tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79116610226761633152024-03-22T03:07:22.651-05:00American TravelerAn American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-42192776863097678672015-11-09T12:33:00.000-06:002015-11-09T12:36:08.735-06:00Forever ChangingOur lives are forever changing. Mine is no exception. In less than two years time I went from being in a very serious relationship to marriage to preparing to file for divorce. Life at this point is so very challenging and forever changing. There are ups and downs and all sorts of new experiences. I have no idea where life will take me next and for now, that's ok. The world is my sandbox and I'm ready to build sand castles, make new friends and explore this wonderful world with my Theo.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffIHdhbld37TEON6skWF3T9lh7-hpfpyf4M8Az-iKl5BN8tcDQjipXOTgZVMNMUqecaU-QoKIcW45NKcJiaq1iX1DKN9r3JsmnYiCcW4OFpWF3BR_blMlb_Fj4BTfiJtiLOXYO1DVizY/s640/blogger-image-2136713306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffIHdhbld37TEON6skWF3T9lh7-hpfpyf4M8Az-iKl5BN8tcDQjipXOTgZVMNMUqecaU-QoKIcW45NKcJiaq1iX1DKN9r3JsmnYiCcW4OFpWF3BR_blMlb_Fj4BTfiJtiLOXYO1DVizY/s640/blogger-image-2136713306.jpg"></a></div>An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-66884136575585079522014-05-07T11:23:00.001-05:002014-05-07T11:23:48.333-05:00Day 6: Thought of the day: Grant those around you grace, including yourself.Thought of the day: Grant those around you grace, including yourself.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.555556297302246px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My hopes in writing all of this out is that perhaps in my despair I will be able to give someone else courage and faith who may be going through their own difficult situation. If you know us and don't care to read my thoughts and fear and hurts right now, no hard feelings. This is real, this is uncensored and I'm hurting. It's hard to put it out there but it is equally hard to keep it all inside. I'm publishing this uncensored so those that would like information on how I am doing/ how we are doing can have it. This is a personal situation, it is difficult, I am doing the best that I can to get through it, my wording in this post is frank.</span></span><br />
<div>
<br style="background-color: white;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">For those of you who don't know Nicholas </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;">& I were expecting a baby come November of this year. On Tuesday night we found out in the ER that God had called our baby to heaven way before we were expecting. To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. We are working through this situation together I can not explain how thankful I am for Nick's love &support in this situation. I have faith that somehow God will heal us. I'd like to thank all of those who have been so thoughtful & understanding towards us.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
Colossians 2:2-5 The Message (MSG)<br />
2-4 I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we’ve been shown the mystery! I’m telling you this because I don’t want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or “the Secret.”<br />
<br />
5 I’m a long way off, true, and you may never lay eyes on me, but believe me, I’m on your side, right beside you. I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs, and impressed with the solid substance of your faith in Christ."<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
So I've been awake since 3 am, (now it being 04.50) I am in pain and I can't fall back asleep. Last night was hard, I ended back in the ER due to blood loss and an infection, we both were scared out of our minds and neither of us having the courage to admit it to the other, this situation is an impossible one and even though I have been through this before it's been very different this time and I have no knowledge on what to expect, how to handle it, or how to process all that has happened.<br />
<br />
I must be honest in admitting that right now I am struggling with faith. I know God is around, I understand, but in speaking honestly I'd just like to punch him in the face, (please don't judge me for admitting this.) This all seems to be too much and it is a struggle to get through it. This God that I've grown to know doesn't seem very father like right now and I have no idea how to process all of that. I am angry at God, I know we are raised to not admit it. So because I can't sleep I did some more reading, here's what I found...<br />
<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<h3 style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="p1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">Psalm 22:1-8</span></b></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">The Message (MSG)</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;">A David Psalm</span></b></div>
<div class="p4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><b>22 1-2</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> God, God . . . my God!<br />
Why did you dump me<br />
miles from nowhere?<br />
Doubled up with pain, I call to God<br />
all the day long. No answer. Nothing.<br />
I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.</span></span></div>
<div class="p4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><b>3-5 </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">And you! Are you indifferent, above it all,<br />
leaning back on the cushions of Israel’s praise?<br />
We know you were there for our parents:<br />
they cried for your help and you gave it;<br />
they trusted and lived a good life.</span></span></div>
<div class="p4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><b>6-8 </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm,<br />
something to step on, to squash.<br />
Everyone pokes fun at me;<br />
they make faces at me, they shake their heads:<br />
“Let’s see how God handles this one;<br />
since God likes him so much, let <i>him</i> help him!”</span></span></div>
<div class="p4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><strong><a href="http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-27-46/" style="text-decoration: none;" title="Matthew 27:46">Matthew 27:46</a></strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (KJV)- And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?</span></span></div>
<div class="p4" style="color: #5c1101; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p4">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">If Jesus and David can feel forsaken by God, then I guess God probably understands why I too feel betrayed and alone. I need to quit being so hard on myself and just do the best that I can to heal and to just live through this situation, even if that living for now is just laying on the couch mindlessly watching TV or reading the bible, and/ or taking the dog for a walk literally only around the block, I've needed to start writing down when I last fed him because I can't even remember right now.</span></div>
<div class="p4">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p4" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">Psalm 22:22-31</span></b></div>
<div class="p5" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">The Message (MSG)</span></div>
<div class="p5" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">22-24 <span style="font-weight: normal;">Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship,<br />
and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:<br />
Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers;<br />
give glory, you sons of Jacob;<br />
adore him, you daughters of Israel.<br />
He has never let you down,<br />
never looked the other way<br />
when you were being kicked around.<br />
He has never wandered off to do his own thing;<br />
he has been right there, listening.</span></span></div>
<div class="p5" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">25-26 <span style="font-weight: normal;">Here in this great gathering for worship<br />
I have discovered this praise-life.<br />
And I’ll do what I promised right here<br />
in front of the God-worshipers.<br />
Down-and-outers sit at God’s table<br />
and eat their fill.<br />
Everyone on the hunt for God<br />
is here, praising him.<br />
“Live it up, from head to toe.<br />
Don’t ever quit!”</span></span></div>
<div class="p5" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">27-28 <span style="font-weight: normal;">From the four corners of the earth<br />
people are coming to their senses,<br />
are running back to God.<br />
Long-lost families<br />
are falling on their faces before him.<br />
God has taken charge;<br />
from now on he has the last word.</span></span></div>
<div class="p5" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">29 <span style="font-weight: normal;">All the power-mongers are before him<br />
—worshiping!<br />
All the poor and powerless, too<br />
—worshiping!<br />
Along with those who never got it together<br />
—worshiping!</span></span></div>
<div class="p5">
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">30-31 <span style="font-weight: normal;">Our children and their children<br />
will get in on this<br />
As the word is passed along<br />
from parent to child.<br />
Babies not yet conceived<br />
will hear the good news—<br />
that God does what he says.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;">I will admit that this was a much harder read but I found it here: <a href="http://dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-irritationandangermanagement/angrywithgod.php" target="_blank">in this article about being angry with God</a><u> </u></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;">at this moment I can't even word how this made me feel beyond it gave me hope and it made me more mad all at the same time. I know, I'm not rational right now, I'm trying. So anyways... that's how I'm doing. Have a great day ya'll and remember to grant everyone around you grace. Most of all, yourself.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
</div>
An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-43973434503222307622014-02-23T13:32:00.001-06:002014-02-23T13:48:35.158-06:00Ommmmmm that Hurts so GoodFor those of you that don't know I've chose to live a fit life. To me that means cutting out highly processed foods, working out (almost) daily, and yoga. Lots of yoga. It's been a huge shock for my system & after years of terrible pain I have found out I was in terrible shape. WAS being the key word. <div><br></div><div>But all of that working out has made me super sore, so I went and bought myself a foam roller, but like in The Princess and The Pea, it was entirely too soft to really work the knots out of my muscles. {sad day}. </div><div><br></div><div>So I looked at some more rollers. Hemmed and hawed and decided to make my own. For $40-$60 the savings seemed worth any headache. So I did some research and found a few tutorials but none of them was </div><div>what I was looking for. I like pretty & sparkly things even better if they are pink, gold and glittery. :)</div><div><br></div><div>Supplies needed:</div><div>1 4"PVC pipe 24-36" long ($1.68) purchased from a local store</div><div>Carpet pad to cover PVC ($2.00) purchased hunk from a flooring store</div><div>Elmer's Spray adhesive (I had this at home)</div><div>Fabric</div><div>7"+ zipper (I had it at home)</div><div>Scissors</div><div>Duck Tape</div><div>Large plastic shopping bag</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0zqpuG55KoPRAlUkVPWoRgooeRPa7hhwn9g00nRpY2ZF53N6s6KBBhpI2yK_lhOwC6FBLBB3Gn1yblWsvr2PWkslxLzwRt4ml9DbECjNAt7CTZxfo_P5gBBpTPGK4mX7Ja7DsTp6UyI/s640/blogger-image--1099497363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0zqpuG55KoPRAlUkVPWoRgooeRPa7hhwn9g00nRpY2ZF53N6s6KBBhpI2yK_lhOwC6FBLBB3Gn1yblWsvr2PWkslxLzwRt4ml9DbECjNAt7CTZxfo_P5gBBpTPGK4mX7Ja7DsTp6UyI/s640/blogger-image--1099497363.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>1.) Lay down the carpet pad with the netting side on the floor</div><div>2.) Ruff cut the pad to the size of the PVC all the way around.</div><div>3.) Use the spray glue do. {Hint work in 6" segments.} Hold it in place until glue sets.</div><div>4.) Make the final cut, be sure to pull a little so when it's rolling on the floor it doesn't loosen the glue.</div><div>5.) Cut strips of duck tape and tape across the seam.</div><div>6.) Cut a strip of duck tape to go the length of the seam.</div><div>7.) Cut a few strips of tape for the ends of the tube, cut slices and pull tight, tape to the inside of the PVC tube.</div><div>8.) Measure and cut the fabric, be sure to add 0.5" to all the sides.</div><div>9.) Turn inside out and sew the tube, leaving 0.5" of the bottom of the tube open, back stitch.</div><div>10.) Slip on plastic bag onto the end, trim excess, {leave the handle!!!}use tape to secure around tube but do not tape to the carpet pad.</div><div>11.) Grab the zipper and sew onto the fabric, make sure to sew tight. Mine was a bit less than all the way around the tube so I had to tuck the end in.</div><div>12.) Grab an end and sew onto the zipper.</div><div>13.) Flip the fabric and pull onto, check that the zipper closes ok. Open the zipper.</div><div>14.) Flip fabric again, {yes I know it's a pain} pull onto the end. Grab the remaining end, and sew onto the bottom. Pull off. </div><div>15.) Slice the bottom of the bag almost all the way through, but leave enough so you can pull the fabric all the way through. </div><div>16.) Pull fabric on and pull bag HARD.</div><div>17.) Pull bag out only after you have fabric pulled all the way on.</div><div>18.) Zipper it up and enjoy the pain.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CVZvgljZabk5tM8eEsxw831tbZHbLQ6CZk86zCK3xRG7cJRegwXkgu_LOhkBmAfFWSLCQbGYpRr5Ayd4QQ0BH4b-v84epQJ-mZcF0_6eHEPDryrP8c8OtWCHEp2lc2ogr4epuW3BoHA/s640/blogger-image--180900208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CVZvgljZabk5tM8eEsxw831tbZHbLQ6CZk86zCK3xRG7cJRegwXkgu_LOhkBmAfFWSLCQbGYpRr5Ayd4QQ0BH4b-v84epQJ-mZcF0_6eHEPDryrP8c8OtWCHEp2lc2ogr4epuW3BoHA/s640/blogger-image--180900208.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh and this one is "just right." Firm but not HARD, comfortable, and best of all it hurts so good.</div><br></div><div><br></div>An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-29382557996265264102014-02-04T18:19:00.000-06:002014-02-04T18:19:32.178-06:00Don’t [DO] date a girl who travels [The Rebuttal]It all started with a well written but very biased "click worthy" article called "Don't date a girl who travels" that one of my Facebook friends had posted to his wall and it found it's way on my newsfeed. After reading the article I was seeing red. I'm not sure why this article made me so mad, but it did.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUG3Zov4AvT6F85zHqMcp03CG_EwNwH4FK6vCl2OZmZk1Dx-Xz8dO0qfpMAVBNa7xK2W6xF6L9UnCn_oh-sDU-2E0KFQ-QgIcxK_tqpTxf8JurCC09IxwZSX2DqD80zmVMkZTsqd16D0/s640/blogger-image--808803431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUG3Zov4AvT6F85zHqMcp03CG_EwNwH4FK6vCl2OZmZk1Dx-Xz8dO0qfpMAVBNa7xK2W6xF6L9UnCn_oh-sDU-2E0KFQ-QgIcxK_tqpTxf8JurCC09IxwZSX2DqD80zmVMkZTsqd16D0/s640/blogger-image--808803431.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do Date a Woman who Travels</span><br />
You spot her, yes her the one with the wild untamed hair, from the other side of the bar. Even from the other side of the room you feel drawn to her, her unnatural beauty calling to you, pulling at your heart strings. There, is her laugh, dancing across the room to you. She's special, so unlike anyone else you have met before, when you are with her she makes you feel special too. Do it, date that woman who travels.<br />
<br />
Do date the woman who travels, that normal dinner and a movie may suck the life out of her but add a little candle light and a night of ice fishing in a portable house will make her eyes glimmer. She will feel connected to you and to nature at the same time. She may not be impressed by your fancy car or your expensive watch, but perhaps she realizes that in order to balance her out she needs some more stability.<br />
<br />
Do date the woman who travels, she may make you uncomfortable sometimes by suggesting something you've never done before but she will force you to grow and experience MORE in your life than you thought possible. The woman who travels has an understanding of money different than most people, she will spend a lot for an experience and then spend a small amount when it comes to life staples.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Do date the woman who travels, for she will work towards her passion and not for the paycheck. She may have bad days, and she may want to vent but she will also have compassion for your bad days. She may offer to cook your favorite meal, take your for a walk under the stars, or a bit of expensive chocolate from Germany to ease the hurt for she understands that when things get hard it really is the little things that help to sort it out. Most women who travel have jobs that allow them to do so, but they try to HELP people when they are working, what a wonderful quality.<br />
<br />
Do date the woman who travels, she may not be using her college degree but she understands the importance of education. She will respect your degree and encourage you to seek out more education in a variety of ways; from an institution, from a mentor, even from those whom you don't know. <br />
<br />
Do date the woman who travels, she chooses a life of adventure. How lucky are you that of all the people she knows she chooses to spend her time with you? Her adventure seeking may get her into some dicy situations but it also allows her soul to breathe, it allows her to learn from her mistakes and to keep from making the same ones over and over. She will apologize and she will mean it.<br />
<br />
Do date the woman who travels, she will speak her mind. She won't try to impress your friends and family but her kindness will attract your family. She values respect but will hold and informed conversation about hot button issues, but don't worry if you don't agree, she understands that the world needs all types.<br />
<br />
Do date the woman who travels, she may not need you, but she's chosen you as much as you've chosen her. She can stand on her own two feet but she realizes that leads to a life of solitude and can be very lonely. She may cooks well, and doesn't need you to pay for her meals but tell her your favorite meals and she may be willing to cook it for you, especially if you are willing to trade favors. She may not need you to travel with her, but she asks because she likes your company, she wants to share her life and experiences with you. She may get sidetracked before checking in upon arrival at her destination but out of respect and admiration she will eventually check in. Don't worry, her train may be running 4 hours late getting into Veniza, or perhaps she ran into an old friend, or her cell has no reception, she'll let you know that she is ok. She'll meet many people, and that may be intimidating but she'll always be willing to introduce you to them and to share their many adventure stories.<br />
<br />
Do date the woman who travels, and when you fall in love with her, ask her to marry you so that you too, can become one who travels, and perhaps she will also change a bit more into one who stays home. Just don't steal her longing for adventure, embrace it, love it, it's what makes her who she is, the woman you fell in love with.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-62664906435048674102014-02-04T17:33:00.001-06:002014-02-04T20:04:13.669-06:00Review of Polaroid PBT555<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pnIavNbkxZBv9I-tj-UcjfY9pK4nkJa0NA8NN2nB5-o7OOjNnDP6w0wJD8lADLvqRK_gsHrO2UWUtd_8WaL5WPVyF-kWmAL9waxnB-PERmwxDIm5OGOS001BxpACfOMEUhn7JciNpqk/s640/blogger-image--1804424217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pnIavNbkxZBv9I-tj-UcjfY9pK4nkJa0NA8NN2nB5-o7OOjNnDP6w0wJD8lADLvqRK_gsHrO2UWUtd_8WaL5WPVyF-kWmAL9waxnB-PERmwxDIm5OGOS001BxpACfOMEUhn7JciNpqk/s640/blogger-image--1804424217.jpg"></a></div>
Let me start by saying this. Music it speaks to my soul, to my very being. My memories are stored in both songs and vintages of wine. I am one of the most particular people I know and this has only been reinforced by my mentor who at 59 was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, which is known as the highest functioning form of autism. It is an understatement to say that I like things "just so", the most odd things can set me into a frenzy in a heartbeat.<br>
<div>
<br>
As much as I love music I sometimes struggle with concerts as the artists usually don't sound the same, so needless to say I'm picky about headphones, speakers, and tones.<br>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqbu0MnrGxJW3EJ-xmj5SCR9YuFy7H161fmxntnuiPGTjxa_vwDAuMLWE_A4wg5GK7eFYRCHuipJ6QjKOg9jJ1Ej4l91rP02wP8q5pk4fnbLP8U41Ow_jkStV1Izp4bYWKeM5shMPYJk/s640/blogger-image-957868474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqbu0MnrGxJW3EJ-xmj5SCR9YuFy7H161fmxntnuiPGTjxa_vwDAuMLWE_A4wg5GK7eFYRCHuipJ6QjKOg9jJ1Ej4l91rP02wP8q5pk4fnbLP8U41Ow_jkStV1Izp4bYWKeM5shMPYJk/s640/blogger-image-957868474.jpg"></a><br>
I bought this speaker on a whim on a suggestion from my Father (I couldn't find a review for it anywhere) I work as a nanny (specializing in special needs kids) and I wanted a speaker I could travel with both to work, to workout with, and take with me internationally. I wanted to be able to literally throw it in my suitcase or nanny bag and not need to worry about too much. I was really considering saving up for the Jambox Mini Speaker but at $179.99 + tax it was a bit steep. The Polaroid was a mere $79.99 (with mail in rebate).<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Now this speaker connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, a simple simple pairing process with my iPhone 5s. And in mere seconds I was ready to check out the sound quality.</div>
<div>
<br>
<br></div>
<div>
About the sound quality, I have found my music collection which boasts of Jay Z to Persian love songs to Luke Bryant to play beautifully. It sounds as it does coming out of Bose Soundwave. There is no twanging, no thumping or irradiate humming that doesn't belong. The sound coming out of this speaker BLEW me AWAY. When comparing to my sisters Jambox Mini I think the Polaroid has better sound quality, especially for the price.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
What about the size, will it really fit into my suit case? Yes it will really fit! It is a bit wider at 2" than the Jambox Mini (compared at .91") but I also think that is why it is able to put out such awesome sound quality. So for me the depth isn't an issue.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCPkXSVavxLmB0v3RZQDP3euf2BwMJyke2VIIDQCzJAeZwuyPE8ZDsOZ6ip2-iN5j_OeWEbA0hzVniXSdKww8ceRWzHAzv58Nl3DMCcf86635-etjKZt4XYc6ocoSV6Y9RoAYg0p8PiI/s640/blogger-image-1822908810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCPkXSVavxLmB0v3RZQDP3euf2BwMJyke2VIIDQCzJAeZwuyPE8ZDsOZ6ip2-iN5j_OeWEbA0hzVniXSdKww8ceRWzHAzv58Nl3DMCcf86635-etjKZt4XYc6ocoSV6Y9RoAYg0p8PiI/s640/blogger-image-1822908810.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
Both the JamBox Mini and the Polaroid claim 8 hours of use per full charge. I have found that claim to be a bit on the short side to with mine, I get between 6-11 hours (depending on volume). A full charge off of a 2.0 USB takes about 1.5 hours. It includes both the charging cable and the AUX cable for use with a regular iPod or MP3 player. (I'm searching for a wall adapter for multiple country use.)<br>
<br>
I use mine all of the time. Working out to blare my music to get me revved up, while showering, and to both calm down (from their fits) and get the kids I nanny for moving. I have yet to pack it but with the light metal used in it's construction it's built well so I don't worry about it getting broken in my checked luggage.<br>
<br>
All in all, if this item were to get broken or stolen in my luggage I'd buy a replacement (and it would still be less than the JamBox Mini.) If looking for a speaker I highly recommend the Polaroid PBT555 over even the JamBox Mini.</div>
An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-50672979804638351762014-02-04T08:42:00.000-06:002014-02-04T20:04:00.104-06:00Dear Jon<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">10 of Sept</span></div><div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYVK7Egk_KNSKUY-HlmztNHYtKDjeUt9bb59FMxkmwljEhgt_DedAn9OUo1R3qmoT-Xr7PDwZ3wLKQeKeqr_cCaso645pziK9rRjoRip_hcJ6Wfwkgcz_LWuAlHORjoASfjEAJ53FYNU/s640/blogger-image--1673278995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYVK7Egk_KNSKUY-HlmztNHYtKDjeUt9bb59FMxkmwljEhgt_DedAn9OUo1R3qmoT-Xr7PDwZ3wLKQeKeqr_cCaso645pziK9rRjoRip_hcJ6Wfwkgcz_LWuAlHORjoASfjEAJ53FYNU/s640/blogger-image--1673278995.jpg"></a></div>So at 3.30 am I had some sweet roommates that joined us in our room.... In London I was staying in a youth hostel many beds in one room, they came in flipped on all the lights and were yelling from room to room. Like many others in our room, I was cranky. I couldn't fall back asleep, my sense of security had been shattered and my heart was seriously thumping. So instead of cussing them all out or being nasty I got some clothes on and decided to go and take some sunrise photos of London.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9jQtBkzMOaXPkDZCKeeHVVCrv1bSg7aQQr-ytXErrL6125QxXvrI0-HwVnSRe3HUYw_m8-Jpa1FCBcttDsSgCHwMyjva0VC7-aOn_kesvCOariJgZjLZKOPMQnE4-fvWhFfeutAo_aE/s640/blogger-image--2038160038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9jQtBkzMOaXPkDZCKeeHVVCrv1bSg7aQQr-ytXErrL6125QxXvrI0-HwVnSRe3HUYw_m8-Jpa1FCBcttDsSgCHwMyjva0VC7-aOn_kesvCOariJgZjLZKOPMQnE4-fvWhFfeutAo_aE/s640/blogger-image--2038160038.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I spent some time with my new friend Jon walking around the park and going to the history place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmU3WhU-eYvCDRVC2mZYA8ezCZURM5twsin1SkJZbKE6t8JViTwsVLedjHJMSZr3rmINLvwOWEh8CdlMRcss6IQ-54xyIZxi_dxzU_u-u-bS_YBoHSzVk4GQxNIaBmgSfJ-1MKHXVvzQM/s640/blogger-image--838588558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmU3WhU-eYvCDRVC2mZYA8ezCZURM5twsin1SkJZbKE6t8JViTwsVLedjHJMSZr3rmINLvwOWEh8CdlMRcss6IQ-54xyIZxi_dxzU_u-u-bS_YBoHSzVk4GQxNIaBmgSfJ-1MKHXVvzQM/s640/blogger-image--838588558.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-6136707973507336122013-09-15T13:47:00.002-05:002014-02-04T08:40:37.864-06:00Broke and in Paris :(<br />
<div class="p1">
A very handsome French man just came up to me and started speaking gibberish (also known as French) to me </div>
<div class="p1">
I said no French. </div>
<div class="p1">
He said: mademoiselle, you are very beautiful, do you live here? </div>
<div class="p1">
I said: no, just visiting. </div>
<div class="p1">
He: For long? </div>
<div class="p1">
I: A week. </div>
<div class="p1">
He then asked me for coffee. I declined as I was in a panic as I need to get to the US embassy and figure out my banking. A girl needs money for food and hotel while abroad if nothing else and I am running dangerously low like the equivalent of what $10 gets you in the US. Really not good. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
However after he left I checked my purse for my checkbook (not that it did me any good not working here) my passport and other ID and then I thought to myself, "wow, that would have been a nice under different circumstances," my second thought was, "he probably wanted to kidnap you."</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I then headed to the US embassy to try and figure out why my bank card is not working in FRANCE, who the heck does that to a girl whom is traveling alone. Locks up her bank care? Big time bad, big time. I was seriously freaking out as I had been in Paris for over 24 hours, almost 36 at this point and had VERY little money in the pocketbook. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
12 of Sept<br />
I talked to the embassy, texted with my grandma, who thankfully is up at the crack of dawn also known as 5am and she was going to have my Aunt get me some money so that by the end of the day I had my budget of money for my trip and I would no longer have less money in my pocket than the man begging for change on the street. (Dear Readers- knowing that you are in a different country and have less money than the homeless man is not a good feeling. It is scary. It is embarrassing, I saved for a long time to be able to go on this trip and after all of that hard work- and I had the bruises and scratches to prove it was hard work, I was in Paris, one of the most magical cities and I was in essence, BROKE.) When I am back stateside, I will be having a VERY long chat with my bank about this. One of the main reasons that I took my accounts there was because they did not charge international fees, which is easy to do if while you are on a trip you can't access your funds (the scoundrels!) they will be reimbursing me the fees to have the money wired to Paris.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The people at the US embassy in Paris are very nice, not one but two days the guards dealt with me very upset and sometimes crying (I was scared remember). They were understanding and professional and most of all they were very helpful. Marie in special services was a God send in helping me figure out HOW to get money from the US to Paris the least expensive and the more reliable way.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So after I picked up some money (yay no longer broke) I went back to my host's home. We went to the gym (OMG it is the most amazing gym I have ever been too) it has a waterpark, a gym, classes, water classes, hot yoga, yada yada yada. You can check out there site <a href="http://www.aquaboulevard.fr/aquaboulevard.html#/decouvrez/enImages" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Yes, it is AMAZING! I was so lucky to be able to go here not one but TWO nights in a row. After the waterpark and sauna, yes that's right this broke girl got to waste her stress away in a sauna, I don't even think I have access to one of those at home, we went to the <a href="http://www.hippopotamus.fr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hippopotamus</a>, I was told to order a steak, which was surprisingly inexpensive, like $18US. It was ok. My virgin drink however was to DIE for. After dinner I took the Metro back to my host's home and they picked me up in a car to go to a latin dance club. Yes, this very white girl went to the <a href="http://www.chrispagopago.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">latin dance club</a>. Walking into this club I could hear the lady from the metro say "please beware of pickpockets" in my head. It kinda looked like a sketchy area, but as soon as I saw the coat check I felt better. I felt out of place, and self conscious because I had NO IDEA what I was doing, so I just sat and watched (it was an Erkle moment, anyone else have those?). I have however decided that I would like to learn how to dance to this type of music, it is beautiful it is sensual and it is kinda amazing. The plan was to stay for an hour- but like most good plans, we stayed much later, until about 1.15 am, and then the 25 minute drive back with laughs and some serious conversation, after getting back to the apartment I went straight to bed. I was exhausted. In all honesty, way beyond exhausted and really needed some sleep. My hosts were leaving for a flight in the am, so I had to wake up early and to check out the apartment I had rented for the remainder of my stay in Paris.</div>
An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-43019572787723467212013-09-08T04:07:00.001-05:002013-09-08T04:07:10.963-05:00Iceland, Burberry, & tax free shoppingDear Readers,<br />I am sitting here at the Iceland airport thankful that I even made it to this leg of my journey. As I was pulled by TSA for additional screening, like almost 45 minutes worth. I had made it to the airport with plenty of time, thanks to D. who drove me all the way out to Dulles but all that extra stuff can throw off plans really quick. <br /><br />My flight took off around 21.00 EST and I landed around 6.00 on Sunday (sorry I don't even know what time zone I am even in.) We were told by the intercom system to wait in the lower level, so I did, then I was told they were closing lower level and to go upstairs. Where I met a really spectacular security guard with a sweet USMC tat on his form arm, so we chatted until the customs agent got away from his doughnut to interview & clear me through customs- which took about 30 minutes and I was the only one there! I swear I must be on a watch list of some sort, lol. <br /><br />When I arrived upstairs not only did I locate my love, Mt.Dew, which looks totally different here, but I also came across tax & duty free designer shopping. Burberry, Dior, Chanel, you know. I looked at all of the beautiful things, had my heart a pitter-patter and came to sit down as I'm exhausted, an overnight flight with screaming, crying babies and children with loud parents will do that to a girl, even one with Dramamine, ear plugs and a sleep mask. <br /><br />All in all, my flight here was pretty awesome. We had some good pilots who avoided the turbulence that other passengers were complaining about, and as far as an airport goes this one is great. The exchange rate isn't terrible and I'm looking forward to lunch, even tho it is only 9.06. An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-1577562651810503052013-09-05T14:11:00.000-05:002013-09-05T11:08:12.502-05:00Business Set Up: Interviews & Founding FamersLast time I came to visit D. and I tried to get in to eat at <a href="http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Founding Famers</a> but it was a weekend at it was like a 3 hour wait or something obnoxious like that, so we went to find another place to eat but it was closed so finally we headed back to her apartment and had pizza or the like. So we both knew that this trip we wanted me to experience the amazingness of <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/founding-farmers-washington" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Founding Famers</a>, (see reviews and menu.) So D. booked a reservation on Open Table, I did not want to miss this place although it may only be open for a New York minute. Dearest readers, have you ever book marked or checked into a place so you can find it later only to discover that, it has already closed, you know a hot month or two after you were there last? I have and it is so very sad. <br />
<br />
We took the metro into DC, for those of you who don't know I LOVE riding the metro, most people don't feel the love from the DC metro system but I do! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and the<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGfCAXdJ3YxKnq3OBq5ns_y57hyuZeq3a8L_QnBmk45U3pZTuBl4NuPQURblOincIL8FbYtqMw38Xm4fW7ixcd2_infs8dznahe8Tj-XRYdXOafV76nTGKJQNwKVP-fdyhUesxc7pY_I/s1600/IMG_5986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGfCAXdJ3YxKnq3OBq5ns_y57hyuZeq3a8L_QnBmk45U3pZTuBl4NuPQURblOincIL8FbYtqMw38Xm4fW7ixcd2_infs8dznahe8Tj-XRYdXOafV76nTGKJQNwKVP-fdyhUesxc7pY_I/s320/IMG_5986.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metro train, orange line @ Foggy Bottom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
fact that D's apartment is only a few city blocks away (great way to tone my calfs) only adds to my excitement, I (who lives in MN) even have the plastic DC commuter card, I carry it pretty much everywhere in my wallet. I never know when I may need to whisk away to the city that has fashion, amazing food and is dripping in power (or people who think they are powerful and/or important but aren't.) Like Big J. says, "if you are important you don't need to sit there and tell me that you're important," great life lesson readers.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-j_ZwgKLMcCFftnYui7rjymth2i3QMh6QviUpFaAmiHFLEnWJUvN8M3iiQRyXkptHlU88F1W_4WK0yemB3nEuKoxMoZARhI3FZT6bQmzTz-i6tlIreYEd8ZBgDrNuEpvxLYxpYvHls4/s1600/IMG_5983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-j_ZwgKLMcCFftnYui7rjymth2i3QMh6QviUpFaAmiHFLEnWJUvN8M3iiQRyXkptHlU88F1W_4WK0yemB3nEuKoxMoZARhI3FZT6bQmzTz-i6tlIreYEd8ZBgDrNuEpvxLYxpYvHls4/s200/IMG_5983.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Another life lesson readers is to not run around with your badge on while in DC-like this stranger does. It makes you look like an intern and it's not very safe security wise. How likely is it that one would keep their job after loosing (or someone stealing) their badge that allows them access to their work while in DC in a city that almost every job comes with a badge? I have known staffers & magazine staff whom have gotten fired for this very reason, and with good cause. I realize people think that their badge is a status symbol, and perhaps it is, but walking around with it out just isn't the greatest idea.<br />
<br />
We arrive for our reservation, and the place looks like a ghost town, except for you know the well known actor in the corner upstairs, the member of the house that are having a powow, a few senate members, and one man I didn't actually need to run into. Evidentially this is THE place to be at 9am. I order a ginger ale, now let me tell ya, this ginger ale is home made and it's $5 a glass its ahhhmazing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyTQdOJ2KHTUFHQoITFybJ5k5tYmt6WFvYy5PVTCep_k0h-1NTA7ZMOeQiIWvymyf019NEHoPiLEIzw0jO64GlsDYp2OlAKATtiOY2YmRoDaOHHVaP7EZ-IE9SkbffqNQTSDP-yKz4eE/s1600/MyCollage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyTQdOJ2KHTUFHQoITFybJ5k5tYmt6WFvYy5PVTCep_k0h-1NTA7ZMOeQiIWvymyf019NEHoPiLEIzw0jO64GlsDYp2OlAKATtiOY2YmRoDaOHHVaP7EZ-IE9SkbffqNQTSDP-yKz4eE/s400/MyCollage.png" width="400" /></a></div>
So amazing that I thought about ordering a second, with no ice in a to go cup and spending way more money on my drink than on my food. D. gets a dt. coke those of you that know her know this is her beverage of choice and she can often be found with it in her hand, the same could be said of me and Mt. Dew. Our waiter is great, he takes our order for food and as we wait we scope out the place. At this point I'm in a food heaven with the experience with my soda (D. likes it too), I'm<br />
<br />
really not sure my food can top it... but then, it arrives. As you can see I ordered a waffle with strawberries and cream. The waffle was crispy on the outside and soft on he inside, it was PERFECT. D. and I wrapped up our eating adventure and I headed back to her apartment while she went to scope things out in the city.<br />
<br />
So in this business adventure I need to do all of the normal business stuff: file the state docs, EIN, legal agreements, logo, website, etc. However because this is for one of my dearest friends I of course am WAYYY more invested in her success, so two days ago we went to hold two interviews. <br />
<br />
The first interview was with a zoo keeper, it was seriously on his resume. <span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;">I think they should have left him locked up with the baboons, this man had no class. </span> The interview didn't even start off well, I had emailed this man an address of a Starbucks to meet us at, he showed up at the wrong one, <b>TWICE </b>and it only got worse from there. I mean absolutely very very bad. Dear readers, I walked out of that interview impressed by how bad I felt about myself, this guy was amazing at backhanded compliments and inserting his foot into his mouth, all while this interviewee was hitting on my dear friend and staring at upper lady parts. Hey buddy, our eyes are up here! It took us a while on the ride home to discover what about him we didn't like, and when we pinpointed it the array of dislike spewed up like a fountain. I think we both left that interview feeling like we needed a shower.<br />
<br />
We arrived back to the apartment with enough time for me to rest and for D. to get ready. For this second interview I decided to change just a bit. We held the interview/ meeting with a prospective photographer, whose talents are unbelievable. (I had already told him that he may need to RASISE HIS PRICES.) I had also sent this man an address and when I called him to tell him we had arrived he said he was almost there, I got a bit nervous. Could this one be as bad as the first? If so I was going to want a drink and chocolate. I ordered my drink (a mimosa) and we waited until he arrived, which was only a few minutes. Let's be clear, this man followed directions, walked in with confidence and <b>to the right place</b>- he was already doing better than 90% of people I've interacted with at this point. This photographer was hilarious, like my abs hurt yesterday kind of funny, we got so off topic my grandmother would have blushed. This man beyond having a similar knack for child rearing as I do, shaking his head to the mom who was trying to reason with a 4 year old and saying, "it takes very little time to pretend like you actually care," and "your kid will get friends at school, what he needs is a parent," to D. and I he has also written a book that one day I hope he will allow me to purchase. "mmmmnnn honey that book is all to full for a good Christian girl like yourself," which made D. and I look at each other and laugh, and it made me seriously want to go and find to read on my 14 hour plane journey. In the end, this man offered to walk us across the street back to D.'s apartment and wrote a very nice email to say that he had a nice time, well we did too and I hope to someday be able to meet him for a meal again, this time, I'll record it for my own personal enjoyment.<br />
<br />
One of two, not a bad success rate, too bad I thought I had weeded out all of the real crazies. I will be setting up more meetings for tomorrow, Dear Lord, please give me some humor and remind me to wear really modest clothing.<br />
<br />
Over and out.<br />
<br />
<br />An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-80072584520173451812013-09-05T09:52:00.002-05:002013-09-05T10:09:52.164-05:00Michael Kors & SAKS<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So on Friday, I went to the VA SOS site only to find out that the site was down for maintenance, <b>who does that on a holiday weekend</b>? Dear SOS, that was serious a bad life choice and I wasn't impressed so after a slight freak out I suggested that we go shopping, I mean after all I was in the shopping <b>MECA</b> of DC. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tysons, for those of you have never been, is like the 5th AVE of DC; you have Tiffany, Gucci, MK, well.... you get my point. For those of you who don't know me well, I love shopping and I have a love for many designer things. Big J. would say that you might as well go to Nordstroms or TJ Maxx and get the designer leather handbag that will last for 10+ years if cared for and make the investment of $300 than to buy a new handbag every year or season at Walmart, Vanity, or Herbergers, "buy quality, not quantity." I'm going to upset some people back home with that comment, don't get me wrong, Herbergers has some nice stuff, but in the last year their quality in most things has gone down drastically, and their less expensive stuff is no longer made of materials that will stand the test of time. Just ask my friend who purchased a $125 purse from them on sale only to find the handles were splitting from the purse with little in it over a period of a few months, I thought she was going to cry when she called me. Sooo, we went shopping. I always have a list of stuff in my phone that I am looking for, not that I need but WANTS, because let's be honest, I'm a nanny for now, I don't need designer anything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VMCzlDs3pjfpOKSDHFkhHh1S11jtfqRw_dZFZoQwV7UZmpdJsK-lPJkULp9BkTWivQBluV_br_wB4yC_1SNSGbNZyHqoXaEicF2yNGyiYMvOcdODUPwdmg_kDbJLmz90dGtaSmx26c4/s1600/CM+Capture+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VMCzlDs3pjfpOKSDHFkhHh1S11jtfqRw_dZFZoQwV7UZmpdJsK-lPJkULp9BkTWivQBluV_br_wB4yC_1SNSGbNZyHqoXaEicF2yNGyiYMvOcdODUPwdmg_kDbJLmz90dGtaSmx26c4/s400/CM+Capture+2.jpg" width="265" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And at SAKS on 5th (because on a nanny salary I don't dare buy from the real SAKS) I found something I have been searching for a few years for, a real leather (I don't like pleather, I grew up in the country) and knit coat by Michael Kors. Remember I said I was in the shopping <b>MECA</b> of DC. It was gorgeous, upon seeing it I was saddened to find out that they didn't have my size on the rack, as I was looking for D. I found a "damaged" one on another rack, it has water spots on it and I beelined it for the dressing room, I mean faster than you can say "Bob's your uncle." The ladies in the dressing rooms put me in the large one with the triple mirror, she must have known I needed to see where this coat hit me in the back. After a very slow loading of Living Social's $20 for $40 deal, I had referred some deals to friends and had a credit (yay!). Because for those of your who don't know me well I like nice things, but it is very rare that I pay retail price for much, I may have designer shirts and I have quite a few </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(5 or 6)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">RL button ups but honestly, most of them were purchased in the Minneapolis area while I had an appointment or a meeting at the Goodwill for less than $10, like my Katie Young dress for $8.99. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had a long talk with D. about spending so much money on a coat, before a big trip I decided to purchase it- as after all, it was perfect, that is minus the water marks on the front, which I can take to cobbler in Willmar and have him remove for probably less than $30 a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17.98611068725586px;">nd Macy's is still selling it right now for full retail value, no coupons accepted. So I took my birthday money, (thanks Gram, mom & dad, and Uncle Dean) (because why not take birthday money and special earnings and buy an investment piece?) and some of my coupon savings cash (because I actually save 1/2 of my savings from coupons) and purchased this lovely coat. And now that I have it I have been literally wearing it at night with my yoga pants when my body starts to get cold because I have been up for all too many hours working straight, but this coat, it puts a smile on my face and it's WARM.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px;">Over and Out.</span></span>An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-28966887579104393302013-08-28T21:59:00.001-05:002013-08-28T21:59:21.025-05:00T minus no days.As I get off of my nannying job thankful to the parents who let me go early even after the girl who was to cover canceled on me I went to cash a check, now folks this check was written out to a business. To those of you who don't know, I hate, hate, hate accepting checks for services rendered. I have had large checks bounce on me. I have had checks drawn on closed accounts. And I have dealt with identity theft on checks, it's not enjoyable when your bank calls to tell you that the check you just deposited will not actually be credited to your account. So instead I use Square. <br />I prefer Square. It's amazing, I have had no problems. I finally get home after opening yet another bank account and talking with a client and mentor to find out that it is 6.45pm and I have NO POWER, a semi hit the pole that brings power to my sleepy town and took out our supply. No power, that means no lights in my laundry room, no a/c (it has been in the 90's all week and feeling like it was in the 100's), and I can't scan my documents for backups or to leave copies anywhere. So what did I do? I call my best friend and freak out that I have no power, then I get to work assembling all of my stuff for the next 31 days and all of the stuff I need to hold & host business meeting which is totally different than the stuff needed to backpack across Europe. There in lies a problem, how much stuff is in my bag that I don't need to take overseas? Answer: about 15-20lbs, but this nanny is prepared with a ever standing UPS account. <br />So I pack, (I promise I'll post photos), power comes on (yay!!!) I clean, shower, and I fold laundry, I go to bed, power goes out at 23.30. So we leave to go stay at Dan & Sheila's. I need to be up at 05.30 and that isn't going to happen if I am all sweaty gross all night.<br /><br />I'm thankful to have been able to sleep in the A/c. I'm thankful to have remembered everything. I most thankful I woke up to my alarm.An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-40714220848777277962013-08-26T10:20:00.002-05:002013-08-26T10:20:54.592-05:00Two days and counting... and I'm sickSo as many of you know I am about to really go on an adventure. I am headed to Washington DC to set up a business for my best friend and after 10 days I will be headed to London, Paris, and all over Italy. I will be gone exactly a month. I am SOOOO excited that was until I came home last night and figured out I was running a fever. OHHH NOOO.<br />
<br />
<br />
So I called my mom, as my said best friend was out to a movie with another friend of ours, and I say "hi mom" mom goes "you sound awful" (well thanks mom!) then I proceed to tell her all about how I feel, what my symptoms are, etc. She tells me to go to take medicine and go to bed. I woke up feeling WORSE than when I went to sleep, so I text her, as I now have a 101.8 F temp. I end up calling my nurse hotline and they tell me I can see a doctor ONLINE. REALLY? Because that's great as I feel weak and pukey and don't want to drive 35 minutes to see my on call doctor, my doctor is on vacation. So I log <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.onlinecareanywheremn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on the site</a> to see the doctor and I'm </span><span style="text-align: center;">told that I have a sinus infection and an ear infection.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> Uffda.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeZTxjFghTqgjdAMl29DvVA0hZtKDfFgDM6Qs65v9MYHeLDGeFavLzzZpbXOX8JxDN1jQd_L_-dlOMn_oNa-JD7_g2ObgjDkHtGMOHY_DoSJlJJ0RzC-u7GvaiYBlUU1BjpdevYX87cM/s1600/CM+Capture+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeZTxjFghTqgjdAMl29DvVA0hZtKDfFgDM6Qs65v9MYHeLDGeFavLzzZpbXOX8JxDN1jQd_L_-dlOMn_oNa-JD7_g2ObgjDkHtGMOHY_DoSJlJJ0RzC-u7GvaiYBlUU1BjpdevYX87cM/s640/CM+Capture+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a sweet service!<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">Dear Lord, I'm supposed to be flying in two days, please help me feel better. :) I went to the pharmacy to get my meds (wow are they huge!) and now I'm about to sleep, and then... pack and hope to feel better to be able to see my </span><a href="http://kastnerchiropractor.com/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Chrio</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"> in the afternoon because he has a true health gift from God. I am hoping that my fever has broken so I can work my last day, see my kids and say goodbye, and get paid. I will show my packing lists when I finalize them... along with how I packed.</span></div>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-33480589064599332852013-05-07T20:44:00.003-05:002013-05-20T16:18:56.306-05:00The First Minneapolis Adventure + BasketballSo, after some persuasion I convinced a loved one to do a little traveling with me, only after being bribed with basketball ticket to the Timberwolves. So I booked our hotel, reserved the tickets and started scouring reviews for mouth watering food. Then I prayed. I prayed that our unpredictable weather would not get into the way of this trip. Where I live we have had several (I mean more than four) major snow falls since March 1st. Ewww, at least this sleepy community looks as good in the snow as it does with green grass and colorful foliage.<br />
<br />
There was no snow on the ground for our trip to Minneapolis, I love these "winning moments." We cranked up the <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802463511&pid=1270303&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kohls.com%2Fproduct%2Fprd-1270303%2Filive-app-enhanced-clock-radio.jsp%3Fpfx%3Dpfx_shopcompare%26cid%3Dshopping3&usg=AFHzDLvDemzvUSfW1NcMpkcGEiPZHFLezA&pubid=635596" rel="nofollow">radio</a> and drove to Dave and Buster's. I LOVE, LOVE. LOVE Dave & Buster's. If given the chance I'm just a huge kid. For those of you who don't know about <a href="http://www.daveandbusters.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Dave & Buster's</a> it's an arcade that geared toward adults. It uses hotel style magnetic cards that hold a balance for you to spend in the arcade. They also serve food, soda, and adult drinks, in my opinion the food and drinks are over priced, I say eat elsewhere & go to play. There are several locations across the US, check their site to find one near you. So we played at the arcade for a few hours then headed to the hotel.<br />
<br />
We stayed at<a href="http://lebourgethotel.com/index.html" target="_blank"> LeBourget Hotel</a> in Bloomington. I am on a budget and try to get the best deals possible, therefore I use Priceline to book all of my travel needs. In this case I used their Express Blind hotel and booked our amazing suite for $64.44, including parking and taxes. This hotel boasts of a new renovation, a pool, a bar & restaurant and The Effile Tower decor (which in my opinion is tacky at best but it's cute.) No internet and no breakfast, but the bed was comfortable, we had a <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802463511&pid=1182122&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kohls.com%2Fproduct%2Fprd-1182122%2Fkeurig-k-cup-portion-pack-tully-s-coffee-breakfast-blend-coffee-18-pk.jsp%3Fpfx%3Dpfx_shopcompare%26cid%3Dshopping3&usg=AFHzDLsKs2w0XOjm_IZfdysy2iqt13Qh7w&pubid=635596" rel="nofollow">Keurig</a> and we didn't really want to eat in that hotel anyways.<br />
<br />
We went to American Burger bar and ate. Yumm. Whenever I can I use a combination of YELP.com and Restaurant.com to save money on really good food, when I was taking clients out for dinner I would call ahead and give the location a heads up and give the certificate to the hostest/ server before my clients arrived. Once at the restaurant I ordered the American Burger, which has American cheese, bacon, and of course a patty. They offer mini fries, my favorite is to eat them with Garlic Mayo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB4vA4DtrAyxkIBIdgeH3Ck0-9vyitfnAaQuSMUDLNbr_TJv1EoMF6gxPwI34lZDZyvs9eIzWCCGW38Ui2hPCI9fKGt73MbZ7LqxWqSmCH_oLgu6cX-gEzLwdupak5623jEMdu85XWgU/s1600/IMG_5213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB4vA4DtrAyxkIBIdgeH3Ck0-9vyitfnAaQuSMUDLNbr_TJv1EoMF6gxPwI34lZDZyvs9eIzWCCGW38Ui2hPCI9fKGt73MbZ7LqxWqSmCH_oLgu6cX-gEzLwdupak5623jEMdu85XWgU/s1600/IMG_5213.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrfSGJPHCyGpsNXK2E5e4S695Yw29s1lxdwGsPql151nkLyQriRMo5ui1zJHZyukKY04tpfmc4jYA3Xm0sLqE90Nj3LPahYbrQwT7SyadCfafvk6_6DJg3a0JlmE2SzYwA5bZ-ToeGWg/s1600/IMG_5212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrfSGJPHCyGpsNXK2E5e4S695Yw29s1lxdwGsPql151nkLyQriRMo5ui1zJHZyukKY04tpfmc4jYA3Xm0sLqE90Nj3LPahYbrQwT7SyadCfafvk6_6DJg3a0JlmE2SzYwA5bZ-ToeGWg/s1600/IMG_5212.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We headed back to the hotel to grab the (free) shuttle to the lightrail for the game. Timberwolves vs the Phoenix Suns, the Timberwolves won! Whoop Whoop! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcM4MLD1hXGWl1RRWK_RHFAIdMxaNlO-WX-4p-ZqGuPu9iSmZcefm3iJ6K3rviMyfsA9owiCoTTa6UlMryctydMxXmd9osR3y2UqFY_p7zS36f9hB6kD2NN0S2yaqZYVLGLsQPDqzLyA/s1600/P4139698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcM4MLD1hXGWl1RRWK_RHFAIdMxaNlO-WX-4p-ZqGuPu9iSmZcefm3iJ6K3rviMyfsA9owiCoTTa6UlMryctydMxXmd9osR3y2UqFY_p7zS36f9hB6kD2NN0S2yaqZYVLGLsQPDqzLyA/s1600/P4139698.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The night had gotten late so we headed back to the hotel to sleep, until brunch. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-65501930544457322782013-05-06T09:25:00.000-05:002013-05-06T09:25:42.498-05:00In FocusToday is kinda a big day for me. After working 19 out of 20 hours in a 24 hour period I am free. I love the children I work with but I am looking forward to my next two days off. (Yippie!) Let's face it my house could use a good scrub down and when I get home at 11pm or 2 am I'm not really in a cleaning mood.<br />
<br />
Today, I am sending my day shopping with my grandmother. My sister graduates from college next week and she wants a new outfit, as I'm headed to the cities to purchase a new 4/3rds DSLR camera I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to catch up with my gram and save many $100's of dollars on my camera.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzHq24qc55rhUnOqJV_f9T5bSj3ISRu4RrKMFr7ka8ZC-YsxiotzhL1l0NFrSnIyDgrT6kdOQhY6ZBIzdYAYfdlAXTLPy16KDmjQ-19vekCDuF38h4q0CY505E_lMpwNufSGCumGWvwo/s1600/3E93G73H35G35Ef5M6d4782f04d52aabe187b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzHq24qc55rhUnOqJV_f9T5bSj3ISRu4RrKMFr7ka8ZC-YsxiotzhL1l0NFrSnIyDgrT6kdOQhY6ZBIzdYAYfdlAXTLPy16KDmjQ-19vekCDuF38h4q0CY505E_lMpwNufSGCumGWvwo/s1600/3E93G73H35G35Ef5M6d4782f04d52aabe187b.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See isn't it a beauty? It looks just like one of the 35mm cameras<br />
hopefully those pickpockets and scammers will think so and leave<br />
me and it alone while I'm in Europe.<br />
This is the Olympus E-PM2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm so excited! I'm also buying two lenses from a different source. Yes, it may be expensive to drive to the cities to buy something that I could order online (there's not a store within 75 miles that sells this exact camera) but it would cost me much, much more.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span id="goog_1056122033"></span><span id="goog_1056122034"></span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5eCK_GgYBbIb-xZuOvQupqYK-vm4H1QB5GhlCoTr1xp3INxFXVA5A41r3avH7lEkM_MEDvsPXO23iIxg4plTb1STy0Lx4C53kf9vgNsmHreJUGGRq_jRqT9ahDop12eo1SzEhyBI7e4/s1600/3G23Le3I75E35K35Mad4g88229a92520c1170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5eCK_GgYBbIb-xZuOvQupqYK-vm4H1QB5GhlCoTr1xp3INxFXVA5A41r3avH7lEkM_MEDvsPXO23iIxg4plTb1STy0Lx4C53kf9vgNsmHreJUGGRq_jRqT9ahDop12eo1SzEhyBI7e4/s1600/3G23Le3I75E35K35Mad4g88229a92520c1170.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPCY1Y9z18k-bSMOvyxK6cOEPfxYa_zDlSLgqKo-cFrMhmMSpS1nKjcvYpyDWrT9Tv-RIXRMSYGLa1LdjurgVPv4ab-GFSdqG0WxSRIMNb7VCwpjgswx2hU1AfQbkJGOc-alvodISOPU/s1600/3E73Ge3K15Eb5J55M8d4g61725a31a11f13da.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPCY1Y9z18k-bSMOvyxK6cOEPfxYa_zDlSLgqKo-cFrMhmMSpS1nKjcvYpyDWrT9Tv-RIXRMSYGLa1LdjurgVPv4ab-GFSdqG0WxSRIMNb7VCwpjgswx2hU1AfQbkJGOc-alvodISOPU/s1600/3E73Ge3K15Eb5J55M8d4g61725a31a11f13da.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I got the camera and lenses & ordered my adapters. I'm pretty excited. Today is an off day. I'll be cleaning and doing more research on my camera and my trip.</div>
</div>
An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-14295416988794383172013-04-22T13:50:00.001-05:002013-04-22T13:50:22.397-05:00Europe!I am so excited. I am hoping to get a new nannying job and to backpack through Europe in September. Without the job there is no way I will be able to afford the trip.<br />
<br />
I am planning on going to the following places:<br />
London<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpMi7vLemHnxrI-21-Ph_yM-zEuL1gh6SQ9UlMR1foCHq72dG2oQlMp7jtzCphwh98e5na0ZgQCIEqVyz5lqOg3fxYTauHZ2AKLsRArioyt3IvZxp9_NoITJ5SeBZOyTkT4iPMgQNTkM/s1600/london.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpMi7vLemHnxrI-21-Ph_yM-zEuL1gh6SQ9UlMR1foCHq72dG2oQlMp7jtzCphwh98e5na0ZgQCIEqVyz5lqOg3fxYTauHZ2AKLsRArioyt3IvZxp9_NoITJ5SeBZOyTkT4iPMgQNTkM/s1600/london.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Paris<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZpZqghSgi3btblXY6kp0FNTHuFULfFHswkudBZt9NVjxzTdHncKSeRSlCAiimqDlADNzHMHQp28joZaISN_LKyc2a1gQDvNkVyRVSjkDnapgjFTXxevJ7hhFkl_fiNAWBuoi-q_1Xss/s1600/Pyramid_at_Louvre_Museum_Paris_France1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZpZqghSgi3btblXY6kp0FNTHuFULfFHswkudBZt9NVjxzTdHncKSeRSlCAiimqDlADNzHMHQp28joZaISN_LKyc2a1gQDvNkVyRVSjkDnapgjFTXxevJ7hhFkl_fiNAWBuoi-q_1Xss/s1600/Pyramid_at_Louvre_Museum_Paris_France1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Alps<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIKFDKo_GvZLs5fRiqm1HGLBopOnR4m_S0MzoUQMwMz4_I9KbgmTSm3CgrV_jVMLlmEamleggUqhgZa0461DER0njhkZsbclLK4z0F3lj-6MjvBy8NYEuY1sPWafATz2H-iCXcUYLh1s/s1600/swiss+alps+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIKFDKo_GvZLs5fRiqm1HGLBopOnR4m_S0MzoUQMwMz4_I9KbgmTSm3CgrV_jVMLlmEamleggUqhgZa0461DER0njhkZsbclLK4z0F3lj-6MjvBy8NYEuY1sPWafATz2H-iCXcUYLh1s/s1600/swiss+alps+1.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
Wine Country in Italy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULAT6Ky9YfqLE0EyIDYMeTDyt6C461tV4N24-0qZM8MMgDFpoPrsSPOM2qDT23wDLk4DDZwCmg9bHHuD8R-O6DUiwIHizQZXRHvhP0hPJkfJHxJVsJd_dQWf5Zhl1TopMGZsDexuJfyk/s1600/2611563893_69c8b55cc2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULAT6Ky9YfqLE0EyIDYMeTDyt6C461tV4N24-0qZM8MMgDFpoPrsSPOM2qDT23wDLk4DDZwCmg9bHHuD8R-O6DUiwIHizQZXRHvhP0hPJkfJHxJVsJd_dQWf5Zhl1TopMGZsDexuJfyk/s1600/2611563893_69c8b55cc2_z.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
Rome<br />
Vatican City<br />
Naples<br />
Venice<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYHkYYk5nnAqhCOjmeGScFy-HDAtoeXG7stNGWEfTd0iPL_EtEYT57rSIBXJR3CA0KYzkvSsvgbAuE99D9UV2VECBPOFYZacapJ7Y917fTbihBfrjXCSBV1Ow-9dM5tI5pZzCUA5bCoE/s1600/Venice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYHkYYk5nnAqhCOjmeGScFy-HDAtoeXG7stNGWEfTd0iPL_EtEYT57rSIBXJR3CA0KYzkvSsvgbAuE99D9UV2VECBPOFYZacapJ7Y917fTbihBfrjXCSBV1Ow-9dM5tI5pZzCUA5bCoE/s1600/Venice.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
and Germany to see my dear friend and the WWII memorials.<br />
<br />
It looks to be an expensive trip but over a period of 3 weeks it should be an amazing experience. My best friend is going to do her best to get off of work and join me.<br />
<br />
I am working on getting accommodations in line and figure out how to best get from each location to the next. If anyone has suggestions please contact me via post.<br />
<br />
Photos curtsey of Swagbucks, you can visit them <a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/Hkobbermann" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a> Join and earn Free stuff. Like Amazon Gift Cards, yes REAL AMAZON gift cards, or paypal or Sephora... Kinda sweet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv5TZVudPVEXCrxd1PxeLp2mwZRsPJO834XcMTJ2N7LJIHGLJI3evbhFkUZzvV-oMUli9gifvVIO9MqMBAtaCFSGs7ALPw4oOzyZT0g4om1sZDfFt8mqJwLmb10JlTx9atik1lJUhTII/s1600/CM+Capture+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv5TZVudPVEXCrxd1PxeLp2mwZRsPJO834XcMTJ2N7LJIHGLJI3evbhFkUZzvV-oMUli9gifvVIO9MqMBAtaCFSGs7ALPw4oOzyZT0g4om1sZDfFt8mqJwLmb10JlTx9atik1lJUhTII/s1600/CM+Capture+1.jpg" height="132" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-27631245068628081182011-12-06T16:41:00.001-06:002011-12-06T16:41:46.738-06:00Staying in the Sticks?Escargot- I decided since I'm staying in the sticks I may as well make the most of it and learn to cook all of my favorites so I don't feel deprived. So I've spoken to my favorite chefs, scoured the Internet in search of their top secret recipes of the things I now classify as my comfort foods.An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-31120035326316407432011-11-22T18:32:00.001-06:002011-11-22T18:32:59.707-06:00An Investment in my FutureSo after a lot of heartfelt thinking I think I may have discovered a solution to my problem. But wait:: let me backAn American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-71577861794823554472011-10-17T03:51:00.001-05:002011-10-17T03:51:53.812-05:00Welcome to Illinois<img width='640' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaDFfLlLiL7cX16dKwigq1GlDA8qyox1Dl-J3sCMCpe0JleLgNp2K9PaZqob_s3czDEDml9P1b636uvltIgdUgeFVOGHibwQapuZ-Nw9yS1nhQP9yfyDXyl0y84IibqiAlEXjLsn_LaQ/'><br><i><a target=_blank href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=42.23376,-88.80979'>GeoTagged, [N42.23376, E88.80979]</a></i><br><br>Greetings from Illinois, we will be happy to take your money so you can use our roads. The speed limit on glorious I-90 is 45mph with double fines ($375.00 fine minimum) due to road work. Evidentially this state didnt get the memo that it's 3.38am right now and there are no workers currently on the roads. At least the roads look pretty with all the fashionable orange cones on the road. I mean that's always a plus, right?<br /><br />I'm excited to get my stuff and looking forward to moving on with my life with nothing else holding me to New York.<br /><br />Honestly speaking however I'm slightly terrified of my return to Baltimore. It will be good to have surgery done& the hope is that the pain will subside soon. <br /><br />I'm looking at this trip as the necessary steps to take in order to move on with my life with Nicholas. I will be apartment shopping soon enough, honestly speaking the word dread comes to mind for this procedure but it needs to be done- add it to the list I guess. An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-91388221319520469702011-10-14T11:08:00.000-05:002011-10-14T11:08:03.840-05:00Cross Country Road Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtTf-comWW1-rAJCVZvdWIuhD3mHz4DmjAcbx5cEDOcj5SC1TRf93ZywjTpm5YHe34yvGwTIQqREIcVL5fK1Y0jdP3KNp4gjWR06BI19d-ZysdPKrWvwwqdHVsx3Mw6emAsEnKZi5DRE/s1600/CM+Capture+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtTf-comWW1-rAJCVZvdWIuhD3mHz4DmjAcbx5cEDOcj5SC1TRf93ZywjTpm5YHe34yvGwTIQqREIcVL5fK1Y0jdP3KNp4gjWR06BI19d-ZysdPKrWvwwqdHVsx3Mw6emAsEnKZi5DRE/s320/CM+Capture+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Next week is my surgery, (hello weeks with no pain!) I am taking a road trip about 2,911 miles in total to be honest. I'm excited and nervous about it. I'll be leaving on Sunday to drive out to Liberty & Monticello, NY to get my stuff and to file my insurance claim. My storage unit has gotten flooded during the hurricane so I'm beyond stressed. Then I will be driving to Baltimore, Md and having surgery and celebrating a birthday with one of my close friends. Upon returning I will be going to Duluth for family weekend for my sisters college. Whoo hoo. I just hope that my dear manfriend will be willing to drive.An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0Starbuck, MN 56381, USA45.614405 -95.531151445.601251999999995 -95.5486844 45.627558 -95.5136184tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-31929502936800820132011-10-14T10:58:00.000-05:002011-10-14T10:58:34.600-05:00Adventures with the French<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So this week was an odd one, I had dinner with John but he wanted to take me to a place I've never been before. BEWARE, I hate surprises. So I got dressed up, got in the car, and went to the location.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7yPZGa3KGFwJTXkLLgbqXmzNQeFSMYGJ3qkL-i1oIcv_EXD1GX7wUyru3K4AO9DkGSW40ePoQ7XDD0y4DuaidwRT65VC_whfQwk7JbQeklneKbApD_J1DJx5kLcQDy3mVoMOJXQp8UI/s1600/IMG_1380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7yPZGa3KGFwJTXkLLgbqXmzNQeFSMYGJ3qkL-i1oIcv_EXD1GX7wUyru3K4AO9DkGSW40ePoQ7XDD0y4DuaidwRT65VC_whfQwk7JbQeklneKbApD_J1DJx5kLcQDy3mVoMOJXQp8UI/s320/IMG_1380.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xM7Wv7ZPXxxD5GVLOBiEaVWLXceOqVC-ucsPdnUKmbtFn9k_zRM2qsze5R2iATI4mzyeWvx4RXgZ3AkHud-tSDqNBGWoyUPGCYs8NEGl1S6C9Q2fKziH3GmZL1DxZssAIC25ysybJ_I/s1600/IMG_1383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xM7Wv7ZPXxxD5GVLOBiEaVWLXceOqVC-ucsPdnUKmbtFn9k_zRM2qsze5R2iATI4mzyeWvx4RXgZ3AkHud-tSDqNBGWoyUPGCYs8NEGl1S6C9Q2fKziH3GmZL1DxZssAIC25ysybJ_I/s400/IMG_1383.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw0QJHWCbzDDGjoxOnloNgpzpCtPy5JqxC-SQk1TjG4xoo_mU1jpNYE9rssgPbiPpULgGmEQxeij4wwILdujexUchcZcRUwk6FYy-nCdQIKEJHZ_PUXjdyQeCc4e5lVntdtEXeMU1w-Y/s1600/IMG_1388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw0QJHWCbzDDGjoxOnloNgpzpCtPy5JqxC-SQk1TjG4xoo_mU1jpNYE9rssgPbiPpULgGmEQxeij4wwILdujexUchcZcRUwk6FYy-nCdQIKEJHZ_PUXjdyQeCc4e5lVntdtEXeMU1w-Y/s200/IMG_1388.jpg" width="149" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ggJG95aHnpj6dnfuXZvNN4kbbc5P-IkisbvIuFGb8mAZKl0oIKs0nGIOZIIKguvR83ugyyMHnM0MhTie6fxLDOaJrHxgy7Q7YlCp13ei6RhZs82iOzljZ4-VXmsyLa75t6NEy_AYKJU/s1600/IMG_1385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ggJG95aHnpj6dnfuXZvNN4kbbc5P-IkisbvIuFGb8mAZKl0oIKs0nGIOZIIKguvR83ugyyMHnM0MhTie6fxLDOaJrHxgy7Q7YlCp13ei6RhZs82iOzljZ4-VXmsyLa75t6NEy_AYKJU/s200/IMG_1385.jpg" width="149" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ud9-vMHytaSQk6tevreXMQYLWEiYt-vquVRI-jlE6n_Jp-z4hHgXP5U4TwVJWYL7bYOr4DU228JPva_Py_Ykhu17Fh9FkwhVDwhRIDeYm9ujOTddJw8xpCErrzCMesVZdPD5fIELGW8/s1600/IMG_1387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ud9-vMHytaSQk6tevreXMQYLWEiYt-vquVRI-jlE6n_Jp-z4hHgXP5U4TwVJWYL7bYOr4DU228JPva_Py_Ykhu17Fh9FkwhVDwhRIDeYm9ujOTddJw8xpCErrzCMesVZdPD5fIELGW8/s200/IMG_1387.jpg" width="149" /></a></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Walking into this was beyond overwhelming. This reminded me of one of my favorite places </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in New York City. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNnBInjaWuPfFfg0gn2bXWgc6D6mEYvIfWqxf8yrgBe3okOs2QQGxBsFRpJHM0RUh7XKM8An2X8AmMYKXdgp5GGvywwCqy0LQXrOrTJYzXRt8Tkh2TszwLwkRMpMBtJqr7_vgfRCw1Mo/s1600/IMG_1390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNnBInjaWuPfFfg0gn2bXWgc6D6mEYvIfWqxf8yrgBe3okOs2QQGxBsFRpJHM0RUh7XKM8An2X8AmMYKXdgp5GGvywwCqy0LQXrOrTJYzXRt8Tkh2TszwLwkRMpMBtJqr7_vgfRCw1Mo/s320/IMG_1390.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E-9dCGS0t9nGvtPAa5a42C7oz-W-iXxebpMsnxKNLzAyjEYmdu6L4yOPGEJf8fbF4PNpI7ZU6m0IVCOFRbpoFNpTN9_XolFNt9pDAU5lJ7vGV3agNOx3lWpfDL4BCVJTq0WMFD7dNKc/s1600/IMG_1391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E-9dCGS0t9nGvtPAa5a42C7oz-W-iXxebpMsnxKNLzAyjEYmdu6L4yOPGEJf8fbF4PNpI7ZU6m0IVCOFRbpoFNpTN9_XolFNt9pDAU5lJ7vGV3agNOx3lWpfDL4BCVJTq0WMFD7dNKc/s320/IMG_1391.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-54062733281240372212011-10-14T10:30:00.000-05:002011-10-14T10:39:58.636-05:00Farm Living<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So one of my closest girlfriends farms with her dad. I went over there to visit her and we ended up washing grain trucks & farm machinery.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDX2cXmqsHowuziFPJzMijxRtUqN4BuETGrznFg7r2TGb6RpBqc9D_nAs0B-OypUZd7Cto9KZeQD2kh3qdrrQXigb1uHQUjdlc9ZHpq23DbuIkVzkWAZm2e5XSVNCSohiI-rxKIZzgLQ/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDX2cXmqsHowuziFPJzMijxRtUqN4BuETGrznFg7r2TGb6RpBqc9D_nAs0B-OypUZd7Cto9KZeQD2kh3qdrrQXigb1uHQUjdlc9ZHpq23DbuIkVzkWAZm2e5XSVNCSohiI-rxKIZzgLQ/s320/IMG_1130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfJiEkKTGiJE5sTp61WZfk54E-P5055ZPtyHbPxmawAgOnwkM38MBRrAxPiAKmkLoHuKIZnol9NbM8txhpk_ktf2q4h515YLEenLJuq9wYiYdDI7BhsVtpe8jXNGOfnW0wE6Zl2n7E-k/s1600/IMG_1131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfJiEkKTGiJE5sTp61WZfk54E-P5055ZPtyHbPxmawAgOnwkM38MBRrAxPiAKmkLoHuKIZnol9NbM8txhpk_ktf2q4h515YLEenLJuq9wYiYdDI7BhsVtpe8jXNGOfnW0wE6Zl2n7E-k/s320/IMG_1131.jpg" width="239" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0wwLFQg8WOcWuaYX_TJi6nQI6kEqoQDdaWq2TOIS6ePUQRP_mDIm93_L7OFhK0aiagq5-90hRfyia2ejQ_KqTKnzgQzMpaak-VI-krxWLyjTBiXbSJkdR4gno0LNtqA-uDaQTOA6gmQ/s1600/IMG_1135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0wwLFQg8WOcWuaYX_TJi6nQI6kEqoQDdaWq2TOIS6ePUQRP_mDIm93_L7OFhK0aiagq5-90hRfyia2ejQ_KqTKnzgQzMpaak-VI-krxWLyjTBiXbSJkdR4gno0LNtqA-uDaQTOA6gmQ/s320/IMG_1135.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfJiEkKTGiJE5sTp61WZfk54E-P5055ZPtyHbPxmawAgOnwkM38MBRrAxPiAKmkLoHuKIZnol9NbM8txhpk_ktf2q4h515YLEenLJuq9wYiYdDI7BhsVtpe8jXNGOfnW0wE6Zl2n7E-k/s1600/IMG_1131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRf0IEr-8V-Hk50YGDydY2TPLDW6XrluP7XF75cpeVlXEait5RQ5PgM6D2gnzazo73Nilrg071Pi6MsiW5YUSLQpB7Kw2WzJR40DUKkTUaTBsKnjBm2144KPKqO38Xt_EKZVdpVgyLsw/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRf0IEr-8V-Hk50YGDydY2TPLDW6XrluP7XF75cpeVlXEait5RQ5PgM6D2gnzazo73Nilrg071Pi6MsiW5YUSLQpB7Kw2WzJR40DUKkTUaTBsKnjBm2144KPKqO38Xt_EKZVdpVgyLsw/s320/IMG_1138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to watch the Case iH tractor.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sometime things are best done together. One of the best ways to know if someone is a real friend is how they deal with situations that most would scoff at. Washing vehicles is not the most fun thing however it was a blast when we did it together. </div>An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0Hoffman, MN 56339, USA45.8294444 -95.79194439999997745.8145519 -95.804666899999972 45.8443369 -95.779221899999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-43841098675471422222011-10-03T10:22:00.001-05:002011-10-03T10:22:52.991-05:00Harvest in the Midwest<img width='640' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc6wQMnwoPL2hQ_51Lv6p1KvXWlHgwuyeM7ns7eDFP8JiuoTt-nzdRx_CHrwKQn8U3o1Mp3AC1cGVVe4gdCGPdslw0Okq42M7O6nbcymWQyRd33cQA-xzIJ6zspYOwYf0jLMMxYbVd4I/'><br><i><a target=_blank href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=45.62729,-95.88215'>GeoTagged, [N45.62729, E95.88215]</a></i><br><br>Missing harvest has always been a sore spot in my heart. I grew up in rural Minnesota, our house crouched in the corner against the fields of wheat, corn & soybeans. A missed harvest was a testitmate of the birthdays, choir concerts, & Christmas programs I had missed due to work or other huplas going on in my life. <br /><br />In my heart I know if I have children this is where I want to raise them. Where they can feel the seasons, see the change in the leaves, and experience the circle of life. Where people still work with their hand, neighbors still get together and hunting and Christmas are celebrated with the same zest.<br /><br />I feel a passion to this life that has been missing for quite some time. What a blessing it is to be surrounded and supported by friends and family, and a very special manfriend who teaches me something new everyday. An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-60682857788431037912011-07-04T09:35:00.003-05:002011-07-05T20:18:56.856-05:00Mn Diaper BagThis is the way Minnesotans do diaper bags.An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-1036280511729686362011-07-03T10:52:00.001-05:002011-07-03T10:57:18.511-05:00Parked at the grocery storeOnly in a small town can you find a golf cart parked at the grocery store. And $6.99/lb. bing! cherries for breakfast. (It's better for me then Burger King.An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911661022676163315.post-8166388579026548932011-05-24T11:18:00.001-05:002011-05-24T11:18:36.030-05:00Either I'm in Alaska or it's MORNING timeGood morning blog readers, it is 5.20 am I'm at the Stewart international airport on my way back to Minnesota for graduations. Yay!<br /><br />So one little sister is graduating high school, another going home to Japan, yet another headed to Poland to study abroad.<br /><br />I miss Lance already and I haven't even left NY yet.<br /><br />In any case it's about time for us to start boarding soon, so I'm off for now.<br />An American Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05803072119658149932noreply@blogger.com0