really didn&#39;t want to go back through them all. It was just too time consuming, so I left them as is. It still bugs me, though, that if people read far enough into my site, they&#39;ll find them, and it&#39;ll reflect badly on me.<br><br>So I do think you make some VERY valid points in this post. And absolutely right about weighing the pros and cons and figuring out what works best for you.<br><br>Bravo for taking the time to write out this post. You really put a lot of thought into it, and I appreciate it.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72201151080899889262011-02-04T10:56:53.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.942-05:00I feel like every time I try to let someone know a...I feel like every time I try to let someone know about the other options outside of self hosting I get snipped at. I don&#39;t understand it except that they are affiliates of hosting sites (I am too!) and they just use that as a opportunity to make a sale.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24176582822768093162011-02-04T10:49:41.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.975-05:00I am on Blogger with no intentions of moving at th...I am on Blogger with no intentions of moving at the moment. I have read and FULLY understood all the arguments for self-hosting. It is not ignorance, but understanding that has led me to this decision. I understand the risks and challenges. However, I also cannot justify the costs of self-hosting as I don&#39;t have the Blogging income to justify it yet. I am hoping it is going to start supplementing my writing income soon, but it takes a while for Adsense to reach payout and Amazon is not a quick fix either. There are also the technical issues you mention which are another headache I am not prepared to face.<br><br>I have never understood the battles like these. I respect those who make the choice to move. Why the hositilty to those of us who have researched and then also made a choice to stay?Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24163524481003790812011-02-03T17:41:43.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.948-05:00This one is godaddy domain, godaddy host and word ...This one is godaddy domain, godaddy host and word press. I pretty much have that figured out. I might keep this one hosted and just start the new on on Blogger for now and leave the others on blogger along with the godaddy domains that go with them. Once they get more traffic and posts I will think more about self hosting for them. I am not sure what I am going to do about this one, if anything.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9574575242738093252011-02-03T15:45:45.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.951-05:00Thanks. I have some others in the works.Thanks. I have some others in the works.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1033565466910447462011-02-03T15:45:30.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.895-05:00Baily I don&#39;t blame you.<br>I know a LOT of pe...Baily I don&#39;t blame you.<br>I know a LOT of people who do make a nice amount of money on Blogger from adsense and affiliates. Best of all, they get to keep it because they don&#39;t have to pay for hosting.<br>Google loves their own blogs. My traffic was much higher there and I was higher in the search engines. <br>I don&#39;t mind buying the domains and paying for those yearly, that cost I can justify since it makes the site look much more professional.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63153112339174762462011-02-03T14:39:49.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.886-05:00Very cute graphics and blog :) I finally set up my...Very cute graphics and blog :) I finally set up my blog with Go Daddy, Blue Host and Wordpress.org. Not hard at all, as long as you get the hang of it. If you need any help, let me know!Chanelhttp://www.the-fashion-guru.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43416110605828136642011-02-03T09:45:05.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.918-05:00The new graphics are TOO cute. I love them.The new graphics are TOO cute. I love them.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33403488733711564082011-02-03T08:30:26.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.926-05:00The graphics are cute. There are so many options ...The graphics are cute. There are so many options it can be hard to decide, especially when it is an upfront investment with no immediate return. That is why I am sticking with Blogger for now. I have heard all the arguments. I just can&#39;t justify buying a domain until I can predict an income that will clear those costs. Until then, it is a hobby that makes a little money on the side.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34601430337801171372011-02-07T07:58:15.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.910-05:00Sent!Sent!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13082084065366012042011-02-06T15:32:32.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.914-05:00I need to locate that ebook. I want to read it.<br...I need to locate that ebook. I want to read it.<br><br>Like you, I want to write what I want to write and not what others want me to. &#39;Cause you&#39;re right, it stifles you. Bye bye motivation.<br><br>I did setup a HubPages account last week, so I need to start writing there.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11523165891164277802011-02-03T14:38:34.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.954-05:00I can&#39;t justify spending the $33 right now. I ...I can&#39;t justify spending the $33 right now. I am having a hard time paying for hosting. Things are not that different money wise from free blogger to self hosted wordpress. I can understand why people self host, I have heard all the arguments. But, 5 years and I have never had a problem and those that do have problems, well its one in a million.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74450348208020841072011-02-03T14:36:53.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.957-05:00A lot of what I am going through I already knew fr...A lot of what I am going through I already knew from other resources. So I am not sure I will stick with KWA. <br>I had the stylish blogger award last month (?), so I am not sure if you want to award it to someone else???Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18673220038397210972011-02-03T14:35:39.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.960-05:00Thank you so much!Thank you so much!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5177491169928951602011-02-02T18:30:03.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.328-05:00I took advantage of the trial as well. I&#39;m no...I took advantage of the trial as well. I&#39;m not necessarily sure I&#39;m going to stick with it. The tools are great, but I&#39;m not sure how much I&#39;ll use them to really justify paying the monthly fee. But I&#39;ve already learned quite a bit just in my free trial. Now, I just have to put what I learned to use.Gwynnehttp://yummification.squarespace.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66316307270495651742011-02-02T14:26:41.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.963-05:00Good luck on all your ventures. We&#39;ll have to...Good luck on all your ventures. We&#39;ll have to compare notes on KWA! :DDaisyhttp://openspaceproductions.net/?p=124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53019531329617862892011-02-02T08:26:57.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.848-05:00Good for you! I joined Keyword Academy last week,...Good for you! I joined Keyword Academy last week, still trying to find the time to get through all the chapters, but what I have read so far has been a godsend! I was keyword clueless (and I still haven&#39;t mastered it, but I&#39;m getting there). I think it is well worth the investment. I&#39;m really glad that you are taking charge and getting things done, SUPERwoman!!!<br><br>I also wanted to aware you with the Stylish Blogger Award! Someone awarded it to me and since it&#39;s a &quot;pay it forward&quot; type deal, the first person on my list was you (naturally). You can check out the award details on my blog (www.theWritetoMakeaLiving.com). I would tell you to keep up the good work...but I already know that you will!Staceyhttp://www.thewritetomakealiving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78286756464652134522011-02-02T07:33:59.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.966-05:00Good luck with your new sites. I think you have a...Good luck with your new sites. I think you have a great goal to support yourself doing what you want to do and how you want to do it.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72847367483333408402011-02-02T07:19:51.000-05:002011-02-08T19:34:50.969-05:00I am really excited about the tax site. I should h...I am really excited about the tax site. I should have done it sooner. I always new it was my &quot;smart&quot; subject I just was not sure I wanted to stick to writing about it. It comes natural for me and I get so many people asking me questions. With this site I can just say here is the link, to answer your question!<br><br>I got ahead of the homework today so I have some time to spend on it today. Thank you Angie for you help!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6319186099781314402011-02-02T05:33:19.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.811-05:00I do wish you the best of luck! I can&#39;t wait t...I do wish you the best of luck! I can&#39;t wait to see the new tax site. I also hope you get something out of Keyword Academy. I am only a few weeks in, but I have been seeing clicks almost everyday for the last week. That&#39;s a big improvement from ONE in the last year. :) I didn&#39;t get rich overnight, but is going to add up over time.Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6402069173856232422011-01-31T06:05:39.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.576-05:00I think the idea of dumping the unrealistic list i...I think the idea of dumping the unrealistic list is a great idea. Focusing on the achievable is the best possible choice.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73291709516708560712011-01-30T15:42:29.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.570-05:00I often have that trouble myself especially with l...I often have that trouble myself especially with large homework assignments. Then, I get stuck rushing and that&#39;s not a good thing to do when the schooling is required to maintain my job LOL!!Daisyhttp://theblogphotog.com/?p=165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40901265075409446342011-01-30T07:29:04.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.358-05:00Thanks! This seems doable and I will try it. :)Thanks! This seems doable and I will try it. :)Clarissahttp://cwilson26-ramblingthoughts.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53464645471638660252011-01-30T07:26:50.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.365-05:00Wow, I needed this! Although I do make lists, I st...Wow, I needed this! Although I do make lists, I still procrastinate and need to stop. For instance, yesterday I got more done than usual and today I am putting work off while reading blogs and posting in mine, lol. Have to force myself to quit doing this and make it for after work. :) Starting after I take a shower!Clarissahttp://cwilson26-ramblingthoughts.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61497323996038681592011-01-29T11:35:51.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.503-05:00Sometimes, you need to see that in black and white...Sometimes, you need to see that in black and white. Scheduling even the smallest of tasks is what&#39;s needed to stay on track.Daisyhttp://www.openspaceproductions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58604768503510620172011-01-29T08:45:15.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.369-05:00Thank you - excellent suggestions and coincide wit...Thank you - excellent suggestions and coincide with some realizations I have posted about in my own blog, as well. I&#39;m thinking it&#39;s the theme for 2011!K'Lee Bankshttp://officehelp4hire.com/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82575382946054119482011-01-29T08:08:57.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.518-05:00I need to do better at this for sure!I need to do better at this for sure!Mandy Robinsonhttp://mandy-workathomeadventures.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10298613518808030372011-01-29T07:59:48.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.372-05:00These are some great tips. I make lists everyday o...These are some great tips. I make lists everyday of the things that I need to accomplish. Otherwise, I end up forgetting something important.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22264669121613996942011-01-29T07:45:33.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.375-05:00Oh so good advice and one I harp on to my visitors...Oh so good advice and one I harp on to my visitors cheers<br><br>A little snippet of my Time http://www.web-of-life.com/2010/06/how-do-you-really-spend-your-time.htmlFernando-Alejandrohttp://www.web-of-life.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60626014121182115492011-01-28T14:40:29.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.382-05:00I don&#39;t have any words of wisdom, either. The ...I don&#39;t have any words of wisdom, either. The last two weeks, I haven&#39;t had much ambition for anything. Not sure if I am just rundown or burnt out. Or, it&#39;s the winter blues. I don&#39;t know. All I know is that I&#39;m tired, I can&#39;t sleep and yet nothing gets done. Oy.Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11702670617607452772011-01-28T08:04:56.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.438-05:00I also have to get off the Internet and on to the ...I also have to get off the Internet and on to the exercise machine. I have no words of wisdom, only encouragement. You are carrying quite a bit and not giving yourself any room to breathe. You will hit a stride with this it just takes some time.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-64182925670875125782011-01-28T07:39:34.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.430-05:00Gosh, this sounds like my days and nights. I usual...Gosh, this sounds like my days and nights. I usually get about the same amount of sleep as you. And then I&#39;m up at 5:00am. I try and fall back to sleep, but it doesn&#39;t happen. However, I also can&#39;t get my mind to work that early because of lack of sleep.<br><br>The kiddos get up at 6:15-6:30am. From that point until 3:45, I have to fit in a 20-30 min. workout, three meal preps, work, playtime with my son, housework, personal writing and more. As you can imagine, I never get it all done. There&#39;s just not enough time.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-50110144984422967542011-01-28T04:28:05.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.345-05:00Never been an Idol fan, but I do like positive sto...Never been an Idol fan, but I do like positive stories. It seems there are far too few of them reported in the world.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21132566177400933402011-01-27T21:08:22.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.363-05:00I completely forgot to set the DVR this week, so I...I completely forgot to set the DVR this week, so I missed it. I did watch last week and thought it was greatMiahttp://freebiesandcheapies.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1138290678648089852011-01-27T17:29:56.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.376-05:00Oh I disagree about the magic being gone. Steven ...Oh I disagree about the magic being gone. Steven Tyler and JLo really fill the void and I thought I&#39;d be the last person on the planet to say that LOL<br><br>This young man will go far I hope. He hasn&#39;t been my favorite by far but I hope he does well. What a touching story! Reminded me of Danny Gocke (sp?) and how much he loved his wife who did die. If only all people would be that lucky to find such love in life, huh?Daisyhttp://www.openspaceproductions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21075744363794211322011-01-27T15:48:52.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.356-05:00This is the first episode I have watched in years....This is the first episode I have watched in years. This is the time of year when all of my shows are off the air, so while waiting for the season to return I thought...oh I will watch AI ...see whats new. I always liked the auditions..all the funnies make me laugh and I really like Steven Tyler so I was interested to see how he was going to do as a judge.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-79354158292663973192011-01-27T15:11:49.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.369-05:00I hate to admit it but I&#39;ve watched none of Id...I hate to admit it but I&#39;ve watched none of Idol this year. I just can&#39;t bring myself to now that Simon is gone. It just doesn&#39;t hold the magic for me anymore. However, this Chris Medina guy sounds absolutely amazing. What a courageous fellow.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2997773709335909062011-01-26T08:51:31.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.185-05:00Writing has always been a part of me. It&#39;s alw...Writing has always been a part of me. It&#39;s always been there, so it was a no brainer when I started working on my first novel.<br><br>Blogging was a bit different. I putzed around with it on MySpace but nothing too serious. Then I started working at Mahalo, which changed everything. I started liveblogging American Idol. And the rest is history, as they say.<br><br>As far as what inspires me..EVERYTHING! I find inspiration all over the place, so I guess I could say life in general.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-5898382715233434112011-01-26T05:12:36.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.401-05:00I started as a means to get organized. I had gath...I started as a means to get organized. I had gathered lots of information and was constantly being asked to share it. Blogging was a way to get started. Now it has become more of a way to connect with others who share my interests and it has become more enjoyable.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26557415575198215162011-01-25T15:44:45.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.405-05:00Thanks for sharing your journey. This blog challen...Thanks for sharing your journey. This blog challenge seems to be much different than it has been in the past. I think it may be because it has grown so much, or possibly because it&#39;s a different group. The last few that we did were pretty small with lots of interaction and networking. There seems to be a very different vibe this time.Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59281562946102675332011-01-25T15:02:46.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.171-05:00I do it to record history. This stuff is in cyber...I do it to record history. This stuff is in cyberspace permanently somewhere, isn&#39;t it? Not that the history I have to share is all that important LOL and I don&#39;t write every day (though I want to) but it&#39;s a way for me to look back at some point and see what I thought my world was like. I look back at posts from forums that way too from years ago. It&#39;s amazing the thoughts I had at some points in my life.Daisyhttp://www.openspaceproductions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6925419734604335672011-01-25T12:04:10.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.409-05:00I loved your challenge of asking ourselves, why do...I loved your challenge of asking ourselves, why do we write/blog? It gave me pause to go back to the root of what compelled me to begin to share my story in the first place. I don&#39;t want to be posting just to hit a number. The corollary to that is if I don&#39;t post frequently then chances of readers finding my material is greatly reduced. <br><br>The UBC creates some accountability to blog frequently and gives me a chance to support great blogs out there. The why I write gives me the content...not any prompts. I write to share my story of loss infused with some of the tips and resources that saw me through some major life transitions. It gives me an opportunity to connect with others, giving them some insights into coaching tools that helped me recreate my life after losing my husband. <br><br>I blog to make a difference for others and it is that well of inspiration I draw from to write each week. Thanks for reminding me.Tambre Leighnhttp://www.coachingbytambre.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91218162103707170762011-01-24T02:21:12.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.435-05:00Great series! I enjoyed it a lot!Great series! I enjoyed it a lot!Daisyhttp://www.openspaceproductions.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84107652682105902132011-01-23T19:52:17.000-05:002011-02-08T19:35:55.439-05:00What an all-inclusive, refreshing chunk of honesty...What an all-inclusive, refreshing chunk of honesty and reality!<br><br>Doing your legwork/homework ahead of time will definitely help you &quot;get real&quot; about the world of freelance writing. It&#39;s not all peaches and cream. :)<br><br>Wonderful post!Melanie Kissellhttp://melaniekissell.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44221984895509434712011-01-23T09:36:49.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:25.035-05:00What a great list of questions for perspective wri...What a great list of questions for perspective writers to ask themselves beforehand.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21584743398374214522011-01-24T10:52:12.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.924-05:00I learned a long time ago what works for me in reg...I learned a long time ago what works for me in regards to where and what I write may not work for someone else. For example, there are those that don&#39;t care for Helium, but I enjoy it. I never really cared for BrightHub, but others love it. Many hate Demands, but it has been good to me. Other love Textbroker, and I can&#39;t ever find things to write there. <br><br>When someone asks me a question I try to find out what their interests are and what they are trying to accomplish before dishing out too much information.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90994791682262952612011-01-24T07:59:06.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.934-05:00As I read more writing blogs what occurs to me is ...As I read more writing blogs what occurs to me is we are starting to have writing wars that mirror the &quot;Mommy Wars&quot; of previous years. The sad part of the Mommy Wars is there was really no right or wrong, it was about choices and consequences. People made choices and those choices had outcomes. Writing has many choices and those choices have outcomes. We make choices for a variety of reasons ranging from talent, interests, family issues, health, etc. The outcomes are a result of the choices we make and are not right or wrong, just outcomes.<br><br>I continue to be confused by the battles. I can see trying to present options to people to try different avenues. If you have not tried something you may be missing an income opportunity that could be good for you. However, if you know it is not a good fit, then passing on it is not a sin, merely a choice. It should not be considered a rejection or an insult by the person who does find that to be a great income solution.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52834057325581880022011-01-23T05:28:07.001-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.730-05:00I am glad someone has faith in me! I tend to quest...I am glad someone has faith in me! I tend to question myself a lot!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17061124143438406722011-01-23T05:28:07.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.734-05:00You are VERY welcome. Thank you for stopping by an...You are VERY welcome. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read my ramblings!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43234046561453959032011-01-22T16:01:39.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.962-05:00Thanks so much for the information and the push. I...Thanks so much for the information and the push. I was actually going through my spreadsheet and realized I so dropped the ball this month On what I was planning to do for Rev Share! Im excited since I am new but blog quite a bit. I love the idea of residual income. This article was a big help! <br><br>Im on it again! <br><br>YveWrlddivahttp://www.soimthemama.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71623369356176550502011-01-22T14:51:58.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.738-05:00I have a feeling you&#39;re doing to do great, Chr...I have a feeling you&#39;re doing to do great, Chrystal. You&#39;re off to a fantastic start. You inspire me.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-1302366950610489082011-01-22T06:58:01.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.741-05:00I was like that when I first started. I have to fe...I was like that when I first started. I have to feel like I fit the site and the site fits me before I decide whether or not I will stay. I have let a lot of eggs go because I did not like them for one reason or another. Like I told Nicole, if I did not already have some articles I can quickly rewrite, it would have been after school was done before I started HubPages. I figure any little bit I can do will help.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61994070746657431732011-01-22T04:01:27.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.983-05:00I fully intended to do one revshare article a day ...I fully intended to do one revshare article a day but dropped the ball SO hard this last week. I just had so much going on with the pay gigs and all these new leads being thrown at me. LolTS Mizehttp://thesardonicsibyl.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74226769462390935212011-01-23T00:16:20.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.863-05:00[...] You Start a Freelance Writing Career Sunday,...[...] You Start a Freelance Writing Career Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 at 5:02 AM  Yesterday and the day before we talked about freelance writing.Really we just touched on the subject.Today, its question time. 23 [...]Ultimate Blog Challenge | The Self Employed Writerhttp://selfemployedwriter.com/2011/01/23/ultimate-blog-challenge-23-things-to-ask-yourself-before-you-start-a-freelance-writing-career/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61065033595488517352011-01-22T06:56:41.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.748-05:00I am stretched really thin. My day starts at 7am, ...I am stretched really thin. My day starts at 7am, I sit down at 8am and I will sit here with homework and writing until 7-10pm at night. If I did not already have 100s of articles I can rewrite (b/c you don&#39;t really want duplicate content there) for HubPages I would not be doing this right now. I have also figured out when I do write an article for upfront payment it only takes a matter of minutes for me to rewrite it and use on HubPages. I really don&#39;t have time to sit and write new articles for it right now. Once I am done with school I can devote more time to it.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-20986209541384119392011-01-22T06:54:17.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.880-05:00I have to do a lot! LOL. I made titling a huge par...I have to do a lot! LOL. I made titling a huge part of my income at the end of 2009, some of 2010. Now it seems the well runs dry quite often and I dont have time, nor patience to sit and stalk. People like Bukisa. It is pretty much like all the other rev share sites, you get what you put in to it. For me, I just didn&#39;t like the look/feel/setup of it once I got in there. I have to really like a website, it has to be a good fit for me. I put my 1st article on AC last week, I did not like that it has to be approved. I think thats dumb for rev share. So, I will stick to Helium and HubPages.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77655396688477960332011-01-21T16:14:04.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.892-05:00I keep hearing some wonderful things about HubPage...I keep hearing some wonderful things about HubPages. I should really check it out. I&#39;m just afraid of stretching myself too think since I&#39;m pretty close as it is. Not only that, but I need a set income each month, and I&#39;m afraid if I concentrate on the rev share more, I&#39;ll not reach my goals.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-21493511501944826502011-01-21T07:43:22.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.753-05:00Wow, you do a lot! I enjoy writing, I just don&#39...Wow, you do a lot! I enjoy writing, I just don&#39;t have high paying gigs. So, I spend my time titling in TQA. It is by far the best paying and most stable source of income for me. There are days though, where all I want to do is write. I like sites like Associated Content (or whatever it is called now...I want to put some time into Bukisa. I hear people are doing well with it. <br><br>Good luck!Mirandahttp://www.wahadventures.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28530599503845840812011-01-20T10:08:54.001-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.768-05:00It really makes me not want to get to know that pe...It really makes me not want to get to know that person.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10884266959346081752011-01-20T10:08:54.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.772-05:00Me too. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful it...Me too. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful it feels to know &quot;I did it!&quot;Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45458946555542348822011-01-17T15:22:40.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.809-05:00I never understood the entitlement either. I know ...I never understood the entitlement either. I know people who are exactly like this too. It&#39;s aggravating to say the least.Daisyhttp://www.theblogphotog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33241766368876772082011-01-17T15:14:11.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.651-05:00I understand your frustration. There are SO many p...I understand your frustration. There are SO many people that have entitlement issues, who think you should tell them everything and hold their hand. No one did it for me. I read forum after forum, post after post, to find jobs to apply to. It made me appreciate my jobs that much more.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-24801553092400819402011-01-17T08:35:14.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.812-05:00I never understand how or why people just expect t...I never understand how or why people just expect those of us who do it to give them a handout. I don&#39;t know too many jobs where someone gives a handout. I will point you in the general direction, but I wont give you the answer or do it for you. If they would just take the time like we did, it is right there in front of them!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46665592323658596352011-01-17T07:40:13.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.815-05:00So very true! I blogged about this myself the othe...So very true! I blogged about this myself the other day, about people who want to work from home, but seem incapable (unwilling) to do any of the work to find work.K'Lee Bankshttp://officehelp4hire.com/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46245686683347456922011-01-16T13:49:51.001-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.582-05:00I feel for you Daisy, being the mod over there. I ...I feel for you Daisy, being the mod over there. I am sure you have to deal with the backlash sometimes!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12635073582381479472011-01-16T13:49:51.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.820-05:00I have a habit, at times, of reading a post and th...I have a habit, at times, of reading a post and then leaving it alone for a while to see how others handle it. Sometimes it takes having someone else&#39;s point of view a sounding board to start things off before I leap in.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28937149736949392882011-01-16T09:59:26.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:19.824-05:00It&#39;s true!It&#39;s true!Daisyhttp://www.theblogphotog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3016227990153821882011-01-16T09:00:11.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.588-05:00I have noticed this too. I try and follow &quot;th...I have noticed this too. I try and follow &quot;think before you speak&quot; because it&#39;s so easy to type something online and have it misconstrued. It&#39;s just sad that some feel the need to be rude and attack others.<br><br>Another suggestion that I have is to read twice what someone wrote instead of thinking they meant one thing because you didn&#39;t read it thoroughly enough. That would eliminate a great deal of heartache.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34428534390565901432011-01-16T06:12:55.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:40.353-05:00I wish everyone could see it this way. I should be...I wish everyone could see it this way. I should be allowed to put myself first, but some around me feel like it is such a burden on them or that it is something personal against them when I can&#39;t do things because of work or homework.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43629251932641339172011-01-16T06:12:04.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:40.357-05:00I am just waiting to hear back from the financial ...I am just waiting to hear back from the financial aid department. I could go talk to them, but I am too lazy to take the hour drive. LOLChrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18547289593104213472011-01-16T06:11:29.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:40.361-05:00I am going to try my best!I am going to try my best!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29947377626507805782011-01-15T17:07:19.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:40.365-05:00You go to school and finish your degree! You are ...You go to school and finish your degree! You are bettering yourself. I&#39;m glad you are going to stop being influenced by outside forces. Good for you!Daisyhttp://www.theblogphotog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73276559646151002642011-01-15T14:51:20.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.495-05:00Good choice! I knew you&#39;d find a solution. And...Good choice! I knew you&#39;d find a solution. And BRAVO for thinking of your wants or needs. You matter too!Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91918332284334925552011-01-15T08:29:20.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:24.530-05:00You can do it. :) Make YOU a priority, because whe...You can do it. :) Make YOU a priority, because when you&#39;re a priority to yourself, your others seem to fall into place better and you feel better about them.TS Mizehttp://thesardonicsibyl.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43852402606395137212011-01-07T14:33:42.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:40.459-05:00I agree! This site is amazing!I agree! This site is amazing!Mandy Robinsonhttp://mandy-workathomeadventures.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28974932813484729512011-01-06T12:03:18.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.607-05:00I could never do that either! I&#39;m not creativ...I could never do that either! I&#39;m not creative without a cookbook to guide me!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3116786008594127802011-01-06T08:51:57.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.615-05:00I get hungry watching them. Then I ask myself how ...I get hungry watching them. Then I ask myself how rich I need to be to hire them to come cook for me. Screw doing it myself.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22704652951535731532011-01-06T06:51:26.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.619-05:00I think that&#39;s why I don&#39;t watch. It just...I think that&#39;s why I don&#39;t watch. It just makes me feel worse about my skills or lack of them.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11695162188348078312011-01-06T05:20:00.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.795-05:00A lot of those have so much pressure! I almost fee...A lot of those have so much pressure! I almost feel the pressure just watching and get nervous. Almost stressful. :)Calissa Leighhttp://www.calissaleigh.com/writenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-85598734977461791022011-01-06T02:00:34.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.679-05:00I don&#39;t have any kids of my own either, but I ...I don&#39;t have any kids of my own either, but I do consider my dog and cat my co-workers. I even put a chair for each in my office so they can keep me company during the day. :)Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-90433684503534817952011-01-05T18:37:00.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.696-05:00HA HA!! I have a cat that is very curious about t...HA HA!! I have a cat that is very curious about the printer too! I love kitties and yours is as cute as can be!Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10269184947410401972011-01-05T14:11:50.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.704-05:00I&#39;ve thought about writing about our dogs. Wel...I&#39;ve thought about writing about our dogs. Well, there my parents&#39; dogs, but we claim we have joint custody since we see them so much. Our lives are so much more special with them in it.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49531685504983704642011-01-05T10:41:06.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.711-05:00That is very cute! I would love have him watching ...That is very cute! I would love have him watching me all day :-)Mandy Robinsonhttp://mandy-workathomeadventures.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8611540079754651812011-01-05T08:02:09.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.719-05:00Aww. Thanks. If you think he&#39;c cute wait until...Aww. Thanks. If you think he&#39;c cute wait until you see my Boxers! Those 2 along with the cat make my days very interesting, sounds like your shelties do too!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58650911587599981992011-01-05T07:03:52.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.727-05:00The cat is adorable. I have two shelties now and ...The cat is adorable. I have two shelties now and they make being at home and writing an adventure. They have an ever increasing curiousity about my computer and I expect one day to find them scrambling away from it as they have discovered live dog chat.Baileyhttp://craftatticresources.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-70963364750289691072011-01-08T08:03:27.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:40.448-05:00Don&#39;t get me wrong, it was a good book, it was...Don&#39;t get me wrong, it was a good book, it was just hard for me to read. I could hardly get through history or religion in college!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2622925263186618272011-01-08T01:10:17.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:40.452-05:00So sorry that this book didn&#39;t do it for you, ...So sorry that this book didn&#39;t do it for you, but thank you for an honest and thoughtful review.<br>All best wishes.<br>Charles FosterCharles Fosterhttp://www.charlesfoster.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-17989633540447747892011-01-05T06:34:30.001-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.626-05:00You of all people deserve it C!You of all people deserve it C!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-36408045070022655122011-01-05T06:34:30.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.629-05:00You are welcome Laura. I should have come out of l...You are welcome Laura. I should have come out of lurkdom sooner!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54843056097525853662011-01-05T06:22:32.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.631-05:00Holy carp! An award? That&#39;s so awesome!Holy carp! An award? That&#39;s so awesome!Calissa Leighhttp://www.calissaleigh.com/writenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-61374256107936405042011-01-05T04:21:14.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.592-05:00Thank you so very kindly for the nod! I&#39;ll ha...Thank you so very kindly for the nod! I&#39;ll have to get busy now to make up a list of worthy blogs...good grief...there are SO many to choose from, too! <br><br>You&#39;ve such a wonderful site. I&#39;ve enjoyed dropping by and hope to make the rounds back over here to read more of your work. (See, that&#39;s the problem with reading so many blogs---I have to have a rotating reading schedule to be fair to them all!) <br><br>Here&#39;s wishing you a terrific rest of your day and much happy blogging!<br><br>Most cordially,<br>Laura (L. Avery) Brown<br>http://whenasouthernwomanrambles.blogspot.com<br>http://magnoliablossomreview.blogspot.com<br>http://realbloggersunited.blogspot.comLaura (L. Avery) Brownhttp://whenasouthernwomanrambles.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-74022457353231016842011-01-04T10:40:13.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.635-05:00Thanks so much for the mention! Now I need to find...Thanks so much for the mention! Now I need to find the time to write up another blog post.. :)Angie - The Work at Home Wifehttp://theworkathomewife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81566847368389794742011-01-04T00:11:53.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.642-05:00I&#39;m really liking your blog and looking forwar...I&#39;m really liking your blog and looking forward to returning to read more.Rosshttp://painfullyoptomistic.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15826193183470053342011-01-03T16:46:14.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.487-05:00I actually did one of her workshops a few years ba...I actually did one of her workshops a few years back when I was still married and living in Oklahoma. We attended LifeChurch and they were awesome. They had LifeGroups and the women&#39;s group would do a lot of her works as well as Joyce Meyer. I can&#39;t recall what book and workbook I studied of Beth&#39;s. I will have to look into this one you mentioned here. Thank you!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2955093076775063232011-01-03T14:24:37.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.494-05:00Chris, there is an amazing author by the name of B...Chris, there is an amazing author by the name of Beth Moore. God has greatly blessed her ministry. She herself experienced a life very similar to your story. This is a scriptural prayer that is from her book &quot;Praying God&#39;s Word.&quot; I hope this helps. <br><br>&quot;Father, give me a heart to know You, that You are the Lord. I am Yours and You are mine, for I have returned to You will all my heart. (Jer. 24:7) You have said that if I will return to You, You the Lord Almighty, will return to me.&quot; (Mal. 3:7)Cheryl Mueckehttp://www.FaithEntrepreneur.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71549653580919141912011-01-03T16:47:30.001-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.652-05:00I would be lost without those online forums! Peopl...I would be lost without those online forums! People there are like my co-workers.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-80196035561480666132011-01-03T16:47:30.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.657-05:00I am glad I am able to give you a little inspirati...I am glad I am able to give you a little inspiration. I hope you will continue forward with your writing, and please continue to stop by!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-59377065829687048192011-01-03T07:05:45.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.425-05:00It is nice to get to know some of the people we co...It is nice to get to know some of the people we come across in the forums and online. Thanks for giving a little bit of your background - I enjoyed reading about it. I look forward to seeing you online &quot;more&quot; during the blog challenges. :)Angelahttp://www.angelareinholzwrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-56666100708491918722011-01-03T06:23:10.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.432-05:00I too want to write and seeing the words here that...I too want to write and seeing the words here that you have written gives me the inspiration to do so. Hang on! I think I am ahead of myself. <br><br>I am a simple blogger yet I want to write a story and seeing what you can do with your words is an inspiration. It may take me many, many years but hey? <br><br>Good on you and I&#39;ll be watching! Oooh that sounds creepy. I&#39;ll be checking in. NO, I&#39;ll be Whatever! And hopefully I&#39;ll appreciate all the help you can give. And back.<br><br>CheersAlejandrohttp://www.raisingamelie.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-39883060876864315572011-01-03T06:00:42.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.440-05:00Thank you so much! I have learned a lot over the y...Thank you so much! I have learned a lot over the years, especially about myself. I think writing has helped that. I have a long way to go with my goals, but I am pretty sure in time I will get there.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15501789522014490352011-01-03T05:42:58.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.447-05:00&quot;It started five years ago as an Irish girl t...&quot;It started five years ago as an Irish girl trying to find her way in the world and turning in to what you see now. But, even with the person I am now, I still face challenges in life. There are many goals and dreams I want to someday achieve. I know with my words I will make it.&quot;<br><br>I think the Irish girl is making her way just fine. ;-) Remember that it&#39;s not the cards you hold in your hand, it&#39;s how you play them.<br><br>Keep up the great work!!Laura Townshendhttp://biggreyhorse.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83901716509046855762011-01-03T06:10:43.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.337-05:00You are very welcome! There are days when I wonder...You are very welcome! There are days when I wonder what I am doing, but I tried keeping all parts of my blogs separate and it was a giant headache. Now I just put Poetry In Motion in the title , tag it and categorize it and go about my way. Same as the book reviews and such. The only thing I keep seperate is my erotica and that is because adult natured blogs have to be registered as such. The blog has been torn down and revamped way too many times so its rather dusty these days. I think once I get settled here with S.E.W. then I will spend more time getting that one back out in blogland.<br><br>I think &quot;writing&quot; is a niche all on its own. How we write, why we write, what we write and what we want to write. Being a writing is not all sunshine and rainbows. <br><br>Keep doing what you are doing. There are a lot of blogs out there like ours that do just fine. It is all in how you market yourself and who you market to. And like you said, it does keep people coming back.<br><br>As for WW, I have looked into the online program. I am a lifetime member, who is now over goal. Even going weekly at the discount rate costs more than the monthly online. However, they changed the points values and revamped the program. I can handle that, but I use my iPod Touch for all the apps and the etools app, from what I have read, has not been fully updated to the new plan yet so I have been a little hesitant about signing up right now.Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77080671801558741582011-01-03T06:05:23.000-05:002011-02-11T12:58:02.272-05:00Thank you so much Jill!Thank you so much Jill!Chrystal Mahanhttp://selfemployedwriter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71951762057105874012011-01-02T14:56:19.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.358-05:00Hope your feeling better soon! The blog looks grea...Hope your feeling better soon! The blog looks great, and the blog challenge looks like fun. :)Jillhttp://www.optimizedscribes.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-27310419988104432602011-01-02T14:04:13.000-05:002011-02-08T19:36:51.665-05:00Thank you!!! Reading this blog post made me feel S...Thank you!!! Reading this blog post made me feel SO much better about the direction of my blog. I have a friend that would like me to go one way with my blog and have other niche sites. This friend feels my main site should be pop culture, but I&#39;m not Perez Hilton. And I don&#39;t want to be. That&#39;s not what I want to be known for years down the road.<br><br>What I&#39;ve also tried to explain to this friend is that I don&#39;t have the time to maintain multiple sites, at least not right now. Also, I don&#39;t want separate sites. I want all of my hobbies, interests, etc all in one place. Why? Because they all make me who I am and they all contribute to my writing in some way. I want my readers to know there&#39;s more to me than just one thing.<br><br>To some, that idea may sound crazy, but it&#39;s nice to know there are others of a likemind that understand the importance of keeping it in one place to show all sides of you. Besides, I think it keeps people interested and on their toes. They&#39;ll never know what they&#39;ll find on your site, you know what I mean?<br><br>Now, as for your Weight Watchers worries, I totally understand. I&#39;m the same way. WW has worked for me in the past, and I know it could again. My biggest fear is going to the meetings. I&#39;m embarrassed that I&#39;ve let myself get to where I am.<br><br>Have you considered signing up at their website? I&#39;ve been thinking about. There&#39;s a lot of information there. They may even do online meetings. I don&#39;t know for sure, though.Nicolehttp://www.nicoleireland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35547296707604216892011-01-02T12:44:41.000-05:002011-02-08T19:30:23.378-05:00Good luck with your resolutions! I think they are...Good luck with your resolutions! I think they are good to make even if we don&#39;t end up following through all the time because it shows that we know where we need to improve.Daisyhttp://openspaceproductions.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-37602366144758285362011-02-08T18:15:14.557-05:002011-02-08T18:15:14.557-05:00Bailey says: January 3, 2011 at 8:50 AM (Edit) I ...Bailey says:<br />January 3, 2011 at 8:50 AM (Edit)<br />I love the gifts that have family historical significance. My Mom gave me our family Christmas Tree and decorations when she and Dad started traveling for Christmas. I still have the stuff and each year when you pull out the old decorations each has a story. Each person that adds something to that story becomes part of the yearly story.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Reply<br />Chrystal Mahan says:<br />January 3, 2011 at 11:05 AM (Edit)<br />This is a great story. I have a few of the decorations I had as a child. My fiance has a few of his as well. It is nice to share some of those stories with each other of the years. This year we took his daughter to Bronners, right up the street from us. It is one of the largest Christmas stores in the US. Anyway, we took her to pick out her very own ornament. I plan to make this a yearly thing. She picked a ballerina. I even found a small white tree and purchased pink and silver bulbs for it so she could decorate her very own tree. Our main tree is Irish. It has green and silver bulbs. All of the decorations were mine, and since he is part Irish it was no big deal. When we went to Bronners we purchased some Scottish decorations since he is part Scottish as well. Now our tree has a bit of red plaid in it. My decorations have been collected over the years. Many I picked with my grandmother when she was still alive. My grandparents were big on their heritage so it is important for me to keep a part of that going.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-89466102418076798182011-02-08T18:14:03.045-05:002011-02-08T18:14:03.045-05:00Vic says: December 30, 2010 at 5:13 PM (Edit) You...Vic says:<br />December 30, 2010 at 5:13 PM (Edit)<br />You had me cracking up at the comment about your fiance not paying attention! lol men…if sometimes they would just give us a minute….it’s hard to go shopping by myself because i feel lost but i never get anything accomplished so we will see….i finally found you…holy crap hard to do! you’ll have to update the links on FTLOB if you haven’t already!:) best wishes in 2011!! happy new year<br /><br />Reply<br />Chrystal Mahan says:<br />January 3, 2011 at 11:11 AM (Edit)<br />I keep trying to tell him he needs to have eyeballs on the back and sides of his head. He needs to stop worrying so much about impressing other people and actually pay attention to what (or in this case who) matters.<br /><br />ReplyChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71704688804131797362010-12-27T12:33:49.063-05:002010-12-27T12:33:49.063-05:00Sounds like something to avoid even more, even aft...Sounds like something to avoid even more, even after reading your post. Thanks for the info. <br /><br />Found you via the DMS blogger forums.Reno Berkeleyhttp://renoberkeley.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55253824339293085972011-08-08T14:11:48.780-04:002011-08-08T14:11:48.780-04:00We thought we were so cool on 360 with all of thes...We thought we were so cool on 360 with all of these special fonts! hahahChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-75488986427086857062011-08-06T04:31:30.658-04:002011-08-08T14:11:20.213-04:00I can&#39;t tell you how happy I am to have given ...I can&#39;t tell you how happy I am to have given up using that Papyrus font in my blogs .. lolJeremy Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11872102864997603476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-78176790259705252172010-12-24T16:18:11.990-05:002010-12-24T16:18:11.990-05:00Oh my! I am so HONORED that you would stop by my b...Oh my! I am so HONORED that you would stop by my blog and read my review. I absolutely loved this book. I wanted to write more, but I was afraid of giving the whole story away. I liked it so much, I am passing a copy along to my mother tonight for her Christmas Eve present. I look forward to reading more of your works. You and this book have been a great inspiration for me these last couple of days. Thank You!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-45738872503766169992010-12-23T16:37:59.593-05:002010-12-23T16:37:59.593-05:00Thank you for the review. I&#39;m glad you liked i...Thank you for the review. I&#39;m glad you liked it. This was my first hard back book, and I loved the cover too. I used to have each of my covers framed, but kind of let go of that. But this cover is getting framed and mounted on the wall.Donita K. Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652376147614891898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-34058165534448939472011-05-09T12:37:06.486-04:002011-05-09T12:37:06.486-04:00Thank you. I will be sure to pass that along to my...Thank you. I will be sure to pass that along to my friend.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23230084390188997002011-05-09T09:32:55.043-04:002011-05-09T09:32:55.043-04:00How sad and such a special friendship. That baby ...How sad and such a special friendship. That baby is beautiful.NyOkieSuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12772149755929081922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52788136159359273782010-12-22T14:59:02.663-05:002010-12-22T14:59:02.663-05:00*hugs* I know many nurses who have/had/had/do/does...*hugs*<br />I know many nurses who have/had/had/do/does/did take medication for depression/anxiety or something.... I was just angry to begin with and it just set me off. I am pretty much over it, but it made for a good blog story ;). I learned long ago to not listen to opinions of others when it came to my mental health.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23901905563828623912010-12-22T13:16:13.165-05:002010-12-22T13:16:13.165-05:00Feh. I&#39;m a nurse, and I, too, suffer from a di...Feh. I&#39;m a nurse, and I, too, suffer from a diagnosed depressive disorder. The meds I take stabilize my moods and generally I am &quot;normal,&quot; but sometimes...well, you know how it is, I imagine.<br />Hugs. Blow her off.mariceltnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77706466341241113262010-12-22T12:37:09.987-05:002010-12-22T12:37:09.987-05:00Hahahaha I have Jasc PSP 6 - I love it and therefo...Hahahaha I have Jasc PSP 6 - I love it and therefore refuse to &quot;upgrade&quot; - tried all the other &quot;upgrades&quot; and love 6 the best...Marsha Siouxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01040323358283380289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33274741627186849182010-12-20T17:50:51.841-05:002010-12-20T17:50:51.841-05:00Hi, I&#39;m following from the blog hop. I&#39;d l...Hi,<br />I&#39;m following from the blog hop.<br />I&#39;d love a follow back at www.mikaspantry.blogspot.com<br />Thanks,<br />MikaMikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11836006769172598876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13002166200864497162010-12-20T16:13:21.298-05:002010-12-20T16:13:21.298-05:00Love your blog! Found you on the blog hop! I&#39;m...Love your blog!<br />Found you on the blog hop! I&#39;m your newest follower! http://aworldofcrafts.blogspot.com/Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271809834887790442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-71355475868803695492010-12-20T11:27:44.108-05:002010-12-20T11:27:44.108-05:00You are still who you were in 2005 and so much mor...You are still who you were in 2005 and so much more. The experiences of life have changed you, causing an evolution of sorts. The present you is an updated version of your former self. True, all the pain that you have endured has shaped you, but that is not all that you are. You are more resilient and stronger than you know. Sometimes the unconscious mind refuses to give the conscious mind a clue, forcing us to seek out the best parts of ourselves (rather than just having them readily available to use at our discretion). You are the architect of your life (although there are some metal beams that were erected without your permission); you still get to mold and shape this structure to your liking. You may have to dig beneath the surface from time to time to make sure that your structure is secure. Although these excavations may unearth fear and insecurity, the exposure will only make your structure (your life) that much stronger. You are an inspiration…I can certainly attest to that!Stacey Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12817323384308051440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3456253332149857902010-12-19T05:12:09.729-05:002010-12-19T05:12:09.729-05:00Hi And yet I don&#39;t know your whole life I stil...Hi And yet I don&#39;t know your whole life I still can see from now that you are here sharing and that is a great way to rid yourself of what you perceive your own doing. I feel it is not so much you but more your circumstances and when you realise those words expressed in 2005 are the real you then you can regain the joy of writing once more.<br />Keep it up! and welcome to Blogplicity.<br />Alexalejandro guzmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08444725035058665346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33198842785650964412010-12-18T21:25:02.888-05:002010-12-18T21:25:02.888-05:00It takes pain to know pain....I have lived the wor...It takes pain to know pain....I have lived the words you have written...I am fighting that mask..I am fighting the darkness inside...I believe we are connected....I have no miracles to offer..no magic wand...but I do have a listening ear and an open heart... and I GET IT !!! As always...as always.....xoxoxoxoBongohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09476508632697640785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3266725105843224732010-12-16T09:14:00.298-05:002010-12-16T09:14:00.298-05:00Thank you Mary for taking the time to read my stor...Thank you Mary for taking the time to read my story! Many blessings to you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8711588162475752092010-12-16T08:29:38.102-05:002010-12-16T08:29:38.102-05:00what a wonderful post! i hope you and your family...what a wonderful post! i hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18181851742870395058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-47491502268320646212010-12-15T18:25:20.406-05:002010-12-15T18:25:20.406-05:00I think I just needed someone to help me find my w...I think I just needed someone to help me find my way back, or in this case 2 someone&#39;s. It will take time to mourn those I have lost, and it has been a long process. But, this year I feel a much stronger sense of peace.<br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11344722871405670982010-12-14T20:36:58.689-05:002010-12-14T20:36:58.689-05:00I totally get what you mean about not feeling it, ...I totally get what you mean about not feeling it, it&#39;s just too commercialised but having my son changed my view on that too. It brought the magic back to me and made me appreciate the time I can have with family and friends.<br /><br />I&#39;m glad you&#39;ve found your own spirit of Christmas again and I hope you find much more in the coming years.SJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15464641582104501391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23798579487935003872011-09-29T18:35:14.002-04:002011-09-29T18:35:14.002-04:00I did praying hands for simple man. You can see a ...I did praying hands for simple man. You can see a finished photo and story at:http://cmahan.hubpages.com/hub/Music-Album-for-the-Story-of-My-Life<br /><br />For the line &quot;dont forget that, there is a someone, up above&quot;<br /><br />What does the song mean to you? What is your favorite line? Take those and mesh them together. I know it sounds easy to say, but thats the concept of making a tattoo idea your own.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-53081884687500775982011-09-29T16:22:13.241-04:002011-09-29T16:22:13.241-04:00WOW! what a great tattoo, such depth and meaning, ...WOW! what a great tattoo, such depth and meaning, love it!<br /><br />looking to get a similar tattoo, perhaps you can help me decide? I want something for the song &quot;Simple Man&quot;...kckyllerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00057627886271608696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-33722174760462302822011-08-24T16:51:29.180-04:002011-08-24T16:51:29.180-04:00Thank you Becky. I hope to see your tribute when y...Thank you Becky. I hope to see your tribute when you are done!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-22422792916193927392011-05-04T21:27:31.640-04:002011-05-04T21:27:31.640-04:00love it! i am wanting to get my second tatto to be...love it! i am wanting to get my second tatto to be for shinedown just because i love them period. n i love their songs.beckyhttp://www.facebook.com/rkinchen1noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-11634299464237139452010-12-14T20:19:53.596-05:002010-12-14T20:19:53.596-05:00Thank you Stacey!!Thank you Stacey!!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-73670492831377029622010-12-14T18:30:25.235-05:002010-12-14T18:30:25.235-05:00I love it!!!! It&#39;s beautiful and it speaks you...I love it!!!! It&#39;s beautiful and it speaks your truth, through and through!Stacey Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12817323384308051440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46796580028732914822010-12-10T17:11:10.304-05:002010-12-10T17:11:10.304-05:00Thanks for visiting my blog <a href="http://wealie...Thanks for visiting my blog <a href="http://wealie.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">Wealie&#39;s World</a>. I know exactly what you mean when you talk about how it feels to have people thank you for your words. It&#39;s a great experience and even though you&#39;d probably still be a writer even if no one read it.Wealiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510401022273978984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42666113511545590312010-12-23T12:30:58.786-05:002010-12-23T12:30:58.786-05:00Because I am merging my blogs, these are the comme...Because I am merging my blogs, these are the comments that were posted on the original post at my eBooks Nook blog which is about to be deleted. These entries will still count here!<br /><br />10 comments:<br /> AubreyLaine said...<br />I would buy the Chilewich Table Runner in Kiwi!<br /><br />aubreyfick@yahoo.com<br />December 8, 2010 5:37 PM <br /> AubreyLaine said...<br />I follow CSN on Twitter.<br />aubreyfick@yahoo.com<br />December 8, 2010 5:38 PM <br /> AubreyLaine said...<br />I follow CSN on Facebook.<br /><br />aubreyfick@yahoo.com<br />December 8, 2010 5:38 PM <br /> the Crave to Save said...<br />I would love to get a silicone muffin pan in red!<br />December 10, 2010 10:09 AM <br /> the Crave to Save said...<br />I follow you on GFC<br />gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br />December 10, 2010 10:09 AM <br /> the Crave to Save said...<br />http://tctsgiveawayroundup.blogspot.com/2010/12/20-csn-code.html<br /><br />blogged 1<br />gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br />December 10, 2010 10:11 AM <br /> the Crave to Save said...<br />http://tctsgiveawayroundup.blogspot.com/2010/12/20-csn-code.html<br /><br />blogged 2<br />gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br />December 10, 2010 10:12 AM <br /> the Crave to Save said...<br />http://tctsgiveawayroundup.blogspot.com/2010/12/20-csn-code.html<br /><br />blogged 3<br />gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br />December 10, 2010 10:12 AM <br /> the Crave to Save said...<br />i follow csn on twitter @crazyitalian0<br />gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br />December 10, 2010 10:13 AM <br /> the Crave to Save said...<br />I like csn on FB! Crave to $ave<br />gina.m.maddox (at) gmail.com<br />December 10, 2010 10:14 AMChrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-9905824856407900342010-11-30T21:20:08.738-05:002010-11-30T21:20:08.738-05:00Hi Chyrstal, Thanks for stopping by priorfatgirl...Hi Chyrstal, <br /><br />Thanks for stopping by priorfatgirl.com today and leaving your thoughts. It&#39;s really encouraging when another blogger can relate to what you are experiencing. I hope you do continue to blog, I would love to see more of your writing. I will definitely be back by here! <br /><br />Elle, A PriorFatGirlLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17246992398787042889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-23959294932522521712011-04-18T02:06:41.662-04:002011-04-18T02:06:41.662-04:00That looks amazing!That looks amazing!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06711304407848730882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3557148004504990862010-10-30T01:24:17.187-04:002010-10-30T01:24:17.187-04:00I would like to join your Nook Book Club... What a...I would like to join your Nook Book Club... What are you reading?janet leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07140490666883569593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-3612922687435474112010-10-27T21:40:25.905-04:002010-10-27T21:40:25.905-04:00I understand your view of the news. Recently I we...I understand your view of the news. Recently I went on a &quot;News Fast&quot; for the entire summer! It was great! I am watching a bit more now due to the upcoming elections! Great post!<br /><br />Miki<br />www.bellabreezeartdesigns.comMikihttp://www.bellabreezeartdesigns.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-42433248871706539682010-10-25T22:36:36.681-04:002010-10-25T22:36:36.681-04:00&quot;The niche is my life.&quot; How beautiful! ...&quot;The niche is my life.&quot; How beautiful! Go with THAT! Write about your life, the twists and turns, ups and downs. Others will benefit and you will begin to see if there are any &quot;sub-niches&quot; lurking inside! LOL Good luck to you! #blogboostMartha Giffenhttp://marthagiffen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-84805684157104822972010-10-23T16:39:14.299-04:002010-10-23T16:39:14.299-04:00Hysteria?Hysteria?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-55333046802218629992010-10-24T02:17:45.227-04:002010-10-24T02:17:45.227-04:00I love to read, too. Just something relaxing abou...I love to read, too. Just something relaxing about a cozy blanket and a good book.Michellehttp://michelleshaeffer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-52385405819769102202010-10-22T16:34:48.076-04:002010-10-22T16:34:48.076-04:00there is a lot of favorite hobby of mine. I don&#3...there is a lot of favorite hobby of mine. I don&#39;t know which one the most favourite....Faysalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623231236127385204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-86338978831100177792010-10-20T14:25:53.535-04:002010-10-20T14:25:53.535-04:00I don&#39;t think I have ever watched a weight los...I don&#39;t think I have ever watched a weight loss reality show but I have watched Food Network reality shows. Does that count? :)<br /><br />I also LOVE Dancing with the Stars!!<br /><br />JeanineJeanine Byers Hoaghttp://dressyourtruth.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-54972950999108999952010-11-11T23:17:09.594-05:002010-11-11T23:17:09.594-05:00I have been on the program, with some days not act...I have been on the program, with some days not actually on the program because of parties , I have lost 5lbs and that is with no exercise. Once I get back on my treadmill I am sure the weight will come off. I know this is not a good time of year to start a weight loss plan, but I just can&#39;t wait any longer. I am very please this far. It tastes good, its easy, pretty affordable and I can fall off the wagon and get right back on the next day.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-49421057185351618472010-10-31T13:26:30.075-04:002010-10-31T13:26:30.075-04:00I just started my first day yesterday. I bought tw...I just started my first day yesterday. I bought two starter packs so I could see if I could do it for longer than two days. This morning I was already 1 pound less, which is highly improbable but seeing a number change that quickly sure satisfied me to get up and do it again. How is the diet going for you 15 days later?Amber Harringtonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-7602024876117357682010-10-15T03:40:50.528-04:002010-10-15T03:40:50.528-04:00Good luck with the new food adventures. :) Two...Good luck with the new food adventures. :) <br /><br />Two other bloggers in the Ultimate Blog Challenge you might enjoy connecting with:<br />http://www.reasonablediet.com/wordpress/<br />http://www.makingitallfit.com/<br /><br />I&#39;m working on some healthier diet choices as well as I&#39;ve picked up good tips on both their blogs.Michellehttp://michelleshaeffer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-69747015634405281482010-10-12T16:38:29.097-04:002010-10-12T16:38:29.097-04:00Go go for it!Go go for it!spacejointnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-10427637723104129682010-10-11T21:38:34.580-04:002010-10-11T21:38:34.580-04:00I ran across this guy&#39;s videos a while ago (I ...I ran across this guy&#39;s videos a while ago (I have no idea how). I watched several of them, wondering what the appeal was and if they&#39;d get better. <br /><br />In some ways, I admire the guy&#39;s confidence. I guess I even used him as a confidence booster for myself. I mean... if people are watching this guy, surely I&#39;d have a few people watching my videos too (if I ever post any). ;)<br /><br />Thanks for the post!Kelly Maria Clarkhttp://reawakenyourpower.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-8901584387191689452010-10-12T09:16:57.890-04:002010-10-12T09:16:57.890-04:00Everyone knows that women are the one who set adep...Everyone knows that women are the one who set adeptness trends. They become conscious about fashions. If we were to emphasis into the adeptness angel of today, we would ascertain a afresh developed industry.<br /><a href="http://www.louisvuittonspeedy25.com/" rel="nofollow">Louis Vuitton Speedy 25</a>marry gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04195267441955111709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48217031354178122012010-10-07T15:07:42.948-04:002010-10-07T15:07:42.948-04:00Small world! I love the place, its such a nice cit...Small world! I love the place, its such a nice city. I had family up in Oscoda at one time and Tawas was always a fun day.Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-82826185604039840362010-10-06T22:55:44.079-04:002010-10-06T22:55:44.079-04:00My brother might work in Tawas as an emergency roo...My brother might work in Tawas as an emergency room physician.<br />Never thought I&#39;d see somebody blogging about the place!Marenahttp://beliefbreakthrough.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6221653201095202382010-10-03T19:23:27.013-04:002010-10-03T19:23:27.013-04:00Hi Chrystal, Your blog waiting is a good topic. Th...Hi Chrystal,<br />Your blog waiting is a good topic.<br />The longest thing I ever waited I ever waited for is my husband. I knew if I waited on God to provided for me I was going to be worth the wait! I follow that thought pattern when it comes to &quot;waiting&quot; on something. God always gives you the best.<br />Blessings<br />DonnaSayakohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05320731459516821142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-44850001559666242092010-09-17T16:41:31.667-04:002010-09-17T16:41:31.667-04:00Oh my dear friend, I am truly sorry for your pain ...Oh my dear friend, I am truly sorry for your pain and send you warm, healing love from the Southwest. As you&#39;re well aware, I know a thing or two about chronic pain. Please use me as a resource or a sounding board whenever you feel up to it. Before I finished reading your entry, I was going to suggest the Dragon software. I pinched a radial nerve (thus causing paralysis in my left hand for three months) in 2007. Had it not been for Dragon, I would have been out of a job. Love you We-pod!Bretthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15667183002969382529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-6634573956474868762010-07-06T17:45:13.707-04:002010-07-06T17:45:13.707-04:00Way to go Chrys! I never thought of a OA group, b...Way to go Chrys! I never thought of a OA group, but if this is the way you need to go...I support you!!!~Jeran~http://www.blogger.com/profile/10724118126299770123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-48602133059771586452010-07-06T17:48:16.352-04:002010-07-06T17:48:16.352-04:00Very neat hobby!Very neat hobby!~Jeran~http://www.blogger.com/profile/10724118126299770123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2247978174321919512010-07-04T11:42:20.353-04:002010-07-04T11:42:20.353-04:00I am so sorry to hear that! I hope things get bett...I am so sorry to hear that! I hope things get better for you!<br />Love ya, girl!<br />Cathy (the other mom!)mamabearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080043954601659931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-58795457274295246572010-07-06T17:56:42.779-04:002010-07-06T17:56:42.779-04:00OMG...what ever came about with this??OMG...what ever came about with this??~Jeran~http://www.blogger.com/profile/10724118126299770123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-91529509753926880662010-04-21T20:15:28.877-04:002010-04-21T20:15:28.877-04:00I can definitly feel your anger in the second poem...I can definitly feel your anger in the second poem, and they are both done very well.Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198494408522185336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15671239447557337322010-05-04T04:38:42.072-04:002010-05-04T04:38:42.072-04:00I recently came accross your blog and have been re...I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I <br /><br />would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have <br /><br />enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.<br /><br />Alena<br /><br /><a href="http://dataentryjob-s.com" rel="nofollow">http://dataentryjob-s.com</a>Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08251902875519395772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-46412513073333106502009-12-22T11:05:02.725-05:002009-12-22T11:05:02.725-05:00This is awful! I loved her...this is the first I&...This is awful! I loved her...this is the first I&#39;ve heard of her death!Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08188460633615049191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65098376315058407572009-12-03T14:31:58.534-05:002009-12-03T14:31:58.534-05:00I try to get in any little bit that I can. I stret...I try to get in any little bit that I can. I stretch when I am in bed and my mother bought me this desk of cards that are 10 minute workouts. You can mix and match the cards. It has been great to do 10 min here and there. It all adds up!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29024741639422601032009-11-14T07:55:48.450-05:002009-11-14T07:55:48.450-05:00I started exercising in bed for a few minutes a da...I started exercising in bed for a few minutes a day before getting up.<br />Exercise may not keep the need for meds away from the afflicted, however we do know that exercise also helps those who have clinical depression and often less medication is needed.<br /><br />spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-40581439969854714342009-12-03T14:33:12.986-05:002009-12-03T14:33:12.986-05:00I will be writing much more, it is just that schoo...I will be writing much more, it is just that school sort of put everything else on the back burner. I am going to go more in depth on the different types of depression and treatments as well as the misconceptions. Thank you for reading S!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-72010508157948325122009-11-14T07:53:30.341-05:002009-11-14T07:53:30.341-05:00I too have heard the comments that confuse clinica...I too have heard the comments that confuse clinical depression with the blues and it annoys me to no end.<br /><br />There is of course the clinical depression of which you speak, often diagnosed as Major Depression and for which anti-depressants often work wonders.<br /><br />There are also people who have a sort of depressed outlook on life which they have &quot;always had&quot; (think personality disorders) for which the pills don&#39;t work (and talking therapy show small gains for these folks as well).<br /><br />The mental illness label is troublesome in these times. We do not as yet have definitive evidence for the theorem relating major depression to brain chemicals (although I believe this explanation makes the most sense). It is true that &quot;mental illness&quot; are the words that are most commonly understood by the public.<br /><br />Since these mental conditions all point to brain function, I don&#39;t think that the &quot;mental illness&quot; or &quot;behavioral health&quot; labels are as accurate as they should be. Instead, I prefer to think of these variances in mood and thought to belong to the class of &quot;neurological conditions.&quot; But then again, I am one person.<br /><br />At any rate, glad to see you writing a series on this stuff.<br /><br />spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-35796561496092242482009-12-03T14:36:19.509-05:002009-12-03T14:36:19.509-05:00So how did you guys do? Sadly my school semester g...So how did you guys do? Sadly my school semester go very busy the same time NaNo started and I only got 600 and some odd words done...Oh well, I can up with an even better idea for next year so it was not a total spend on time!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-13410160614262746942009-11-01T21:53:20.485-05:002009-11-01T21:53:20.485-05:00That is so awesome. I was so going to put a post ...That is so awesome. I was so going to put a post just like this (with my own rendition of course), but I didn&#39;t want to waste the writer juices on it, instead saving it for NaNo itself. Thanks for sharing though.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-66456172568212861372009-11-01T21:39:18.983-05:002009-11-01T21:39:18.983-05:00Neat, that was pretty good. I love your header des...Neat, that was pretty good. I love your header description, so true!Brittany Tuckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02438456864056154810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-16310404566843241122009-09-22T17:25:59.325-04:002009-09-22T17:25:59.325-04:00mmmmm...Laughing Cow cheese squares. My dad and I...mmmmm...Laughing Cow cheese squares. My dad and I used to snack on those. spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-15047175136948809572009-09-22T17:23:54.594-04:002009-09-22T17:23:54.594-04:00Ahhh, Slim Fast. Yes, I went through a Slim Fast c...Ahhh, Slim Fast.<br />Yes, I went through a Slim Fast chocolate &quot;shake&quot; phase.<br /><br />I didn&#39;t lose any weight but it certainly was a healthier way of dieting than the &quot;eat all the fat you want&quot; thing that a good friend of mine was trying.<br /><br />Just wanted to say hello and yes, I am reading your stuff. spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-77826255120679537752009-07-28T16:32:48.754-04:002009-07-28T16:32:48.754-04:00Sounds like you have been having some adventures C...Sounds like you have been having some adventures Chrys. It also sounds like you have been having to deal with some miserable dickheads too. I hope thde house turns out great and that you get the rest of your stuff back I hate thieves. Have an awesome one CIAO4NOW!!!!!simplemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343840299225837338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-26688578409114156072009-07-06T10:04:25.999-04:002009-07-06T10:04:25.999-04:00lol. They probably did not want you to use your ch...lol.<br />They probably did not want you to use your chairs cuz they were nicer than the ones they were renting out to folks.<br />Though Monday morning would also find me complaining about the inequity of it all.<br /><br />One time at a very uncrowded bookstore, some employee told me the equivalent of &quot;chairs are for people, not for the books you want off your table so you can drink your overpriced coffee without spilling it on our books&quot;<br /><br />I looked around. There was no one waiting for a chair and I told him the same.<br /><br />Never saw the dude again. Perhaps he got transferred up to the bookstore in Sarah Palin&#39;s hometown in Alaska-- who knows.<br /><br />spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2007848086847038402009-07-01T13:05:46.355-04:002009-07-01T13:05:46.355-04:00I am very proud of you, being open about your weig...I am very proud of you, being open about your weight is a hard process. I know, I have been there... I think we can help each other, so....I am going to send you a message on FB with my idea. I will do it later today... Again. I am very proud of you :) Hugs, ChrisChristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18398166377865196294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-12848206789582108292009-05-04T23:48:00.000-04:002009-05-04T23:48:38.580-04:00I really this tool thanks for the heads up Chrys.I really this tool thanks for the heads up Chrys.simplemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343840299225837338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-18678317445979764532009-04-14T01:02:00.000-04:002009-04-14T01:02:30.100-04:00I've heard it said that "Love is friendship on fir...I've heard it said that "Love is friendship on fire". I think that this is true and I hope it is for you. I am neither one of the 99% or 1% out there waiting for you to either make it or break it, but I am the one that hopes that whatever you decide you don't let the FUCKERS win. The fuckers are those who create the roadblocks you have to constantly maneuver around to try to move ahead in your life and your relationship. Remember this though neither Matt or you can make each other happy until you make yourselves happy. As for loved being easy or hard I don't think that love the emotion is hard, but I do think that sometimes the lives that love intrudes upon may not necessarily be easy, and that makes love feel hard. However it is the hard times and easy times, or ups and downs if you will, that either make you strong enough to fight for what you want or throw it all away. I personally think that you are a strong person and you won't quit until you have finished the particular journey you are on right now. What ever you decide to do at the end of the path your on I believe that it will be the right decision for you. That's all from me for now, LOL, CIAO4NOW!!!!!simplemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343840299225837338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-2274980239318062012009-04-14T00:24:00.000-04:002009-04-14T00:24:38.275-04:00I think it is good that you realize that only you ...I think it is good that you realize that only you can make yourself reach your goals. As for your personal life that is your business and no one else's unless you make it so. With regard to your writing I thank you for writing for me as we as for yourself, because you are a talented, passionate, expressive writer. As far as Easter goes I can buy candy anytime 24/7/365. I hope you find what ever it is you are looking for and need.simplemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343840299225837338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-60539310843751962052009-04-06T20:05:00.000-04:002009-04-06T20:05:22.614-04:00This is a great post Chrys. While my fathers side ...This is a great post Chrys. While my fathers side of the family is Basque my moms side is both Irish and Scottish. As a result of the family history I am very well aware of the bad luck that plagues all three sides of my family. Fortunately as is wont with families that have a heritage such as ours they are faithful right up to the gallows pole, lol.simplemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343840299225837338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-29403735255589535792009-03-30T02:07:00.000-04:002009-03-30T02:07:03.663-04:00Great post Chrys I enjoyed it. However you and I b...Great post Chrys I enjoyed it. However you and I both know life happens, so just keep your head above water till you get where you want to go and its all gravy from then on. See ya later hun, CIAO4NOW!!!!!simplemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343840299225837338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-81656083468252047982009-03-18T03:04:00.000-04:002009-03-18T03:04:18.045-04:00I would have to say that I am a coffee bean becaus...I would have to say that I am a coffee bean because I have the habit of changing my habitat to suit me rather than changing myself. Great post Chrys, CIAo4NOW!!!!!simplemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343840299225837338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-83633893490263558442009-03-05T02:09:00.000-05:002009-03-05T02:09:55.099-05:00I love Joes Crab Shack. There is one in Sanford Fl...I love Joes Crab Shack. There is one in Sanford Florida near where I lived. It is a place with great memories for me.It is one of the first places where me and my significant other and I participated in a PDA and almost got caught, LOL!!!!!simplemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343840299225837338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-28442710390161370792009-03-02T17:50:00.000-05:002009-03-02T17:50:19.200-05:00You are right real estate is not a bad place to in...You are right real estate is not a bad place to invest in. In addition to my home here I have two others here, two in Florida, and two in California. As a rule I rent them out during major sports events and certain seasons such as the tourist season of each particular town and I do well. I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do Chrys, CIAO4NOW!!!!!simplemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05343840299225837338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-65346030499625645492009-10-08T05:29:55.576-04:002009-10-08T05:29:55.576-04:00A valuable post and it much helpfull to all.Thanks...A valuable post and it much helpfull to all.Thanks a lot for your post.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Karim - <a href="http://www.affirmationsforpositivethinking.com/" rel="nofollow">Positive thinking</a>karimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17149575338519175300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-63722958668527192562008-11-16T12:49:00.000-05:002008-11-16T12:49:07.223-05:00Sounds like what people told me when I divorced my...Sounds like what people told me when I divorced my ex!Chrystal Mahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257312250523833312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-41388447644062938622008-11-09T13:52:00.000-05:002008-11-09T13:52:00.064-05:00Howdy Irish,<br><br>A good read as always!<br>A fr...Howdy Irish,<BR/><BR/>A good read as always!<BR/>A friend of mine used to be married to "a great guy."<BR/>After the divorce, women kept saying to her "...but he's such a great guy."<BR/>"You marry him," she told them.<BR/><BR/>spikesapphoqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14568663706406638643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309799998869637057.post-43331055237241712952008-10-01T09:01:00.000-04:002008-10-01T09:01:45.312-04:00Hello friend,<br><br>Life is neither fair nor unfa...Hello friend,<BR/><BR/>Life is neither fair nor unfair.<BR/>There is only one thing that life is and that is this: life is sacred.<BR/><BR/>As for us, we just do the best we can.<BR/><BR/>Deep breath. Say to yourself, "It is what it is."<BR/><BR/>Acceptance is not the same as approval. I can accept people, places, things, situations, issues, myself as being who we are/what it is.<BR/><BR/>I do not have to approve or disapprove. It is what it is. We are who we are.<BR/><BR/>I wish you peace and true healing.<BR/><BR/>spikespikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13573360487576921476noreply@blogger.com