tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55009430796766956972024-02-07T06:38:44.350-05:00A Spot of Jonothing like a strong spot of jo to get you through the day...Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-87431906413479212522012-06-01T12:00:00.000-04:002012-06-01T12:00:05.693-04:00friday afternoon (Pre) inspiration...<div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span class="huge">I love to run. Do you love to run? Or even like to run occasionally? If not running, is there some kind of challenge you enjoy? A certain workout or activity that you have to push yourself to complete? If so, why do you do it?</span><br />
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Some days running is extremely difficult, sometimes it is a breeze (more often than not, it is the former). Regardless, I love it. Though I love it now, this has not always been the case. Some people are born to run and some are naturally talented at it. I, however, was neither. I have played sports involving running basically since I could walk and talk. But running for sport, just to run, I did not begin until I was about 14 years old. At that time I hated running because it was difficult and I was no good at it. One of my best friends talked me into running with her. And looking back, I am so glad she did. <br />
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Since then I have developed a love for running. I have grown into it. Over the years I have run for varying reasons. Whether it was training for the Boston Half Marathon, a 5k, or just for fun. Lately I feel like running is an outlet for me to shed the stress, for my mental health and to maintain my sanity. <br />
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It never fails that my worst runs are always the ones I go into thinking that I <em>have</em> to run because of all those cookies I ate yesterday or that beer in which I indulged last night. I don't know about you, but usually when I feel like I <em>have</em> to something, I lose my motivation. Like most things, running is as much of a mental exercise as it is a physical one. It has taken me a long time to <em>really</em> understand this and to <em>really</em> understand that attitude truly affects how successful we are at all of the challenges we pursue (not just running).<br />
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<span class="huge">Why do you run? </span><br />
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<span class="huge">Once you find the right reasons, you are going to have a lot more fun doing it (whatever <em>it</em> is).</span><br />
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<span class="huge">Though talking about running, Pre's advice applies to almost everything we do...</span><br />
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<span class="huge">"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."</span></div>
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<em><span class="huge">~</span> Steve Prefontaine</em></div>Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-35173831492546344642012-05-25T12:00:00.000-04:002012-05-25T12:00:03.866-04:00a little friday afternoon inspiration...I came across this inspirational quote by quite an inspirational lady today and thought I might share it with you before heading into this Memorial Day weekend.<br />
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"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." <br />
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~ <em>Eleanor Roosevelt</em><br />
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Have you conquered one of your fears lately?Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-63082534867624292802012-05-23T12:00:00.000-04:002012-05-23T12:00:05.649-04:00Hello? May?Is it just me or is May flying by? <br />
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Work has been crazy. I am already nearly a week into Summer semester. Over the (short) school break, we had friends in town. I have traveled 1000 miles and back. Planned and threw a baby shower. All of which was absolutely wonderful, just quick! I may need a break from my break.<br />
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Needless to say, the hubs and I were looking forward to getting into a summer routine. (Please note the past tense, and it is not even summer yet). Plans change and they can change just as quickly as they were made. The idea of a "normal routine" now seems laughable. The Big Guy had a different idea for our family. We are not exactly sure what the next few weeks have in store for us, but our new "plan" is to not have a definite plan, hold on tight to each other, and truly enjoy and cherish any time we are able to spend with our friends and families.<br />
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Change is a good thing. It keeps one flexible and alert. On one's toes, if you will. And it is constant. In less than one year's time, I will have <strike>hopefully</strike> graduated from law school and I know throughout this year everything will change. Priorities will change, babies will be born (not mine, mind you), families will change in size, friends will relocate, and (my) hair will become more gray, of course. And there is absolutely nothing I can do about it, except pray and embrace it. Worrying is useless. Quit the worry and enjoy.<br />
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As time flies by me, it never ceases to amaze me that the more things change, the more they stay the same. (You didn't mind that I squeezed one more cliché into this post, did you? Didn't think so). :)Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-30311318625143775482012-04-27T15:00:00.000-04:002012-04-27T15:00:05.117-04:00how does one get through a long friday afternoon?80s on Pandora. That is how. And maybe a latte from Starbucks, but we shall see how the rest of the afternoon goes. The end of my spring semester is in sight, still out of reach, but in sight. Work is busy, exams are in full swing and my hair is becoming more gray by the second. So here's to the upcoming weekend. Take a little time to recharge (and take some time to make a hair appointment for a much needed dye job). I know that's what I need.<br />
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What gets you through a loooooong, never ending Friday afternoon?Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-92075795608736913932012-03-13T22:53:00.001-04:002012-03-13T22:53:28.380-04:0024 hours and counting...In less than 24 hours, I will officially be on Spring Break. PTL. I have to make it through one last class tomorrow night (Federal Criminal Procedure) and then I will be able to enjoy a few days off from school. My only (non academic) goal over the break is to get some much needed sunshine on my face. (And though the sun was shining, standing on a roof for days for work, getting burnt to a crisp, does not count).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBiRs-Bgztf0p9oiw7T4MJTq20p8bV026RA09GUXS5E_MaMN8f17zhDPlJ7SyDFbahk8Xy32FOMhWo2hvP0E-ydYq7mrkSLLaCJAhNGhST1Qj4WHIerWIA0HOI1HR0kubWhTgul_fnZnD/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBiRs-Bgztf0p9oiw7T4MJTq20p8bV026RA09GUXS5E_MaMN8f17zhDPlJ7SyDFbahk8Xy32FOMhWo2hvP0E-ydYq7mrkSLLaCJAhNGhST1Qj4WHIerWIA0HOI1HR0kubWhTgul_fnZnD/s320/photo(3).JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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My goal is geared toward a more relaxing type of sunshine :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNML54TrYWsOQ3CQ9Ze4GOBb1uJz5Ugr_qnC4oLV1QugEL583dn1ZJ70g5kt-pgT1CETRX8xiMT8dtyi825Zk3vqTsF9WcxV2ALWEGyjMi3GwwJQG4KKj-Ltbl1nHPkWhgJhZWCR2AP8D/s1600/photo(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNML54TrYWsOQ3CQ9Ze4GOBb1uJz5Ugr_qnC4oLV1QugEL583dn1ZJ70g5kt-pgT1CETRX8xiMT8dtyi825Zk3vqTsF9WcxV2ALWEGyjMi3GwwJQG4KKj-Ltbl1nHPkWhgJhZWCR2AP8D/s320/photo(4).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-2778740764278251642012-03-09T12:30:00.001-05:002012-03-09T12:30:02.252-05:00Inspiration: Day 5 - Entrepreneurs!Since I was introduced to the blogging world, bloggers have constantly amazed me. <strike>So many</strike> All of the blogs I follow are written by motivated, talented and hard working people. Blogging is all about connecting to the community, sharing new (and old) ideas and learning from other bloggers experiences. Bloggers range from stay at home mothers to teachers to lawyers to designers. And I truly believe that regardless of what a blogger's "day job" is, their blog is like a business. Think about it. Some bloggers advertise, host giveaways, run promotions of books/products/businesses, write books about blogging. Writing a blog is like running a business and it is a great way to grow a business. This is an amazing thing. Society recognizes that the blog world is an effective way to build and expand business networks. Bloggers are changing the world. :) And at the same time bloggers get to do what they love to do (write, teach, share), their blog grows, and hopefully they reap the benefits of ever-expanding world of social media networking. Awesome! The Pioneer Woman is a perfect example of this success. Does this mean that bloggers have to write books and have television cooking shows on the Food Network to be considered successful? No, of course not. But there a plenty of bloggers out there that do amazing things on a bit of a smaller scale everyday. Bloggers are Entrepreneurs taking the world by storm one blog post at a time!<br />
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Speaking of Entrepreneurs, I personally know a few :) The below links will take you to websites of a few business owners who work with small businesses to utilize this great social media network effectively to grow their businesses (and blogs!). Inspiration has definitely come from watching these business owners work toward their dreams and watching their businesses (recently) launch. For you, your business and your blog's sake - check these websites out people!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.appitechture.com/">Appitechture LLC</a><br />
Need an iPhone app? You (and your business, church, band, Etsy shop, blog, etc.) can have your very own! In the interest of fully disclosing my potential bias, my husband is one of the business owners in this venture. However, this in no way takes away from how amazing this idea is! :) Completely unbiased opinion, I swear. The 3 owners of Appitechture LLC have developed an app that is affordable to small business owners and organizations and that can be individually customized! If you have an iPhone or iPad, go to the iTunes store and search for the Silver Spool (which is a small quilting company) app. You can download it for free to see the available features of the apps that Appitechure offers. If you are interested in creating your own app, let me know!<br />
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<a href="http://launch-llc.com/blog/">Launch LLC</a><br />
This company is run by a wonderful lady, Kelly, whom I have known since early childhood (again, I see the potential for bias here, but please keep reading I promise you will not be disappointed). Kelly is in the business of creative marketing and started her own business!! Launch specializes in branding, social media strategy, event and media coordination. She has some great ideas and her blog is definitely something you should follow!<br />
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Moral of today's story - get out and network with somebody! There is a bit of Entrepreneur in all of us!<br />
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Is there an Inspirational Entrepreneur in your life?Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-62666710306684984202012-03-08T17:30:00.003-05:002012-03-09T12:06:28.931-05:00Inspiration: Day 4 - Weddings!As I mentioned back in <a href="http://aspotofjo.blogspot.com/2011/02/first-timer.html"><i>my very first post</i></a>, 2011 was an absolute crazy year full of weddings! 5 in total (one of which was mine). 2011 flew by (and 2012 is on the same track - how is it already March?). So back to weddings. 2012 will also be full of weddings! <a href="http://makingofadomesticgoddess.blogspot.com/">Catherine</a>, a friend and fellow blogger, is getting ready to tie the knot soon! One of <a href="http://classicwithapop.blogspot.com/">G</a>'s best friends is gettin' hitched in September! Aaaand a bridesmaid from my wedding is getting married in about a month! (You can check out her engagement photo teasers <a href="http://blog.lifeshighlights.net/miranda-jeffs-engagement-session-at-university-of-tampa/">here</a>). All so exciting!!!<br />
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I had a TON of fun planning my wedding! I also had a TON of help planning. It took place last hot, hot, hot August. We were all sweating, but we still had a blast! More blogs, websites and people inspired me throughout my own planning process (and helping the other girls with theirs) than I could ever write about, so I thought I would leave you with a few links showing just a taste of my favorite, inspiring things.<br />
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<a href="http://carolineevan.com/blog/laura-st-raphaels-church-sirata-beach-resort-wedding">Caroline & Evan</a>, our wedding photographers, were incredibly inspiring throughout the planning and the big day itself, and continue to inspire other couples. They are so wonderful and have some many great ideas for engagement/wedding photos & planning! They have even started their own wedding magazine called <a href="http://carolineevan.com/blog/introducing-click-a-magazine-by-caroline-evan-photography">click!</a> to help the bride-to-be with her planning! The first issue launches tomorrow! Check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://classicwithapop.blogspot.com/2011/06/big-news.html">G</a>'s wedding. LOVE. Here is the feature in <a href="http://www.florida-bride.com/real_weddings/casey_eric.html">Florida Bride Magazine</a> (which has some great inspiration for Florida Brides). I think I still have tan lines from the beautiful sunshine that day, almost 2 years ago!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amandaeganblog.com/?p=4291">Joe & Lauren's Wedding</a>. My baby brother got married last year! He married his high school sweetheart and they are now expecting their first baby! I will be an aunt yet again! Hooray! Ahem, back to their wedding...they had a traditional ceremony in the church we attended throughout our childhood. It was beautiful. I love, love, love the purple details. Overall, we had a blast!<br />
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<a href="http://loisellebunnell.blogspot.com/2012/01/wedding-photos.html#%21/2012/01/wedding-photos.html">Re</a>'s wedding. Winter wedding in downtown Boston. Wedding + Skyscrapers = Heaven. Absolutely beautiful. Here is the feature in <a href="http://emmalinebride.com/real-weddings/a-romantic-winter-wedding-in-the-city/">Emmaline Bride</a>. Her details (most of which, including the bouquets, were DIY) were stunning.<br />
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So much inspiration, so few weddings for me to plan. I could go on and on, but I will try to contain myself!<br />
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I had a lot of items handmade through <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. One of my all time favorite websites! :) I learned that if you can't find it, they will make it for you. I promise to do a post about more specifics of my wedding SOMETIME. Promise. And I will give you a list of my Etsy vendors and other vendors because they were all wonderful. In the meantime, here is our quick feature on <a href="http://freshsqueezedweddings.com/uniqueweddings/a-pop-of-color">Fresh Squeezed Weddings</a>. This website will give you all sorts of unique ideas and inspiration! <br />
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Ahh I love weddings. <br />
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Have you attended an inspirational wedding lately?Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-38483288205557714672012-03-07T17:30:00.002-05:002012-03-09T12:06:28.932-05:00Inspiration: Day 3 - Bloggers Around the World!I would be perfectly content traveling the world (and probably even settling down and living in Italy) for the rest of my life. But something tells me this dream of mine will never come true :) Oh well. A girl can dream, can't she?<br />
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These are two of my favorite blogs for different reasons, but both are written by women who live overseas.<br />
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<a href="http://lifeofanexpatparent.wordpress.com/">Life of an Expat Parent</a><br />
Written by one of my older sister's college roommates, we will call her <em>The Foreigner,</em> this blog is a must read (for parents and the childless alike). She moved to England after college graduation and fell in love (and stayed). It is such a sweet story and now she is a parent to beautiful 9 month old baby girl! She is quite witty and I love reading her posts (though I cannot relate to the "parent" bit). Her story inspires me because, though I do not know what it is like to <em>permanently</em> live across the pond, I do know what it is like to live 1000 miles away from my family. Not that I would trade my life here for anything, there are times being so far away from loved ones is terribly difficult and causes a little heartache. But, I know, I know, it comes with the territory. Amazing friends help make being so far away from family tolerable. Anywho...I cannot even imagine living across the pond from them! <em>The Foreigner </em>is truly an inspiration! You should stop by and read about a day in the life of an Expat Brit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.simplysemplicita.com/">Simply Semplicita</a><br />
I love this blog for a completely different reason than I love <em>The Foreigner's.</em> I truly believe I was Italian in another life :) I had to be. Anywho, back to why this blog inspires me (please refer back to the very first line of this post). Lauren travels, cooks and lives every bit of the Italian life in Rome. Her blog has a little bit of everything. Her <a href="http://www.simplysemplicita.com/2012/01/tivoli-villa-deste.html">typical day trip</a> is a dream for an Architecture lovah. She provides city guides for places she goes (even if you never plan on going to these places, you should check them out because they are fascinating!) And she balances friends and family on multiple continents. Amazing. I hope to be at least half as well traveled as she is one day! A girl can dream, can't she? :)<br />
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Where have you been lately?Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-57807141861791507772012-03-06T23:36:00.000-05:002012-03-09T12:06:28.932-05:00Inspiration: Day 2 - Good Eats!I love food. Almost as much as I love coffee (and wine). But food does come in a close 3rd. :) Over the past year or so, a few ladies in particular have rocked my kitchen's world. Some with healthy recipes, some with comfort food. It is all delicious! These ladies have truly inspired me to make my way into my kitchen and become more comfortable doing so. <br />
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Here is some Good Eats Inspiration:<br />
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Healthy Eats~<br />
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Gina @ <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/">Skinnytaste </a>has been a true inspiration this year. It is safe to safe that I try more of her recipes than any other foodie's blog. Her food is healthy AND delicious! Who knew? And she gives you the nutrition info for each recipe. If you haven't tried one of her recipes you are really missing out!<br />
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Aggie @ <a href="http://aggieskitchen.com/">Aggie's Kitchen</a>, a fellow Floridian, has some delicious eats that you have got to try! She will not disappoint!<br />
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Comfort Food~<br />
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Laurie @ <a href="http://www.simplyscratch.com/">Simply Scratch</a> post recipes of some delicious meal (and dessert) ideas. From smoothies to doughnuts, this lady will knock your kitchen's socks off. <br />
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/">The Pioneer Woman</a>. She needs no introduction...<br />
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What have you created in the kitchen lately?Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-51596081988833331952012-03-05T21:31:00.000-05:002012-03-09T12:06:28.932-05:00Inspiration: Day 1 - Get moving!Hey there!<br />
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Over the past year I have worked to make more of a consistent effort to get my rear off the couch/out of bed and get moving! For me, exercise is as much for my mental health as it is for my physical well-being. And since starting law school, I hid behind the "I'm too ______ (tired, busy, etc.)" excuses for way too long. Last January I decided that it had to change. I started making small changes to my daily routine and gradually exercising more and more. Now believe me when I tell you I still do not exercise nearly as much as I should or wish I could, but getting even the smallest work out in does wonders for my sanity. And not making any drastic changes in my daily routine made it easier to stay consistent and maintain a schedule.<br />
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My <strike>stress relief</strike> exercise of choice is usually running. And motivation is so key. Whenever I am lacking in the motivation department (and I do not have time to watch Rocky IV, which we all know to be the best Rocky movie that has ever been made) I check out these blogs:<br />
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<a href="http://www.fannetasticfood.com/2012/03/02/11-miles-new-balance-gps-watch-giveaway/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fANNEtasticFood+%28fANNEtastic+food%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">fANNEtastic food</a><br />
This blog is written by Anne who is attending grad school to become a Registered Dietitian. She posts healthy recipes and writes about her travels, upcoming wedding, and her everyday life, but she spends a good bit of time talking about running (and other types of exercise)! Yay! She is training for a couple road races and brings her readers along with her on her journey. She is very motivational in that she gives you the unedited version of how her training is going and real life runners can relate to her ups/downs/experiences. You should definitely stop by! And do it soon because in the above link she is giving away a New Balance GPS running watch! You can leave a comment and be entered to win! Check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.toneitup.com/">Tone It Up!</a><br />
I love this website too! The authors of this blog/website, Katrina & Karena, have amazing ideas for workouts, eating healthy and an overall balanced life (I have met Katrina and she is super sweet!). They have great tips for fitting quick, effective workouts into your day, even when you do not think you will have time. I have not tried their diet plan (though I have heard good things), but this is my go to spot for awesome workout moves! <br />
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So the next time you are lacking in the motivation department, check these ladies out! They will not disappoint :)<br />
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Stay tuned for my blogiversary inspiration!Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-278903323319553912012-03-05T12:30:00.035-05:002012-03-05T12:30:00.503-05:00Belated Blogiversary!Hello readers! I hope this post finds you all well!<br />
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I know, I know, it has been a while. It seems lately that all of my posts have begun this way. And of course, I intend to blame my long absence on law school. It has been a crazy, busy semester! I am so looking forward to my spring break in a few weeks!<br />
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Though I have not posted recently I still keep up with my full-to-the-brim Reader! Love it. This past weekend, as I was catching up on posts in my Reader, I got to thinking....<br />
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I read posts from bloggers all over the world covering quite a diverse range of topics. I find the blogs I follow inspirational for a variety of reasons. Who knew that other people out there actually cook, love, struggle, suffer heartache, are exhausted, run, strive for a balanced life, study, work hard and travel too??? I sure did not before I was introduced to blog-world. It might just be me (though doubtful) but I find that the ability to relate to other bloggers, makes the life a bit more manageable. Perhaps I am not the only person in the world who deals with varying daily struggles? Entering the world of blogging has truly been an eye-opening experience....And as I was pondering all of this, it hit me! I have been an official blogger for over a year now!!! A Spot of Jo's 1st Birthday was February 22nd! And I missed it!!!! Curses. I cannot even believe that it has been a year since I started blogging. Where did the time go?<br />
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So here I am now, a bit belated (per usual), to celebrate my 1st Blogiversary! *Disclaimer* - I am well aware that Blogiversary is a word that is not actually in any dictionary, except maybe Urban Dictionary, but I intend to use it anyway. You have been warned.<br />
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I know there are many ways to celebrate a Blogiversary, but for my 1st Blogiversary, I thought I would share with you some of the aforementioned inspiration. Over the next week or so, I am going to share some things, places and people that have inspired me over the past year (though I should note that some of these things, places and people have been inspiring me for more than a year and continue to do so everyday). <br />
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So go grab a warm mug of your favorite jo', settle in for some coming good reads, and celebrate my 1st Blogiversary with me!<br />
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What inspires you?Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-78298385682678864272011-12-21T16:10:00.001-05:002011-12-21T16:11:40.557-05:00all I want for Christmas is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaC4hus2gA0My2X0t2XXOAsb_pFAy3sc1iSKqBoENOcFjYWmsEv8Fp4-cwup_SePskwLmoWttsAoml4OljfbGB8LUcAVberR223OnCBCQL_guFBvGliR0jwCl_dTlJLxla2_mssuzs3yT/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaC4hus2gA0My2X0t2XXOAsb_pFAy3sc1iSKqBoENOcFjYWmsEv8Fp4-cwup_SePskwLmoWttsAoml4OljfbGB8LUcAVberR223OnCBCQL_guFBvGliR0jwCl_dTlJLxla2_mssuzs3yT/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>a Gingerbread Latte. It warms my heart :) Another post about coffee? Well, yes. Of course. Starbucks' Gingerbread Latte is my favorite Christmastime choice!<br />
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I apologize for being a long time gone, but yet another semester of law school is complete and the holidays are in full swing. I hope to have time to post more soon! But in the mean time, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Enjoy your family and friends...I know I will!<br />
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Truly,<br />
a coffee addict.Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-56073046283388555762011-11-02T18:00:00.009-04:002011-11-02T18:00:00.978-04:00runnin' on dunkin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Recently I acquired a gift card to one of my favorite coffee spots. It is called Dunkin' Donuts. Perhaps you have heard of it? :) I made a special stop there this morning because I was jonesin' for some Dunkin' coffee (and I may have also indulged in two chocolate munchkins. they are my absolute fav. judge if you must). And I say special stop because there is not a dunks between my place and work. So I am looking at a 30 pit stop in the morning and trust me when I say I rarely have that kind of time to spare in the mornings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzpUJz1PywD28Xfg1ic-QvQMPwjRcskZqC3ptdJivB85kbFjD7HzSNAcoRM69ZeqXTbap8eh8shnoR903c_BkZpwbUx1NVVmZDnj59xWbsyB7RWvttP6-dF9RedVesvcmxTmZ_E4-BusR/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzpUJz1PywD28Xfg1ic-QvQMPwjRcskZqC3ptdJivB85kbFjD7HzSNAcoRM69ZeqXTbap8eh8shnoR903c_BkZpwbUx1NVVmZDnj59xWbsyB7RWvttP6-dF9RedVesvcmxTmZ_E4-BusR/s320/IMG_4805.JPG" width="183" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Throughout my undergraduate years, however, to drive 30 minutes out of the way to find a dunks (what I have lovingly coined the place) was not necessary. You see, I went to college in New England. If you have never been there, I highly recommend visiting (during the months of May-October). My disdain for the cold weather shines through. But I digress... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In New England, there is a dunks on almost every corner. Sometimes two right across the street from each other. And definitely one inside the grocery store. Amazing. You never have to drive (or walk) very far to find a dunks. I clearly could go on and on....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dunks' original brew is one of my favorite plain types of coffee. I love it. If they have fresh brewed vanilla or hazelnut, I would go for that as well. But more than my love for the coffee and the munchkins and bagles though, dunks makes me nostalgic for my undergrad years. (This happens to me when it has been too long since I have seen my best friends from college. And yes 3 months is too long) The years of blissful ignorance. I was not thinking of student loan debt (though I should have been) or worrying that my bills would paid. Though I did not realize it at the time, those were some truly carefree years. You put a dunks coffee cup in my hand and I go back in time about 4 years. It makes me miss my friends, being surrounded by people who drop their r's at the end of words (or all r's whehevah they fall in a word), and even studio (evah so slightly). Nothing bettah than pulling up to the dunks drive-thru window at 4am to get a coffee and bagel because you had been up all night in studio and you knew sleep was nowhere in your future due to the amount work you had left to do :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Isn't it funny that something that only cost 2 bucks and comes in a foam cup (with cream of course) can do that to you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now DO NOT get me wrong. I am very confident that I am exactly where I am supposed to be (praise the lord). I just so happen to be married to the most amazing man, working and living in the warm weather. I would trade it for absolutely nothing in the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But it is fun to take the occasional trip down memory lane and to be so incredibly thankful for how far one has come :)</div>Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-79170292670084913762011-11-01T13:50:00.002-04:002011-11-01T13:52:49.750-04:00Happy (belated) Halloween!So I am a day late, not very surprising! Happy Belated Halloween! But I have a cute Halloween recipe to help make it up to you! (I know, I know, it might have to wait until next year since I waited until November to actually post it)....<br />
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<span id="goog_922751385"></span><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mini-Black-and-White-Cookies-233293">Mini Black and <strike>White</strike> Orange Cookies<span id="goog_922751386"></span></a><br />
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Theses cookies are perfect when you are looking for something different than your everyday cookie to bake! <br />
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The only change I made to this recipe was mixing red and yellow food coloring into the white icing (sadly, it is not orange flavored icing). :) Sorry, G. Be sure to ice the flat (bottom) side of the cookies. It is MUCH easier!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFe5CScqOCZBOwWsxpCObBa6jYK7kTx6jY2H4HGSRbbX6oLSZiMnXjKag50IPA3174-DI_ohpT5akgvmj1WVn2Nm_dBCAgXVVViuf7w7TBE9JnO0pOGD6DAJVuFF1YPLzKKUeUlNu4x36/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFe5CScqOCZBOwWsxpCObBa6jYK7kTx6jY2H4HGSRbbX6oLSZiMnXjKag50IPA3174-DI_ohpT5akgvmj1WVn2Nm_dBCAgXVVViuf7w7TBE9JnO0pOGD6DAJVuFF1YPLzKKUeUlNu4x36/s320/IMG_4783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFmoAlqwe2TOQW0G4w10jdpHlT4pG6ocs231Q9EL__re1fMWBkf3vvvaHIkxZdDIBlWo4urjweiOH4ntiZeyPQFF2lpJKX2kfHzk_AJ3-Gjy3izCW6fhZ9WIuI-eZag57cNW8a9kQORjp/s1600/IMG_4784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFmoAlqwe2TOQW0G4w10jdpHlT4pG6ocs231Q9EL__re1fMWBkf3vvvaHIkxZdDIBlWo4urjweiOH4ntiZeyPQFF2lpJKX2kfHzk_AJ3-Gjy3izCW6fhZ9WIuI-eZag57cNW8a9kQORjp/s320/IMG_4784.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom side up to ice!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc8BzXQ3en0moe5oNyDNvy2lMlk5lRo_QJiTnfW4k1J-2Ckk_zr_LxTaKVHPfuK4qcRV1LWjQbmJYtlWpYs3HXwYMs26gi0Gp7AMM9q_v9FSQK590tosJHQ7efQEkWAlLgTGKGj7wIM50/s1600/IMG_4785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc8BzXQ3en0moe5oNyDNvy2lMlk5lRo_QJiTnfW4k1J-2Ckk_zr_LxTaKVHPfuK4qcRV1LWjQbmJYtlWpYs3HXwYMs26gi0Gp7AMM9q_v9FSQK590tosJHQ7efQEkWAlLgTGKGj7wIM50/s320/IMG_4785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My icer got creative with our 2 test cookies :)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOAKqYu6ZDO45Rb5wyZ7InNV7jFE2PnOSmqOC7aowMfSUTTLR1TqmRiPYf30TDb1GGm8-22xxhMrd62sQHdbjESK9YdfJSrEW7xi35QJ0B-YeAh0f1JM5JvtdBP0GLco_VedqTF1PzsKd/s1600/IMG_4786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOAKqYu6ZDO45Rb5wyZ7InNV7jFE2PnOSmqOC7aowMfSUTTLR1TqmRiPYf30TDb1GGm8-22xxhMrd62sQHdbjESK9YdfJSrEW7xi35QJ0B-YeAh0f1JM5JvtdBP0GLco_VedqTF1PzsKd/s320/IMG_4786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Happy Halloween! And always remember.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l8XFKWChyphenhyphenr8BOzevPTq0nQpm_WdNllvotCFEdX4ERjOUDvK8n7svsBgOGsy1uGsdhS26GzaLqi1qClA_kXFvVbQmrXv1TPrq4I82eXnr1qDeQwvwW6xpTh7FyL465FQjhf70ojHeTWji/s1600/IMG_4799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l8XFKWChyphenhyphenr8BOzevPTq0nQpm_WdNllvotCFEdX4ERjOUDvK8n7svsBgOGsy1uGsdhS26GzaLqi1qClA_kXFvVbQmrXv1TPrq4I82eXnr1qDeQwvwW6xpTh7FyL465FQjhf70ojHeTWji/s320/IMG_4799.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-38093410143316356252011-10-23T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-23T08:00:08.289-04:00desktop background<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgbNb3t-YvMqFGJNEJbwSa0Exs_TSS9W7Cga_9dHyy64Kzte2bzGH205LsRgkd84Zhy4Fg25tUc6zdObcSWaw1b7U_zRvjjdBlIsf4QtUNjyYEhmmIHYd0WnaiBHhtQwSVlaPAJGIR4yY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgbNb3t-YvMqFGJNEJbwSa0Exs_TSS9W7Cga_9dHyy64Kzte2bzGH205LsRgkd84Zhy4Fg25tUc6zdObcSWaw1b7U_zRvjjdBlIsf4QtUNjyYEhmmIHYd0WnaiBHhtQwSVlaPAJGIR4yY/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Just thought you might want to take a quick look at what I look at all day on my computer at work :) Definitely helps me get through the work day. Hubs took this pic with his iphone from a roof top bar looking toward the gulf last weekend! Would not have missed the view (or that moment) for the world. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">What helps get you through the work day?</div>Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-24161509461993878512011-10-22T12:00:00.017-04:002011-10-22T12:00:03.267-04:00Whole Wheat Pumpkin MuffinsSo a few weeks ago, against my better judgment, I branched out and made an attempt at <a href="http://www.fannetasticfood.com/">FANNETASTIC FOOD'S</a> <a href="http://www.fannetasticfood.com/recipes/pumpkin-muffins-or-bread-of-deliciousness/">Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins</a>. As some of you know, I am not the BIGgest fan of Pumpkin, but thought I would give them a try anyway. And much to my surprise they were not overwhelming Pumpkin-y! I made normal sized muffins, but next time I will likely make a mini-muffin version (I am obsessed with my new mini-muffin pan) and hopefully they will taste like little bites of Fall. In addition to making a mini version next time, I will not use muffin baking cups, just spoon the batter right into my new non-stick pan! You should give them a try (and forgive me for forgetting to take a pic of the completed product)!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERHAxb7yLpZyHvl-mNQrMJntgHZLC9tMC2iqUKo23bdPbXsOEgvUS1EwYwR8-4DPLgYm488aNDFMdqaGQ2_pTDORdxBcXEp9_zyVPwYTU6EKX_oi9oZNmy9DHE-kzWJlGItQO1nFbs-1Y/s1600/IMG_4662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERHAxb7yLpZyHvl-mNQrMJntgHZLC9tMC2iqUKo23bdPbXsOEgvUS1EwYwR8-4DPLgYm488aNDFMdqaGQ2_pTDORdxBcXEp9_zyVPwYTU6EKX_oi9oZNmy9DHE-kzWJlGItQO1nFbs-1Y/s320/IMG_4662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOlnfK9JKYgnX-G9QogkLPjzswINv-1Ph4T1zMrgMbD0vKHcWFF_HXWFufcwU9nL8t60ft_wAhVFCQums-h02JYCoYdp_s4fuTFYiR7KRhqzsjEHOpohkoEGibl5F0JVsHiuUoqpILHSA/s1600/IMG_4667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOlnfK9JKYgnX-G9QogkLPjzswINv-1Ph4T1zMrgMbD0vKHcWFF_HXWFufcwU9nL8t60ft_wAhVFCQums-h02JYCoYdp_s4fuTFYiR7KRhqzsjEHOpohkoEGibl5F0JVsHiuUoqpILHSA/s320/IMG_4667.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still had my doubts about the Pumpkin taste right about here :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-2hw3_V45vKyjpTTcbefQk2kwvtVR9bK4HdXUGMFQftEmlWn78LIoKviN3N0Fr_WSm1QAEJA0yGhAX_maB8D0unvMvD0lxyCyJTEqvetXNGa8k-6Oehr1XtCcn9ZB6uTa4vWe3k5Jh6Z/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-2hw3_V45vKyjpTTcbefQk2kwvtVR9bK4HdXUGMFQftEmlWn78LIoKviN3N0Fr_WSm1QAEJA0yGhAX_maB8D0unvMvD0lxyCyJTEqvetXNGa8k-6Oehr1XtCcn9ZB6uTa4vWe3k5Jh6Z/s320/IMG_4668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going in the oven!</td></tr>
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Enjoy your seasonal treat! :)Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-16269155648381835982011-10-21T15:41:00.000-04:002011-10-21T15:41:22.369-04:00What. a. week.Where did this week go? <br />
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Who knows.<br />
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I am just glad it is over :) It was hectic and sleepless, but is now over. All that matters. So, T.G.I.F. Bloggers!<br />
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I hope you all have a wonderful and restful weekend! Mine will likely be filled with studying, reading, cleaning, sleeping and hopefully a bit of beach time if it warms up!<br />
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Cheers!!!Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-65435909718246336222011-09-30T16:00:00.000-04:002011-09-30T16:00:23.408-04:00Cheers to the Weekend :)T.G.I.F. Bloggers! Is anyone else's Friday afternoon absolutely draaaaaggging?? Mine is moving so slowly it has nearly stopped. <br />
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I can hardly wait for the <a href="http://www.baynews9.com/article/sports/2011/september/321773/Rangers-and-Rays-set-for-ALDS-rematch">Rays game</a> to start! First pitch is in just a little over an hour! What an amazing comeback they made to make it to the post season!!! It will definitely be an exciting weekend in Tampa Bay!<br />
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Any big plans this weekend? Mine is shaping up to be a fun one (with lots of school work and case law squeezed in). Dinner tonight at our favorite little italian restaurant in town. It looks like tomorrow is going to be a fabulous beach day (after I sleep in, that is)! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8QQ7-Wle3gIR1-pdkicaC9t-ZIm2WVExZSBSdGcrLajxvMq7LxFVEi41QU0Ta8nBieuoSYFOJGqcQH3FjD1CuWwzkKboak6C1wTn-2oqVSflWU1d1hpmC7OWDYWx1MxzIbO80fptErqI/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8QQ7-Wle3gIR1-pdkicaC9t-ZIm2WVExZSBSdGcrLajxvMq7LxFVEi41QU0Ta8nBieuoSYFOJGqcQH3FjD1CuWwzkKboak6C1wTn-2oqVSflWU1d1hpmC7OWDYWx1MxzIbO80fptErqI/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And then the hubs and I are going to watch the Georgia Tech Football game with some fellow alum at a sports bar downtown! On Sunday we will head to church in the morning and we have an evening charity event (dinner and wine tasting-right up my alley) in Tampa! In between times I will have my nose in the books because I have a lot of catching up to do! Fun fun fun.<br />
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If you need a weekend blog read check out <a href="http://classicwithapop.blogspot.com/2011/09/g-wedding.html">G's post</a> about our wedding! It is super sweet and I really appreciate her putting it together :)<br />
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Hope you all have a great weekend!Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-15511475314733082152011-09-07T09:37:00.001-04:002011-09-07T09:39:32.580-04:00What I'm Loving...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr9-saLviqBq5l7gYNDG3o2u7XGhpSssyZnDB1Ht_U6G7XdtVBZuQZ_sSwyXGs7gzC7RTnYqevUU3rrzxhB13kBEfglGB2DsT-yoC_XQBtOu-o7lJgqx1EuWbnlvUnD79wMZCq6tuPvs/s400/WILW.jpg" /></div><br />
Hi there! I am linking up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-im-loving-wednesday.html">Jamie</a> to share a few things I'm Loving today!<br />
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<ul><li><strong><em>I'm Loving... </em></strong>that the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks is finally back in season! I need to get one ASAP! (Have I mentioned that I like coffee?)</li>
<li><strong><em>I'm Loving... </em></strong>that I have officially been a married woman for over a month now!</li>
<li><strong><em>I'm Loving... </em></strong>that we have a trip home planned for the last weekend of this month! Cannot wait.</li>
<li><strong><em>I'm Loving... </em></strong>that we are going to see Brad Paisley on Friday night! (And loving that the tickets were free!) And yes you may be be able to find me in a camo tank top and cowboy hat and boots :)</li>
<li><strong><em>I'm Loving...</em></strong>that this week is a short week and I'm still loving this past long weekend! It was wonderful!!</li>
<li><strong><em>I'm Loving... </em></strong>Rihanna's new song Cheers!!! Love. It. </li>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhknBJYP9VFF7hI9iy0B3VESiDi4Ootr9tDrGMlk6LB1_QRT-lCbk916hhbWIVqhrfLjJQZ_wSjsn50wIWuaG4kTcpKPhJaOMBM2YY2Lq730YkbgrCV9g6b2iOYPdWm4UQnht9uvR57rx5/s1600/570030392_001_normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhknBJYP9VFF7hI9iy0B3VESiDi4Ootr9tDrGMlk6LB1_QRT-lCbk916hhbWIVqhrfLjJQZ_wSjsn50wIWuaG4kTcpKPhJaOMBM2YY2Lq730YkbgrCV9g6b2iOYPdWm4UQnht9uvR57rx5/s320/570030392_001_normal.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><li><strong><em>I'm Loving...</em></strong> <a href="http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=58&pageId=3&productId=570030392&viewAll=&prd=Satin+Rosette+Dress&subCatId=&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=12&catId=cat210002&cat=Dresses++Skirts&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=4&size=">this dress</a> from White House Black Market! I bought it a few months ago and adore it. I am thinking of getting another one in Red! Possibly a New Years dress? Who knows!</li>
<li>And as always <em><strong>I'm Loving</strong></em> my new husband and wonderful family and friends!</li>
</ul>What are you loving???Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-51703140853452439172011-08-26T11:28:00.000-04:002011-08-26T11:28:18.395-04:00Long Time Gone...Hello Bloggers! <br />
<br />
This is your long lost friend LJ! I know it has been a while (over a month)! But after a pretty eventful month and a half, life is starting to return to normal. So I just wanted to do a quick post to say hi and that I will be back to blogging a bit more regularly now!<br />
<br />
A few updates on my life...I am now a married woman! Crazy! We are trying to get organized, get our condo cleaned up and restore a bit of calm to our lives. I have also started my fall semester of law school, so that is going to definitely keep me busy! I will be back soon with lots of photos from the wedding and the honeymoon (St. Croix, beautiful). <br />
<br />
In the mean time, I have a few prayer requests. A few things have happened recently to really put life in perspective. Things like these remind us not to take a single second with our loved ones for granted. <br />
First, please pray for one of my beloved law school classmates and friends who has recently suffered a <a href="http://classicwithapop.blogspot.com/2011/08/one-request.html">terrible loss</a>.<br />
Second, please pray for the family of one of my sister's co-workers, who <a href="http://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/article_e6a748e8-ce99-11e0-a1ea-001cc4c002e0.html">passed away recently</a>. He left behind a wife and a toddler son, the same age as my baby niece.<br />
And lastly, please pray for the safe return of a <a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110826/NEWS01/110826013/Katelyn-Markham-case-getting-national-attention">young woman</a> who went missing earlier this month from my hometown of Fairfield, OH.<br />
<br />
Thank you bloggers. Every prayer helps...<br />
<br />
Much love~<br />
LJLaura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-12978535766586855272011-07-13T17:01:00.000-04:002011-07-13T17:01:31.392-04:00What I'm loving Wednesday!<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr9-saLviqBq5l7gYNDG3o2u7XGhpSssyZnDB1Ht_U6G7XdtVBZuQZ_sSwyXGs7gzC7RTnYqevUU3rrzxhB13kBEfglGB2DsT-yoC_XQBtOu-o7lJgqx1EuWbnlvUnD79wMZCq6tuPvs/s400/WILW.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Once again I am Linking Up With <a closure_uid_kkpkcu="387" href="http://www.littledaisymay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a> at This Kind of Love for What I'm Loving Wednesday!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few things that I am loving on this beautiful Wednesday....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em></em></strong> <em><strong>I'm loving...</strong></em>The mere fact that today is Wednesday. Fo' real.<em><strong> </strong></em></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I'm loving...</em></strong>That a month of weddings is about to begin!!! One of <a href="http://classicwithapop.blogspot.com/2011/07/miscellaneous-monday.html">G</a>'s best friends from home is getting married this weekend, one of my best friends from home is getting married next weekend and then I will be a bride in less than 4 weeks! That is crazy!</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I'm loving...</em></strong>That there is a possibility of frozen yogurt in my near future (hopefully this evening) from my new favorite place <a href="http://myyogurtcafe.com/wordpress/?page_id=2">My Yogurt Cafe</a>!</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I'm loving...</em></strong>That I am only one final quiz and one final exam away from completing my summer semester! Thank goodness! This time next week I will be enjoying of few weeks of freedom :)</div></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEH878L_P6QB8iRdeNGW3K4vxdIM2eQOx5FdFhqrWjmbh19YmAckEBMP2AV0eBaMDAqBkFA060hgvIgDJI28f6ytV7VwGMvSEoxEFznEuty6WByJeQhtNnMu0v5hOf-y8I0gKwa88f2C7/s1600/IMG_4092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEH878L_P6QB8iRdeNGW3K4vxdIM2eQOx5FdFhqrWjmbh19YmAckEBMP2AV0eBaMDAqBkFA060hgvIgDJI28f6ytV7VwGMvSEoxEFznEuty6WByJeQhtNnMu0v5hOf-y8I0gKwa88f2C7/s320/IMG_4092.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I'm loving...</em></strong>My new running shoes!</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I'm loving...</em></strong>That one of my bridesmaids officially set the date for her own wedding!! April 21, 2012!!! On the beach of course :)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I'm loving...</em></strong>That we received an early wedding present from that same bridesmaid and her husband-to-be this weekend! That's right folks. A Georgia Tech cornhole set! It is AWESOME! </div></li>
<div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE7OmlZO-KIIdFMwvO-aIq0bzls12RBsPlXavdGE23roM4EfwpcS1CFwGJhHlsllBNmIM_1eQPVaI5qbXZEAfPmdScZlOHw9DfvHdHwVBBJJ3vu8tL1LBJAgFGw1q3XuRXbwLcSZlfclD/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE7OmlZO-KIIdFMwvO-aIq0bzls12RBsPlXavdGE23roM4EfwpcS1CFwGJhHlsllBNmIM_1eQPVaI5qbXZEAfPmdScZlOHw9DfvHdHwVBBJJ3vu8tL1LBJAgFGw1q3XuRXbwLcSZlfclD/s320/IMG_4088.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my board. Buzz has pink wings :) Naturally.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQP6-dJpfoySyVNzWZWokE_i3fdpuwtHGyfLu4YEK0a3udYDxTx2FaSJWRhl4r2tLLI9MCC7v06n9v-HeaakEzGkTLwmM90Yy4avuAppTr67m4qHhlmcu5w7fL4J6IamEUDLESt6XgnoU/s1600/IMG_4089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQP6-dJpfoySyVNzWZWokE_i3fdpuwtHGyfLu4YEK0a3udYDxTx2FaSJWRhl4r2tLLI9MCC7v06n9v-HeaakEzGkTLwmM90Yy4avuAppTr67m4qHhlmcu5w7fL4J6IamEUDLESt6XgnoU/s320/IMG_4089.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7gxB_8g6P3gFPES3DmMx6x-S49_Fw_NGJvsmh2HHXrHr4pzw2LQc77PN6QmxlyUyaUXczpMzu27MjTeBiXyEp90vtl5gCB59RgBVKWKG1ViI9mSMzrILGvdPsmONivcEuSjhjxKbGdK0/s1600/IMG_4090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7gxB_8g6P3gFPES3DmMx6x-S49_Fw_NGJvsmh2HHXrHr4pzw2LQc77PN6QmxlyUyaUXczpMzu27MjTeBiXyEp90vtl5gCB59RgBVKWKG1ViI9mSMzrILGvdPsmONivcEuSjhjxKbGdK0/s320/IMG_4090.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;"> And as always, I am loving my sweet soon to be husband. Bless his heart for putting up with my crazy.</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-27548073627524437472011-07-08T16:55:00.001-04:002011-07-08T16:57:19.901-04:00Patriotic Pancakes!Better late than never :)<br />
I just wanted to share our bit of patriotism!<br />
In honor of the 235th anniversary of our great nation's independence...<br />
We ate some patriotic pancakes on the 4th of July :) Made by the Mr., of course. And they were delicious!<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/AVvXsEjf7TXu2yMAZ81AVDgVP4f3JHazgQDlz1BOtSHC5PA52BSTW3_S5R1eriwc11Ne93k1oB0HitOSSHONNVgDl1wK4qGBPU5pgvdhYyQQfk9buosWhzel6ITgbU7LURrUDio4_twx2azIBMit/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7TXu2yMAZ81AVDgVP4f3JHazgQDlz1BOtSHC5PA52BSTW3_S5R1eriwc11Ne93k1oB0HitOSSHONNVgDl1wK4qGBPU5pgvdhYyQQfk9buosWhzel6ITgbU7LURrUDio4_twx2azIBMit/s320/photo.JPG" width="239px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red, While & Blue! (More like pink, tan and blue, but you get the idea!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-52130483679799914212011-06-27T17:10:00.000-04:002011-06-27T17:10:04.601-04:00Under the 6 week mark...Hello hello! I know my posts have been few and far between lately, so I wanted to let you know that I am still kickin! Things have just been a bit crazy around here! I am right in the middle of my summer semester and have less than 6 weeks until the big day!!!! The time is slipping away from me (and I am getting crazier by the minute). My mother (who is on her way to sainthood) is thankfully down for the week to help us out! And we are ever so grateful! Don't worry, in between work, school, catering tastings, shoe shopping and wedding favors, we have managed to squeeze in a little bit of this... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33UDQ0UgUoiKR34pFAC32gL8c5GmKSjauhGPrusgUA9xzrqiyJLdu9OvVeqwNfF_nYyilN5CrNi5ltFB9Ge4kNgGxfTjzfIoEzt12WKOoKJhhUhh9tDuuXwU2rghEwBvOcxXnp2ifZ2lE/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33UDQ0UgUoiKR34pFAC32gL8c5GmKSjauhGPrusgUA9xzrqiyJLdu9OvVeqwNfF_nYyilN5CrNi5ltFB9Ge4kNgGxfTjzfIoEzt12WKOoKJhhUhh9tDuuXwU2rghEwBvOcxXnp2ifZ2lE/s320/IMG_3797.JPG" width="320px" /></a><br />
and this...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZC1TJBbxftBspz5JZTACK-kIjjJkPUpGXpCyPFwmpDe6r3aROMuuGAJJX6aFiCnQ95h4vkY1KDgVsDFJsxHG8e1jgaYvmIEwPYW0gsUut3-X3hB1KqPTDuYVYp4PMyGrRx6xP4mfcbNq/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZC1TJBbxftBspz5JZTACK-kIjjJkPUpGXpCyPFwmpDe6r3aROMuuGAJJX6aFiCnQ95h4vkY1KDgVsDFJsxHG8e1jgaYvmIEwPYW0gsUut3-X3hB1KqPTDuYVYp4PMyGrRx6xP4mfcbNq/s320/IMG_3796.JPG" width="320px" /></a><br />
Until next time...Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-90421926672709309792011-06-13T19:16:00.000-04:002011-06-13T19:16:40.122-04:00Flip Flop Frenzy!!!!I know I have been MIA lately (it has been crazy!) but I am back today to show off my flops :)<br />
<br />
My flip flops from the <a href="http://lyrynyacoe.blogspot.com/2011/06/show-us-your-flip-flops.html">Flip Flop Swap</a> arrived today!!! And they are so cute :) I love them and am wearing a pair as I type! <a href="http://joshandjennhaas.blogspot.com/">My partner</a> is quite crafty and completely out did me in the creative category!<br />
<br />
Here are some pics....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-H0Wu0BTNOapWATX4DcpNbWPjauJvpZHpj7UXA-12cu4WduY26xg4mgoKmFbEibFhtPlCQ0IlmCaHJROhlNvl9CZlE851JjZhNcM4YKE10z9xQcxLR0kqIwc_-VACBXHiRR1H7_OUQ9N/s1600/IMG_4039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-H0Wu0BTNOapWATX4DcpNbWPjauJvpZHpj7UXA-12cu4WduY26xg4mgoKmFbEibFhtPlCQ0IlmCaHJROhlNvl9CZlE851JjZhNcM4YKE10z9xQcxLR0kqIwc_-VACBXHiRR1H7_OUQ9N/s320/IMG_4039.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8ruQtyjWFA6p9FCAWkbxooJUigWlwGeSzB1lYxUMc_Tn5QioSAcgRmaLEfnZiIW71KElNUL0Y2gGqASttrC_aGifFPGG1-QQ8g2fgqNUWdnd6ctqsnK4034OSKWjTBHYW9GLWoxUkost/s1600/IMG_4040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8ruQtyjWFA6p9FCAWkbxooJUigWlwGeSzB1lYxUMc_Tn5QioSAcgRmaLEfnZiIW71KElNUL0Y2gGqASttrC_aGifFPGG1-QQ8g2fgqNUWdnd6ctqsnK4034OSKWjTBHYW9GLWoxUkost/s320/IMG_4040.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelABLRmkfCt0dWL7UQDPlXcOGfin822yUyMq7F17aXSdG2nFpufNpESSr6EO2piKpcBAmQDJs7iHwOy8iwwYMex7OegSvXhnl9_netB1lPr-YCFqSAFYyCiiKwfd3v2CFHQElNifkvkuh/s1600/IMG_4041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelABLRmkfCt0dWL7UQDPlXcOGfin822yUyMq7F17aXSdG2nFpufNpESSr6EO2piKpcBAmQDJs7iHwOy8iwwYMex7OegSvXhnl9_netB1lPr-YCFqSAFYyCiiKwfd3v2CFHQElNifkvkuh/s320/IMG_4041.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHSotFuI_PUN80J3_GgYyXg7r7XA4ZgGoywfmMJ93ICEpsN6S9AEFJlOJ8vVyXSI_UoVrJEDhwcpGCzdaSL5Js_nJogjhJdR6W2ewvbFQxLTqBDUc-O-8WbD6GzKkGVL0OjJ6RJG5P4fx/s1600/IMG_4043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHSotFuI_PUN80J3_GgYyXg7r7XA4ZgGoywfmMJ93ICEpsN6S9AEFJlOJ8vVyXSI_UoVrJEDhwcpGCzdaSL5Js_nJogjhJdR6W2ewvbFQxLTqBDUc-O-8WbD6GzKkGVL0OjJ6RJG5P4fx/s320/IMG_4043.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><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/AVvXsEh0yVFvfKmXIV0dMXBBmpViw-jMTAeTMuUvJq100h-Hts1JxtQp0vz_sUFp2T_rvNJgqLlmKlR6O-su9_uwk2ZaYpTYy6dDoTBdefGg35vZwUpPlXjIE-k65A5FTAeVupMQEPWwfxcTcXN9/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yVFvfKmXIV0dMXBBmpViw-jMTAeTMuUvJq100h-Hts1JxtQp0vz_sUFp2T_rvNJgqLlmKlR6O-su9_uwk2ZaYpTYy6dDoTBdefGg35vZwUpPlXjIE-k65A5FTAeVupMQEPWwfxcTcXN9/s320/IMG_4044.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action Shot :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hope everyone enjoys their flip flops! Show <a href="http://lyrynyacoe.blogspot.com/">Breaking Through</a> some love for putting this awesome swap together!!!Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500943079676695697.post-40967955653444597442011-05-27T12:06:00.000-04:002011-05-27T12:06:29.469-04:00It has been one of those....Have you ever heard anyone say that before? Someone says that it has been one of those ..... mornings? days? weeks? months? years?<br />
<br />
I have. In fact, I am guilty of saying it. Actually, I just now thought it to myself, "It has been one of those weeks." <br />
<br />
Shame on me. <br />
<br />
So, I had a rough week at work. And it is only the first week of class of the semester and I already have a ton of work to do/feel behind already. And I have not physically felt 100%. And my car battery died last night in the school parking lot (had to have it jumped not once or twice, but three times in order to make it to work this morning). And I have been an emotional basket case (please tells me the emotions calm down after the wedding planning is over and we are married, pleaseeeee).<br />
<br />
Please notice how the above list does not include anything life threatening, seriously health related or traumatizing. If it did, then maybe I would have something to complain about. But relatively speaking, in the grand scheme of things, I should not be complaining about a single thing. I am so blessed and take it for granted so often. Scott and I are healthy. We are gainfully employed. Our family and friends are healthy (and we get to see them this weekend). What more can we ask for? Life is good. For so many others, life is not so good. My high school classmate, for instance, who lost her father this week, has every right to complain. As does the cancer patient and so many others who are fighting for every breath. So who am I to complain?<br />
<br />
People. It is always something. It always has been and always will be. Always. Deal with it and move on. When I finally made it to the car dealership this morning to get my new battery, I indulged in half of a cake doughnut with chocolate icing in the lobby, read some case law, and caught a few minutes of Gaga in concert on Good Morning America. I call that living the dream, folks.<br />
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At the risk of sounding cliché, don't sweat the small stuff. The next time you think you are having a bad day, week or month, think again. And be grateful for what you have and enjoy it :)Laura Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335548711038999998noreply@blogger.com0