tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35903629983965530442024-02-21T09:09:22.297-05:00Kaleidoscopic KaraKarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-70932830865948008162015-11-15T10:25:00.001-05:002015-11-15T10:25:05.333-05:00Dear Evan HansenI love living in DC and all the great venues there are to enjoy live theater. DC is also great because there are many shows that premiere here in DC before they head to Broadway. I have thoroughly enjoyed being apart of those beginning audiences. <div><br></div><div>Tonight I went to see a new musical called Dear Evan Hansen. It was amazing! Very moving and applicable to today's world of social media and trying to fit in when you feel so alone. The messages in the show were very moving. When tragedy happens everyone wants to be apart of the buzz and connect to it. This is true of many events, celebrity weddings, natural disasters, racial attacks, political agendas, etc. Woth today's social media everyone wants to have something to say and a connection. This helps them to feel apart of something. For those who normally feel alone, rejected, unnoticed in this world , social media gives them a way to feel like they belong. </div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-72259493690300583532015-11-15T10:22:00.001-05:002015-11-15T10:22:48.131-05:00Budapest and Prague FoodI recently went to Budapest and Prague for vacation. One of the many things I was looking forward to was the food. I love to eat and knew that the food was going to be fabulous. Here is a look at some of the many treats I enjoyed in these beautiful countries. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtZHyMGXAJU_Rc4D5oOpWhz5utziRKzJ9Wl_f9VvE6s5JWiBzzQISwea9uzFL5dA1iSVDvUXiU25Guvd91c7lIf5-nGHwl3NpAMg7RsYGf-0KTMT7QUsiOrHSuGnYI7U0xA7oD3U20IQ/s640/blogger-image-949708907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtZHyMGXAJU_Rc4D5oOpWhz5utziRKzJ9Wl_f9VvE6s5JWiBzzQISwea9uzFL5dA1iSVDvUXiU25Guvd91c7lIf5-nGHwl3NpAMg7RsYGf-0KTMT7QUsiOrHSuGnYI7U0xA7oD3U20IQ/s640/blogger-image-949708907.jpg"></a></div>Cafe Louvre in Prauge had an amazing dinner of duck, red cabbage and dumplings. Finished the meal off with chocolate cake, cheesecake with peaches and raspberry crumble. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SJyd14_RJLOWfd0yvzHVg_1ae9cSwFJXw8_8yLnlMEZ7jMgDnrIbzzj1qEd1rA6PxDBnHMKJhHtLTzIV8ZTdXOho5hlrvxVBQXmX2UxQyxqgOJDj5WJDb8TKAFsoPkiznJmbUGB1ujA/s640/blogger-image--270861922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SJyd14_RJLOWfd0yvzHVg_1ae9cSwFJXw8_8yLnlMEZ7jMgDnrIbzzj1qEd1rA6PxDBnHMKJhHtLTzIV8ZTdXOho5hlrvxVBQXmX2UxQyxqgOJDj5WJDb8TKAFsoPkiznJmbUGB1ujA/s640/blogger-image--270861922.jpg"></a></div>Chimney bread filled with Nutella, strawberries and ice cream. The bread was covered with cinnamon and sugar. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREmWpxWgg3tWdODVizTENBWD8cG0lP9fXth0aFgwAt3sWMHdYhA7dLGFQjKb268190VeA132foOb1ih_oe5Sl4pfpl9dTTPDUtCbWjlB3Eeq_h9A9CjjrqnaqxwtdeErYKnuHLpI1ObI/s640/blogger-image-269496323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREmWpxWgg3tWdODVizTENBWD8cG0lP9fXth0aFgwAt3sWMHdYhA7dLGFQjKb268190VeA132foOb1ih_oe5Sl4pfpl9dTTPDUtCbWjlB3Eeq_h9A9CjjrqnaqxwtdeErYKnuHLpI1ObI/s640/blogger-image-269496323.jpg"></a></div>A hotdog baguette. They taste so much better stupider in a baguette.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotIYyaZ7ZpKCnpmiMdBglUw3e0mJvwFwjl9RIaDDOM-Mb8lSr-THFn4fHdhyphenhyphenUeqoSKm1AhUmgv6Z9E_06l47ifhitKV-sfM5w0JLMJQeEMzS1qWL6S2Y9Ge1iabTW9sGeFMwFlcY-fCw/s640/blogger-image--2063021641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotIYyaZ7ZpKCnpmiMdBglUw3e0mJvwFwjl9RIaDDOM-Mb8lSr-THFn4fHdhyphenhyphenUeqoSKm1AhUmgv6Z9E_06l47ifhitKV-sfM5w0JLMJQeEMzS1qWL6S2Y9Ge1iabTW9sGeFMwFlcY-fCw/s640/blogger-image--2063021641.jpg"></a></div> Hot potato. They spiraling a potato and spread it out on a stick before frying it and adding salt for taste. It literally is like eating fresh potato chips.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MYg_1mc5F0mVg9s9qQNYpAOFzNEopLEodPV4g327i13ZiTWhd2eJbONZqDOB6IaudvjG431CnIU12rJX-YrmIjgI87ob8UBO2twBQrBq2BvuPcGz4nHrukxiw9XrIfzjwOs4BfuxDC0/s640/blogger-image--984344438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MYg_1mc5F0mVg9s9qQNYpAOFzNEopLEodPV4g327i13ZiTWhd2eJbONZqDOB6IaudvjG431CnIU12rJX-YrmIjgI87ob8UBO2twBQrBq2BvuPcGz4nHrukxiw9XrIfzjwOs4BfuxDC0/s640/blogger-image--984344438.jpg"></a></div>Grandpas rolls. It was little pig pastries with whipped cream and powder sugar on top.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGhSfnn8KUZhiIdPTpS-BkYYymMoekxMf2PdASkuD8WNbMqa4Bmj01eJ34JCUFDZy4sbquGkd0m0AERwWl3-VzWvyvkinnGEbZpfDBC-1UWKJzRdlDRFFJ5hiJcVRSLJ84N-z2jLVEjk/s640/blogger-image--1799361784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGhSfnn8KUZhiIdPTpS-BkYYymMoekxMf2PdASkuD8WNbMqa4Bmj01eJ34JCUFDZy4sbquGkd0m0AERwWl3-VzWvyvkinnGEbZpfDBC-1UWKJzRdlDRFFJ5hiJcVRSLJ84N-z2jLVEjk/s640/blogger-image--1799361784.jpg"></a></div>Stuffed cabbage. It was amazing! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPcACmcHTKKQsqJAzw3wKPpj4HcHCzFVXtEdz4w4Dqt_8e_SwdBYH_2gemzO6zrWQ-xRY-rnn3ulTSHMxU0qW38ZeQAhGMOLUuBrHQqGUSoXX8bVcw7hdYLKo8hmbHrxN_PLG_33u6E4/s640/blogger-image--282146205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPcACmcHTKKQsqJAzw3wKPpj4HcHCzFVXtEdz4w4Dqt_8e_SwdBYH_2gemzO6zrWQ-xRY-rnn3ulTSHMxU0qW38ZeQAhGMOLUuBrHQqGUSoXX8bVcw7hdYLKo8hmbHrxN_PLG_33u6E4/s640/blogger-image--282146205.jpg"></a></div>This is a cans bar that is local to Hungary that every Hungarian misses when they leave. It's like a cottage cheese/ cream cheese bar with chocolate. Some have other favors stuffed inside as well.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWz7fxL6VXG6ABwqhas194qmYMvMFZIOaHLT7Z6smP2vMS5mLM5dHnehD5jpwPxMVOAE1d3sKnM2APUg9r-El69iIGhrt7KcRHmEarc3fUWFaHUM5qHhW_vGQUQ-nqXg3AalcSRzUtCzU/s640/blogger-image-639684044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWz7fxL6VXG6ABwqhas194qmYMvMFZIOaHLT7Z6smP2vMS5mLM5dHnehD5jpwPxMVOAE1d3sKnM2APUg9r-El69iIGhrt7KcRHmEarc3fUWFaHUM5qHhW_vGQUQ-nqXg3AalcSRzUtCzU/s640/blogger-image-639684044.jpg"></a></div>Nutella pizza. Nothing more to say about it. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjSHsa61B0OtybzKmOaDaTkvRQaaRIvxrCysRBPPdkwzhjoriAuKC1dB07bkKtKrMh5lZ7Hmj1mSJQsZK-ewaZdzfUZuUYFGumc1lW9cT3JyOuMt_x3ShMXNFoD4fcWpuN9AsMItfGK8/s640/blogger-image--435184045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjSHsa61B0OtybzKmOaDaTkvRQaaRIvxrCysRBPPdkwzhjoriAuKC1dB07bkKtKrMh5lZ7Hmj1mSJQsZK-ewaZdzfUZuUYFGumc1lW9cT3JyOuMt_x3ShMXNFoD4fcWpuN9AsMItfGK8/s640/blogger-image--435184045.jpg"></a></div>Gelato flowers. I tried it with mango, white chocolate lavender and chocolate.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdFKr0bF1t5rDh3tXbcxcwib57gbxXkRb4dJy9zA3a7-VTJ5uhndBJdz9Y3l3MdGfWVdAwWYiK2wGhcr5hGPUokMhLwmT3OqX9g_aZvMFBOj1C1CA3qnQcs6RyNnjYRkeSLiQsIXPXQg/s640/blogger-image-497382864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdFKr0bF1t5rDh3tXbcxcwib57gbxXkRb4dJy9zA3a7-VTJ5uhndBJdz9Y3l3MdGfWVdAwWYiK2wGhcr5hGPUokMhLwmT3OqX9g_aZvMFBOj1C1CA3qnQcs6RyNnjYRkeSLiQsIXPXQg/s640/blogger-image-497382864.jpg"></a></div>Goulash soup. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChoHdhHyjAtKGvvrvkE0ZsFOmfjG4CuyvdH62lN6xQVxvgq4fqSE1Io3J778L-jHjznV38qG-fpSiJJmzhvAJEZ4169eN2LEZf0AIC-x_yhXOpOFW4-nYsf3Fc5Pn-VXDYNRIMnAYSdg/s640/blogger-image-1367730784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChoHdhHyjAtKGvvrvkE0ZsFOmfjG4CuyvdH62lN6xQVxvgq4fqSE1Io3J778L-jHjznV38qG-fpSiJJmzhvAJEZ4169eN2LEZf0AIC-x_yhXOpOFW4-nYsf3Fc5Pn-VXDYNRIMnAYSdg/s640/blogger-image-1367730784.jpg"></a></div>Langos. Fluffy bread with sour cream cucumbers, peppers, pepperoni, goat cheese, jalapeños.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-18070212364308693262015-07-05T11:14:00.001-04:002015-07-05T11:14:01.946-04:00There were blossoms everywhereSpring is truly here when you look out and see the daffodils and tulips blooming. There is a family farm in Haymarket, VA where you can go out and pick your own daffodil and tulip bouquets. It's so beautiful to go out and see these beautiful fields in bloom. It tells me that new life is here on the earth again as we change seasons and hope is in sight of we are just patient and weather the storm. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3huPy0mDXesPkTMTejK3_HkyEeCaHFwosgYiJvdzCX7SKzVreTqzKqXvZRLr-n2qHdtJJF518Cwk32LL9P9KI6rfSlRTLJIEhEURCwzaW_vMNHPRPkFD8jfb8K0IzDi4-rc-qKKZnjuA/s640/blogger-image-1488180670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3huPy0mDXesPkTMTejK3_HkyEeCaHFwosgYiJvdzCX7SKzVreTqzKqXvZRLr-n2qHdtJJF518Cwk32LL9P9KI6rfSlRTLJIEhEURCwzaW_vMNHPRPkFD8jfb8K0IzDi4-rc-qKKZnjuA/s640/blogger-image-1488180670.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-21173909260967897622015-06-24T23:28:00.002-04:002016-01-03T13:57:51.067-05:00No Day But TodayIn the spirit of New Years resolutions I'm determined to live this year for each and everyday and not procrastinate what I want. If you keep putting off until tomorrow what you could have done today you will have a lot of empty yesterday's. <div><br></div><div>Make new, enriching memories this year.<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>No Day But Today</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Rent</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's only us, there's only this<br>
Forget regret, or life is yours to miss<br>
No other path, no other way<br>
No day but today<br>
<br>
There's only us, only tonight<br>
We must let go to know what's right<br>
No other road, No other way<br>
No day but today<br>
<br>
I can't control my destiny<br>
I trust my soul, my only goal<br>
Is just to be<br>
<br>
There's only now, there's only here<br>
Give in to love or live in fear<br>
No other path, No other way<br>
No day but today<br>
<br>
There's only us, There's only this<br>
Forget regret, or life is yours to miss<br>
No other road, no other way<br>
No day but today<br>
<br>
No day but today<br>
(No day but today)<br>
No day but today<br>
(No day but today)<br>
No day but today<br>
(No day but today)<br>
No day but today</div>
</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-61453000838282123532015-06-24T23:27:00.000-04:002015-07-05T11:09:23.729-04:00Children of EdenAs much as I love musical theater it never really occurred to me that I should try out to be in a show. I love to singe but don't think I have the best of voices and I definitely can't dance. So back in November when Sister Smith encouraged me to audition for a community production of Children of Eden I was a little skeptical of my chances to actually get in to a show. I went to the audition so nervous and not really sure what to expect. The music part was simple enough but I had no idea how to dance. By the time I got up to the reading I was pretty sure that I was not going to be cast in the show so I relaxed a little more and just went with it. Who knew that acting would actually be my best part. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLYJISLLXzaRQBW1cNlAlf3-qsT_jNHf0e5Veb19E6i9HRy9lEyU_1shiVVa0TUy13qEust42dcwG5dDN1j0irPG33pqIo2VRgF24uj0UoVkAh6KXXOth-IPSuYttJVCdqSyH1uOb8ns/s640/blogger-image--1356449442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLYJISLLXzaRQBW1cNlAlf3-qsT_jNHf0e5Veb19E6i9HRy9lEyU_1shiVVa0TUy13qEust42dcwG5dDN1j0irPG33pqIo2VRgF24uj0UoVkAh6KXXOth-IPSuYttJVCdqSyH1uOb8ns/s640/blogger-image--1356449442.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Weeks later I received a phone call with an offer to play the role of Aysha, one of the wives of the sons of Noah. I was thrilled as there are very few female roles in the show. Even though it was a small part I was very excited. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYQm4uZEI79YjI-p_2QAMv7ds5JaWo_Cu36ymYAFsmWAhZx74IT5t3BLZUEMo7xUm07U2xxGrB_8xVtYwiylydVRs4N27gbOV8wgRCSwShMDW9buDq4r8bgXDx5jDyqGcvfvWa23hQFU/s640/blogger-image--1385568235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYQm4uZEI79YjI-p_2QAMv7ds5JaWo_Cu36ymYAFsmWAhZx74IT5t3BLZUEMo7xUm07U2xxGrB_8xVtYwiylydVRs4N27gbOV8wgRCSwShMDW9buDq4r8bgXDx5jDyqGcvfvWa23hQFU/s640/blogger-image--1385568235.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The process of putting together the show was long and we had several bumps happen along the way. Our music director committed suicide a month in to rehearsal. We didn't have enough men audition for the male leads so we we're still looking for cast there. The directors mother had a stroke and was not going to fully recover from it. And then schedules never seemed to work out for us to all get together and rehearse. It really was a miracle that the show was able to come together. But for all the struggles that happened I was very touched and moved by the music and spirit that the show is trying to convey.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6lYZ0GgTuAS7ZnpyQ6eGzMzTP6FOLLbqrAZNj_sraiLCRHQmoojqanTauCsWOKUZ8bTE_6F7DaJgmxG6862bSSn6LOhDnhd-5VbbGA-BOZq81xNapSaz37S4CohvzwEEh4pP1hoCk9Y/s640/blogger-image--1579568290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6lYZ0GgTuAS7ZnpyQ6eGzMzTP6FOLLbqrAZNj_sraiLCRHQmoojqanTauCsWOKUZ8bTE_6F7DaJgmxG6862bSSn6LOhDnhd-5VbbGA-BOZq81xNapSaz37S4CohvzwEEh4pP1hoCk9Y/s640/blogger-image--1579568290.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The show is written by Stephen Schwartz who also wrote Pippin, Godspell and Wicked. It is literally the first 8 chapters of Genesis. The first act covers the creation through the death of Abel. The second act starts by going through the generations of Adam down to Noah and then covers the steps of Noah and the flood. It ties in the lessons that are taught in the first act with the second act. There are some great lessons that they draw about love, being a parent, forgiveness,. Some of my favorite songs are Spark of Creation, Lost in the Wilderness, and Hardest Part of Love. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6nh92axZjQIdgZ0jhM7TirrkRSlZ5w5r02tzF6qd6lCpqlGsWsdFeNf8XvvEd5OszdLrxutbKmBaq-O-bJ4hugyhNSXFeLie2rA-DjICpTkFSdumg1ecRIwiYxdOWGMoH2L400d5WnA/s640/blogger-image--790324626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6nh92axZjQIdgZ0jhM7TirrkRSlZ5w5r02tzF6qd6lCpqlGsWsdFeNf8XvvEd5OszdLrxutbKmBaq-O-bJ4hugyhNSXFeLie2rA-DjICpTkFSdumg1ecRIwiYxdOWGMoH2L400d5WnA/s640/blogger-image--790324626.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I also really enjoyed studying the life and decision of Adam and Eve in the garden and about the creation. Even though it wasn't all told on the way that I believe I was really touched to hear how other religions teach the creation and view the garden of Eden. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Hr46QzUV_PUGTcpY8jypiiFhA9XaoxZLB5cpFe5al8Vb15_C7N-VAxMmAXY_9FDN3WduuwaWeXXetNXCPI6UasnQEU-1puZaJA1cJnS31FBC0gcCEQEREShuXM1ahXLVt1zRy_pLZRo/s640/blogger-image--833254779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Hr46QzUV_PUGTcpY8jypiiFhA9XaoxZLB5cpFe5al8Vb15_C7N-VAxMmAXY_9FDN3WduuwaWeXXetNXCPI6UasnQEU-1puZaJA1cJnS31FBC0gcCEQEREShuXM1ahXLVt1zRy_pLZRo/s640/blogger-image--833254779.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I was so grateful to all my friends who came out to see the show and support me. They are the best and I'm so blessed to have such a great support system in my life. I made some great friends in the show and was able to stretch myself into doing something new. I even learned to dance a little bit. Looking forward to other shows to audition for and perform in. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvctwcwE9IsH6659RR0Ap-ZtC2XF1lV81SXY9zA8e7GvZsLaM_BbLOlZO7ZDlKj7Uo2O9c_-RdtmVtK_7gTE0iTyyqfHH9As0ZIEcKGCCfXZAbct0z0e98S6yNP7H0Bq_GPRmc7U4fglk/s640/blogger-image-492827571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvctwcwE9IsH6659RR0Ap-ZtC2XF1lV81SXY9zA8e7GvZsLaM_BbLOlZO7ZDlKj7Uo2O9c_-RdtmVtK_7gTE0iTyyqfHH9As0ZIEcKGCCfXZAbct0z0e98S6yNP7H0Bq_GPRmc7U4fglk/s640/blogger-image-492827571.jpg"></a></div></span></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-80794572424956754232015-04-01T21:29:00.003-04:002015-04-01T21:29:09.440-04:00Snow DayWell it's no surprise that this past winter has been crazy when it comes to the weather. We had a few days of nice weather warmer weather and then I think Jack Frost somehow got out of his cage. Someone forgot to tell him his time is up and Mother Nature needed to move on her the next season. At the beginning of March we had 8 inches of snow dump on us very quickly. I woke up that morning and there was nothing on the ground. I proceeded to get ready for work and when I was about ready to leave 45 minutes later there was already an inch of snow on the ground! Frosty didn't waste any time. There was 8 inches of snow on the ground when I went out for a walk after working from home 8 hours. Crazy!!! But the kids outside loved making snowmen one last time. I had a little bit of fun with my roommates cars as well ⛄️<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx8XZg1wX3K4xy27aMJz1-mcJGEyt9UySYPavabkUi_kp6l_FQwKD2NWJbZm7wHQG-ulLmHAG50GFkAaWeTjlyPWojq2fbvJaBKfHY0HqL8n2NNHGysJ05ZVW9yxGW0j6tihpqaOyBtg/s640/blogger-image--101809646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNx8XZg1wX3K4xy27aMJz1-mcJGEyt9UySYPavabkUi_kp6l_FQwKD2NWJbZm7wHQG-ulLmHAG50GFkAaWeTjlyPWojq2fbvJaBKfHY0HqL8n2NNHGysJ05ZVW9yxGW0j6tihpqaOyBtg/s640/blogger-image--101809646.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-72924719403622747922015-04-01T21:29:00.001-04:002015-04-01T21:29:01.429-04:00Baby's ComingI decided that my sisters baby shower was an event I could not miss. I flew home for the weekend to attend my sisters baby shower. I am so excited to be an aunt again and for my sister to start this next phase in her life. She is such a cute pregnant mommy. <div><br></div><div>I had way to much fun shopping for baby clothes for him. I bought a little kimono when I was in Japan for him to wear. And a couple (ok several) fun indies for him including one that says "I ❤️ (inside the heart says amazing, gorgeous, funny) aunt *contact info upon request". I mean why shouldn't the little guy help out in finding me a man? I had also bought Kayla a diaper bag when I was in Taiwan that is waterproof that has all kinds of cute animals on it. She got so many cute clothes this kid will be a well dressed young man. It was a short trip back but I'm so glad I did it. We can't let distance stop us from making memories with our family. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq4CGCPCZ_Ql5wmFRDqV-yUXatYsNwC1pst-qW7z1JoxjqG8T5TtKwyyLa7nn0HcWMGFaq3OsFZE3Xst6P1XOb92FteTFi1yZmpRNqPodAz65JlVbJSXM-6gGmD8IxiOOTjJ-7rD5Obo/s640/blogger-image--165268138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq4CGCPCZ_Ql5wmFRDqV-yUXatYsNwC1pst-qW7z1JoxjqG8T5TtKwyyLa7nn0HcWMGFaq3OsFZE3Xst6P1XOb92FteTFi1yZmpRNqPodAz65JlVbJSXM-6gGmD8IxiOOTjJ-7rD5Obo/s640/blogger-image--165268138.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-46600533532952565802015-04-01T21:28:00.003-04:002015-04-01T21:28:52.922-04:00And All That JazzI figured what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day then going to see Chicago. A musical about women who murder their husbands. Cause when your single you don't want to celebrate this day by watching a sappy love story right? I'm so glad Anne came with me to the show and we were able to catch up over lunch. <div><br></div><div>Thateveningbibwent to the Lonely Hearts Film Festival which is a movie contest by the LDS singles in the DC area. People make short videos and there is an awards ceremony afterwards like the oscars (no really, they win Oscar like statues). I have to say even though I was single I felt hot in my new red dress. This year I was able to be single and happy on Valentine's Day and I may have even bought myself my own roses this year because who says flowers have to one from a significant other?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGqOCCIEvRu5j1WItAgEetH2JpdVYv7ztE7RU8mQxuhcGWpZmxDbBiLpA6Qset2U_o6zTdPlRxe-HS5AHyS6M6AKlm38nKMDhCbTsVdjpSwc0vIxj5352VqvvWtkQtAODkQ7BNfqdzhM/s640/blogger-image--1684651771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGqOCCIEvRu5j1WItAgEetH2JpdVYv7ztE7RU8mQxuhcGWpZmxDbBiLpA6Qset2U_o6zTdPlRxe-HS5AHyS6M6AKlm38nKMDhCbTsVdjpSwc0vIxj5352VqvvWtkQtAODkQ7BNfqdzhM/s640/blogger-image--1684651771.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-45476378931811407552015-04-01T21:28:00.001-04:002015-04-01T21:28:35.300-04:00Do you hear the people sing Lea Salonga?I have loved the voice of Eponine played by Lea Salonga in the 10th anniversary Les Miserable concert since I was a little girl. I grew up listening to that version all the time.its probably why Les Miserable is one of my top five favorite musicals ( don't ask what the other four are, I couldn't narrow it down that far). So when a tribute concert to Mitchell and Schumberg with the symphony orchestra in DC featuring Lea Salonga I had to attend. I was not disappointed. Hearing her sing On My Own love with a full symphony is enough to send chills up your spine. There were other musical tributes as well: Miss Saigon, the Pirate Queen, and Les Revolution. But my favorite was Les Miserable. They did so many of my favorite songs including I Dreamer A Dream, Stars, Master of the House and In My Life/A Heart Full of Love. So amazing! It was fun to have the actual writers in attendance as well. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw8ax-ag6_dqMq5_ietRKvRD9yO3akC9K657SzFOg7aH1dB0OSWcZPXzWiLcIn97nbzfBK9q1uH9D-17gfTgnJ-HuHvbFRGBWJSoqFZ27v9_4bNFRd5_ecVmurt3HWxVwlPTYNyXhFPw/s640/blogger-image--596547350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw8ax-ag6_dqMq5_ietRKvRD9yO3akC9K657SzFOg7aH1dB0OSWcZPXzWiLcIn97nbzfBK9q1uH9D-17gfTgnJ-HuHvbFRGBWJSoqFZ27v9_4bNFRd5_ecVmurt3HWxVwlPTYNyXhFPw/s640/blogger-image--596547350.jpg"></a></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-81183299717849476252015-03-08T14:00:00.001-04:002015-03-24T11:08:34.563-04:00The Struggle of Changing Your MindIn November of 2014 I had hit a low in my life that called me to make some major changes in my life. I knew that I needed to make some big changes to get out of this rut that I felt I was stuck in. The wheel of life was spinning each day with routine but I wasn't going anywhere. The scenery was not changing around me and I felt myself sinking further and further down into a never ending cycle. I had to change. I had to get out of this rut before I sank too deep to get out. I recruited help. I contacted for of the bishopric wives who is a health coach to help me feel better about myself physically.<br />
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At this point in my life I want you to know that I know I am a daughter of God and that he loves me. I also know that I have family who loves me. I have friends who wee there for me to support me and love me. But because I did not love myself it was hard to always believe that what others wee telling me was true. I couldn't believe that other people could love seen since I did not love myself and most of that came from a physical appearance which also is connected to an emotional mentality. I truly believed that I was a rejected daughter of God. I haven't dated anyone in 8 years and while I have had several guy friends I was not dating any of them and I believed it was because of my weight that caused my lack of dating opportunities. Now. While I wanted to lose weight because I thought it would make me more attractive to men. I didn't want to do this in an unhealthy way. There were other things in my life that I needed to find happiness and fulfillment in as well. </div>
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Sister Wood introduced me to a program called Take Shape For Life. It teaches you principles to take care of your body not just with the food you eat but the mentality of how you eat, why you eat, giving yourself plenty of rest, water etc. I felt that this program was going to be challenging but worth the effort. What has surprised me the most is how easy it has actually been for me and I know that is because the Lord has been helping me along and given me the strength to stick to the program. I have stuck to this habit of healthy eating and taking care of myself for 4 months now. I have lost over 4lbs in what seems like such a short amount of time. I feel great! I have so much more energy and confidence than I have had in a long time. I am wearing sizes that I never thought I would be buying again. People are telling all the time how good I am looking and I know they are right because I believe it. I have now learned to love myself which allows me to believe that others love me as well. I think that is key. If you don't love yourself you will never believe what others say about you. </div>
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But now there is a new trial that I am dealing with that no one tells you about when you lose weight. How do you change your mindset of seeing the "fat" girl in the mirror that you have seen for so long and see the beautiful healthy person you are now? I've been the fat girl for so long that my mind still sees itself sometimes as that person still. Even as I look in the mirror and see how much better I look and skinnier I am my mind doesn't know how to register it I find myself sinking back into that mentality of seeing myself as someone who is fat. </div>
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How do you train your mind to think differently. Being healthy and losing weight is not just measured by numbers on a scale. It is actually changing the way your mind thinks about your image as well. You have to learn how to look at yourself in the mirror and see the changes you have been making and really feel it in your heart as well. The connection of what your head thinks and your feels need to align with each other if you are really going to believe in the changes you have been making both physically and mentally to really understand the emotional change you have been taking. </div>
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While I am still struggling with making this mental change in the way I think about my appearance to connect with what I know is true about how I really look; I will continue to seek the guidance of the spirit to help me . One thing I will say through all of this is that I no longer believe that I am a rejected daughter of God. I truly believe that he loves me because I have learned to love myself. I believe people now when they tell me that am of worth because I have accepted this of myself as well. So maybe this is the answer. Know your worth. Embrace your worth. Feel your worth and know that you are loved. </div>
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-76778449525475485962015-03-06T17:40:00.000-05:002015-03-06T17:40:05.101-05:00Disney World: Mardi Gras, Chinese New Year, Presidents Day and Carnival StyleI have great friends and some that, like me, love a good themed party. Jennifer took me to a whole new level of themed parties by introducing me to themed vacations! She took me to Disney World in Orlando, FL to celebrate Mardi Gras, Carnival (Mardi Gras in Europe) and Chinese New Year with Mickey and his friends. I have to admit I was pretty excited to get out of the freezing cold weather that was surrounding us in Virginia.<br />
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Themed vacations was a hit. We stayed at the Port Orleans French Quarter hotel that was fabulous decorated for Mardi Gras.<br />
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The first thing we did when we got there was order biegnets (squared powder donuts), YUM!!!! It was a little bit of a shock to my system since I haven't had that much sugar, fried food and bread in a long time. (more on that in another post)<br />
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We then headed to Downtown Disney for some Cajun food for lunch. Jenn is big for themed food and I wasn't going to object. House of Blues apparently gets pretty booked at night so we went for a late lunch. The atmosphere was very New Orleans and the salmon salad I ate was delicious. I can't ever get my salmon to taste that good. <br />
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And no trip to Florida is complete without some time at the pool. I needed to thaw out from the freezing VA weather we had been having. I think I may have been singing Olaf's song about summer at one time or another. <br />
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Dinner that night was at the Boatwrights Dining Hall at the resort. I had some amazing shrimp and grits for dinner. I have never had grits before but it seemed like an appropriate southern style food to eat. Man was it good and I had been craving some good shrimp for a while. it was very satisfying indeed. Dinner was made even better by the presence of my old friend Sara Smith Bolling who drove up to meet us. It was great catching up with her. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAQfYPbTKaB3jggrIharAXqORdyCshr4nMZ0wXDVMHFmf4dBLsxGyluDtMt-2wFpaKhGGtYEIBNsXlE43h1Xl3_t4W8oQLDaGi1q8HTRJ0CeA34ytWC8fHFlSp_83jutz6Gxy0bUk7_U/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAQfYPbTKaB3jggrIharAXqORdyCshr4nMZ0wXDVMHFmf4dBLsxGyluDtMt-2wFpaKhGGtYEIBNsXlE43h1Xl3_t4W8oQLDaGi1q8HTRJ0CeA34ytWC8fHFlSp_83jutz6Gxy0bUk7_U/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM4piEkdy6hF5riW7wPie3SvvJeiw7CUqTXMB_mk-1Sf1nFHraoPy0TKZ9aDy5ViQ7wZSjdxH1yFXRasLvUApFtqtiZrKQ_HXJoSCSeZEs6RY2WUoFphW5i1GDb2JIB3BBKiXs4CeHjc/s1600/IMG_0172.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/AVvXsEgHM4piEkdy6hF5riW7wPie3SvvJeiw7CUqTXMB_mk-1Sf1nFHraoPy0TKZ9aDy5ViQ7wZSjdxH1yFXRasLvUApFtqtiZrKQ_HXJoSCSeZEs6RY2WUoFphW5i1GDb2JIB3BBKiXs4CeHjc/s1600/IMG_0172.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp7HxiLFO-5MAKd9SQTMaf4fqAWaQRpGwpSE-3txUGXeaebeOg-JSs4kX-5A5incvs3gnJwUkuR89pnn1HpHHcqig5W9FGJIgPzGvyqI-29MSSMEUDkpdj3b8PHqhCZ_MkWsddgQLc7s/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp7HxiLFO-5MAKd9SQTMaf4fqAWaQRpGwpSE-3txUGXeaebeOg-JSs4kX-5A5incvs3gnJwUkuR89pnn1HpHHcqig5W9FGJIgPzGvyqI-29MSSMEUDkpdj3b8PHqhCZ_MkWsddgQLc7s/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<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/AVvXsEgodpSv46McJwbhPPYX5VkHlzyuzTvOUeX-hWta8js9kFMeYyE2MmzkVo1QhgM62nWxIeLbA_Fw_N2JxtC7u5mYm6zh0N_lMiRaMw6Ev5wcJ2yZDCXp3NWk2mO2O3blqRI_6V8OBOvnemU/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodpSv46McJwbhPPYX5VkHlzyuzTvOUeX-hWta8js9kFMeYyE2MmzkVo1QhgM62nWxIeLbA_Fw_N2JxtC7u5mYm6zh0N_lMiRaMw6Ev5wcJ2yZDCXp3NWk2mO2O3blqRI_6V8OBOvnemU/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So this mask was at the gift shop and it is hand made in Italy and then
shipped to Florida to be decorated. it was so beautiful but definitely
more money than I will ever be able to afford. Did you notice my clothes
are coordinated colors for mardi gras? </td></tr>
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The rest of the week was spent exploring Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Such a fun time. I ate a lot of food but hey, we were walking 10 + miles a day so I didn't feel bad about one bite. I love being in Disney World. It makes me feel like a kid again and it really is a place where dreams can come true. <br />
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<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/AVvXsEiMc1KEbHvf6u3rnQkMVlBgLXqaCTdOeLqJWfriTHx7DY-K40EcEbiDdC5YFoD63j-YqagaBXxKlZBoEKWFS-uSuQ_mJlH-eGC_aTkqq4aTHkpcsnWODogMQwWNmXy9vWw9irciDyEaH8A/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc1KEbHvf6u3rnQkMVlBgLXqaCTdOeLqJWfriTHx7DY-K40EcEbiDdC5YFoD63j-YqagaBXxKlZBoEKWFS-uSuQ_mJlH-eGC_aTkqq4aTHkpcsnWODogMQwWNmXy9vWw9irciDyEaH8A/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presidents Day march </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeTYONeXwigtp2YtcZdovGkJVHyGtCHj43pdbRMbXU9Rz4HhuxDkuSN5_VpWmdcBFDdC6uqew_TdcoLLmaNqGJihF_LOHNI5gZolSjNytTZvfz2nYl0kgFGWxPAGCNHXG6aOeun6Ui04/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeTYONeXwigtp2YtcZdovGkJVHyGtCHj43pdbRMbXU9Rz4HhuxDkuSN5_VpWmdcBFDdC6uqew_TdcoLLmaNqGJihF_LOHNI5gZolSjNytTZvfz2nYl0kgFGWxPAGCNHXG6aOeun6Ui04/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American food at the Liberty Tavern for lunch. Another great salmon salad and I even had a gooey toffee desert which was divine!</td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEiTv46kkgrPZptwGOXB8rsOA32qdMp7rZ3jEsQawwaFijhjtB3dqZAJ5gKOcTbOFOWLirgkgMTF_n8iyLmAgqmj92AEgpD6RYfrv11GYBNdPtT-O8sowGfsBlPrfE-9l5Y_2Mj7Gn8iSos/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTv46kkgrPZptwGOXB8rsOA32qdMp7rZ3jEsQawwaFijhjtB3dqZAJ5gKOcTbOFOWLirgkgMTF_n8iyLmAgqmj92AEgpD6RYfrv11GYBNdPtT-O8sowGfsBlPrfE-9l5Y_2Mj7Gn8iSos/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora is from France and they love to celebrate Carnival there. </td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEgK5H-muPTUo6X5wpQkiCu-zyGtUBxeI4OhYiSSh4uDC-11WnDM6K-Tf1E2FYMDHaPYeFIysI7_HM-E3zF1FhN4eXj81czykaV3wgpweWGi77RRxDtIqgaY_gdO2CMPyQjZKSKbin1g26A/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5H-muPTUo6X5wpQkiCu-zyGtUBxeI4OhYiSSh4uDC-11WnDM6K-Tf1E2FYMDHaPYeFIysI7_HM-E3zF1FhN4eXj81czykaV3wgpweWGi77RRxDtIqgaY_gdO2CMPyQjZKSKbin1g26A/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiana and Prince Naveen are from New Orleans and they love a good Mardi Gras celebration. When Naveen asked us where he should take Tiana on a date to in VA we told him to go to Alexandria for food. When he asked what they should order Jenn suggested frog legs. He didn't like that idea very much. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0Vjk4-24Vj2VWlSgR4Xc59v7rnXjFLS6Njrm4cQMU5ijrok6Iv8Ql5p7AJcErsNpmmPk8TSB-dAMw2i1ciOFXm-Iv3lC_172J1ppTGIBbr8pCm5dXEK3bGovXc45p8-uDq1foZix_WU/s1600/IMG_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0Vjk4-24Vj2VWlSgR4Xc59v7rnXjFLS6Njrm4cQMU5ijrok6Iv8Ql5p7AJcErsNpmmPk8TSB-dAMw2i1ciOFXm-Iv3lC_172J1ppTGIBbr8pCm5dXEK3bGovXc45p8-uDq1foZix_WU/s1600/IMG_0773.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In France at Epcot they started getting ready for the Flower and Garden Festival with all the topiaries. Belle is from France and they like to celebrate Carnival too. So pretty. </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiKJLBHkMo5_gL-2eMthvBK33noabTFL8t9uYqeKqxA0Ajokok5XJVB-Hl15FcVtfHChdTGmsl-rqcQ-lX0fFi2wH0ZHFaLOQQlrGB9wN18uYZJvFoU8ngkqKL418IIL3j4Jl3AhQDPA/s1600/IMG_0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiKJLBHkMo5_gL-2eMthvBK33noabTFL8t9uYqeKqxA0Ajokok5XJVB-Hl15FcVtfHChdTGmsl-rqcQ-lX0fFi2wH0ZHFaLOQQlrGB9wN18uYZJvFoU8ngkqKL418IIL3j4Jl3AhQDPA/s1600/IMG_0789.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So of course we had to meet Belle and ask her what we should eat. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdq5K4KzidAH5fz0RqwnG95mi-Siq8maQUfvbW-botLKzi_1LroO_c1mhzKDwMvHS0LClpjeS-ZcNt2mjZt9io1r_lnWkgdTS3ezGBvNEWC7s6HKilJ7vnXOmtN463OPs_2uzPmwlvbVw/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdq5K4KzidAH5fz0RqwnG95mi-Siq8maQUfvbW-botLKzi_1LroO_c1mhzKDwMvHS0LClpjeS-ZcNt2mjZt9io1r_lnWkgdTS3ezGBvNEWC7s6HKilJ7vnXOmtN463OPs_2uzPmwlvbVw/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some kind of chocolate cake covered in a ganache and shaved pieces of white chocolate. Oh my taste buds were in love. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJWg98aQOdxjzmRAowIFX0I68R8oHaE7PF67qIGDZokMIUj5DbIdXcl2WnYGvzh48oBDLBd2BJhzE67wf2t1Jd6ct2lsm2RGOJXpLYMHmslluw0VHHZ79fsI_PB8Wmkl-Uu72ASNJQQk/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJWg98aQOdxjzmRAowIFX0I68R8oHaE7PF67qIGDZokMIUj5DbIdXcl2WnYGvzh48oBDLBd2BJhzE67wf2t1Jd6ct2lsm2RGOJXpLYMHmslluw0VHHZ79fsI_PB8Wmkl-Uu72ASNJQQk/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macaroon with raspberries and lemon pudding.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so good. I may have had two. YUM!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqN-RTRp_xxDiPBXELvQu7rWI-G2Cv6JfWpdG8PmInWqUVkpsXz87dX4JrW8ZoJp24L0DdGKPTko7SGLutNOJSKPi3AGvUuBLzKpXjHKvcVHjhQqmOA5cP3Eq-VgO9wx5xHRyeSa-KQQ/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqN-RTRp_xxDiPBXELvQu7rWI-G2Cv6JfWpdG8PmInWqUVkpsXz87dX4JrW8ZoJp24L0DdGKPTko7SGLutNOJSKPi3AGvUuBLzKpXjHKvcVHjhQqmOA5cP3Eq-VgO9wx5xHRyeSa-KQQ/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A real Ceasar Salad in Italy and an amazing 4 cheese pizza. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir4ubgWwiReDHsmGuJvUyuW9TqgsqjqwCAyI8zWdFJMk4hKssRo6VaByVYyMraunpzZunDcAO3qFD16pVrzZHMTRLtb66rzo82f1NbxmH8yyp4NgsGk3LiM_7CvHiM5fiKfuZXQEPVlQ/s1600/IMG_0930.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another desert from France. Chocolate Cake with raspberry pudding and fresh raspberries and sauce on top. A great way to start the day. </td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEikNgnNas_WoI1ZoCj2k5l8ZO6jdxX5fHx_sXtzdv3z2S4u58yEwL8NbvzAWpBDEOOYvG8977sVYomjvgOp_zXDBorslmxf4Pthg5W3tpKhdoy3oWC7BD5k6vDqWF5DTS5S1vuoj2f2S6w/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNgnNas_WoI1ZoCj2k5l8ZO6jdxX5fHx_sXtzdv3z2S4u58yEwL8NbvzAWpBDEOOYvG8977sVYomjvgOp_zXDBorslmxf4Pthg5W3tpKhdoy3oWC7BD5k6vDqWF5DTS5S1vuoj2f2S6w/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese New Year should be celebrated in China. Hurray for the year of the Ram! or is it a goat? Or maybe a sheep? No one can really decide in the US what it is. Oh well, Good wishes to all. </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-kdB0seg0RyGIsPsbIpxw1r40gBplxktnU5oYE30t41ssg5GqiHHHNuBHvS4W3flCH6WdJPCSJux9oC_-3uio8quoa7AnSWm7qwPuSEvNE9dk0DupjFD1GpfpChkZi42zkY7F9a2bI8/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-kdB0seg0RyGIsPsbIpxw1r40gBplxktnU5oYE30t41ssg5GqiHHHNuBHvS4W3flCH6WdJPCSJux9oC_-3uio8quoa7AnSWm7qwPuSEvNE9dk0DupjFD1GpfpChkZi42zkY7F9a2bI8/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not shy, just using the art of the fan. </td></tr>
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<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/AVvXsEgsGjSt4mHTjDkbzR2NeiTLON8qoaDj5lfRoD65J7uU24bqIM9V-Rd90PRqv0jqOsiuMcuTdlkwY1ndZ8RPFWbzPSBEKyNtQUH39bb5PQfC8DPsIn9-K354DyCJmDe3UDik0VTohWyHIhQ/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGjSt4mHTjDkbzR2NeiTLON8qoaDj5lfRoD65J7uU24bqIM9V-Rd90PRqv0jqOsiuMcuTdlkwY1ndZ8RPFWbzPSBEKyNtQUH39bb5PQfC8DPsIn9-K354DyCJmDe3UDik0VTohWyHIhQ/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulan celebrated Chinese New Year with us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliqR6H1jpdeRTPjddW4TJSJL2sb9toD7cgPryGbAk3dDJlV_Ig_xDl-hS7PlhfNwfRIxDvd6VvGmO2Qnuge1KT0lkUOpz4wLcJ43G7zuGoXVLRBeYIugGbwsm5wElCtbmUS0Ky-E4uBU/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliqR6H1jpdeRTPjddW4TJSJL2sb9toD7cgPryGbAk3dDJlV_Ig_xDl-hS7PlhfNwfRIxDvd6VvGmO2Qnuge1KT0lkUOpz4wLcJ43G7zuGoXVLRBeYIugGbwsm5wElCtbmUS0Ky-E4uBU/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the Yak and Yeti restaurant was a great treat. I think I've eaten all I can for Chinese New Year.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiC5mcJy9aRzR168O9GQeAJq_ZFe5-5nUtP9a1SdrvNOkKaSJdLV_rGvqkv2f1d1WG3uej8ElDbPpxDJ8lsuD8b1iDUHLpl6A22cDD8HxEXKhQN6kEN9cbo4JdebEi5MYxdF4AxWJD7U/s1600/20150101_144320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiC5mcJy9aRzR168O9GQeAJq_ZFe5-5nUtP9a1SdrvNOkKaSJdLV_rGvqkv2f1d1WG3uej8ElDbPpxDJ8lsuD8b1iDUHLpl6A22cDD8HxEXKhQN6kEN9cbo4JdebEi5MYxdF4AxWJD7U/s1600/20150101_144320.jpg" height="92" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmfTE7SqhWXMcAYtueGLdYsPAX6gv6QK6WAbZnBSpMIwlXkCIBCIgab9O_VCfafoGMWES6JgMHcYVYJ1Ybu1oJZJm5b9HfB3QlgJ9WFVky3y2WJvTkWv-bSHs43IKOqweZNSzRHRYNMk/s1600/20150101_155042.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/AVvXsEjQmfTE7SqhWXMcAYtueGLdYsPAX6gv6QK6WAbZnBSpMIwlXkCIBCIgab9O_VCfafoGMWES6JgMHcYVYJ1Ybu1oJZJm5b9HfB3QlgJ9WFVky3y2WJvTkWv-bSHs43IKOqweZNSzRHRYNMk/s1600/20150101_155042.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>I started comparing trials to the waves that were beating against the coast we were hiking on. The waves were sometimes really low and light against the surface. But when the winds picked up the waves were bigger and hit harder against the rocks. Now the entire time we were walking around I was amazed at the landscape and the beauty of it. The coast was very porous from the waves hitting it so often and I realized that it was because of all the waves coming in that the surface was formed and shaped to be so beautiful. Had there been no waves the rocks would have been flat and dull. It was all the unique shapes in the rocks that made the rocks so amazing.<br />
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We have to allow the waves of life to come in and help to shape us into something beautiful. It's how we grow and form who we are in the world. While breakups are not fun I definitely have learned what I want to do going forward with my life and I can say that I have been changed for the better. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhw7iZPum9TBegVjLGy7ZE0_08tDn60tXJ4vAN22YAnpqZIyo-_zewUorYRZWlBAFwrPsduPp-YuE4FQXJVzcXSfztxl25z22JoIjQ6RkXfyE128AkO98s35Oa6Y9qGCcGg7LoWl1JtA/s1600/20150101_154413.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/AVvXsEjIhw7iZPum9TBegVjLGy7ZE0_08tDn60tXJ4vAN22YAnpqZIyo-_zewUorYRZWlBAFwrPsduPp-YuE4FQXJVzcXSfztxl25z22JoIjQ6RkXfyE128AkO98s35Oa6Y9qGCcGg7LoWl1JtA/s1600/20150101_154413.jpg" height="113" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuF9eA7EbaTc83oIOd3cWvWnsYWuGuB0ZNJ4mP7KmZBC6SxGIfD3ECiz2dEqKLyBQD_2_hdUx1zZ1lYtIWATyx_5dQekvf9jmuVmWMHdSJSIPhsCawHOQ9nKG2QFmTC2ZoxjhFrCdnDI/s1600/20150101_153636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuF9eA7EbaTc83oIOd3cWvWnsYWuGuB0ZNJ4mP7KmZBC6SxGIfD3ECiz2dEqKLyBQD_2_hdUx1zZ1lYtIWATyx_5dQekvf9jmuVmWMHdSJSIPhsCawHOQ9nKG2QFmTC2ZoxjhFrCdnDI/s1600/20150101_153636.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meditation time</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQvkrtjwxdYcwhLsTZtYdriftyzThuVj25rt8FTw8SmKivgVjM0YNSCUis7tk73UcOoGsaUHxTBt0BitUXuvgIquZHdSp02kkVJ5OhUcnyHfvAYuh6muXEWrr6OIS3fElHcjHUYliL7M/s1600/20150101_155146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQvkrtjwxdYcwhLsTZtYdriftyzThuVj25rt8FTw8SmKivgVjM0YNSCUis7tk73UcOoGsaUHxTBt0BitUXuvgIquZHdSp02kkVJ5OhUcnyHfvAYuh6muXEWrr6OIS3fElHcjHUYliL7M/s1600/20150101_155146.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's skull rock</td></tr>
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-71675012904489926502015-02-05T10:38:00.000-05:002015-02-05T10:38:26.639-05:00New Year, New Me (Taiwan 3)I absolutely loved being in Taiwan for New Years. The great thing about that country is they really don't like to drink to the point of getting drunk, if they even drink at all. So it was a very sober New Years out in the streets which made me feel so safe. The other thing I loved was the feeling of community and respect for those around you. Even though there were thousands of people in the streets waiting for the fireworks and scrambling to get on the metro, they still were all very kind and cordial to each other. It was a refreshing change from the city life I feel in the U.S. Maybe there is something to this idea of karma they believe in after all. Hmm. Anyways, Taiwan shoots fireworks out of Taipei 101 which is amazing looking. After the fireworks were over, I wandered the streets for a while watching the various street performers and concerts going on around the area. It was a great place for people watching and I felt a spirit of newness coming into my life as well. I've set some new goals and had already started working on them prior to the new year beginning so I know they will be part of my life this year. I really think 2015 is going to be a great year for me and I loved that I was able to spend it in Taiwan.<br />
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-9558739887845855812015-02-02T22:17:00.001-05:002015-02-02T22:18:01.708-05:00Thirty, Flirty and Thriving (Taiwan 2)Happy Birthday to me! Today I turned 30 and to celebrate I spent the day in Taiwan at the Taipei Zoo with all of the cuddly animals. Now Taiwan is very proud of the fact that they own their baby Panda and not China. The zoo is huge and it was such a gorgeous day out that the walk was lovely.<br />
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<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/AVvXsEh258XdApDo6YWJriyKoxRdpiBQ0WFABL63GuSwc0MF_GAnDwqWJQ-cvNKrMHvHigDFyoGZvc4et5ihJqi_b4cMIuT2wpTDiW6v7xrhCcFAtQSdziRi45_wWwpTJVhAX5P0F24s_P-Ijzg/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh258XdApDo6YWJriyKoxRdpiBQ0WFABL63GuSwc0MF_GAnDwqWJQ-cvNKrMHvHigDFyoGZvc4et5ihJqi_b4cMIuT2wpTDiW6v7xrhCcFAtQSdziRi45_wWwpTJVhAX5P0F24s_P-Ijzg/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't believe how big these leaves were. Huge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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That evening we met up with Daina for dinner in Taipei 101 which is the
second tallest building in the world (it was the tallest for a little
while until Dubai finished their building). Still, this building was
tall and the higher up you went you could feel the building move with
the wind. It was crazy! They built it that way to withstand wind and
earthquakes. Dinner was amazingly delicious. Of course, we decided to eat dinner first at Krispy Kreme donuts. Yum! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel good for being 30
and I have a feeling that this is going to be my year. It helped to be celebrating in Taiwan with friends. Making it a memorable 30th Birthday. </div>
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-44932843137984059552015-02-02T21:49:00.002-05:002015-02-02T21:49:29.179-05:00Going Through the Motions (Taiwan 1)While in Taiwan we had the opportunity to stay overnight at a monastery. It was one of the highlights of my trip. It felt like going on a retreat of meditation and relaxation and was really a great way to immerse myself in the culture of Buddhism. While staying at the monastery we participated in a morning worship service with the monks. It felt very odd to me at first to be bowing down to Buddha but I soon got over it as I was doing everything that was required to participate in the service. The standing when we needed to stand. Bowing when we needed to bow. Kneeling when it was time. But I had a major problem. I didn't really know what was being said. The prayer book they gave me was all in Chinese. I couldn't read it! I was going through all of the motions of worship but wasn't actually worshiping. I changed my focus of meditation instead on praying to my Heavenly Father for His help and guidance in my life.<br />
<br />
As I was reflecting later on this experience I thought about how sometimes we go through the motions of our religion without really feeling the power behind it. How many times have you taken the sacrament and not really thought about what it is you are partaking of? How many prayers have been said that were just repetitive of the words we always say? Sometimes it's hard to know why we are doing some of the things we do at church but we do them because we are expected to. I think it's important to not only do the things we should be doing but also learning to really embrace and internalize them. If you find yourself doing something and you don't understand why, research it. Pray to know why you are doing it. Study it out so that instead of just going through the motions you are actually internalizing it and connecting to it at a much deeper level.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little Buddha </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raise your hands like Buddha!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daina, Kimber and I with the man who founded the monastery. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make a wish and then ring the bell It's sure to come true. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Buddha</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddha Land</td></tr>
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-37946473516256380922014-12-22T13:05:00.001-05:002014-12-22T13:05:35.138-05:00Why I'm Not Going Home for ChristmasYes I know the title of these seems harsh and unfeeling. It goes against every Christmas song that talks about going home (i.e. I'll Be Home For Christmas). Let me explain myself before you judge me too harshly.<br />
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I love my family. I really do. And I miss them all the time. I have many fond memories of Christmases past with the family. We gather together Christmas Eve for a fabulous dinner (usually a couple varieties of soups), along with salad, rolls and many delicious deserts. Once we have eaten we gather in the family room for a Christmas program which includes playing games, musical numbers, and dad reading of the Christmas story. Then we gather around the tree and open presents from each other. We like to keep family gifts and Santa gifts separate. Then we head to bed in anticipation of Santa coming to visit that night. In the morning, we get up early to see what is in our stockings. We all usually have a pile of gifts from Santa somewhere around the tree. After we have discovered the gifts left from Santa we have a big breakfast with quiche, waffles, pumpkin roll and orange julius. We then spend the rest of the day playing with our toys, doing puzzles, and watching our new movies. Sounds like a delightful way to spend Christmas doesn't it? Yes, the house if full of love and family.<br />
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So why would I choose to miss it this year you may ask? Well it has to do with one word. Single. The holidays are so hard when you're single. Yes, I am surrounded by family but you never get over the fact that I am turning 30 this year and am still alone in my life. I am so happy for my brothers and sisters who are married and have kids. I love my in-laws. I love my niece and nephew(s). But there is this hole in my heart that I feel ever so strongly this time of year.<br />
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When putting together my Christmas list of what I want for Christmas there are a superficial things on there like books, movies, clothes, etc. But my true Christmas wishlist has been for many years to has been to get married and start a family. Unfortunately, you can't find that in stores. <br />
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But it's not just that I am single that makes the holidays hard. Eight years ago I was in a relationship with the only boyfriend I have ever had. He came home with me for Christmas and took part in all the festivities. But there was something that was not right with the relationship and I broke it off a few days later. Now when I go home for Christmas and participate in the festivities it hurts more than ever because I also feel like I am personally celebrating my own failure in life. I am reminded every year since of what I don't have and haven't had the opportunity to have since. He was the one and only guy who has ever wanted to date me and that hurts. I have truly believed for many years now that I am a rejected Daughter of God. Yes, you read that right. I am learning to not feel this way and most days I can get over it. But not at Christmas time. This is the time of year when I can't get over the fact that I am still single and there is no one that wants to start a life with me. Eight years of feeling rejected, hurt, and alone.<br />
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But when you are with family for Christmas you are not alone you say. Well it's hard to get over the fact that you are still single when your family constantly reminds you of that fact this time of year. Last year it seemed like it was a daily basis when someone would make some comment about my marital status. Whenever we went out of the house my family would constantly be pointing out men they would see without a ring on. In the temple my mom practically tried to throw me in the direction of guy with no ring. At a hockey game my sister was looking up the stats of all the men on the team and would point out each and every one that was single and of eligible age. My dad kept trying to make arrangements to meet up with a single guy from their ward. While I know they don't mean anything harsh by their suggestions and I know they are just trying to help, it really just increases the feeling of rejection and loneliness. <br />
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So this year, as much as I would like to be with my family and I will miss out on being with them and all of the holiday traditions, I am going to run away. I'm catching a plane to Taiwan this year to explore foreign lands with other single friends. It is much harder to feel rejected and alone when you are with others who feel the same way. Call me selfish if you want. I am choosing to not spend Christmas Eve at midnight after everyone has gone to sleep crying my eyes out on the couch because all the married kids get the bedrooms. I am trying to make a happier memory for myself of a Christmas as a single person who is almost 30 where I don't feel alone during a time when I should feel surrounded by family.<br />
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So dear family, eat a piece of pumpkin roll for me and know that I love you very much. <br />
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-5966869260322489002014-12-14T13:49:00.001-05:002014-12-14T13:49:20.236-05:00Ugly Sweater Party<p>Our ward had an ugly sweater party tonight. I was opposed to buying a sweater that I would only be wearing once a year so I decided to make my sweater. Im a Christmas tree. It was quite interesting being trimmed with all the decorations. </p>
<p>I had a good time with some close friends enjoying good food, wrapping presents for children in need in our stake and catching up with members of the ward. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxGXeE_EqXBi_M1JEBp2fhdkJyk9Rj0ZeWUOQXw35gDKBAj6fqdCp1FfHUdHjUm0clMmvNEo5RLDudyFpQi0jd77l30Efo8Ar61F3kZ89aCmeEB1PsLOXeHFGhybdYHiP_42wM7rp-ts/s1600/20141214111729558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxGXeE_EqXBi_M1JEBp2fhdkJyk9Rj0ZeWUOQXw35gDKBAj6fqdCp1FfHUdHjUm0clMmvNEo5RLDudyFpQi0jd77l30Efo8Ar61F3kZ89aCmeEB1PsLOXeHFGhybdYHiP_42wM7rp-ts/s640/20141214111729558.jpg"> </a> </div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-36644742890869566992014-12-12T16:45:00.005-05:002015-02-15T15:48:55.536-05:00No One Is Alone<div style="text-align: left;">
So Valentine's Day tends to also be known as Single Awareness Day. It's a day that celebrates love, usually the love shared between significant others. When you don't have a significant other you tend to feel left out of the festivities and alone in the world. But what we forget is that you are not the only one who feels this way. There are many people out there who do not have a significant other, or who have lost their significant other. We may not know who those people are but my guess is that they aren't hard to find if you open up your eyes and look around. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love this song from Into The Woods that talks about how no one is alone. We all have Giants in our lives that seem to be tormenting us. We all feel lost in the world occasionally. We all have been deceived at one time or another. We all have made mistakes in our lives. But the thing to remember is that you are the one who decides how you will react to these circumstances. You are alone in making those decisions but know that once you make that decision you will not stand alone in it. Others will be there to support you. God will always be there to support you. He never leaves you alone although you may feel alone. So even though Valentine's Day is another reminder of your marital status just remember you are not alone. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I really like this quote from the Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson Manuel. "We will never be alone if we live as we should, because our Father will always be with us to bless us. H wants us to be successful. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to achieve the good goals we set. He will do His part if we do our part."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>No One Is Alone</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Into the Woods</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
No one here to guide you<br>
Now you're on your own<br>
Only me beside you<br>
Still your not alone<br>
No one is alone<br>
Truly<br>
No one is alone<br>
<br>
Sometimes people leave you<br>
Half-way through the wood<br>
Others may deceive you<br>
You decide whats good<br>
You decide alone<br>
But no one is alone<br>
<br>
People make mistakes<br>
Father's, Mother's<br>
People make mistakes<br>
Holding to their own<br>
Thinking they're alone<br>
<br>
Honor their mistakes<br>
Everybody makes<br>
One another's terrible mistakes<br>
<br>
Witches can be right<br>
Giants can be good<br>
You decide whats right<br>
You decide whats good<br>
Just remember<br>
<br>
Someone is on your side<br>
Someone else is not<br>
Well we're seeing our side<br>
Maybe we forgot<br>
They are not alone<br>
Cause no one is alone<br>
<br>
Hard to see the light now<br>
Just don't let it go<br>
Things will come out right now<br>
We can make it so<br>
Someone is on your side<br>
No one is alone</div>
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-68038830734281526102014-12-09T18:21:00.002-05:002014-12-09T18:21:26.094-05:00Defying GravitySo last night I did something I have never done before and was probably completely crazy for doing. I auditioned for a lead role in a church sponsored rendition of Stephen Schwartz greatest work Children of Eden. AH! What would possess me to do such a think? Well I love musical theater as we have already established and I love the music to this show. It would literally be a dream to play the role of Eve or Yonah. So I thought why not.<br />
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I have NEVER auditioned for a musical before so I had no idea what to expect or how to prepare for this. Thank goodness Kaylie went with me to help give some support and encouragement. It was good to have a friend there who had a little more experience and to follow her lead. <br />
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Well I don't think I will be getting a lead role or even cast in the show I am proud of myself for trying and it has given me a better understanding of what performers have to go through to get the parts they do. Between the singing, the dancing and the reading auditions I don't think I did horrible but I definitely do not have what it takes to be a performer.<br />
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The song I decided to use is another Stephen Schwartz favorite, Defying Gravity from Wicked. The lyrics express how I have been feeling lately as I have been trying knew things to change my life. The words are empowering to encourage me to break away from what I know and go for things that I have never thought possible before.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Defying Gravity</b></u></div>
<div class="verse" style="text-align: center;">
Something has changed within me<br />
Something is not the same<br />
I'm through with playing by the rules<br />
Of someone else's game<br />
Too late for second-guessing<br />
Too late to go back to sleep<br />
It's time to trust my instincts<br />
Close my eyes and leap!</div>
<div class="verse" style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="verse" style="text-align: center;">
It's time to try<br />
Defying gravity<br />
I think I'll try<br />
Defying gravity<br />
And you can't pull me down!</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
I'm through accepting limits<br />
'cause someone says they're so<br />
Some things I cannot change<br />
But till I try, I'll never know!<br />
Too long I've been afraid of<br />
Losing love I guess I've lost<br />
Well, if that's love<br />
It comes at much too high a cost!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
I'd sooner fly<br />
Defying gravity<br />
Kiss me goodbye<br />
I'm defying gravity<br />
And you can't pull me down<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So if you care to find me<br />
Look to the western sky!<br />
As someone told me lately:<br />
"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!"<br />
And if I'm flying solo<br />
At least I'm flying free<br />
To those who'd ground me<br />
Take a message back from me<br />
Tell them how I am<br />
Defying gravity<br />
I'm flying high<br />
Defying gravity<br />
And soon I'll match them in renown!<br />
And nobody in all of Oz<br />
No Wizard that there is or was<br />
Is ever gonna bring me down!</div>
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-37656103470343041842014-12-09T18:06:00.000-05:002015-01-22T20:35:28.959-05:00TomorrowSome days are better than others. Some days we just wish would end before they even begin. There are things that we must do in our lives that we don't always like having to do. For me it can be a work meeting that I know is going to be rough, or a talk that I really don't want to have. But I love the hope that this song brings in knowing that there is always tomorrow. How many lines can you think of about tomorrow? <div><br></div><div>"After all tomorrow is another day." -Gone With the Wind</div><div><br></div><div><br>
<u><b>Tomorrow</b></u><br>
Annie, the Musical<br>
<br>
<div id="lyrics-body-text">
<div class="verse">
The sun'll come out tomorrow<br>
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow<br>
there'll be sun<br>
Just thinkin' about tomorrow<br>
Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow 'til there's none</div>
<div class="verse">
<br></div>
<div class="verse">
When I'm stuck in the day that's grey and lonely<br>
I just stick up my chin and grin and say, oh</div>
<div class="verse">
<br></div>
<div class="verse">
The sun'll come out tomorrow<br>
So you gotta hang on<br>
'til tomorrow, come what may!<br>
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow<br>
You're only a day away!</div>
<div class="verse">
<br></div>
<div class="verse">
When I'm stuck with a day that's grey and lonely<br>
I just stick up my chin and grin and say oh</div>
<div class="verse">
<br></div>
<div class="verse">
The sun'll come out tomorrow<br>
So you got to hang on 'til tomorrow, come what may!<br>
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow<br>
You're always a day away</div>
<div class="verse">
<br></div>
<div class="verse">
Tomorrow, tomorrow I love you tomorrow<br>
You're always a day away ...</div>
</div>
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</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-19730096097675205102014-12-02T15:31:00.001-05:002014-12-02T15:31:10.411-05:00A Missouri Thanksgiving <p>I surprised my parents by coming home for Thanksgiving. They had no clue I was coming. It was great to see there surprised faces when I opened the door to my sisters house. We had a good time catching up that evening and then preparing for Thanksgiving dinner the next day. </p>
<p>Early in the morning we all woke up to my brother and his two kids arrival. Once the niece and nephew got in there was no going back to sleep. My niece cuddled right up to me as she was still really tired but didnt want to miss what was happening. Eventually we ate breakfast and continues to catch up and play with the kids. Then it was time to head over to my brother in laws family for Thanksgiving dinner. I supplied the Turkey veggie tray. Oh how good Turkey tastes. Yummy! </p>
<p>Kayla and Sam finally revealed what they were having. They told each of us to pick a pink or blue balloon depending in if we thought they were having a boy or a girl. Riley told me to pick a pink balloon. We all were supposed to blow put balloons up together and the color left standing at the end was the sex of the baby. All the pink balloons popped as we were blowing them up leaving the blue balloons left. Its a boy!!!!! </p>
<p>I had a nice nap after dinner and then we headed out to do some holiday shopping. We braved the Black Friday crowds and headed to Walmart. It wasn't actually that terrible. I picked up a few more movies for the year and some roommate presents. Riley pickef out a pink shopping cart for herself that she pushed all around Target. She woukd fill it up with other things for herself. When I asked her what we should get Kyte she said she would share with him. Her mommy says otherwise :) Kyre got a ball thing that you hammer which became a big hit the rest of the weekend. </p>
<p>We had a late night talking and playing games but it was ggood to be with family.</p>
<p>Friday we took the kids to the zoo. Kyre loved all the animals. Riley liked them as long as they were outside running around. She didnt like being inside with them. The elephants were her favorite. I was sad the penguins were still closed. </p>
<p>Saturday morning we went to see Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1. It was pretty good. </p>
<p>After that we went to visit Uncle Ivan and Aunt Phyllis for a little bit before heading home to get a few more hours of play time before it was time for the kids to leave. I didnt want to say goodbye to my niece and nephew. Tears may have been shed.</p>
<p>Sunday morning we talked a while together before mom, dad, Kami and Cade left. I will see them sometime next year. After they left Sam, Kayla and I headed back to the Shilligs house to play games for the rest of the night. I am the Kings Crown queen!</p>
<p>Monday and Tuesday Kayla and I just hung around the house since it was freezing outside. We did some cyber Monday shopping and just enjoyed bring together. I love spending time with my family. It does make me want to move closer to them. Its good to know I will be back in the spring when my nephew is born. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilQQJGMFkecwSMMAjQeYZu9-2GilxFKkXDAuvv2zIr6-UzHwasgg_fgd3FwGeVuzLBtj6FoipRwTFdqWBdnB-Vnjg8jjJ835tYHwEANBpg25o_rJzxw6KcNbamIVc-JZOvUq2DQs9cb4/s1600/20141128174614719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilQQJGMFkecwSMMAjQeYZu9-2GilxFKkXDAuvv2zIr6-UzHwasgg_fgd3FwGeVuzLBtj6FoipRwTFdqWBdnB-Vnjg8jjJ835tYHwEANBpg25o_rJzxw6KcNbamIVc-JZOvUq2DQs9cb4/s640/20141128174614719.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7YK8Rat8Juzj3TLDIWZ_2dFqaVPXH3d6S2qi81HU5A6-uE3vRwhm7geZa8aVM1KBRPrS81HpGhIIlNgh6GRBEyzW926J9yzjL0Rmd1mm67oHmcA0gI_m7vV1_lv7MF5Zy2Gnelm1q6M/s1600/20141129_220217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7YK8Rat8Juzj3TLDIWZ_2dFqaVPXH3d6S2qi81HU5A6-uE3vRwhm7geZa8aVM1KBRPrS81HpGhIIlNgh6GRBEyzW926J9yzjL0Rmd1mm67oHmcA0gI_m7vV1_lv7MF5Zy2Gnelm1q6M/s640/20141129_220217.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTn4GvHsiaIclPazJ1kL6-uqBmEuKM4Vbujfln1C09U1fk0zdBEBNyuX-47gJ2xWmMiDP8qcWU3VVZr96_nzObUb83LuQB2N06pS02N0hc1qDdKgdictt3qx5NGO7j6cgPqiEBW1A-ckI/s1600/20141128_143654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTn4GvHsiaIclPazJ1kL6-uqBmEuKM4Vbujfln1C09U1fk0zdBEBNyuX-47gJ2xWmMiDP8qcWU3VVZr96_nzObUb83LuQB2N06pS02N0hc1qDdKgdictt3qx5NGO7j6cgPqiEBW1A-ckI/s640/20141128_143654.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Av4YB6vYDnGTXnamPsm3BGioRQ6IXkpc4uGJ7PqJjrNcQ6itUFBYNVeWPE17jqRT5ccdU6aAGfygi9t8F6JUCIkz954bGK49IuIAQ8YihY9gPbM9ptjMa5xY0-RLy7gqt5NtnQvPLUg/s1600/20141127_151335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Av4YB6vYDnGTXnamPsm3BGioRQ6IXkpc4uGJ7PqJjrNcQ6itUFBYNVeWPE17jqRT5ccdU6aAGfygi9t8F6JUCIkz954bGK49IuIAQ8YihY9gPbM9ptjMa5xY0-RLy7gqt5NtnQvPLUg/s640/20141127_151335.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyWeJyrQ1kDvn3NIT2PfWSCvev3X-oDJRPPl0AGyrw5035xz4dRyly1ceF0YGXzE3j34Hix000TcQvedl7-xMBHWssaPXT9jhkPb1exHMBcMKHovu1VQ6odUwJ1BylZobOxpCcNMwpC4/s1600/20141127_143805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyWeJyrQ1kDvn3NIT2PfWSCvev3X-oDJRPPl0AGyrw5035xz4dRyly1ceF0YGXzE3j34Hix000TcQvedl7-xMBHWssaPXT9jhkPb1exHMBcMKHovu1VQ6odUwJ1BylZobOxpCcNMwpC4/s640/20141127_143805.jpg"> </a> </div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-20597017844520933022014-11-20T10:50:00.002-05:002014-11-20T10:50:50.908-05:00Baby It's Cold Outside<br /><br />
<br /><br />
So the weather out here has dropped drastically and it is freezing <br />
outside. This music video warmed me up inside for it's adorable <br />
cuteness. I love the lyric changes to make it more Mormon friendly as <br />
well. Enjoy!<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6bbuBubZ1yE" width="480"></iframe>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-38768893883152401752014-11-17T10:08:00.001-05:002014-11-17T10:08:30.355-05:00ElectricityThis past weekend I went and saw a live broadcast production of Billy Elliot from London. It was a fabulous production and the kid who played young Billy did an excellent job with the dancing. I was reminded of a fabulous song that he sings at the end where he is describing what it feels like to dance. He sings it with such emotion and spirit as he dances around the stage and expresses his feelings so well. This feeling can be said of many things that I love to do. When I'm in the temple, when I go to a show, when I spend times with close friends and family, when I visit a battlefield. There are true emotions that are involved when we do things we love. Thanks Billy Elliot for putting some of these emotions into words.<br />
<br />
<br />
Electricity<br />
Billy Elliot Musical<br />
<br />
I can't really explain it,<br />
I haven't got the words<br />
It's a feeling that you can't control<br />
I suppose it's like forgetting, losing who you are<br />
And at the same time something makes you whole<br />
It's like that there's a music playing in your ear<br />
And I'm listening, and I'm listening and then I disappear<br />
<br />
And then I feel a change<br />
Like a fire deep inside<br />
Something bursting me wide open impossible to hide<br />
And suddenly I'm flying, flying like a bird<br />
Like electricity, electricity<br />
Sparks inside of me<br />
And I'm free I'm free<br />
<br />
It's a bit like being angry,<br />
it's a bit like being scared<br />
Confused and all mixed up and mad as hell<br />
It's like when you've been crying<br />
And you're empty and you're full<br />
I don't know what it is, it's hard to tell<br />
It's like that there's a music playing in your ear<br />
But the music is impossible, impossible to hear<br />
But then I feel it move me<br />
Like a burning deep inside<br />
Something bursting me wide open impossible to hide<br />
And suddenly I'm flying, flying like a bird<br />
Like electricity, electricity<br />
Sparks inside of me<br />
And I'm free I'm free<br />
<br />
Electricity, sparks inside of me<br />
And I'm free, I'm free<br />
It's a bit like being angry,<br />
it's a bit like being scared<br />
Confused and all mixed up and mad as hell<br />
It's like when you've been crying<br />
And you're empty and you're full<br />
I don't know what it is, it's hard to tell<br />
It's like that there's a music playing in your ear<br />
But the music is impossible, impossible to hear<br />
But then I feel it move me<br />
Like a burning deep inside<br />
Something bursting me wide open impossible to hide<br />
And suddenly I'm flying, flying like a bird<br />
Like electricity, electricity<br />
Sparks inside of me<br />
I'm free, I'm free, free, I'm free Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-20491347376003988692014-11-14T11:47:00.000-05:002014-11-16T15:54:39.921-05:00Interstellar <p>So movie group was a little bigger this week.  It also was at a different venue than usual. The reason is due to an awesome movie viewing opportunity in the area that allowed us to go to the Udvar Hazey museum that is an extension of the air and space museum. The movie is called Interstellar and is about space travel. And to top it all off, we were going to be watching on an IMAX big screen. I was super excited to see the show. It stars Matthew McConaughy and Anne Hathaway and to my great surprise Matt Damon. It was a great movie with amazing visual effects and the plot twist at the end was intriguing.  <br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-YqtLV3wapkHwU1HHw4c99l6cLWIXY97yRbGo-w1780R7HFx6rePA9EBWmOk8Q5WSMXPqAfKIujqxk7m706zCDlLwYedbFQNNIZdNOumvXO-248ILXqGSY0IgnMi73deK3QFoOK9HIw/s1600/20141107_170034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-YqtLV3wapkHwU1HHw4c99l6cLWIXY97yRbGo-w1780R7HFx6rePA9EBWmOk8Q5WSMXPqAfKIujqxk7m706zCDlLwYedbFQNNIZdNOumvXO-248ILXqGSY0IgnMi73deK3QFoOK9HIw/s640/20141107_170034.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9BX-H37ukIppKLm-TrjnjzlKb2aW0O66k6b8hmhDbBLpyU9qIDGEwYTN7HVLiiQpY0WaAr88cw5t5Svitezk744qX51HKZL7ImwbuNx-8PjuZVWQTY1JY5UcQ9UkC80QEe-rSWqamIE/s1600/20141107_162427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9BX-H37ukIppKLm-TrjnjzlKb2aW0O66k6b8hmhDbBLpyU9qIDGEwYTN7HVLiiQpY0WaAr88cw5t5Svitezk744qX51HKZL7ImwbuNx-8PjuZVWQTY1JY5UcQ9UkC80QEe-rSWqamIE/s640/20141107_162427.jpg"> </a> </div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590362998396553044.post-57745457223419985152014-11-06T14:26:00.000-05:002014-11-06T14:26:05.756-05:00SistersI just have to say, I love my sisters. I have been able to spend a summer with each of them separately and both were very different and very fun filled summer days. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFpDrhJhcupDo6xdzp5LCJ6l1PLx8epyROUYxoyIJWq4qAMM8a0pqFBDFg_gten0lOAhyphenhyphenOYNguGZ3upXySkJNZwplKXDTYjtIC0pzmpzrFE1sbrIvRUuhfcZwkT6XaE_XvUJeuZ5E1fM/s1600/10641146_10100653669285244_7730685235461574370_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFpDrhJhcupDo6xdzp5LCJ6l1PLx8epyROUYxoyIJWq4qAMM8a0pqFBDFg_gten0lOAhyphenhyphenOYNguGZ3upXySkJNZwplKXDTYjtIC0pzmpzrFE1sbrIvRUuhfcZwkT6XaE_XvUJeuZ5E1fM/s1600/10641146_10100653669285244_7730685235461574370_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayla, Kami and Kara having fun at the mall</td></tr>
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07711598406560565201noreply@blogger.com0