tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15702142635501762872024-03-13T14:33:46.011-05:00With Open EyesShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-15988027181860377552013-04-24T12:07:00.001-05:002013-04-24T12:07:34.153-05:00Nebraska Musings<div><p>Well, it is official. Today someone asked me where I was from and I told them "Nebraska". Jeez, That was quick! I have been here all of 40 days and I have already traded in my right to say I am from WI and MN .</p>
<p>I think in the end it is just way easier to tell people I am from Omaha. Especially when talking to prefect strangers. No one cares what my back story is, so why waste my time and theirs? Yes, just easier.</p>
<p>Anyway, it always amazes me that you can find something in common with literally everyone. My waitress in Mitchell, SD today said she had recently re-started the Insanity program and was on day two. Really? Me too! The guy at the event yesterday rock climbs! Really? Me too! There is some way to connect with everyone, you just have to take the time to discover it.</p>
<p>And so ends my less than insightful musings for the day. #<u>wordvomit</u></p>
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-74949300398053968372012-08-31T22:48:00.000-05:002012-08-31T22:57:34.837-05:00On Becoming Fearless<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><span style="color: yellow;">“It's about a girl who is on the cusp of becoming someone.. A girl who may not know what she wants right now, and she may not know who she is right now, but who deserves the chance to find out.” </span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">This past year has been one of great lessons, growth and self discovery in all things life, work and love. I can honestly say that I have learned more in the one year I have been in the "working world" than I ever did in college. I have learned more about what I like, what I don't like and the type of life I want to live and the type of person I want to live it with. And in my mind, that's all we can hope for. To keep making sure that each successive year is better than the last and that we're leading the life, making the memories, having the impact and leaving a legacy we would be proud to tell our future children of. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: yellow;">"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” </span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">This has become a renewed focus for me. In the past year I started a new chapter of my life and when I read the first draft of my first chapter, I didn't like the story I read. It read a little like this, "Young college graduate gets a stellar job, throws herself into work, neglects friendships, loses any sort of interests outside of work, and loses herself in a relationship."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Don't get me wrong, in the past year I have loved and I have lost, I have laughed and I have cried, and I have discovered passions and things I detest. I have said good-bye to old friend and made new friends, and said good-bye to loved ones and welcomed new ones into the world. But all of these experiences and all of these lessons had me looking for more, something was missing, some part of me was asleep, scared, absent. In my search for this part of me after a recent breakup I discovered a book. This book had some great messages, and I would like to take the time to share them with you in a hope that you may find them enlightening as well.</span></div>
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<strong>How Fear Limits Us (Women)</strong></div>
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I have forever worried too much about what other people have thought, how I would be perceived, if I would be good enough, and being the peace keeper in a broken family. And a lot of my insecurities stemmed from my lack of confidence and for wanting to please the male figures in my life: a strong-handed father, a vocal and iron-gripped coach, strong male teachers or bosses. This book has helped me to identify the "<em><strong>why</strong>"<strong> </strong></em>so I can recognize when I am doing it and the "<em><strong>how</strong>"</em> so I can overcome the obstacles to live a more fearless life.</div>
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<strong>The "Why"</strong></div>
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"... there are many other times we sacrifice our personal truth to go along, be approved of, or just plain be "nice." Because despite all our advances, <em><span style="color: #ea9999;">there's still a huge premium on women being "accommodating"</span></em> and "team players" who don't "rock the boat.""</div>
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"To prevent others from shutting us down, we do it for them. Trapped by our own fears, we then pretend that we're incapable of having what we want, <em><span style="color: #ea9999;">forever waiting for others to give us permission to start living."</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><strong>Understanding and Accepting the Fear:</strong> Fearlessness is about getting up one more time than we fall down.</span> <em><span style="color: #ea9999;">The more comfortable we are with the possibility of falling down, the less worried we are of what people will think if and when we do,</span></em> </span><span style="color: #999999;">the less judgemental of ourselves we are every time we make a mistake, the more fearless we will be and the easier our journey will become.</span></div>
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So "Step 1" is understanding <strong>why</strong> I fear the things I do. Society has raised us to be the peace keepers, the accommodating ones, the meek and the mild while the men steam roll ahead and are praised for their brazen ways. The deep seeded fear of being left out, the animalistic fear that survival will be impossible outside the tribe has led us to be forever waiting for others (men) to give us the permission to start living and start living fearlessly.</div>
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"Step 2" is accepting and acknowledging the fear, and deciding to live life fearlessly anyway. So, I accept and acknowledge that I will fall down, that I will make mistakes, and that I will not be able to be perfect at everything. But by acknowledging it I am free to live, and to try and to fall fearlessly. And this is a step in the right direction.</div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-13598272312624811332012-02-16T09:45:00.001-06:002012-02-16T09:45:07.592-06:00Think you have it all figured out?<div><p>Have you ever thought you had it all figured out? Thought you knew what you wanted? And once you have it you decide its not at all what you wanted? Yeah, me either.</p>
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-42972094419697646592012-01-05T22:34:00.000-06:002012-01-05T22:34:52.919-06:00The Motions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9yR-Y2JUNo/TwZ4f2LffjI/AAAAAAAAAPk/c8lRVty5k74/s1600/do+more+than+exist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9yR-Y2JUNo/TwZ4f2LffjI/AAAAAAAAAPk/c8lRVty5k74/s320/do+more+than+exist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I was listening to the radio the other day and a song came on that I had never heard before... and it really spoke to me. I need to share it with you. <br />
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Do you ever ask yourself, "What am I passionate about?" Do I live my passion, do I give every day 100% of myself and my abilities? <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong>We all should.</strong> </span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #ffd966;">What would it be like if we <em>really</em> gave everything...?</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">This might hurt, it's not safe</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">But I know that I've gotta make a change</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I don't care if I break,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">At least I'll be feeling something</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">'Cause just okay is not enough</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Help me fight through the nothingness of life</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I don't wanna go through the motions</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't wanna go one more day</div><div style="text-align: center;">without Your all consuming passion inside of me</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,</div><div style="text-align: center;">"What if I had given everything,</div><div style="text-align: center;">instead of going through the motions?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">No regrets, not this time</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let Your love make me whole</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I'm finally feeling something</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Cause just okay is not enough</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help me fight through the nothingness of this life</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">'Cause I don't wanna go through the motions</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I don't wanna go one more day</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">without Your all consuming passion inside of me</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,</div><div style="text-align: center;">"What if I had given everything,</div><div style="text-align: center;">instead of going through the motions?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take me all the way (take me all the way)</div><div style="text-align: center;">take me all the way ('cause I don't wanna go through the motions)</div><div style="text-align: center;">take me all the way (I know I'm finally feeling something real)</div><div style="text-align: center;">take me all the way</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't wanna go through the motions</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't wanna go one more day</div><div style="text-align: center;">without Your all consuming passion inside of me</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">"What if I had given everything,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">instead of going through the motions?"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
I don't wanna go through the motions </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUg9qE_KjLg&ob=av2n" target="_blank">The Motions. Matthew West</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><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;"><img border="0" height="274" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQIC2NQw8KI/TwZ4iE2lTSI/AAAAAAAAAPs/OahDKz8xynU/s320/live+your+dreams.jpg" width="320" /></div><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;"><br />
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</div><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;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQeMvDEyXdA/TwZ4kG46pBI/AAAAAAAAAP0/65iXncgX9lU/s320/life+is+short.jpg" width="239" /></div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-9665904000093670732011-10-13T12:28:00.000-05:002011-10-13T12:28:11.610-05:00Leave the Light On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It has been a long time. For a lot of things... A long time since I've posted, a long time since I've been home, a long time since I've taken the time to just slow down, take a deep breath, and just be.<br />
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So, I really want to write something smart, insightful, meaningful... something worthy of your time... but nothing is coming to me. And maybe that's why I've stopped writing. I don't know what to say. I don't have time to gather my thoughts, to think, to plan.<br />
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So I guess here's a short update of what I've been up to since July:<br />
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-Work trip to Nashville was exhausting by rewarding.<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="150" src="http://hphotos-iad1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/308037_10150307092368267_507533266_8019397_160995353_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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-Went on a work trip to Sturgis where I a ton about the motorcycle industry and history...<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/310715_10150307099043267_507533266_8019570_436409583_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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-I have been with a great guy officially for 9 months<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/301428_10150317540653267_507533266_8079621_1852884872_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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-I love my job, my co-workers, and motorcycles<br />
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-I am finally a motorcyclist! Officially a biker babe! ;)<br />
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-Hiking excursion with Erika & Adam at Interstate State Park<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308139_10150308859378267_507533266_8032826_1184243085_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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-Camping on the Northshore<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/311417_10150317538058267_507533266_8079584_1084670981_n.jpg" width="240" /><br />
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Finally got a pair of these:<br />
<img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://www.kayakshed.com/client/images/full/Vibram-BikilaLS-RedGreyBlack.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /><br />
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And I will be completing my second ever half-marathon in just a few weeks.<br />
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Stay posted... hopefully for something insightful or for some inspiration.<br />
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</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-15501036815963842692011-07-20T19:42:00.000-05:002011-07-20T19:42:03.815-05:00Where has the summer gone??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">OMG! Summer is half over already? Where did the summer go... I blinked my eyes and its the last week of July?<br />
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<div closure_uid_wy30hw="111">MN decided to be terribly hot and humid, so I'm going to keep this ULTRA short. Here is what I've been up to...</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="147"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_wy30hw="178" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbvEq4d_I1iQ-MxUiXGdQKPXu6PBezsWnakozTUR-sZOXgOnsJO5FZLBIIGwuqG7S4Y5PaVFiQNtfEEielhGKj1mlZD7ijodx_CsNUxbTELLIcR_7iCp5dwZj1E9BK_nJn83tJA53xxiX/s1600/2012_victory_high_ball_-_first_look_image_575_346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbvEq4d_I1iQ-MxUiXGdQKPXu6PBezsWnakozTUR-sZOXgOnsJO5FZLBIIGwuqG7S4Y5PaVFiQNtfEEielhGKj1mlZD7ijodx_CsNUxbTELLIcR_7iCp5dwZj1E9BK_nJn83tJA53xxiX/s320/2012_victory_high_ball_-_first_look_image_575_346.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="147"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="147"><br />
</div>-I work for Victory Motorcycles. I love motorcycles... I want one.<br />
<div closure_uid_wy30hw="112">-Soccer league on Wednesday nights</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="112">-Eric's family from Alaska and Pennsylvania were in town all of June... so we spent a lot of time going back and forth from St. Cloud.</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="112">-Kevin Utz got married... so happy for him!</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="112">-I am heading to Nashville for a week-long work trip... EXCITED!</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="112">-I signed up for a half marathon in October.</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="112">-Moving to uptown!</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="112">-Its harder to keep up with friends when you don't see them every day...</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="112"><br />
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</div><div closure_uid_wy30hw="112">Well, that's all I have the energy for to write. Nothing inspiring, but maybe I will come up with something at the end of summer when it has cooled down a little bit. :)</div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-67255210058077431582011-06-07T21:53:00.000-05:002011-06-07T21:53:12.443-05:00Working for [the man]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">That's right. It's official. I am <i>officially <b style="color: #0b5394;">official </b></i>at Polaris! [and I'm loving it!]. Despite my horrible nerves for my first day, my first few days have reassured me that I made the right choice, the best choice, and that I found a home. I am going to keep this short [because MN decided to be 100+ degrees today and even typing is exhausting] but let me tell you, it has been a long time since I have been this happy, this busy, this productive, this happy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcno8AUbCkPjiI3kSxEfW4NF8qO_UASIQByK0W9PSAbm3wERMLZ2p-RIqnMx0kbwjS4LMzDQTXRoGEV7aXlX0xc1v18iog6cBQU_301t91ebzN8Nq7FejlWUEe4GBrVlmnE25MSAZmQ6S/s1600/happy+law+of+attraction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcno8AUbCkPjiI3kSxEfW4NF8qO_UASIQByK0W9PSAbm3wERMLZ2p-RIqnMx0kbwjS4LMzDQTXRoGEV7aXlX0xc1v18iog6cBQU_301t91ebzN8Nq7FejlWUEe4GBrVlmnE25MSAZmQ6S/s320/happy+law+of+attraction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-91243815722551092502011-06-03T18:44:00.000-05:002011-06-03T18:44:04.281-05:00Summer [Loving], Had me a Blast!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Summer is finally here, and to stay [I think]! So with my last week of summer vacation coming to an end, let me update you quick on all of my recent shenanigans:<br />
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<b>Friday <may 27th=""></may></b>: Drive to St. Cloud with Eric for the Sartell Apple Duathlon [Run, Bike, Run]. We [Eric, Karl and I] spent the night checking in, driving the course and getting everything set for the race in the morning. Eric's dad out-did himself [again!] with another amazing meal! And off to bed early for a 6am wake-up<br />
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<b>Saturday <may 28th=""></may></b>: Duathlon! The guys took of at 8:36 sharp, as Dayna and I ran around cheering and taking action-pictures. Both of them finished strong and within 20-ish seconds of each other. It was a perfect day for a race 70and sunny with little wind. Eric got 3rd in is age group and Karl took 1st in his age group! Woot woot! We spent the rest of the day playing with Kelly [their Husky] and just enjoying the outdoors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQ7rhQJY69x9HKFcMqqMuPHq9LKwG6w9F_wrqqsjVgnYTv6hV1jvAOXipTh_maIqBfF1IWbowomxa6Nbt4HPVBWnftFQVuAscPnRvDMl8GK5FGb_cqKZymashLbCUdWT6bU_AVXDSaapn/s1600/Memorial+Day-+Minnehaha+falls+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><b>Monday <may 30th=""></may></b>: Eric and I tried to go to a Memorial Service but failed due to the weather. But the whole day wasn't a total loss; at about 4pm the clouds cleared and the sun came out! I immediately decided a new adventure, a trip to Minnehaha falls was in order!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQ7rhQJY69x9HKFcMqqMuPHq9LKwG6w9F_wrqqsjVgnYTv6hV1jvAOXipTh_maIqBfF1IWbowomxa6Nbt4HPVBWnftFQVuAscPnRvDMl8GK5FGb_cqKZymashLbCUdWT6bU_AVXDSaapn/s1600/Memorial+Day-+Minnehaha+falls+022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQ7rhQJY69x9HKFcMqqMuPHq9LKwG6w9F_wrqqsjVgnYTv6hV1jvAOXipTh_maIqBfF1IWbowomxa6Nbt4HPVBWnftFQVuAscPnRvDMl8GK5FGb_cqKZymashLbCUdWT6bU_AVXDSaapn/s320/Memorial+Day-+Minnehaha+falls+022.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><br />
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<b>Tuesday <may 31st=""></may></b>: Lake Calhoun! Liz and I decided that such a nice day could not be wasted, and a little bit of vitamin D was needed. Two hours of sunbathing later, we headed to Jamba-Juice and Target. Did I mention we made cookies?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsBg7HbIidR4wxM3qwKlqD2vHjOkFHL1zlqTCWQuoEUYW1Z5IOkzsnaKjuEuwGlf3tkacamiMWoYutPjbfqAavv49UnSKqZ6iqpIUUdRF_4GDGu1eFBOqnzxBGXG1ZcCUzYnyWVcAbqoq/s1600/Sculpture+Garden+with+Liz+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><b>Wednesday <june 1st=""></june></b>: Sculpture Garden adventures! I've been curious for 4 years, where is this fabled cherry and spoon that everyone has pictures with?? Well I finally made it there! We packed a blanket and snacks and made an afternoon out of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsBg7HbIidR4wxM3qwKlqD2vHjOkFHL1zlqTCWQuoEUYW1Z5IOkzsnaKjuEuwGlf3tkacamiMWoYutPjbfqAavv49UnSKqZ6iqpIUUdRF_4GDGu1eFBOqnzxBGXG1ZcCUzYnyWVcAbqoq/s1600/Sculpture+Garden+with+Liz+061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsBg7HbIidR4wxM3qwKlqD2vHjOkFHL1zlqTCWQuoEUYW1Z5IOkzsnaKjuEuwGlf3tkacamiMWoYutPjbfqAavv49UnSKqZ6iqpIUUdRF_4GDGu1eFBOqnzxBGXG1ZcCUzYnyWVcAbqoq/s320/Sculpture+Garden+with+Liz+061.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlaUPslFNkClru1wgyNJewCBKKa1JRAYqXTYwsPXh6tfiF7eOcetHiB-oDOcC6IY9UdCyKj-GWkJN1Xg-z4GxI_xPq1pcicM8S3AtfSX2NWyHz6XHBfxh92F-gi32HEki228jVm5jNSn_/s1600/Sculpture+Garden+with+Liz+004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlaUPslFNkClru1wgyNJewCBKKa1JRAYqXTYwsPXh6tfiF7eOcetHiB-oDOcC6IY9UdCyKj-GWkJN1Xg-z4GxI_xPq1pcicM8S3AtfSX2NWyHz6XHBfxh92F-gi32HEki228jVm5jNSn_/s320/Sculpture+Garden+with+Liz+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>Thursday <june 2nd=""></june></b>: Lakeville. I spent the morning/ afternoon in Lakeville visiting my grandma! We had a delicious lunch and tested out her new Ford Focus. It has all the bells and whistles, so I think all of the technology may have been a little intimidating for her. We walked to the post office and had a great time catching up :) I love family! After that, I came home and met up with an old camp friend for happy hour. Emma was the counselor I ran a tent with with I was in the SDP program. It was so nice to catch up with her after 4 years [and she hasn't changed]. I love camp people!<br />
<br />
Anyway, that's been the end of my summer vacation. Not bad for cramming it all in to 1 week, eh?<br />
<br />
What are your plans for summer?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsBg7HbIidR4wxM3qwKlqD2vHjOkFHL1zlqTCWQuoEUYW1Z5IOkzsnaKjuEuwGlf3tkacamiMWoYutPjbfqAavv49UnSKqZ6iqpIUUdRF_4GDGu1eFBOqnzxBGXG1ZcCUzYnyWVcAbqoq/s1600/Sculpture+Garden+with+Liz+061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-41175716579207349772011-05-25T22:31:00.000-05:002011-05-25T22:31:04.728-05:00The Power of Thoughts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJRFzaC7XXL2lar04qS_jtlyFyixRsmpKLN0l-ckZny8bTvt02bHRKP26-eOB1GYnGcHtPl-GybAHTWD0rav1kuyV1KlyJni3Ewc1PVXMDFW507UFdF5JZpCGkfW_s9Z1bSUWqHQZ0tie/s1600/tumblr_l0zg1mav2F1qbcck3o1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJRFzaC7XXL2lar04qS_jtlyFyixRsmpKLN0l-ckZny8bTvt02bHRKP26-eOB1GYnGcHtPl-GybAHTWD0rav1kuyV1KlyJni3Ewc1PVXMDFW507UFdF5JZpCGkfW_s9Z1bSUWqHQZ0tie/s320/tumblr_l0zg1mav2F1qbcck3o1_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #8e7cc3; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #8e7cc3; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #8e7cc3; text-align: center;"><b>Watch your thoughts, for they become words.<br />
Watch your words, for they become actions.<br />
Watch your actions, for they become habits.<br />
Watch your habits, for they become character.<br />
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.</b></div><b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Fj8cX6Oh41EKmD_nmYYPJrZ05rY93n_tI1cjzFN5_J0QTUHL3WNiQ_L_amfXgBefEHbDSt4iy1e3MKo7oSMUhnOopVdKTk3atMOydR8y8Z2uOZdbiMhjm-l2eo-xP9eXNG7JEHe_ZhC/s1600/thoughts+create+reality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="color: #8e7cc3; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #999999;">You </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> decide every day. What will you think about? What will you say? What will you do? Who will you be? Make a conscious decision everyday, to live up to your potential and determine your own destiny!</span></b></div><div style="color: #8e7cc3; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #8e7cc3; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Fj8cX6Oh41EKmD_nmYYPJrZ05rY93n_tI1cjzFN5_J0QTUHL3WNiQ_L_amfXgBefEHbDSt4iy1e3MKo7oSMUhnOopVdKTk3atMOydR8y8Z2uOZdbiMhjm-l2eo-xP9eXNG7JEHe_ZhC/s1600/thoughts+create+reality.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Fj8cX6Oh41EKmD_nmYYPJrZ05rY93n_tI1cjzFN5_J0QTUHL3WNiQ_L_amfXgBefEHbDSt4iy1e3MKo7oSMUhnOopVdKTk3atMOydR8y8Z2uOZdbiMhjm-l2eo-xP9eXNG7JEHe_ZhC/s320/thoughts+create+reality.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span></b></div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-63256956155216766262011-05-25T00:07:00.000-05:002011-05-25T00:07:39.781-05:00Reflecting on Fitness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJNZa_C4ZOT46ttrKG0nIN-xxn9eOeRwX8ITi2oRIJSfgUHdSzwlW9avraChEFK33yHJLetOigsXeTx_DloI1PHZMPolh4JKt9gXIlBq-62zgI3AlcABcMw5sQLdmhp8Bp6LspewUb0G4/s1600/health_fitness_exercise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJNZa_C4ZOT46ttrKG0nIN-xxn9eOeRwX8ITi2oRIJSfgUHdSzwlW9avraChEFK33yHJLetOigsXeTx_DloI1PHZMPolh4JKt9gXIlBq-62zgI3AlcABcMw5sQLdmhp8Bp6LspewUb0G4/s320/health_fitness_exercise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What is fitness? <b>FITNESS</b>: <b><i>The condition of being physically fit and healthy</i></b>.<br />
<br />
Does this mean it is it a way of life? A means to an end? A definition of how you should look, a weight you should be, certain sized clothes you should fit in? Is fitness the same for everyone? Should it be?<br />
<br />
I have been struggling with this question for a while now, as I am sure a lot of people have. I have always felt certain pressures and judgments from my family, society, and myself to look, feel and perform a certain way.<br />
<br />
Let me explain. My family is thin. Not super skinny, but naturally pretty thin. And we work hard to keep it that way. Growing up my dad witnessed a family member struggle with weight problems and depression as a result so he would constantly focus on instilling "healthy" habits in us with little reminders like: "Are you sure you want to eat that?" or "You're looking a little flabby Shan, did you work out today?".<br />
<br />
Though he was full of good intentions, I have felt pressure my whole life to look a certain way, be a certain weight, and wear a certain size. And I have had tough competition from my petite and always fit mother. I was not truly aware of the extent of this pressure until the other day I was talking with my boyfriend. We were sharing what we had done that day and I admitted that I had not worked out and looked at him with guilt all over my face, waiting for him to chastise me. He just looked at me, with utter disbelief, and said, "Why are you ashamed of that? I don't care if you work out every day! One day won't kill you". And it was at that moment that I realized I was unhealthily focused on being healthy.<br />
<br />
When had fitness become a way for other people to judge me? When did I start holding myself to other people's standards? Fitness is an individual definition, an individual goal and a unique journey for everyone. Only I can know when I am happy with the way my body performs, how it feels, or the way it looks. I want to be healthy for me, for the energy it gives me, for the way I want to look, and the activities I want to participate in. <br />
<br />
Today is day one. The day I want to stop comparing myself to everyone. The day I start having a healthy outlook about being healthy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTT-0XK0LgEbutaNCQhe9aiASnr3FAmi2s_Wuicc2nmeYaf7nXoVsEySZ6UXl2cmN9-kInN3baunmpN5Jhi4CF1FfbCs6UB8QWlaiPrS08Q1WA5D3HE8x7-NZdzwDsdbfSFcnAiONX_Ub/s1600/meditate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTT-0XK0LgEbutaNCQhe9aiASnr3FAmi2s_Wuicc2nmeYaf7nXoVsEySZ6UXl2cmN9-kInN3baunmpN5Jhi4CF1FfbCs6UB8QWlaiPrS08Q1WA5D3HE8x7-NZdzwDsdbfSFcnAiONX_Ub/s320/meditate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-43938034214074909352011-05-19T23:37:00.000-05:002011-05-19T23:37:42.725-05:00Only a life lived for others is a life worth living.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">If you are given a chance<br />
to be a role model, I think you should always take it<br />
because you can influence a person's life in a positive light,<br />
and that's what I want to do. That's what it's all about.</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJOjM3FAv1pkGB6gFsTdYvtp1CRBcIic8bqOb-Rjb8SWunIey6cZGD7rZ1m0I4yr9vGV7dMnP8lLdGE1PFabbeo1KV7Sk4_2oDC9NEM2Taq-vBOXpNCYP_S9bIuTT4RjXRBUQekSQ62UN/s1600/227587_1013703704181_1272690162_30087906_6696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJOjM3FAv1pkGB6gFsTdYvtp1CRBcIic8bqOb-Rjb8SWunIey6cZGD7rZ1m0I4yr9vGV7dMnP8lLdGE1PFabbeo1KV7Sk4_2oDC9NEM2Taq-vBOXpNCYP_S9bIuTT4RjXRBUQekSQ62UN/s320/227587_1013703704181_1272690162_30087906_6696_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">This is my friend Laura</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">, in a nutshell. She is the most amazing person I have ever met. She has the biggest heart, one that does not judge, one that does not complain, one that never tires; She is always ready to carry out whatever task she was called to do, and she serves with an amazing spirit that can't be explained with words.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">I have had many moments throughout my life where something amazing has happened or someone amazing has come into my life and I think to myself: <i>This can't possibly be a coincidence, this isn't just luck, this can't be left to chance, this was <b style="color: #bf9000;">meant </b>to happen to me. </i>Meeting Laura was one of those moments. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">I first met Laura when we both worked for the SouthWestern Company in Michigan in the summer of 2008. Laura was a student manager and lived at the same HQ with me. She not only showed me the ropes of the job but also helped me grow personally and spiritually. Ever since that summer she has remained a constant positive influence in my life. Whenever I start to doubt myself or my purpose, she is right there assuring me that it will all work out. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">All in all Laura has been a great friend, an amazing role model, and someone I hope to have in my life forever. So this post is for you, Laura. For facing uncertainties, for living the life you were made for, and for being such a great mentor. I love you!</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSzl4zTxidQ8xbUroVZvXLTieuRWwCtXwJdmcOSb-IaaA3U0xuhmZubFjgD4XbB_qRvE7M8z_qvMHFI4xJnu9psXbjsTCVeWP8lbrcYZCCvLDmasoNt9lgTCAFNqI3O2XwDoBlCIL_TAt/s1600/godlovesyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSzl4zTxidQ8xbUroVZvXLTieuRWwCtXwJdmcOSb-IaaA3U0xuhmZubFjgD4XbB_qRvE7M8z_qvMHFI4xJnu9psXbjsTCVeWP8lbrcYZCCvLDmasoNt9lgTCAFNqI3O2XwDoBlCIL_TAt/s320/godlovesyou.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care<br />
I don't want to say another empty prayer<br />
Oh, I refuse<br />
<br />
To sit around and wait for someone else<br />
To do what God has called me to do myself<br />
Oh, I could choose<br />
Not to move but I refuse<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"> </span></span></span></div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-40487383968159516402011-05-18T00:49:00.004-05:002011-05-25T11:59:46.553-05:00The Graduate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">That's me! I was not referencing the 1967 film... but that I have just [officially] completed my undergraduate career at the University of Minnesota! How does it feel to be a college grad? Not much different, actually. Besides that fact that I am making a budget, putting the insurance in my name, going over benefits options with my dad, and getting ready to be completely [fiscally] independent...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aDbtA6Fka90SNYiXnXvk-aRK9gjuIVYi6pUHEBHPpfVdVekFHHF3OTbwMUKlqq2kf561IqV5DrOx-hWETbjNvQZFUZPrdAZf26eJMhUAzPPNv7L73G1IfQfBvxd0lgdJ26FecZp6vIHB/s1600/Graduation+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aDbtA6Fka90SNYiXnXvk-aRK9gjuIVYi6pUHEBHPpfVdVekFHHF3OTbwMUKlqq2kf561IqV5DrOx-hWETbjNvQZFUZPrdAZf26eJMhUAzPPNv7L73G1IfQfBvxd0lgdJ26FecZp6vIHB/s320/Graduation+022.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>But really, not much has changed [yet]. I am still the same me, with the same quirks and silly personality... Which according to our speaker at the graduation ceremony (Chris Sacca), it is important to keep a sense of authenticity, keep on being your authentic, weird self. I thought his message was <i><b>SO</b></i> important, especially as a Carlson School of Management graduate. We are often lulled into believing that corporate, clone, money worshiping is the only way to go. And Chris did a great job dispelling those ideals. Happiness. This is the goal. And Happiness does not equal money. Money comes and goes, but its the relationships, the people, the love for what you are doing, the unique weirdness, your personality, that makes everything you do worth it.<br />
<br />
So what do I want? I want to not lose sight of my personal goals in the midst and shuffle of transitioning to my adult life. So,it's time to get down to business. Goals and dreams are never achieved unless they are written down, and unless you are held accountable. SO, here goes the rest of my week's health/ fitness goals:<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday</b>: <b>Ran </b>3 miles (it was 10pm and I was scared about running alone!)<br />
<b>Wednesday</b>: <b>Ran </b>4 miles and did abs <br />
<b>Thursday</b>: <b>Ran </b>Quick 2.5 mile run before driving home to NB<br />
<b>Friday</b>: <strike>Hills work-out (7 laps at Valley View) &</strike> <b>25 mile</b> <b>bike ride</b> downtown Milwaukee (by lake)<br />
<b>Saturday</b>: <b>Ran 2.5 miles</b> (had to get the house ready for family to come over!)<br />
<b>Sunday</b>: <b>Ran </b>3 miles before church.<br />
<b>Monday</b>: <b>Ran </b>3 miles and did <b>Zumba</b><br />
<b>Tuesday</b>: Day of Rest<br />
<b>Wednesday</b>: <b>Pilates </b>and Core<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><i>I'll check back in periodically to update the actual results with the prescribed goals. </i><br />
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<br />
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-11438073129601891722011-05-13T16:22:00.000-05:002011-05-13T16:22:34.879-05:00I spy...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
I think Groupon and LivingSocial are spying on me, or at least my blog. Within a week of writing the post about my post-graduation goals (fitness, ballroom dance, photography) I get emails for 3 offers (one for ballroom dance, one for photography, and one for my favorite outdoor outfitters). Is this coincidence? I really hope so! If not, that's one hell of marketing group you've got over there, 'cause I've jumped at the chance for all of them!<br />
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For now, I won't complain because I've gotten great deals on a bunch of hobbies I wanted to pick up! But I'm watching you LivingSocial and Groupon. Sleeping with one eye open ;)</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-66297901231084673182011-05-12T11:00:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:28:40.618-05:00BDC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Fhyu2EimNW02KNlJv-oOF7k7Ucb6yCOAy-Zc4IXd6wNVeEuOS5a86oI9kQX9Z4drBOy_XVjgjrXx2jTuF9Czgz8wUcExA0o-s7xFUxZnOTZ_IL-9d4S6BkOeyQurX91i4Z9agIcnScV1/s1600/bdc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Fhyu2EimNW02KNlJv-oOF7k7Ucb6yCOAy-Zc4IXd6wNVeEuOS5a86oI9kQX9Z4drBOy_XVjgjrXx2jTuF9Czgz8wUcExA0o-s7xFUxZnOTZ_IL-9d4S6BkOeyQurX91i4Z9agIcnScV1/s1600/bdc.png" /></a></div><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">BDC = Ballroom Dance Classes!</span></b> I'm finally on my way to achieving one of my goals listed in the last post. LivingSocial had this great deal yesterday that offered 4 individual classes for $12 and 4 Couple classes for $22! Now that's a steal! I can't wait to start taking classes and learn some new moves!<br />
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</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-82475072411282157602011-05-11T11:31:00.000-05:002011-05-11T11:31:59.389-05:00Don't Count the Days, Make the Days Count<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Don't Count the Days, Make the Days Count" </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCyBKXEg9Vb2QT-wV5Vpn8qt1COSeEMAfWt4YijdEwOq2qzxAd6IcqEDF2uzx7DOsom52At955U9l_qwOGMxcypuTjdLBesBWhmUbNBt1Tdyjc9A1g5d2d9FsVEpBf9bE9qVHiOvSZajh/s1600/rain-flower-471684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCyBKXEg9Vb2QT-wV5Vpn8qt1COSeEMAfWt4YijdEwOq2qzxAd6IcqEDF2uzx7DOsom52At955U9l_qwOGMxcypuTjdLBesBWhmUbNBt1Tdyjc9A1g5d2d9FsVEpBf9bE9qVHiOvSZajh/s320/rain-flower-471684.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
I came across this quote today and was surprised at how obvious the advice was, but also how difficult it is to live up to. How many times have you said, "Only # more days until _________" or "I can't wait until _______"?<br />
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<i>Every </i>day is a gift, so why not treat it that way? It's so easy to get sucked into routine, the monotony and repetition of chores and work. We complain and "vent" to our friends and family instead of praising the gift that we have been given: a new day, a new chance, another mulligan. Do not become blind by seeing each day as a similar one; Each day is different and each day brings a miracle of its own, It's just a matter of paying attention to that miracle. What miracles will you find today?<br />
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Today I was given the chance to learn patience, share a moment with an old man lonely for conversation, and help students print, copy and research for final papers and exams... and all this before noon!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #ffe599;"><b>What will you do with your gift?</b></i></div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-74864562473943357282011-05-09T14:39:00.000-05:002011-05-09T14:39:10.926-05:00Summer = New Season = New Goals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gFRK3CK4fgd4D4EHVkNS8HmcQoaYmcGcBnHYskozZLD6uCFRIuqanZzJhP-9SC04nA1bv6wZTnKiqo__E-IRqQXlAcx3Mn_cL7RiEkWuFnZPHvtSRlfteMN1K71uei2MwYiMhqt-N6oa/s1600/Red-Tulips-Cincinnati-Ohio1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gFRK3CK4fgd4D4EHVkNS8HmcQoaYmcGcBnHYskozZLD6uCFRIuqanZzJhP-9SC04nA1bv6wZTnKiqo__E-IRqQXlAcx3Mn_cL7RiEkWuFnZPHvtSRlfteMN1K71uei2MwYiMhqt-N6oa/s320/Red-Tulips-Cincinnati-Ohio1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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April [snow] showers deter May flowers, but what do [belated] May flowers bring? Hopefully the dawn of a new season [summer!] and the start of a new chapter in my life... Adulthood.<br />
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Contrary to what the government thinks, and how they define an adult, 18 was not the turning point for me. Going to college right away allowed me to postpone growing-up and hold on to my youthful bliss of minimal responsibilities. But all of that is changing [And I finally believe I'm ready for it].<br />
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<b>Step 1:</b> Buy a car. This was a big decision and a lot of work. You want something reliable, but that is not too expensive and something with good gas mileage. I wanted a pre-owned car... but there's always a gamble in going that route. So after much research and a little help from my mom, I decided on an "electric blue" 2007 Chevy Cobalt with 15,000 miles. It's a great little car, but has put up a fight so far. [That's another story, that I will save for next time].<br />
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<b>Step 2:</b> Find a kick-butt bachelorette pad. Nothing too swanky, but something liveable and somewhere fun to start off my new life as a young professional. This is still in the works, but at least Nicole and I [my soon to be roomie] have decided on living in Uptown [which is actually South of downtown... go figure].<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQGEd6zscZ3dGAuspfcVDIgV_JB0SWG-2mT9qqg1nJB6iaK0YFEBBcvnpYrg-CrBnqmygzHotd3S7ILFcDWtBNM9TwtpmA3Yu8GHmwmaCPs1Fs_4jMQ6J3nlETqbxX6lK70jWWhN1FdDt/s1600/nicole+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQGEd6zscZ3dGAuspfcVDIgV_JB0SWG-2mT9qqg1nJB6iaK0YFEBBcvnpYrg-CrBnqmygzHotd3S7ILFcDWtBNM9TwtpmA3Yu8GHmwmaCPs1Fs_4jMQ6J3nlETqbxX6lK70jWWhN1FdDt/s320/nicole+me.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Step 3</b>: Work. I start my trabajo el 6 de junio! Time to get ready for the ride of my life!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJhCVQ5AxPTs5v86sWUlXiv8JdkhBNRihQcVbRdgnxMcN700YYvlqcb8xe9tPgcVc5QEyyUbn_94_wF0OwSb8LMG2ZXKwi_lx0IEeruWQFs3O2bL5I-v-BCgYkRXPpRc8uc5RO8FHudsr/s1600/polaris-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJhCVQ5AxPTs5v86sWUlXiv8JdkhBNRihQcVbRdgnxMcN700YYvlqcb8xe9tPgcVc5QEyyUbn_94_wF0OwSb8LMG2ZXKwi_lx0IEeruWQFs3O2bL5I-v-BCgYkRXPpRc8uc5RO8FHudsr/s320/polaris-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Step 4:</b> Don't lose sight of my dreams, goals and ambitions [make time for fun]!<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/AVvXsEh6swmEZz40EKbFYVFqzE15kis5UiQBOPWCW-3RjSTKJ94ZHxT6o7R1EWjIqnoZDXg_MqwTPBW9WMH8athbyDRk8sGSanF67EPkSteUNjjTPuMAgHB3DiIkDBKuoQbtkTZCyabVII3K3JrT/s1600/end+of+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6swmEZz40EKbFYVFqzE15kis5UiQBOPWCW-3RjSTKJ94ZHxT6o7R1EWjIqnoZDXg_MqwTPBW9WMH8athbyDRk8sGSanF67EPkSteUNjjTPuMAgHB3DiIkDBKuoQbtkTZCyabVII3K3JrT/s200/end+of+race.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running- Compete in anothe half-marathon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6swmEZz40EKbFYVFqzE15kis5UiQBOPWCW-3RjSTKJ94ZHxT6o7R1EWjIqnoZDXg_MqwTPBW9WMH8athbyDRk8sGSanF67EPkSteUNjjTPuMAgHB3DiIkDBKuoQbtkTZCyabVII3K3JrT/s1600/end+of+race.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhZ2pOkne1BSXFlsS8561RufM5izG-lq-QWYqcinghIw_k6EyCIIF075Lyj9gF7ekd0WS8npHBEeepT50XD-OJ10z9fNjen7vCpnoXfDFOPlKU36j-On8bY-BJFHs8-7CQOalq37VG1dxg1/s1600/yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2pOkne1BSXFlsS8561RufM5izG-lq-QWYqcinghIw_k6EyCIIF075Lyj9gF7ekd0WS8npHBEeepT50XD-OJ10z9fNjen7vCpnoXfDFOPlKU36j-On8bY-BJFHs8-7CQOalq37VG1dxg1/s200/yoga.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga: Sign up for Yoga classes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjmVah5F7dc9hIRCJOMTTuI2-tsTH8gnSKiWDcUqkGMv3IwkSM73uOpi5gwuGp-P52nnfk26XgQT1ajb8_RySdOlvsNABg3JQ5I-gI_G7xCR_ja9GBfYa2PyH7pgjH7crt0rBT-3hrRxE1q/s1600/FemalesRoad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVah5F7dc9hIRCJOMTTuI2-tsTH8gnSKiWDcUqkGMv3IwkSM73uOpi5gwuGp-P52nnfk26XgQT1ajb8_RySdOlvsNABg3JQ5I-gI_G7xCR_ja9GBfYa2PyH7pgjH7crt0rBT-3hrRxE1q/s200/FemalesRoad2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biking: Get a road bike!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjKIjkQElkroBkX-LfvfyPfRODqCEtWQ7nSVZBmurq7VaDUsfoXxszmstXvtyoIJa0W4tG4INkB-H2iyrScmauCHDk09wNCN_yPdSk8iA4f5FImGegVkpNiYqc3ef_196Wq_qCgB9ZVYUwa/s1600/dance8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIjkQElkroBkX-LfvfyPfRODqCEtWQ7nSVZBmurq7VaDUsfoXxszmstXvtyoIJa0W4tG4INkB-H2iyrScmauCHDk09wNCN_yPdSk8iA4f5FImGegVkpNiYqc3ef_196Wq_qCgB9ZVYUwa/s200/dance8.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing: Pick up ballroom dancing again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi-TJpN4ebKoUU1O-VM97nwDUd5cB-ozp_YW6rZF9j2Mg9TWKnq9WtueylLMqXOKgsk2zP3P6zEZj28bK7pHpN05Y0HDqh54VuOT18lDmUYcZP-Cxh_d30U0jUZuAITDgT2Dxg90SwyQA/s1600/photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi-TJpN4ebKoUU1O-VM97nwDUd5cB-ozp_YW6rZF9j2Mg9TWKnq9WtueylLMqXOKgsk2zP3P6zEZj28bK7pHpN05Y0HDqh54VuOT18lDmUYcZP-Cxh_d30U0jUZuAITDgT2Dxg90SwyQA/s200/photography.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography: Find time to take a class or tutorial.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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What are your goals for Spring/Summer 2011?<br />
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Do you have a bucket list for this summer?<br />
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Do you have any suggestions for starting a career out of college?<br />
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-68472641975978628732011-05-09T13:57:00.000-05:002011-05-09T13:57:30.696-05:00Mother['s Day]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOE2rpcNE2EjUtlwSPiHYKwDdlyY8zkxteSE_w4YDjLo9346zNV63k_68hIzfqJ0Y8G21ZfEh3W8O8o7JWVpp4P74bNyFjOxp0vbxLTy2c6lNbVtLpLxcTgCE1_ishhJCZnt1xozwrGag/s1600/froggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOE2rpcNE2EjUtlwSPiHYKwDdlyY8zkxteSE_w4YDjLo9346zNV63k_68hIzfqJ0Y8G21ZfEh3W8O8o7JWVpp4P74bNyFjOxp0vbxLTy2c6lNbVtLpLxcTgCE1_ishhJCZnt1xozwrGag/s320/froggy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anna</b></span>. The name, from biblical times, meaning Gracious, the One Who Gives, and in Native American traditions Anna means Mother. And to me, she has been all of these things.<br />
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Everyone obviously thinks their mother is the best, but it honestly takes an amazing woman to be a great mother. They must be selfless, putting their hopes and dreams on the side in order that their kids may have a better tomorrow. They must be the world's greatest cheerleader, a multi-tasking master and have an unlimited patience and a listening ear. Being a mother is a full-time job, but my mom managed to have another career on the side. She was nurturing, loving and inspiring and has been a driving force throughout my life.<br />
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I have loved how our relationship has grown into a deep respect and a true friendship, and all of the amazing laughs we have had together. Thanks for always being there for me mom, through hard times and success. Today is just an official day to recognize you for all that you have done, but I celebrate it every day. <3 Love you! <br />
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"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my mommy you'll be."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyJXeyMdEN9z0hXJbl6cAlwvrYe_gMrK3UreBdozBsp8qehYvtc1AO5U2NI6LmYPSZSE0bfJicxCOUo0ciicsWZsvwAbv8oS744aCGS6JqHfzh3xIl_UHCLS4r8vNgO5teyei0tSQLdUl/s1600/loveforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyJXeyMdEN9z0hXJbl6cAlwvrYe_gMrK3UreBdozBsp8qehYvtc1AO5U2NI6LmYPSZSE0bfJicxCOUo0ciicsWZsvwAbv8oS744aCGS6JqHfzh3xIl_UHCLS4r8vNgO5teyei0tSQLdUl/s320/loveforever.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><br />
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-72285871017683667192011-05-06T08:44:00.000-05:002011-05-06T08:44:36.794-05:00How are you? Good! Yeah? Yeah! Yeah? Yeah!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Interpersonal skills are on the endangered species list. People don't know how to communicate in a meaningful way anymore! Most save the tough conversations for texting or fb chat instead of manning up and confronting someone with the difficult issues. Why is this? Because our generation was raised one of "we're all winners", and with delicate feelings. Grow a pair, people.<br />
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This is not a conversation:<br />
Person 1: Oh my God! Hey, how are you?<br />
Person 2: Good...<br />
Person 1: Yeah?<br />
Person 2: Yeah!<br />
Person 1: Yeah?<br />
Person 2: Yeah!<br />
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Take the time to talk to people, and actually listen! Everyone has a story to tell...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk555yiJR2VJ1lICQMVtPzOELVBAjk1iFrhg0fFnbxm3qdMhv8WiGEvuhzm35QmUIZBsAyXojzZLdsFXjRROqXHkso7nEd2FPmbgcsggU0xOIZT1Ftm4j63YOdvFQQYMS5eOQDcUpmACB/s1600/pton165l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk555yiJR2VJ1lICQMVtPzOELVBAjk1iFrhg0fFnbxm3qdMhv8WiGEvuhzm35QmUIZBsAyXojzZLdsFXjRROqXHkso7nEd2FPmbgcsggU0xOIZT1Ftm4j63YOdvFQQYMS5eOQDcUpmACB/s320/pton165l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-38051775645200581992011-04-25T18:19:00.000-05:002011-04-25T18:19:24.782-05:00Weekend of Resurrections<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I just want to give a quick shout out to Polaris Industries [my soon to be employer] for acquiring Indian Motorcycles. Check-out this <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/business/120521079.html">article </a>for full details. Long story short, Indian Motorcycles used to be a name to be reckoned with in the motorcycle industries, being the first ones to mass-produce motorcycles in America.<br />
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Hitting the road in 1901, Indian was not only the first American motorcycle, it was the world's best-selling bike!<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/AVvXsEgDBRepbJne_rfumkTwiMQppZsWuhNMeOf8NN3mcqQPD2NpTwo8-x-Z1UpJhRUvIFLiFgPNpHVsw14Y-oZbPNjv_7YQxem7RHqxGsPt5pySNbYqTxKbQlDEmpF23gkPX2N9P0XxukozUv_b/s1600/indian_motorcycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBRepbJne_rfumkTwiMQppZsWuhNMeOf8NN3mcqQPD2NpTwo8-x-Z1UpJhRUvIFLiFgPNpHVsw14Y-oZbPNjv_7YQxem7RHqxGsPt5pySNbYqTxKbQlDEmpF23gkPX2N9P0XxukozUv_b/s320/indian_motorcycle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Though they used to be quite iconic, the have since, almost become extinct. Leave it to Polaris to jump at the opportunity to resurrect such a legendary American brand!<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/AVvXsEihA2qEagwr__z8CUYQWfb1fRK31Z3mE1GSptReKz2Wj2YO1YD_oVkrP3gj67p1i5Z-0z5wuAicU-Rdl-hl7rTWPSjmOxjcZhdF62kVCTYcKHlort3D6jxpLqGSCAAnlZjNce-Ft0pnHSG7/s1600/indian2001chief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA2qEagwr__z8CUYQWfb1fRK31Z3mE1GSptReKz2Wj2YO1YD_oVkrP3gj67p1i5Z-0z5wuAicU-Rdl-hl7rTWPSjmOxjcZhdF62kVCTYcKHlort3D6jxpLqGSCAAnlZjNce-Ft0pnHSG7/s320/indian2001chief.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Who's excited to start working for Polaris? >>This girl! <<<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEFXcAY4QB1s9eweAm1ug2PMlGNrxO3e42YvpYMn3yz8JzF_BofX5CMKCi_92JeMTFL7QFyh6VN2JpzHwPEK0tTaPWKYmpNeeZtiX7n2ToeMcAJbSYjDXjO5Th96PrP1dLn3WGOZmGQ-2/s1600/indian_motorcycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
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</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-83672831814965645172011-04-24T16:11:00.000-05:002011-04-24T16:11:42.819-05:00We live and die; Christ died and lived!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">"Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness. " ~Floyd W. Tomkins</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">This is going to be short, because no one needs me preaching at them. But let this Easter time be a time of family and remembrance, a time of reflection and change. Just because Lent is over, let's not slip back into our old ways, but continue to make changes for the better [as Christ would want it].</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">H</span><span style="color: yellow;">a</span><span style="color: magenta;">p</span><span style="color: yellow;">p</span><span style="color: magenta;">y </span><span style="color: yellow;">E</span><span style="color: magenta;">a</span><span style="color: yellow;">s</span><span style="color: magenta;">t</span><span style="color: yellow;">e</span><span style="color: magenta;">r</span></b></span></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-11600929560859369802011-04-22T09:19:00.000-05:002011-04-22T09:19:15.362-05:00Twenty-two and counting...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Cheers </b>to my first post as a 22-year-young [I'm convinced saying "young" instead of "old" will help me stay young!] First item of business = birthday re-cap!<br />
<br />
This birthday turned out to be one of the best yet! My mom came up to visit [and help me test-drive and purchase my first car!] the weekend before. Family is always the best birthday present, I think! Spending time with my mom always makes everything better; she has a way of making me feel like everything will work out, and somehow we always end up laughing the entire time we are together. :) What would normally be mundane tasks turn into a corny-joke session and giggle-fest...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc484ra-o5iiO4nfmR8vyZrkoEffwzZnOaUsoooQ8EjzE_PCyx02KEStf1CUrUVJabXJVzUiLZWC-Cv7x0JFbkkUEYLHKlp37H03YbexVpBfDfI_KC45YB7sFfsJ5_hcCpjmuPcrQbl0n/s1600/mom.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc484ra-o5iiO4nfmR8vyZrkoEffwzZnOaUsoooQ8EjzE_PCyx02KEStf1CUrUVJabXJVzUiLZWC-Cv7x0JFbkkUEYLHKlp37H03YbexVpBfDfI_KC45YB7sFfsJ5_hcCpjmuPcrQbl0n/s320/mom.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On the eve of my birthday, Jordan took me to get a McDonald's sundae and a movie from red-box (Jack Ass 3), to spend a leisurely evening at home. Meanwhile, my roommates surprised me with fresh, home-made brownies [a generous donation from the "shared" food-shelf]. I have the best roommates!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So on my <i>actual </i>birthday, Monday, my dad, grandma, and godfather took me out for lunch to French Meadow Cafe in Uptown. Great organic, vegetarian and locally grown food! Check it out sometime: <a href="http://www.frenchmeadowcafe.com/">French Meadow Cafe</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQC2u0mHmNj2o_VxH7DMbdZJozNAf2kVAIhU0ShRMeqVQQ0TaeKu37gVR0j-z8-zWnbk9TBszzsEp2ZNWeS4yqf2rw3Z8vJVJgE1bsQCMTwtCs2MtvDtMN46gtdvT7Ul2a2ndS8lse93A/s1600/nicole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The rest of the day progressed as most normal Mondays do, with slight increase in texts screaming "HAPPY BIRFDAY Sha-mo" and an assortment of other nick-names [Most of which will remain unstated due to lack of appropriateness]. That night, the ladies and I headed to <a href="http://www.psychosuzis.com/">Psycho Suzi's</a> [best pizza in town], where Nicole was conveniently working. After a few of their famous Tiki-drinks, great pizza, and memorable pictures [see facebook], we headed home. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLk_K-bgEYxOKb9PJFNLEefQO3flVPamZBwgySqo2Mu_KUpesMkVa2oJZBvotw__DKiRQjBWtkJEp8eEBOY35OOZQ37BLC-F8-Me3it9aUZph4XLam1IEWpjPj34D3S5sSpoK0325utfE/s1600/bday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLk_K-bgEYxOKb9PJFNLEefQO3flVPamZBwgySqo2Mu_KUpesMkVa2oJZBvotw__DKiRQjBWtkJEp8eEBOY35OOZQ37BLC-F8-Me3it9aUZph4XLam1IEWpjPj34D3S5sSpoK0325utfE/s320/bday.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQC2u0mHmNj2o_VxH7DMbdZJozNAf2kVAIhU0ShRMeqVQQ0TaeKu37gVR0j-z8-zWnbk9TBszzsEp2ZNWeS4yqf2rw3Z8vJVJgE1bsQCMTwtCs2MtvDtMN46gtdvT7Ul2a2ndS8lse93A/s1600/nicole.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQC2u0mHmNj2o_VxH7DMbdZJozNAf2kVAIhU0ShRMeqVQQ0TaeKu37gVR0j-z8-zWnbk9TBszzsEp2ZNWeS4yqf2rw3Z8vJVJgE1bsQCMTwtCs2MtvDtMN46gtdvT7Ul2a2ndS8lse93A/s320/nicole.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Monday the 18th of April, 2011, was the perfect way to kick-off my 22nd year of life! Great friends, and tons of laughs; who could ask for anything more?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-73716750111493650462011-04-17T14:46:00.000-05:002011-04-17T14:46:13.627-05:00Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1xDRUYsGNlRSCdX66Q7DuhfJhqeNy6XRce3pB7B_r2RXvtAvSV8rPMngEUlI8n6jIOcs_zgR90eUNEjL-C0lZ_vA-8-UCQx_apJnEZdYuMNA_FyS-Y4DYndHY-MfhuSqAfmHzprNg4jm/s1600/tumblr_krr5y5jYb01qzhbu6o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1xDRUYsGNlRSCdX66Q7DuhfJhqeNy6XRce3pB7B_r2RXvtAvSV8rPMngEUlI8n6jIOcs_zgR90eUNEjL-C0lZ_vA-8-UCQx_apJnEZdYuMNA_FyS-Y4DYndHY-MfhuSqAfmHzprNg4jm/s320/tumblr_krr5y5jYb01qzhbu6o1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Birthdays</b>. A dreaded word for many, an avoided day for some, but overall just another mile marker, a sign that reminds us that life keeps moving. My birthday is fast approaching [it's tomorrow], and it has somehow snuck up on me.<br />
<br />
My birthdays tend to fall on odd days for celebrating... like Mondays and Sundays, and this year is no different. So as tomorrow comes and goes, as any other normal Monday would, I am determined to at least make it a productive day of introspection. Milestones in life should be reflected on, and adjustments made. For me, 22 represents the departure of youth and adolescence. By-gone are the carefree days of college. The excuse "I'm just a college kid" goes right out the window. What lies ahead is the question everyone asks: What are you going to do with your life? What's next?<br />
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So, as I enter this intimidating time of transition, it's time to reflect. I will be 22 [tomorrow]. What does that mean... It simply means: <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.</span></b><br />
<br />
To me, this year and the years that follow, will just be numbers. Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Even though years may wrinkly the skin, giving up your enthusiasms of youth wrinkles the soul. Therefore, this year, the year of the twin-two's, I refuse to give up on my passions, my goals, and re-assert that just because I'm growing older, doesn't mean I have to grow up. The fun is just beginning and I can't wait to see what my life as 22 will bring.<br />
<br />
Celebrate life. It's the only one you get, so cherish it! Live out loud, and don't regret getting older. <b style="color: #ffd966;">Its a privilege that not everyone gets</b>. And remember, everyone is the age of their heart. What age do you want to be?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfccP3Mk2JEqYVtsmJ0W93B-6RPVT3OR6i2IOtWgVcwB06wDrlgFIk25TwFrU8260INK5KEmxLp7aVuiTFA7SJNZhbYVUnH_JQU_5Uphm-04jsh4qgzwKvs5raY9S59ysAlCmU7TMjOnc/s1600/growing_older.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfccP3Mk2JEqYVtsmJ0W93B-6RPVT3OR6i2IOtWgVcwB06wDrlgFIk25TwFrU8260INK5KEmxLp7aVuiTFA7SJNZhbYVUnH_JQU_5Uphm-04jsh4qgzwKvs5raY9S59ysAlCmU7TMjOnc/s320/growing_older.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-37186282910015217102011-04-15T08:37:00.010-05:002011-04-15T08:41:39.609-05:00Seven Golden Daffodils<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span class="sqq" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter</span></div><span class="sqq" style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">the</span><span class="sqq" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.”</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </pre><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrgu0VIif2pQ6VJa0EGO1CV7gBejxJ2M5M0CjO-d_gF3f7dvle5hV92NmQG9NyfvKhaQw8SPxen8phMAWXzRlCebZwc2b2yV5hLu81VhvTToLONTthfqeh0mGVo1auEBNrmEZ_hSC2GZp/s1600/daffodils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrgu0VIif2pQ6VJa0EGO1CV7gBejxJ2M5M0CjO-d_gF3f7dvle5hV92NmQG9NyfvKhaQw8SPxen8phMAWXzRlCebZwc2b2yV5hLu81VhvTToLONTthfqeh0mGVo1auEBNrmEZ_hSC2GZp/s320/daffodils.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I do not have a mansion, and I haven't any land,</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not one paper dollar to crinkle in my hand.</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But I can show you morning on a thousand hills,</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And kiss you and give you seven daffodils.</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I do not have a fortune to buy you pretty things,</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But I can weave you moonbeams for necklaces and rings,</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And I can show you morning on a thousand hills,</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And kiss you and give you seven daffodils.</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Seven golden daffodils, all shining in the sun,</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lights our way to evening, when our day is done.</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And I can give you music, and a crust of bread,</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And a pillow of piney boughs to rest your head.</pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And a pillow of piney boughs to rest your head. </pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></pre><pre style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </pre></div><br />
<div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was overcome by nostalgia on my walk him from class today. You may be wondering, "What triggered this?" Was it the realization that I am a senior and about to graduate college? No. Rather, it was the glimpse of a bed of daffodils that reminded me of summer nights gone-by, gathered around the camp fire or sitting in the sweltering lodge singing songs before lights out and taps. </span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every kid deserves the chance to be just that, a kid. And Phantom Lake was a haven, a magical place where kids were encouraged to grow, try new things, gain confidence, and escape the judgmental and often discriminating labels that develop at school.</span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have many fond memories of Phantom Lake YMCA camp, and most of them are because of the amazing people I met. Its often hard to explain to "non-camp people" why a summer camp is so great, but honestly I can say it's because I will never forget the people I spent the summers with. I still remember all of the girls from my cabin when I was 11! That says something about this place, don't you think?</span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Phantom Lake will always be a second home for me, a place to look back on and smile, a reminder to </span>constantly be working on the sides of the square (wisdom, stature, God, man), and an importance piece of who I am today.</div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By old Phantom's rippling waters, where the campfire's bright,</div><div style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Keep the flames of friendship burning, in our hearts tonight.</div><div style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here we gather in twilight, loyal friends so true.</div><div style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Building in our hearts fond memories, Phantom Lake, of you.</span></div><span style="color: #cfe2f3;"><br />
</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cA3kHgXhR2bdK_yTJ2Ac0mZIKVB-QSxXFgpn8e4DDWh5ZWqddWC-BC1pANxZuvTNbeECE8fVZHXOmDG5uRKiraE2aCZ6HhfyruXNu1Vq9af2K8P_Jlo0KndHHux4ihlWOLtPYV1PMzfr/s1600/Phantom-Lake-YMCA-Camp-1497thumb_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cA3kHgXhR2bdK_yTJ2Ac0mZIKVB-QSxXFgpn8e4DDWh5ZWqddWC-BC1pANxZuvTNbeECE8fVZHXOmDG5uRKiraE2aCZ6HhfyruXNu1Vq9af2K8P_Jlo0KndHHux4ihlWOLtPYV1PMzfr/s1600/Phantom-Lake-YMCA-Camp-1497thumb_Logo.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.- Luke 2:52</span></span></span></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-23796211365332670752011-04-04T11:32:00.000-05:002011-04-04T11:32:23.263-05:00"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShaHZOT5fvCSi-ZtCh0qDv5_7Xl3mN31HhVQD28_Nvnq208TIen9LCvY2OzzJHQhEK9BTevcD-NyPdbMeiSOrlyhgn-qd-qkdghXhM_9QLjfkunBwCG3OIDpIX18nSqUqmVyov5U-_vQr/s1600/violets-susan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShaHZOT5fvCSi-ZtCh0qDv5_7Xl3mN31HhVQD28_Nvnq208TIen9LCvY2OzzJHQhEK9BTevcD-NyPdbMeiSOrlyhgn-qd-qkdghXhM_9QLjfkunBwCG3OIDpIX18nSqUqmVyov5U-_vQr/s320/violets-susan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We all make mistakes. Some big, some small; some are deal breakers, but most are forgiven. How do you know how much repenting is required to atone your mistakes?<br />
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I have grown up forgiving readily and easily and apologizing quickly... I hate having people mad at me, and I equally dislike being upset with other people. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and will go to all lengths to make amends. For, in my life, having relationships or friendships that are out of balance is one of the worst tortures. I have always been the peace-maker in my family, so maybe that's where my yearning for harmony comes from.<br />
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But this is not the case for everyone, and this I have learned first-hand this weekend. I will not get into the details, but while intoxicated, I did some things to upset my boyfriend and my roommates. Though I agree that intoxication is <i>never</i> a valid excuse, I have no recollection of even doing said things. So in an attempt to make amends, I apologized to everyone multiple times, and cleaned the mess that was made. I thought this for sure would ease the tension and restore balance in the house. But I was wrong. I still feel like an outsider in my own house and am ignored by my own roommates. What more can I possibly do? I can't take it back, so all I can do is continue to apologize and promise it won't happen again. Hopefully this will all blow over soon. :(<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it" ~Mark Twain</td></tr>
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</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570214263550176287.post-829768173055257302011-04-01T11:42:00.001-05:002011-04-01T11:43:09.978-05:00Chi Running<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlto_sgBHjjB5iDzaBamZWouIbODcYYAcSow7grcSih19OcmQ3eL-Zt5TrEYgKDh71HjC1NSngllIBFpIPpghfXYXL6T3F3gdfrzkJjAl6cgjIB4eTUSghSdya-UcQ3oC0Gd05alPXdwq/s1600/6907044-pretty-young-woman-running-in-park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlto_sgBHjjB5iDzaBamZWouIbODcYYAcSow7grcSih19OcmQ3eL-Zt5TrEYgKDh71HjC1NSngllIBFpIPpghfXYXL6T3F3gdfrzkJjAl6cgjIB4eTUSghSdya-UcQ3oC0Gd05alPXdwq/s320/6907044-pretty-young-woman-running-in-park.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love running. Its not only a great workout, but a great way to clear your mind, not worry about your to-do list, and escape the mundane of everyday. <span style="color: yellow;">But guess what, my knees </span><i style="color: yellow;">hate </i><span style="color: yellow;">that I love to run.</span> They complain the whole way and throw a tantrum when I am done. Bayer Aspirin and I have gotten to know each other pretty well over the past few months, and that's a friendship I would like to discontinue!<br />
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Last weekend I went to <a href="http://www.midwestmtn.com/current-events/events-calendar">Midwest Mountaineering</a> for the Minimalist Footwear Class. They talked about barefoot running <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm">Five Finger</a>s shoes and chi running. It was encouraging to know that many people with chronic running injuries have over-come them and continued running well into older age by converting to <a href="http://www.chirunning.com/">Chi Running </a>form. So I figured, what the heck, let's give it a shot.<br />
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I am in the process of ordering the book and instructional DVD... and if those aren't enough, I plan to sign up for a class with a professional instructor. For now, my Internet research will have to suffice. So far, my attempts at mid-foot striking have been successful. My knees no longer scream in protest and my distances have increased drastically without much effort. However, the transformation is a slow one. My calves and Achilles tendon have definitely been worked harder then normal, and I had to take a day-off yesterday. At the class, I was warned about pushing myself to hard, too fast and being prone to injury. Chi Running depends on using and strengthening muscles that are not relied on in typical heel-striking running form, so I'm trying to ease into it.<br />
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Overall, I hope to be up and running and full speed and full strength by June so I can participate in my first half-marathon since Spain! (Minneapolis Marathon). Well, I am at work, so I should probably actually do some work! Happy trails, and Happy Friday!<br />
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<div style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's your favorite thing about running?</b></span></div><div style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have you ever been injured from running?</b></span></div><div style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's your running goal? </b></span></div><br />
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</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512780271929019306noreply@blogger.com0