tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69832706391699702462024-03-13T19:08:05.472-07:00Holidays at the Harris HomeJenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.comBlogger433125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-86790406406727167732016-01-31T09:04:00.000-08:002016-01-31T09:08:49.087-08:00test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-65745409410377116742015-02-25T19:49:00.000-08:002015-02-25T19:49:00.762-08:00My 2015 Resolutions - Week 8 of 52Here's my eighth update of my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-my-list-of-resolutions.html" target="_blank">tried a new method this year</a>, and I'm hoping that weekly updates will keep me on track!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">For Myself</span></u></b><br />
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<b>1. Get control of my weight and my health. </b><br />
Due to ice and snow in my neighborhood this week, I was unable to get out do do my walking this week except for two days. But I did pretty well on the food plan, for the most part. My Weight Watchers meeting was cancelled again this week, so no official weigh-in again. I'm still tempted by sweet or fatty foods when I'm bored or sad or upset, but I also have much better meal habits than i used to have, and we've been cooking at home much more than we used to. Those are great habits!<br />
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<b>2. Walk 70,000 steps per week. </b><br />
Snow and ice... that's been he name of the game this week. Not great for trying to walk in the neighborhood. I did crank up the Wii Fit on Tuesday and got that going again, so at least I was able to get some kind of work out in, even if my mileage is much lower than I want it to be. <br />
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<b>3. Try one new thing per month to stretch and grow. </b></div>
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This week we tried the food delivery service called Blue Apron. I have a friend who uses it and she sent me one week's worth (three meals for two people) for free to try it out. They send you all the ingredients and excellent instructions for making three tasty meals from scratch. The produce and the meats were super fresh, and the recipes were new for us and something different from our normal routine. I enjoyed cooking the three meals they sent. I think we're going to order the service every other week for a little while, to see if we still like it. There's no opportunity to choose the recipes they send, so we have to be a bit adventurous in accepting whatever they send us. But my friend says that's the best part of it for her - trying new foods and recipes and stretching her repertoire. So we'll give it another go in a couple of weeks.<br />
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<b>4. Daily journalling and reflecting. </b> </div>
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This continues to be very helpful. I've missed a day or two lately, but I always come back to this habit as a means to restore my sanity or reflect on joys of the day. Hooray for this habit!</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For My Family</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>5. Stay connected to family (and friends).</b><br />
Thank goodness for technology that allows us to stay connected. This is a recurring issue for me - staying in touch across the miles - and it's so much easier with technology!<br />
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<b>6. Participate in our son's wedding plans</b>. </div>
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My son and I are scheming for a fun way to do the Mother/Son dance at the wedding reception - we've picked out a great song, and we're working on a plan for the dance itself. It will definitely involve some stretching of our abilities, but I'm confident we'll be able to do it and it will be a blast!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For Friends and My Community</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>7. Extend at least two invitations per month to friends.</b><br />
Hmmmm, not much to report here this week. Something to look forward to next week perhaps.<br />
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<b>8. Volunteer at least three hours per month in my community. </b> </div>
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Oh darn it, February has nearly come and gone and I've not done any volunteering in the community. Will have to make up for it next month!<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Our Home</b></span></u><br />
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<b>9. Purge and organize the house by May 1.</b> </div>
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I did get one closet cleaned and organized this week, and some clothes bagged up and ready to take to the thrift store. But that's about it. <br />
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<b>10. Work in the yard at least 3 hours per week.</b> </div>
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Nothing to report here, except I did manage to refill the bird feeders before the ice storm hit the other day. It's just so cold!!!<br />
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<b>11. Allow time for at least two fun home decor projects per month.</b> </div>
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I'm happy to report that I did two fun projects this week: I hung curtains in my daughter's bedroom, and I painted an end table in the living room. Maybe I'll get my act together and post some pictures sometime soon!<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Sweet Adelines</b></span></u><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>12. Personal singing rehearsal at least 4 hrs per week.</b> </span></div>
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Oh my gosh, I've been rehearsing so much, and it's making a huge difference in my skills. Yay me!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>13. Do daily vocal exercises for 15 minutes, for 30 days. </b> </span></div>
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I've totally bailed on this goal.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>14. Complete the CHC New Member Handbook by Feb 28th.</b> </span></div>
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I haven't made any additional progress here. Definitely not making the Feb 28th deadline, but maybe the end of March?<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>15. Serve the Region 19 Silver Sorority champion's organization with at least 2 hours of activity per week.</b> </span><br />
This project is well underway with lots of moving parts and people taking action. At this moment, my job is to herd the cats into the corral, which is a little challenging but good. Making progress.<br />
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How about you? How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-48827977935708262772015-02-18T05:45:00.002-08:002015-02-18T05:45:43.940-08:00My 2015 Resolutions - Week 7 of 52Here's my seventh update of my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-my-list-of-resolutions.html" target="_blank">tried a new method this year</a>, and I'm hoping that weekly updates will keep me on track!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">For Myself</span></u></b><br />
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<b>1. Get control of my weight and my health. </b><br />
During the past week, I did a pretty good job of sticking to my food plans that I'd laid out. There was one unexpected splurge at a restaurant on Friday, and Saturday night I had quite a few cocktails to celebrate Valentine's Day. I may or may not have indulged in some sweet treats on Sunday and Monday. Despite those indulgences, my meals and snacks were mostly on-plan this week. My Weight Watchers meeting was cancelled this morning due to an ice storm that hit us Monday night, so I won't know my official weigh-in number, but my home scale (which is erratic and unreliable at best) is showing a good result. <br />
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Hey, just thought I should mention that I realize that "health" is not singularly determined by weight. However, my overall health has been very good, with the exception of a risk of Type II Diabetes. So I'm not overly concerned about "health" other than diet and exercise... if I can get both of those items into a healthy range, then the risk of Diabetes should take care of itself... and I'll verify that with a doctor's visit later this year.<br />
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<b>2. Walk 70,000 steps per week. </b><br />
I fell short again this week. One day I had a super busy schedule and was out of the house 7:30am-8:00pm. By the time I got home, there was no way I was going out for an evening walk! A couple other days we got house-bound due to an ice and snow storm that hit us. Here in Raleigh, we didn't get much in terms of inches of snow, but there's at least an inch of ice on the driveways and roads in our neighborhood. No one here shovels, the county didn't plow, and we don't have sidewalks. So walking in the neighborhood just wasn't going to happen for me! I'm hoping that today the sun will start to melt things enough to make for some solid footing on the grassy edges of the road so I can get out of the house.<br />
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<b>3. Try one new thing per month to stretch and grow. </b></div>
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In the past week I can't say I've done much in the way of "new" other than trying a few new recipes. Actually, let me talk about that for a minute. My whole adult life, I've never really enjoyed cooking, and I've considered it somewhat of a chore. Even after I retired and agreed that daily meal prep was something that fell into my job jar (since my husband still works every day), I never really did enjoy cooking. Well, I have to admit that since I've been following Weight Watchers, I've been forced to cook a whole lot more at home so that I can stay on my meal plan. This has led to finding new and different ways to prepare food, new and interesting ingredients, and new combinations of spices and flavors. And it turns out that cooking dinner isn't the chore that it used to be. It's still not my favorite thing in the world, but I'm learning that caring for my body (and my husband's) through preparation of healthful, tasty meals is something that has become a little more interesting. <br />
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<b>4. Daily journalling and reflecting. </b> </div>
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This continues to be very helpful. I've missed a day or two lately, but I always come back to this habit as a means to restore my sanity or reflect on joys of the day. Hooray for this habit!</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For My Family</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>5. Stay connected to family (and friends).</b><br />
I've had so much fun with our family video chats that we established. I love watching the kids interact with each other, giving each other advice, playing around. I love hearing about their weeks and sharing their highs and lows as they settle in to themselves as young adults. <br />
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I also have been able to stay connected to a good friend as she goes through a difficult time with her family. It's been nice to know that I can provide some comfort as she navigates through a tough spot. Just being a listener is an important role to play sometimes.<br />
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<b>6. Participate in our son's wedding plans</b>. </div>
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I had a fun chat with some friends about their sons' weddings, and it made me feel good to know that some of the emotions that I'm experiencing are common with others too. I'm so happy for my son, but there are also some twinges of bittersweet knowing that he's really, truly grown up and no longer "mine"... if that makes any sense. What a nice time I had enjoying the stories of my friends and their families' experiences during such a special time. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For Friends and My Community</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>7. Extend at least two invitations per month to friends.</b><br />
I spent the entire day with three new friends last Friday, and I had a wonderful time! I need to make plans to get together with these great people again soon.<br />
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<b>8. Volunteer at least three hours per month in my community. </b> </div>
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Februrary is more than half over and I've not gotten anything scheduled on the calendar yet. Better get cracking!<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Our Home</b></span></u><br />
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<b>9. Purge and organize the house by May 1.</b> </div>
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Today is the day... I'm going to get started with closets today and see what I can accomplish. Wish me luck!<br />
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Oh, hey, I finally got all the Christmas decorations stored away. So that's something, right? <br />
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<b>10. Work in the yard at least 3 hours per week.</b> </div>
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Nothing to report here, except I did manage to refill the bird feeders before the ice storm hit the other day. It's just so cold!!!<br />
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<b>11. Allow time for at least two fun home decor projects per month.</b> </div>
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I haven't made any progress here, but I'm hoping today I'll get the curtains hung in my daughter's bedroom. We'll see.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Sweet Adelines</b></span></u><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>12. Personal singing rehearsal at least 4 hrs per week.</b> </span></div>
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Oh my gosh, I've been rehearsing so much, and it's making a huge difference in my skills. Yay me!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>13. Do daily vocal exercises for 15 minutes, for 30 days. </b> </span></div>
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I've totally bailed on this goal.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>14. Complete the CHC New Member Handbook by Feb 28th.</b> </span></div>
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We finally figured out how to get me on to the online site, and so I was able to get all of my currently completed documentation up on the website the other night. I have a few more drafts that are ready for review, and I need to create some more drafts to keep this project moving. I'm about 1/5 done. Doesn't look like I'll make the Feb 28 deadline that I set, but maybe I'll be done by the end of March?<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>15. Serve the Region 19 Silver Sorority champion's organization with at least 2 hours of activity per week.</b> </span><br />
This project is well underway with lots of moving parts and people taking action. At this moment, my job is to herd the cats into the corral, which is a little challenging but good. Making progress.<br />
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How about you? How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-6016611763631688862015-02-11T18:10:00.002-08:002015-02-11T18:10:52.672-08:00My 2015 Resolutions - Week 6 of 52Here's my sixth update of my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-my-list-of-resolutions.html" target="_blank">tried a new method this year</a>, and I'm hoping that weekly updates will keep me on track!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">For Myself</span></u></b><br />
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<b>1. Get control of my weight and my health. </b><br />
After an awesome week last week, I had a rough week this week. I was not able to stick to my plans very well, and succumbed to temptation a lot. I mean, a LOT. So I ended up gaining .8 lbs this week. So I'm regrouping, and re-upping my commitment and making sure I'm setting myself up for success for the coming week. Will be grocery shopping tomorrow for on-plan foods, and will be trying some new recipes to keep things interesting.<br />
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<b>2. Walk 70,000 steps per week. </b><br />
I really fell short on this goal this week. I only hit my 10K steps on one day, and there were a couple days I didn't even break 4K. I plan to kick this goal back into high gear starting tomorrow.<br />
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<b>3. Try one new thing per month to stretch and grow. </b></div>
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I'm thinking about what this month's "new" thing will be ... haven't really decided anything yet. <br />
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<b>4. Daily journalling and reflecting. </b> </div>
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This continues to be very helpful, especially on days when I'm feeling low. Hooray for this habit!</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For My Family</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>5. Stay connected to family (and friends).</b><br />
This is one of my favorite things to do. In addition to our normal texts, phone calls and video chats with our kids and our other family, I've now set up a regular video chat schedule with the kids where we can get them both online at the same time (via Google Hangouts). It's so fun to do this! Very thankful for technology that keeps us all together even when we're apart.<br />
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<b>6. Participate in our son's wedding plans</b>. </div>
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I made reservations for our hotel and I bought airline tickets for our trip to Minneapolis in March, when we'll do catering and cake tastings. Yum!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For Friends and My Community</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>7. Extend at least two invitations per month to friends.</b><br />
I need to kick start this goal... maybe next week?<br />
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<b>8. Volunteer at least three hours per month in my community. </b> </div>
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I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-first-day-volunteering-at-habitat.html" target="_blank">put in a 6 hour day at Habitat for Humanity last month,</a> and loved every minute. I want to do this again, and need to find a date in February to get this on the calendar.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Our Home</b></span></u><br />
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<b>9. Purge and organize the house by May 1.</b> </div>
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Ugh, no progress here. :-(<br />
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<b>10. Work in the yard at least 3 hours per week.</b> </div>
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Nothing here, either. :-(<br />
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<b>11. Allow time for at least two fun home decor projects per month.</b> </div>
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Nor here. :-(<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Sweet Adelines</b></span></u><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>12. Personal singing rehearsal at least 4 hrs per week.</b> </span></div>
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I've been doing a lot of rehearsal for the quartet, and I'm pleased to see the progress that I'm making on our music. We had a full weekend rehearsal last weekend, and so we sang for about 15 hours total in those three days. Since then I've been listening to rehearsal recordings, making critiques and prepping for my own personal rehearsals over the next week. It's making a good difference!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>13. Do daily vocal exercises for 15 minutes, for 30 days. </b> </span></div>
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I've totally bailed on this goal.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>14. Complete the CHC New Member Handbook by Feb 28th.</b> </span></div>
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There's been a technology glitch on this, and so I've not been making any progress. The online site where I'm supposed to store this document is not working right now. So I'm kind of at the mercy of the IT team. <br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>15. Serve the Region 19 Silver Sorority champion's organization with at least 2 hours of activity per week.</b> </span><br />
I've made progress here this week, with a few phone calls and emails completed and keeping things moving. I have a couple tasks that I need to take care of over the next week, which will get my 2 hours in with no problem.<br />
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This was a tough week because I was traveling Thursday-Sunday, and that blew my diet and walking plans out the window. It also took away time that I had available for some of my other goals. I know that these goals are not set in stone and it's not the end of the world if I don't meet them... they're more for inspiration than anything else. So I'm trying keep in mind that I need to flex these things out over time, and that I'll have spurts of progress along one line or another rather than having steady progress every day.<br />
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How about you? How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-55527848151551817382015-02-04T11:02:00.002-08:002015-02-04T11:02:35.828-08:00My 2015 Resolutions - Week 5 of 52Here's my fifth update of my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-my-list-of-resolutions.html" target="_blank">tried a new method this year</a>, and I'm hoping that weekly updates will keep me on track!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">For Myself</span></u></b><br />
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<b>1. Get control of my weight and my health. </b><br />
Excellent progress on this goal this week! Every morning, I made it a point to make sure I planned my food for the day. I also tracked all my food intake, and kept an eye on treats and splurges, balancing them with whole, healthy, fresh foods. Result? I lost weight this week. And even better, I feel great! <br />
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<b>2. Walk 70,000 steps per week. </b><br />
I've been having some knee problems lately, so I didn't get my 10K steps per day in every day. But I did on five of seven days. I've also added in some yoga stretching for a few days this week, and I am enjoying that.<br />
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<b>3. Try one new thing per month to stretch and grow. </b></div>
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On Thursday last week <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-first-day-volunteering-at-habitat.html" target="_blank">I spent the day working on a job site for Habitat for Humanity</a>. What a great time! I learned all kinds of things that day, and really enjoyed it. That was pretty major in my book.<br />
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<b>4. Daily journalling and reflecting. </b> </div>
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I've hit about 5 of 7 days on this goal... well i guess if I count "thinking while I'm walking", then I hit all seven days this week. Writing in a journal really helps me understand what's happening in my life, and so this is an excellent habit that I plan to continue.</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For My Family</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>5. Stay connected to family (and friends).</b><br />
I've had some great conversations with my family this week, and have been supporting a good friend as she tackles some really tough issues within her family. I definitely feel helpful and needed and connected this week. <br />
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<b>6. Participate in our son's wedding plans</b>. </div>
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I spent some time dream-shopping online this week, looking for mother-of-the-groom dresses. Still haven't found anything I really like, but I've got a while still, so it's all good.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For Friends and My Community</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>7. Extend at least two invitations per month to friends.</b><br />
Not much to report here this week... but I've got some ideas for things coming up later this month.<br />
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<b>8. Volunteer at least three hours per month in my community. </b> </div>
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I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-first-day-volunteering-at-habitat.html" target="_blank">put in a 6 hour day at Habitat for Humanity last week</a>, and loved every minute. Will definitely be doing that again!<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Our Home</b></span></u><br />
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<b>9. Purge and organize the house by May 1.</b> </div>
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I got almost all of the Christmas stuff put away finally. I have about another 30 minutes worth of clean up to do and then that will be finished. I need to turn my attention to other areas of the house now, so I can meet my goal of an organized house by May 1.<br />
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<b>10. Work in the yard at least 3 hours per week.</b> </div>
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I put in a half hour out in the back yard today, cleaning up the bird feeders and organizing the vegetable garden area. It was medicine for my soul! I need to make more of an effort here, because it's such a good thing for me. <br />
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<b>11. Allow time for at least two fun home decor projects per month.</b> </div>
<div>
Nothing to report here, except I bought an inexpensive set of sheets that I think I'm going use to recover one of the chairs in the living room. I haven't made any progress on that, but at least I have the germ of an idea.<br />
<br /></div>
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Sweet Adelines</b></span></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>12. Personal singing rehearsal at least 4 hrs per week.</b> </span></div>
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I've been doing a lot of rehearsal for the quartet, and I'm pleased to see the progress that I'm making on our music. I guess practice really does help, huh?<br />
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<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>13. Do daily vocal exercises for 15 minutes, for 30 days. </b> </span></div>
<div>
I've totally bailed on this goal. Bad, bad Jenny.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>14. Complete the CHC New Member Handbook by Feb 28th.</b> </span></div>
<div>
I put in a couple of hours of work on this project this week, and have plans for daily progress over the next couple weeks. Hope to meet the Feb 28th completion date.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>15. Serve the Region 19 Silver Sorority champion's organization with at least 2 hours of activity per week.</b> </span><br />
We held a video call on Saturday night to conduct our Board meeting, and I made some progress via email on some action items that are outstanding. I still have a couple of phone calls to make this week to keep momentum on some things we have planned. <br />
<br />
All in all, it was a good week for making progress on my goals. <br />
<br />
How about you? How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-24848852034678047422015-01-29T13:29:00.000-08:002015-01-30T07:53:45.900-08:00My First Day Volunteering at Habitat For HumanitySo today I worked on a construction job site for the first time ever. In fact, I had a lot of "firsts" today, but most importantly, it was my first time volunteering for <a href="http://www.habitatwake.org/" target="_blank">Habitat For Humanity</a>. Can I just say, I loved it!!!!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
I was worried about how it would go. I knew before I went that I would be working on framing a house. What?!? Me??? I've watched enough HGTV to kind of know what's involved, but I've never built anything, never really even swung a hammer very often. I was worried I'd be the most inexperienced person, the only woman, the weakest person, and the slowest worker on the job site. And my biggest fear was that I would slow down progress and make the guys frustrated. Well, I was mostly right. I was the most inexperienced person, I was the the only woman, and I was the weakest person, and I probably was the slowest. But, while I may have slowed things down, the guys were incredibly patient and supportive and I never once felt like they were frustrated. Yay!<br />
<br />
Habitat organizers tell you that you need no prior construction experience to be useful, and they're right. They have awesome folks on the job site to teach you everything you need to know, and they're excellent teachers. Everyone I encountered, from the 60+ year old job foreman, to the 20-something full time framers, to the retired regular volunteer, were happy to show me how to do things, let me try, and help me fix any mistakes I might have made. I felt like I could ask questions, I could ask for help, or I could try things on my own (with instruction), and everyone was very supportive. After an hour or so, I began to comfortable with what I was doing, and I really did feel useful and like I wasn't in the way.<br />
<br />
So what did I learn today?<br />
<ul>
<li>I learned how to hammer effectively without tiring out your arm muscles.</li>
<li>I learned a few different ways to pull nails out of a 2x4. (I pulled out a lot of nails. Don't ask.)</li>
<li>I learned how to nail wall studs into the header and footer following the correct markings.</li>
<li>I learned that pressure-treated wood and galvanized nails are used on the footer, to prevent decay and rust in case of a water problem.</li>
<li>I learned how to use a miter saw.</li>
<li>I learned how to use a pneumatic nail gun.</li>
<li>I learned how to use a ramset nail gun (which uses a small gunpowder cartridge to power the nail into concrete)</li>
<li>I learned how to fasten walls onto the concrete slab.</li>
<li>I learned how to make one wall butt up against another, and a couple of different ways to properly frame them so they can be nailed together.</li>
<li>I learned how to fasten exterior walls to the concrete slab differently from interior walls.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Using all of these new skills, I helped build all of the interior walls of a 3-bedroom house. I had a really great time, and I walked back to my car feeling like I definitely got the better end of the deal today. I mean, yes, I gave some work hours and helped out, but also I was given a free hands-on education that made me feel empowered and pretty awesome, actually. I kind of really loved it.</div>
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I will definitely be signing up again to do some more work for Habitat For Humanity. And if you think you might like to learn how to do some of these construction jobs, I would be the first to recommend that you sign up too! </div>
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<div>
Have you ever volunteered for Habitat For Humanity? How was your experience? I'd love to hear about it!<br />
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__________________________</div>
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Linking to:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chatting At The Sky - <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2015/01/30/lets-share-learned-january/" target="_blank">What We Learned in January</a></div>
</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-77274885579232646642015-01-28T18:12:00.001-08:002015-01-28T18:12:13.055-08:00My 2015 Resolutions - Week 4 of 52Here's my fourth update of my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-my-list-of-resolutions.html" target="_blank">tried a new method this year</a>, and I'm hoping that weekly updates will keep me on track!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">For Myself</span></u></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. Get control of my weight and my health. </b><br />
After last week's weight gain, I decided to totally reboot my food management this week. Beginning last Wednesday, I began tracking every single bit of food that I ate, every day. I use the online tools provided by the Weight Watchers program (but I've also used the free online app My Fitness Pal, www.myfitnesspal.com for this purpose). I made a huge effort to stay within my WW food program this week, and in doing so I realized just how far afield I had gotten in the last couple months. I thought I was making good choices, but turns out so many of the foods I had been eating were just so high in calories, it's no wonder I haven't really lost any weight since before Halloween. <br />
<br />
I did really well all the way until Sunday night, when I went out for Mexican dinner with my husband. It's my favorite, and my downfall. Monday and Tuesday I did mediocre. But even with my backsliding on the last few days of the week, I still lost 2 lbs at my weigh in today. Hooray! I'm only 0.2 lbs away from my most recent low weight (which occurred all the way back before Christmas). I'm finally feeling like I'm back in the groove.<br />
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<div>
<b>2. Walk 70,000 steps per week. </b><br />
Still walking and still loving it. Some days I did a 4 mile walk all at once, some other days I took two shorter walks. Some days I got in over 12,000 steps and other days I bottomed out at 2,100 steps. I had an injury to my right leg and knee that made me want to rest it on Monday and Tuesday, but today I talked to a physical therapist and I'm now back on track to continue my routine. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>3. Try one new thing per month to stretch and grow. </b></div>
<div>
I bought and cooked a rutabaga, a new vegetable in my life. The recipe was in a spicy vegetable and bean chili, and the rutabaga was cubed and cooked in with a mix of lots of other things. So how was it? I couldn't really tell! It was a lot like a firm potato in the chili. Nothing bad, but not distinguishable. So I guess I should try another recipe where the flavor can be highlighted, not masked under chili seasonings.<br />
<br />
I began reading a new blog this week, www.themilitantbaker.com. This is out of the norm for me, because it's a sassy (and somewhat foul-mouthed) 20-something woman whose blog is all about positive body image for plus size people. She's got a lot of things to say, and she says them in a pretty unabashed and in-your-face kind of way. Agree or disagree? It's up to the reader. But something in her writing speaks to me, as a life-long overweight woman. I recognize in my reactions to her writing that I have a ways to go before I feel 100% comfortable in my own skin. So for this reason, I will continue to follow her blog and stretch my perceptions of myself.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>4. Daily journalling and reflecting. </b> </div>
<div>
Yep, love it. I'm finding lots of opportunities to jot down my thoughts and ideas, both as a way to develop some dreams I've got brewing, and as a way to process feelings I have throughout the day. It's a great practice to get into, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do this every day.</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For My Family</u></b> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>5. Stay connected to family (and friends).</b><br />
I've been enjoying phone calls with extended family lately, catching up on everyone's news. We celebrated our daughter's 21st birthday on Friday, and had a wonderful dinner with her. And I got snowed in with my husband in Maryland (Ok, not really, but I did have an extra evening together with him that I didn't expect due to travel plans changing). <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>6. Participate in our son's wedding plans</b>. </div>
<div>
This week I took a few minutes to send the names and addresses for the family wedding guests to my son and his fiancee, so they can get the Save the Date cards in the mail soon. So that's done. I also spent some time browsing on line for ideas for a dress to wear to the wedding. I love dream shopping for pretty things, so this was a fun little while on a cozy evening in front of the fireplace with my laptop.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For Friends and My Community</u></b> </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>7. Extend at least two invitations per month to friends.</b><br />
I'm so glad I got to visit with my friend, Kiki, who has been dealing lately with some very serious health issues. It was great to be able to give her hugs in person, to hold her hand, to talk and laugh and cry and just be with her.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>8. Volunteer at least three hours per month in my community. </b> </div>
<div>
I'm looking forward to my first time on a construction crew with Habitat for Humanity tomorrow. I'm kind of nervous - will I be too inexperienced? Too slow to learn? In the way? But I want to help, and I want to learn construction techniques, so hopefully this will be fun for me and useful for them.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Our Home</b></span></u><br />
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<br />
<b>9. Purge and organize the house by May 1.</b> </div>
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I made some small progress in putting away the Christmas decorations... they're still all out on the dining room table, but now they're sorted and ready to be boxed up. This is officially the latest I've dragged this job out, and I feel like a slug, but it's just no fun to think about doing that job. Blech!<br />
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<b>10. Work in the yard at least 3 hours per week.</b> </div>
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</div>
No progress here, it's been pretty cold and I was out of town a lot this week.<br />
<br />
<b>11. Allow time for at least two fun home decor projects per month.</b> </div>
<div>
No progress here either.<br />
<br /></div>
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Sweet Adelines</b></span></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>12. Personal singing rehearsal at least 4 hrs per week.</b> </span></div>
<div>
I've been getting this done, and wow, did it make a difference at rehearsal over the weekend! I really noticed a big difference in our forward progress because all four of us had put in our required home work.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>13. Do daily vocal exercises for 15 minutes, for 30 days. </b> </span></div>
<div>
I think I'm gonna just ignore this one. Everyone needs the chance to fail on at least one resolution, right?<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>14. Complete the CHC New Member Handbook by Feb 28th.</b> </span></div>
<div>
This one is weighing me down. I need to get cracking.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>15. Serve the Region 19 Silver Sorority champion's organization with at least 2 hours of activity per week.</b> </span><br />
I was supposed to have a meeting on Monday night but the big snow storm in the north east prevented us from driving to meet. We had one member in Philadelphia, one in Baltimore, and one in Annapolis, and we were supposed to meet for dinner north east of Baltimore. The snow got in our way and we cancelled. So we'll pick up via video chat later this weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
How about you? How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-18489506266776298852015-01-21T08:36:00.002-08:002015-01-21T08:36:30.075-08:00My 2015 Resolutions - Week 3 of 52Here's my third update of my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-my-list-of-resolutions.html" target="_blank">tried a new method this year</a>, and I'm hoping that weekly updates will keep me on track!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">For Myself</span></u></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. Get control of my weight and my health. </b><br />
Well, well, well, imagine this: If you eat Nutella on crackers every afternoon, and you eat a whole bag of tortilla chips over the course of two days, and you have chocolate turtle cake for dinner, and you eat a pound of leftover peppermint M&Ms over the course of two days, and you only eat healthy meals about four times in six days, then you will gain 1.2 pounds in a week. Who knew? :-/<br />
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Obviously time for a reboot.<br />
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<div>
<b>2. Walk 70,000 steps per week. </b><br />
Friday, Saturday and Sunday I was traveling and unable to get my 10K steps in, but the four other days this week I did great. I had a little hiccup and lost my Fitbit while traveling, so my Fitbit online account doesn't reflect the walking that I did get in from Saturday to Monday. But I have a new one now, and I'm back on track. I do love the new habit of walking every day, so will definitely keep this going.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>3. Try one new thing per month to stretch and grow. </b></div>
<div>
My husband and I joined Oyster Books this week, which is basically like Netflix but for books. For $9.99/month, you can read as many books as you want from their library of thousands of titles. I read six books this week (yes, six!!!). <i>Leaving Church</i>, by Barbara Brown Taylor; <i>Still Alice</i>, by Lisa Genova; <i>The Hundred Foot Journey</i>, by Richard C. Morais, <i>The Gift</i>, by Cecila Ahern; <i>Creative, Inc.</i>, by Cho & Ilasco; and <i>Craft, Inc.</i>, by Meg Ilasco.<br />
<br />
I loved <i>Still Alice</i>, want to see the movie. I loved <i>Hundred Foot Journey</i>, saw the movie already and it was quite different from the book in term of plot line, but I enjoyed both the book and the movie, though for different reasons. I enjoyed <i>Leaving Church</i>, I'm always up for a memoir recounting someone's spiritual journey. <i>The Gift</i> was not such a winner for me, kind of predictable and a little on the hokey side. The two books about building your own crafting or freelance business were more of a skim read, and I was only vaguely interested in the subject matter, but now I know a little more about each of these areas than I did before.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>4. Daily journalling and reflecting. </b> </div>
<div>
I've been keeping up this practice, and it's always a good thing. </div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For My Family</u></b> </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>5. Stay connected to family (and friends).</b><br />
We had a wonderful weekend in Minneapolis this weekend, with lots of connection time with our son, his fiancee and our new in-laws family. I loved every minute and am looking forward to going back again in March.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>6. Participate in our son's wedding plans</b>. </div>
<div>
In Minneapolis, we spent the day on Saturday with the bridal party, shopping for bridesmaid dresses. It was so much fun to meet and get to know the other girls, and to spend a day being girly and pretty. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For Friends and My Community</u></b> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>7. Extend at least two invitations per month to friends.</b><br />
Later this week I'll be traveling to Maryland for quartet rehearsal, so I'm going to meet up with a couple of friends there and catch up. And I'm walking with my walking buddy tomorrow.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>8. Volunteer at least three hours per month in my community. </b> </div>
<div>
Nothing under my belt yet this month, except I have signed up to work on a construction crew through Habitat for Humanity on Jan 29. That will give me a solid 7 hours this month. I'm kind of nervous, but looking forward to it too.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Our Home</b></span></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<b>9. Purge and organize the house by May 1.</b> </div>
<div>
Sadly, no progress in this category. I blame it on being gone all weekend. Let's not discuss how I spent the other four days this week... not purging or organizing, that's for sure. <br />
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<div>
<b>10. Work in the yard at least 3 hours per week.</b> </div>
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</div>
Nope, nothing here either. <br />
<br />
<b>11. Allow time for at least two fun home decor projects per month.</b> </div>
<div>
No progress on this front this week either.<br />
<br /></div>
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Sweet Adelines</b></span></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>12. Personal singing rehearsal at least 4 hrs per week.</b> </span></div>
<div>
I've done a lot of listening to rehearsal tapes, which doesn't exactly count as singing but does count for critiquing and self-assessment and identification of what to work on next. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>13. Do daily vocal exercises for 15 minutes, for 30 days. </b> </span></div>
<div>
Bad Jenny, bad! Nothing to report here.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>14. Complete the CHC New Member Handbook by Feb 28th.</b> </span></div>
<div>
Ugh. Nothing here either. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>15. Serve the Region 19 Silver Sorority champion's organization with at least 2 hours of activity per week.</b> </span><br />
Yes! I can end the list on a high note, I've got some work done on this category and already have plans next week too. <br />
<br />
At the end of week three, I can see that I've set up some real challenging stretch goals for myself, and if I want to really make progress on them, I need to be more structured in how I spend my time. <br />
<br />
How about you? How ar you doing with your New Year's resolutions? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-89715950106867777772015-01-20T11:46:00.000-08:002015-01-20T13:46:46.837-08:009 Habits for Successful Weight Loss MaintenanceSo many of us are in a continuous struggle with "weight loss". I know I am. So I'm always looking for ways to be motivated, satisfied and energized as I work on making healthy eating and exercise sustainable habits in my life. <br />
<br />
I joined Weight Watchers last fall, and I've enjoyed going to meetings and meeting people who are also struggling with the same issues. I've been changing my cooking habits and eating habits, and I've added walking to my daily routine. So far, my weight has dropped a little, but for the last few weeks I've been bouncing around the same five pound weight range, up and down and up and down. So I continue to refine my thoughts and approach, and I continue to look for ways to increase my success rate.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
I stumbled across the Half Size Me <a href="http://www.halfsizeme.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HalfSizeMe" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> today, and immediately read through a lot of the information there. Heather Robertson successfully lost over 170lbs and has maintained that healthy body for a long time. She's turned her success into a helpful website, podcast and coaching business. <br />
<br />
One of the things that jumped out at me was a <a href="http://www.halfsizeme.com/9-things-you-can-learn-from-successful-maintainers/" target="_blank">blog article about how to be successful at weight lost maintenance</a>. I figure, if someone can maintain a healthy body using these habits, then maybe I should examine them for myself! Let's take a look at the habits and see how I'm doing:<br />
<br />
<b>1 They continue to live with the healthy habits that helped them get the weight off in the first place.</b><br />
<br />
Heather notes that successful maintainers continue to journal their food and exercise, plan menus, find support and make time for personal improvement. In order to "continue" these habits, I would first have to establish them, right? I've been really bad about tracking my food - I just don't like to do it! Weight Watchers has a Simply Filling program wherein I don't have to track my food if I eat off a (rather large) list of whole foods low in fat and sugar. The problem is that I don't always do that. And so my food intake is really all over the map and I'm not holding myself accountable. So, there's a definite area for improvement for me.
<br />
<br />
I do, however, have some of the other habits in place, like planning menus and finding support. I've started more exercising (could always improve this!).
<br />
<br />
<b>2 They find a weight that is sustainable, not just achievable.
</b><br />
<br />
I haven't actually set a goal yet, as far as my weight is concerned. I know I'm overweight by a lot, and I could easily lose another 25lbs and still be above what the doctor tells me I should be. So for now, I'm just focusing on losing five pounds at a time, and will worry about setting a goal a little while later.
<br />
<br />
<b>3 They do not overly rely on cardio, and they prioritize weight lifting.
</b><br />
<br />
I've read this, over and over again, that weight lifting is the best way to bump your metabolism and change your body into a healthy one. I haven't taken the plunge yet. Not sure what I'm waiting for here. When will be the "right" time to try this?
<br />
<br />
<b>4 They find a way to cook that replaces their favorite food.
</b><br />
<br />
I'm working on this. Have invested in some good cookbooks, and have definitely tried a lot more recipes than I ever used to do. So I'm doing ok here.
<br />
<br />
<b>5 They eliminate or cut back on negative and toxic relationships.
</b><br />
<br />
Yes, I've learned this and have made this part of my life. I just don't have energy for people who bring negativity into my life.
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<br />
<b>6 They find a way to stop resenting the process of healthy living and instead embrace it and find joy in it.
</b><br />
<br />
This is something I haven't gotten the hang of yet. I still resent the fact that I "can't eat good food if I want to be healthy". I know, I know, I need to reframe in all kinds of ways. Big work here, I'm afraid.
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<br />
<b>7 They prioritize self-improvement.
</b><br />
<br />
I feel like I don't have a problem with this, I have always been one to seek out ways to improve myself. It's just that my physical well being has not been the focus area, I've been more focused on other things.<br />
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<b>8 They find a way to maintain their weight that is not driven by fear of gaining the weight back.
</b><br />
<br />
I don't know how much fear plays a part in my ability (or inability) to lose weight. I guess it must be, but I haven't been able to identify what it is that I'm afraid of. More work here, too, I guess.
<br />
<br />
<b>9 They find a way of eating that they can maintain, and they don’t stay on a diet.
</b><br />
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This is what the Weight Watchers program is all about, so I'm happy I've given myself the gift of Weight Watchers meetings and support.
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-73306656269566647122015-01-14T09:24:00.001-08:002015-01-14T09:24:22.985-08:00My 2015 Resolutions - Week 2 of 52Here's my second update of my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-my-list-of-resolutions.html" target="_blank">tried a new method this year</a>, and I'm hoping that weekly updates will keep me on track!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">For Myself</span></u></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<b>1. Get control of my weight and my health. </b><br />
I've been attempting to follow the Weight Watchers "Simply Filling" meal plan, which basically means that you can eat whatever you want, however much you want, except the foods have to come off of a master list of "Power foods". The Power Food list is basically whole fruits and veggies, whole grain, fat-free dairy, lean protein. If you eat something off of this list, then you have to log it, and you only get so many off-list foods per day/week. <br />
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I do pretty well with this plan each day, until late afternoon when I get these overwhelming urges to eat sugar and carbs. Some days I can fight off those urges, and some days I can't. Yesterday was a particularly bad day where I was insatiably hungry ALL DAY. Net result? I made some pretty bad choices this week when those kinds urges hit.<br />
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Weigh in today at WW: -.6lb from last week. I'd be a lot happier if this weren't the sam .6lb that I've lost before - twice in the last two months. Ugh. <br />
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This topic continues to be my #1 challenge in life... how to eat right for a healthy body. Continuing the learning process, I guess.<br />
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<b>2. Walk 70,000 steps per week. </b><br />
<a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2015/01/walking-success.html" target="_blank">This has been great</a>! Two days this week I didn't hit my 10K steps per day goal, but five days I did. I've been going for walks in the neighborhood each day, and it feels great! Mostly I notice that I'm more relaxed and I sleep better on days when I've been out for a walk. Am very happy with this new habit!<br />
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<b>3. Try one new thing per month to stretch and grow. </b></div>
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This week I downloaded the <a href="http://yogastudioapp.com/" target="_blank">Yoga Studio</a> app and tried a couple of the beginner routines. I guess I took the "stretch and grow" goal literally. ;-) So far, I'm enjoying the app, and plan to work with it about three times per week.<br />
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Also this week, my husband and daughter and I went to a free concert given by the Westminster Hand Bell Choir. A little musical culture is good for the soul! We enjoyed the concert and I'm really glad we ventured out for it.<br />
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<b>4. Daily journalling and reflecting. </b> </div>
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I've been faithful to this habit every day. Sometimes I do it right away in the morning. Sometimes it's more of an afternoon or late evening activity. But it's always good. I feel centered when I do this, and that's the point.</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For My Family</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>5. Stay connected to family (and friends).</b><br />
This week was kind of poor on this front - need to reach out and talk to my family more in the coming week. On the bright side, I've had some great conversations with my daughter, who is still home for winter break from college. So I've been loving that.<br />
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<b>6. Participate in our son's wedding plans</b>. </div>
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I haven't done anything specific in the past seven days, but coming up this weekend we're flying Minnesota (yes, in cold and frigid January!) to go bridesmaid dress shopping. So that will be fun!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>For Friends and My Community</u></b> </span><br />
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<b>7. Extend at least two invitations per month to friends.</b><br />
This week I enjoyed a morning walk and long chat with a friend. This is something I try to do weekly, though we don't always make it every week. <br />
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I'll be in Maryland for a few days later this month, and I plan to use that opportunity to reconnect with a couple people I've been missing lately.<br />
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<b>8. Volunteer at least three hours per month in my community. </b> </div>
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Big fat zero on this one. Better get cracking!<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Our Home</b></span></u><br />
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<b>9. Purge and organize the house by May 1.</b> </div>
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Umm... well, I've taken down all the Christmas stuff, and made a couple bags of "give away" decorations, does that count? (Let's not focus on the fact that I haven't put away much of the Christmas stuff... it's all sitting on the dining room table right now!)<br />
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<b>10. Work in the yard at least 3 hours per week.</b> </div>
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No, not this week. Bummer.<br />
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<b>11. Allow time for at least two fun home decor projects per month.</b> </div>
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Yes! I put up <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2015/01/curtains-in-living-room.html" target="_blank">new curtains in the living room</a> and redecorated the fireplace area. And it felt wonderful! I love this, and need to make more time for things like this.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Sweet Adelines</b></span></u><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>12. Personal singing rehearsal at least 4 hrs per week.</b> </span></div>
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Yep, have done this. yay for me, yay for the quartet!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>13. Do daily vocal exercises for 15 minutes, for 30 days. </b> </span></div>
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Nope. I've totally been a slacker in this goal. I HATE those exercises! Need to recommit to this goal... and now I need to do it through Feb 10th to make up for the days in January I didn't do it. Ugh. But if I do it, I will have a stronger, more flexible voice. Eyes on the prize, Jenny, eyes on the prize.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>14. Complete the CHC New Member Handbook by Feb 28th.</b> </span></div>
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Haven't done a single thing on this. Better get cracking!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>15. Serve the Region 19 Silver Sorority champion's organization with at least 2 hours of activity per week.</b> </span><br />
I've been in conversation via email with a couple of people on a couple of topics, and I organized a board meeting for later this month. So yes, at least I end this week's recap list with something positive to say!<br />
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How about you? How ar you doing with your New Year's resolutions? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-61986562732616021872015-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:002015-01-13T05:49:33.931-08:00Media Center Styling Ideas<div style="text-align: center;">
Today we're spending some time in the Bonus Room of our house. This is a large room above our garage that serves as our TV room. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbjrPt1kZpo/VLMk44gkBfI/AAAAAAAADZU/EhnRRVioDns/s1600/IMG_4158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbjrPt1kZpo/VLMk44gkBfI/AAAAAAAADZU/EhnRRVioDns/s1600/IMG_4158.jpg" height="318" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>The room has been pretty neglected, decorating-wise. It's brown, brown and more brown! But here's the challenge of today: After taking down the Christmas decorations, the large media center needs some styling help.<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-74R3_IT28/VLMk5fGuKVI/AAAAAAAADZc/g7n_CP8U-3o/s1600/IMG_4155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-74R3_IT28/VLMk5fGuKVI/AAAAAAAADZc/g7n_CP8U-3o/s1600/IMG_4155.jpg" height="554" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only is it large and empty, but the light is burned out in the top right side too.</td></tr>
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Frankly, I've had a problem with styling this piece of furniture since we bought it more than ten years ago. I've never really had a good plan for these shelves, and it always ends up either too empty or strangely filled with random stuff that doesn't really make much sense to me. </div>
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One problem is that there are some electronic components that live on the shelf above the TV that need to be hidden yet accessible. Another problem is that the side shelf units are really deep and really dark. Anything that gets put inside these glass cabinets usually just disappears into the dark caves. A third problem is that there's a glare on the glass doors, and that makes it even harder to see anything inside there. Here's what this media center typically looked like when we lived in Maryland:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PY3IykHkSGs/VLHzA0ESthI/AAAAAAAADXM/RRpTKfdYjP0/s1600/DSC00114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PY3IykHkSGs/VLHzA0ESthI/AAAAAAAADXM/RRpTKfdYjP0/s1600/DSC00114.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The media center didn't look any better when it was in our old house in Maryland.</td></tr>
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To further complicate matters, the two other bookshelf-type units in this same room are very similar in style. So whatever I do in the TV media center, I want it to blend but not be too similar to these other units. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCeewGREvZo/VLMk5oec43I/AAAAAAAADZk/UAmOTcEHxMg/s1600/IMG_4159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCeewGREvZo/VLMk5oec43I/AAAAAAAADZk/UAmOTcEHxMg/s1600/IMG_4159.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Help!!!!!</div>
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To get some inspiration for decorating this challenging area, I turned to houzz.com. Here are some photos that came up in my search.</div>
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This media center is kind of similar with a big center section and two side shelving units. There are no doors here, and so the items in the side units are easier to see. Should I remove the doors from ours? I also like the large scale items on the lowest shelves... I could remove a shelf in our unit to get a similar look.</div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/338268/Classic-Coastal-Colonial-Renovation-the-Media-Center-traditional-home-theater-newark"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/d7a1f96a0ead8c57_8-6111/traditional-home-theater.jpg" height="334" width="500" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/home-theater" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Home Theater</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractor/c/Westfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Westfield General Contractors</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/elliemroz/michael-robert-construction" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Michael Robert Construction</a></small></div>
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The same media center unit, used in a different house by a different designer. This shows how the same unit can have a different look just by changing the shelf height and using different elements.</div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/125541/Lorraine-Vale-traditional-living-room-charleston"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/49b187e60d588830_8-6884/traditional-living-room.jpg" height="306" width="500" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Living Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/c/Charleston--SC" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Charleston Interior Designers & Decorators</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lgvale/lorraine-g-vale-allied-asid" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">LORRAINE G VALE, Allied ASID</a></small></div>
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This unit has doors, but the cabinet is white inside so the items behind the doors are more easily seen. Lots of books in this display, something we could very easily do in ours.</div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/470883/Living-Room-eclectic-living-room-portland"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/f3116bb70f15a685_8-2233/eclectic-living-room.jpg" height="334" width="500" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Eclectic Living Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/media-and-blogs/portland" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Portland Media & Bloggers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/julie-smith/julie-smith" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Julie Smith</a></small></div>
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Here's a sparsely filled bookshelf example. The shelves are very dark, so they used lighter colored items in the shelves. No glass doors... I'm really tempted to remove our doors!</div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/894654/Closet-Organizing-Systems-traditional-family-room-chicago"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/86512ffa0fa96ca0_8-8397/traditional-family-room.jpg" height="330" width="500" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Family Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/closets-and-organization/c/Bartlett--IL" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Bartlett Closet & Home Storage Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/closetos/closet-organizing-systems" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Closet Organizing Systems</a></small></div>
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I like the way the shelf above the TV is styled here... this idea could be very easily copied in our media center.</div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1379292/Fashionable-Entertainment-traditional-living-room-minneapolis"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/bbe18d28002901a4_8-4683/traditional-living-room.jpg" height="370" width="500" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Living Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/cabinets/c/Howard-Lake--MN" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Howard Lake Cabinets & Cabinetry</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/durasupremecabinetry/dura-supreme-cabinetry" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Dura Supreme Cabinetry</a></small></div>
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This is another dark colored media center, and this one also has glass doors like ours. In fact, this one is really similar in style and shape to ours. For some reason, I'm not a big fan of the large scale photographs in the shelf above the television. The side shelves are nice, though, so I'm sure we'll end up with 5"x7" photos on some of our shelves.</div>
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2116174/Holiday-Decor-traditional-living-room-columbus"><img border="0" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/06a139a600bce6d6_8-3062/traditional-living-room.jpg" height="334" width="500" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Living Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/photographer/c/Columbus--OH" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Columbus Photographers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/julieranee/julie-ranee-photography" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Julie Ranee Photography</a></small></div>
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I'm going to think a little on this, and be back in a few days with an update on how I addressed this challenging decorating situation. In the meantime, do you have any ideas for me? I'll use all the help I can get!</div>
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________________________<br />
Linking to:<br />
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Between Naps on the Porch: <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/preparing-for-the-installation-of-underground-downspout-extensions/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday</a><br />
A Delightsome Life - <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2015/01/return-loveliness-31.html" target="_blank">A Return to Loveliness</a><br />
<span style="color: black;">StoneGable - </span><a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/the-scoop-153/" target="_blank">The Scoop</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6983270639169970246%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D6198656273261602187%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fst.houzz.com%252Fsimgs%252F06a139a600bce6d6_8-3062%252Ftraditional-living-room.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 103px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5518px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6983270639169970246%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D6198656273261602187%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fst.houzz.com%252Fsimgs%252F06a139a600bce6d6_8-3062%252Ftraditional-living-room.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 103px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5518px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-36021632745522742982015-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:002015-01-12T18:24:41.631-08:00Curtains in the Living Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the Christmas decorations came down, the living room was looking really bare. In the span of just a couple of days we went from this:</div>
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to this:</div>
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What a difference! The room felt so spare and empty, and definitely in need of warming up. I decided that now is the time to put some fabric on the windows. Even though we've been here 16 months without curtains, and are moving again in about 7 months, I figured if I could find some inexpensive options, then it would be worth it to feel warm and comfy in this room.</div>
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I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond and browsed around their curtain selections for a while. I found quite a few options that would have worked, but eventually decided on this pattern: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mL2TtU9HkeE/VLMWk8HOUhI/AAAAAAAADX0/N--OCx0CVdc/s1600/IMG_4132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mL2TtU9HkeE/VLMWk8HOUhI/AAAAAAAADX0/N--OCx0CVdc/s1600/IMG_4132.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The colors are perfect - a mineral spa blue with beige, white, grey and a darker slate blue. The colors will blend nicely with the beige and blue/green colors I've been trying to use in this room.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Se7PLsE4M/VLMWk7ZLaoI/AAAAAAAADXw/tLCDewtXae8/s1600/IMG_4164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Se7PLsE4M/VLMWk7ZLaoI/AAAAAAAADXw/tLCDewtXae8/s1600/IMG_4164.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I decided to just use side panels, and not attempt to make them operating draperies. This will give some softness to the room without adding the cost and bulk of a full coverage drapery treatment. Here's what the fabric looks like hanging on the first window. I'm really pleased with the way the colors blend with the art that's the inspiration piece for the colors in the room. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZxXKyTWB0s/VLMWkR2pvJI/AAAAAAAADXs/7acyq7Nowts/s1600/IMG_4166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZxXKyTWB0s/VLMWkR2pvJI/AAAAAAAADXs/7acyq7Nowts/s1600/IMG_4166.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I realized that somehow I didn't get a full-room photo, probably because my daughter was camped out on the sofa most of the evening and refused to be in a photo. ;-) So here's the only shot I have showing the curtain surrounding the sofa. This is before I ironed them.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xGme2W9e1Y/VLMceNryJtI/AAAAAAAADY8/e3oewCOjBlQ/s1600/IMG_4149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xGme2W9e1Y/VLMceNryJtI/AAAAAAAADY8/e3oewCOjBlQ/s1600/IMG_4149.jpg" height="350" width="640" /></a></div>
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This sweet little canvas was a gift at Christmas time. It's perfect, in color, style and sentiment.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVUuMNDE9jk/VLMceS6fB_I/AAAAAAAADZA/IEhq2Ma9n-8/s1600/IMG_4150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVUuMNDE9jk/VLMceS6fB_I/AAAAAAAADZA/IEhq2Ma9n-8/s1600/IMG_4150.jpg" height="640" width="514" /></a></div>
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On the other side of the fireplace, the corner panel looks narrower than the panel near the sofa, but it's just the angle of the photo - they're actually the same width.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-yGkUxhReE/VLMWlZRbwfI/AAAAAAAADX4/2iwhWSREpuI/s1600/IMG_4167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-yGkUxhReE/VLMWlZRbwfI/AAAAAAAADX4/2iwhWSREpuI/s1600/IMG_4167.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></a></div>
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Here's a shot of the fireplace wall with the new curtains and with some simple rearrangement of accessories from around the house. That floral chair's colors blend better now, but the pattern is clashing more than ever. I just HAVE to get the slipcover made for this chair!</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The wood and metal medallion came from a different wall in the same room. The bucket of silk hydrangeas looks nice and full, and the iron candle holder blends nicely with the rest of the colors. The picture frames on the mantel carry the blue-green colors around the room. (I still haven't filled that one frame yet... its been empty for months and months!!!)</span></div>
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While I was making changes here and there, I made one small change to the lamp on the side table. It had a green shade with gold bead fringe around the bottom. I changed out the shade from this:</div>
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To this:</div>
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It's a small change, but the style of the shade is a better match for the room now, I think. I may or may not paint the lamp base to lighten it up a little. The silver mercury glass candle holder and small lidded jar were gifts from my son and future daughter-in-law, and I haven't found their permanent home yet. This spot is as good as any for them for now!</div>
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All in all, I'm really happy with the new curtains and the comfortable and more finished feel that they give the room. </div>
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How are things in your home now that the Christmas decorations have been put away? Have you made any decorative changes? I'd love to hear about it. Please say hello in the comments and let me know what's happening in your home these days.<br />
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Linking to:<br />
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Between Naps on the Porch - <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/preparing-for-the-installation-of-underground-downspout-extensions/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday</a><br />
A Delightsome Life - <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2015/01/return-loveliness-31.html" target="_blank">A Return to Loveliness</a><br />
StoneGable - <a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/the-scoop-153/" target="_blank">The Scoop</a><br />
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Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-70961468189995981422015-01-11T16:07:00.000-08:002015-01-20T11:46:34.739-08:00Walking Success!<div style="text-align: center;">
When I set my New Year's Resolution of walking 10K steps per day in 2015, I knew it would require a lifestyle change to get myself up off the couch and out on the street or trail (or shopping mall, as the case may be) on a daily basis. Shockingly I discovered that I can easily spend a whole day in my house and only get 1000 steps. That's horrific! </div>
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I have a Fitbit One, and I can go online and get lots of statistics about how I'm doing anytime throughout the day. One of the things I've been checking is the 7-day total over on the right sidebar, under where it says "Friends". Today is the first day that my 7-day total has been over 70,000, meaning that today's the first day that I averaged over 10K steps per day for a whole week. </div>
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Woohoo!!!! I LOVED seeing this number when I logged in this evening!!!</div>
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Tomorrow the 7-day total will be back down low again, because I had an extra big day 7 days ago and a few low days since then. So I'm just enjoying this moment for a while, basking in the glow of achieving my goal. </div>
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Happy Sunday, folks!</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-28307375139838256552015-01-11T05:47:00.002-08:002015-01-11T17:45:05.768-08:00Every Day Gratitude<div style="text-align: center;">
In 2014, I had a <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/search/label/Gratitude%20Project%202014" target="_blank">daily gratitude practice</a> here on the blog. It was a New Year's resolution, and my intent was to get into a regular habit of expressing gratitude for the many, many blessings that I have in my life. It turned out to be a not-quite-daily practice. Out of 365 days, I only posted 245 times. There were stretches of a few days or even a few weeks where I didn't get anything onto the blog, for a variety of reasons. Over the course of the year, though, I created a habit.</div>
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And now that the project is done? I'm finding myself still drawn to the act of writing down my daily gratitude thoughts. I've found myself sitting at the blogger dashboard with a brand new empty post, fully ready to write today's gratitude post, then I realize that the project is over and I don't have to do it anymore. Or I'll wander into my office and sit down at the table with a journal, and have the overwhelming urge to write out my feelings, expressing thankfulness for the day's gifts. I love those moments... it's like the joy of life is bubbling up and wants to come out and infuse everything with goodness.</div>
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I'm so happy this is my habit now. I've said it before, and it's still true... I feel so much more content in my life, so much more at peace with the challenges on my plate, and I believe it's because of the way I made such an effort to find things to be thankful for, every day. Not just the easy days, but on the hard days too. When my dad was dying. When I was very lonely. When I was angry at life's circumstances. </div>
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Looking back, I think in those moments of intense sadness or frustration or grief was when I most grew. It's easy to express gratitude for your life on good days. But when you're overwhelmed, it's a good trick to figure out how to look at the other side of the equation, and find the light in the darkness, find the beauty amidst the pain. If you can do that, then your soul has just unlocked one of the keys to happiness, I think.</div>
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Have you tried a daily gratitude practice? What was your experience? Or maybe you're thinking about starting one? I'd love to hear about it, please do leave a comment and let's chat!</div>
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<br />Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-76520104561606316972015-01-09T06:07:00.001-08:002015-01-11T17:45:24.271-08:00Building My Dream Team<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Small Spark</span></b><br />
It began with a small spark of inspiration one random afternoon. I don't know how the idea came about... We'd been discussing moving back to Maryland later this year, the timing of it, the logistics, the practicalities. The finances... how much could we afford? The lifestyle... how much house and yard do we want? The commute... What town do we want to live in? It was all very matter of fact, but then one moment later, the smallest germ of an idea began to form in my mind.<br />
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This little idea stayed there, and it grew, and before I knew it, it had become a full-fledged dream. Or rather, a Dream. The big kind. The kind where it's a little scary if you dwell in the "how" for any time at all. The kind that makes your eyes sparkle and your heart flutter and the corners of your mouth ever so slightly spread into a quiet, secret smile. The kind I haven't had in a long time.<br />
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This post isn't going to be about what the Dream is, because it's still a little too precious to me to share in the cold, harsh light of day. No, in fact, that's part of what I want to talk about today... that first, scary step when you whisper the words to someone else. That opening of your heart at one of its most vulnerable moments, that moment when you let someone else in on your secret longing.<br />
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Sometimes I wish I was a big, bold, extroverted creative artist. You know her. She's the woman who wears fabulously flamboyant clothing and red lipstick on a Tuesday morning. She can come up with seven ideas for things to do this weekend without even thinking. She floats from one creative venture to another, and tries anything and everything under the sun just to see how the experience feels. She wouldn't have any trouble telling someone her Dream. She doesn't need anyone's approval or buy-in, she forges ahead and makes things happen for herself. In the doing, she finds out what works and what doesn't. She doesn't pre-think every little thing, she just tries. And more often than not, she succeeds. And she always learns.<br />
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Me? I'm very safe. I know what I can do. I take tiny steps toward stretch goals. I dream small. I need to know how the money's going to work out. I need to know what it will look like, feel like, how long it will take. So when this new Dream showed up, it surprised me. It's little foreign to me, but I really enjoyed nurturing it quietly in my mind.<br />
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Then the day came when I needed to talk to someone else about it. Because Dreams are things that we can't do alone. They impact the people we live with, the people we love. We need other people to make the Dream happen.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This Giving Up Of Myself</b></span><br />
I brought up the conversation with my husband. It was a hard thing, this giving up of myself. As I spoke, I felt like a small bit of myself had been pulled away from me, and now it wasn't really mine anymore. I felt vulnerable and I expected judgment. I expected him to poo-poo the idea, to tell me no, that it didn't fit into what he wants in his life.<br />
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What really happened? Truthfully I don't know. I can't remember his words. But I can tell you how I felt during the conversation. I felt what I expected to feel. I felt like he thought the Dream was silly, impractical, too far out of "normal" to be something he would buy into. I don't remember what he said, but I can remember how I shrank back into myself and set the Dream on a shelf far back in the corner of my mind.<br />
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Don't be mad at my husband. It's not his fault I put my Dream to bed, it's mine. I'm responsible for my Dream. I'm the one who has to feed it, give it light, give it air, allow it to grow and breathe. No one else can do that for me. I'm pretty sure now that it was <i>my fear</i>, not his reaction, that made me shrink back and hide the Dream away. Luckily, I didn't fully close the door. It was just dormant, quietly waiting for another chance to come out into the open.<br />
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That chance came one night at dinner this week. My daughter is home from college and was talking about her plans for this summer and her plans for her career. One thing led to another and she was telling us how she'd love to own a small acreage farm and raise chickens and goats have an organic garden and make music and art and be a freelance writer and host artist retreats and -- whew! She's a big Dreamer! During that conversation, my husband mentioned to her what I had told him a few months ago about my Dream, and he suggested that my daughter and I could go in together on our project. He had a lilt in his tone that made me uncomfortable.<br />
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"Don't mock me," I said. "You're mocking me."<br />
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He quickly denied it, and said he was intrigued by my Dream and wondered why I hadn't talked more about it lately. <br />
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What? Was he serious? How could I have so totally misread the situation?<br />
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The floodgates opened in that moment. The three of us began brainstorming and bantering and building idea upon idea. My daughter was the active encourager in the conversation. She showed me how to give life to an idea and let the possibilities fly. Since that dinner, I've had more conversations one-on-one with my daughter about it, I've done some research on my own, and last night I brought it up again with my husband to see if he really thought the idea has legs for us, for our life together. To my delight, he did, and it does. We agreed that it does make sense for me to move forward and pursue my Dream. I couldn't be happier!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'd Forgotten My Audience</b></span><br />
I've realized that I'd made a mistake in how I approached sharing this Dream of mine. I'd forgotten my audience, and what kind of personality they have. I didn't describe things very clearly, and didn't remember that I was talking to someone who has a different perspective. So my husband's reaction didn't fit what I wanted to hear at that moment, and I was hurt and I retreated.<br />
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See, my husband is a doer. So when a new, bold idea is put to him, he immediately starts thinking about the "how". And that immediately turns to a discussion of the expected roadblocks and speed bumps, the practicalities, and how to get around them. And in my ears, that sounds an awful lot like "All the Reasons Why Your Dream Won't Work!" And that makes me stop, put my dream on the back of the shelf, and return to more normal, known things in my life. But he wasn't judging me, he didn't think it was silly. He was simply extending the Dream into an action plan, premature as that may have been in my mind. He was trying to be helpful, in thinking through how we could make the plan work. He wanted to identify the roadblocks so that we could find a way around them. <br />
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My daughter, on the other hand, is a dreamer. She has a talent for coming up with ideas and growing them and extending them and building them. She doesn't let reality get in her way. "You could do this. And then you could do that. And that could lead to that. Oh, what about this?" She isn't afraid of risk. She operates on blind faith. She believes in the random walk through the Universe. She believes in learning every day through experience. When I talk to her about my Dream, I feel invigorated, limitless, and free.<br />
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Coming fresh out of these conversations this week, it's really clear to me that I have the beginnings of a Dream Team here. I need a group of people who will serve specific roles for me as I pursue my Dream. My Personal Board of Directors, if you will, for this Dream of mine.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Dream Team</span></b><br />
A <b>Dreamer</b> - someone who doesn't care about boundaries, limits, fears, convention, what's normal or expected. Someone I can bounce ideas off of, extend from one idea to another, explore all the possibilities and set a grand vision. Someone who won't let me settle for a smaller, easier version of the Dream. For me, this is my daughter. <br />
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A <b>Clarifier</b> - someone who will ask questions and help me understand what parts of this Dream are important, and what parts are just ancillary. Someone to help refine all the brainstormed ideas into a clear vision and purpose. I can count on my friend Lori for this.<br />
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A <b>Processor or Troubleshooter</b> - someone who will think through step by step what needs to be done. Someone who can break things down into chunks, identify potential roadblocks and find solutions to them. My husband fits this role perfectly.<br />
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A <b>Connector</b> - someone who can connect me to others, extend my network of contacts and help me find the right people to get the Dream built. Hmmm... not sure who this will be quite yet. I supposed it depends on the topic at hand.<br />
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An <b>Expert</b> - someone who has experience in the subject matter related to the Dream, someone who knows the ins and outs and what might be involved, might have a unique perspective, and who isn't too close to me. Someone who isn't emotionally invested in me as a friend, so can give me unfiltered feedback on the idea and help me see things clearly. I have a few people in mind that I can go to for this.<br />
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A team of<b> Cheerleaders</b> - people who will encourage me and make me feel that I can do this. These people can be counted on to smile and nod and clap their hands and be there for me when I'm feeling discouraged. I have several family members and friends in my life that will be perfect in this role.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who Won't Be On My Dream Team?</b></span><br />
Sadly, I know that there are people in my life who will not be helpful in the pursuit of my Dream. I'll need to limit my interaction with these types of people regarding my idea in order to keep them from stealing my energy and slowing my progress.<br />
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The<b> Naysayer</b> - you know, the one who only has negative or cynical things to say about everything in life.<br />
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The <b>Gossip</b> - this person can drag me in to worrying about what someone else will think, what the neighbors might say, what convention would have me do.<br />
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The <b>Jealous Dreamer</b> - this is the most dangerous person of all, the one who for whatever reason has already given up on his or her personal dreams, and doesn't want me to realize my dream either. This person is a Dream Killer of the worst kind.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who's On Your Dream Team?</b></span><br />
Do you have a big Dream too? Is there something in the back of your mind that you've been putting off, because it's impractical, or it's not "normal", or it's risky or scary? Well, I can't tell you whether or not now is the right time to pull that idea out into the sun an let it grow. You're the only one who knows that. But if now is the time? Then be sure to find yourself a Dream Team! Figure out who in your life can serve in the roles of the Dreamer, the Clarifier, the Processor, the Connector, the Expert, and the Cheerleaders. And think carefully about telling your Processor about your dream before you've chatted it over with your Dreamer. Trust me, you'll be so much more likely to keep the Dream out in the open!<br />
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Won't you please leave a comment to tell us about your Dream Team? Or about your Dream? I'd love to hear from you!<br />
<br />Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-80115114159892149562015-01-07T15:16:00.001-08:002015-01-07T15:16:31.493-08:00My 2015 Resolutions - Week 1 of 52Here's my first update of my 2015 New Year's Resolutions. I <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-my-list-of-resolutions.html" target="_blank">tried a new method this year</a>, and I'm hoping that weekly updates will keep me on track!<br />
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<b>1. Get control of my weight and my health. </b><br />
Well, let's just say that this week I was up and down and then up and down some more with regard to my eating habits. I would do well during the morning and afternoon, then splurge at dinner. Or I would let myself get too hungry and then really blow things at the next meal time. At my WW meeting this morning, I weighed in and was -.2lb, which is really basically the same as last week with a little variation for different clothing or different breakfast or whatever. So, the good news is I didn't really gain anything even with my bad habits. This coming week I want to do better.</div>
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<b>2. Walk 70,000 steps per week. </b><br />
My week's total steps is just over 68,000, or just shy of my 10Ksteps/day goal. Five days out of seven I exceeded 10K, but two days I was in the midst of all-day quartet rehearsals and only got an average of 4K steps those days. My legs are feeling a little tight and sore, though, so I think I need to add some stretching in to my routine. I'm glad I made this resolution, because it is clear that it will require a lifestyle change in order to meet my goal, and that was what I wanted... to move more as a basic habit in my life.</div>
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<b>3. Try one new thing per month to stretch and grow. </b></div>
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No progress here yet. Am thinking of some ideas to try with my daughter before she moves back to college in a couple weeks.<br />
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<b>4. Daily journalling and reflecting. </b> </div>
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This has been happening, and it's been good. Most days I do this first thing, before I open the laptop. The days I put it off are the days that I end up feeling a little blue or in a little funk. So it seems that it's a good morning routine, and I need to be just a little more firm with myself to do it first.</div>
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<b>5. Stay connected to family (and friends).</b><br />
This one has been really good. I've had nice phone conversations this week with my mom and several friends, and I enjoyed a great weekend rehearsal retreat with my quartet friends. I'd like to do more, so I foresee more phone calls in the coming week.</div>
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<b>6. Participate in our son's wedding plans</b>. </div>
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No activity along this line this week, other than looking at my future daughter-in-law's wedding Pinterest board and commenting on her pins. </div>
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<b>7. Extend at least two invitations per month to friends.</b><br />
I walked with my walking buddy last Friday, and I've got a date to walk with her again tomorrow, but that's becoming so (wonderfully) regular that I feel like it shouldn't count against this stretch goal. So, I'm thinking about what to do toward this goal next week. </div>
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<b>8. Volunteer at least three hours per month in my community. </b> </div>
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Nothing happening here yet -- some ideas, but no action. Let's get with it, shall we?</div>
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<b>9. Purge and organize the house by May 1.</b> </div>
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Focus lately has been on de-Christmassing. It's taking me a while to get it all down and packed away, with the added complication that we're moving this summer so I need to really pack things well so they don't break when they get moved. No dumping hundreds of ornaments in a bin and gently placing them in the attic. <br />
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<b>10. Work in the yard at least 3 hours per week.</b> </div>
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Done! I had several good sessions out in the yard this week, and it was a novelty to do gardening in the winter time. I loved it, and am looking forward to more time this week.<br />
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<b>11. Allow time for at least two fun home decor projects per month.</b> </div>
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Sadly, this one got short shrift this week. No creative fun for me yet. Must change that next week!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>12. Personal singing rehearsal at least 4 hrs per week.</b> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Done! Actually, did more like 8 hours this week, if you count all the listening to rehearsal recordings that I've done. It can feel like a chore, so I have to remind myself why I do this, to keep myself on track.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>13. Do daily vocal exercises for 15 minutes, for 30 days. </b> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Oops - I missed a few days here. It's just a drag, about as fun as scrubbing grout in the shower. But, I'm gonna do better this week. I must!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>14. Complete the CHC New Member Handbook by Feb 28th.</b> </span></div>
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No progress here this week. Gotta get it on the schedule.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>15. Serve the Region 19 Silver Sorority champion's organization with at least 2 hours of activity per week.</b> </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Done! I sent and replied to several emails, and am in the midst of some conversations about services the organization can offer in the coming months. Feels good to get this moving again.</span><br />
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Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-11995091787665362332015-01-05T11:38:00.005-08:002015-01-05T11:38:58.745-08:00Puttering Around the Yard in January<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't adjusted to the climate and weather here in Raleigh quite yet. After living in the Mid-Atlantic weather of Maryland for 24 years, moving to the south has really changed my perspective on gardening!</div>
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Yesterday I found myself outside in my shirtsleeves, weeding and fluffing mulch, working up a sweat in 76degree humid weather. A quick line of thunderstorms moved through and rained me out of my afternoon chores. Behind the rain came cool, crisp air and clear skies. This afternoon the sun is shining brightly and the wind is light, and it's perfect for working outside!</div>
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In the fall I ordered lots and lots of daffodils, tulips and other bulbs to spread throughout the gardens for next spring. Unfortunately I had a very busy fall and didn't get them all planted before Thanksgiving. But the weather has been pretty warm, all things considered, for most of the last few months, and the ground isn't frozen. So yesterday and today I put the last few bulbs into the ground. It's strange to think that I can plant them in January and still hope for a pretty display beginning in March! Crazy! There's a chance they won't do well, but I'm hopeful that because the bulbs were outside the on the back porch for these last few months, hopefully they will have been chilled enough to sprout like normal when the time comes.</div>
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It was tough to plant these at this time of year, though, not because of the hard ground, but because everything in the bed had died off and it was tough to find the other plants in the garden! I didn't want to slice through any rootballs with my shovel, so I was careful to rake all the mulch slowly and gently, so I could find but not disturb the other plants. Since everything in this bed is less than a year old, some of them were hard to find. </div>
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I also took a little bit of time today to fluff up the mulch in some parts of the garden. The kind of mulch we laid down last year (shredded hard wood) usually decomposes and turns into good soil over the course of the fall and winter, and that's exactly what's happening now. I like the looks of it better after it's been freshly fluffed up, and the rain water has an easier time soaking into the soil when it's fluffed, too. And it makes the weeds easier to pull. So now and again I go around with the garden rake and churn things up nicely. </div>
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It's really, really nice to be out in the yard at all times of the year. That's something that we can't really do up in Maryland, because the ground freezes up and is sometimes covered in snow. But down here, we can be out getting our hands in the dirt pretty much all year long. I think it makes the long wait until spring a little more bearable. It's hard to believe that in just a couple months we'll start seeing spring growth return to the garden. That makes me very happy!</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-52073811764701962902015-01-01T05:50:00.000-08:002015-01-01T05:55:24.011-08:00Gratitude- Day 365 - Dec 31, 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
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Here we are at the end of the year, preparing to close the books on 2014 and start afresh in 2015. <br />
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I'm so grateful for this Gratitude Project 2014. <br />
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For the first time in my life, I can say that I'm truly content, and I find peace and happiness in my daily life, in the small moments and in the large grand events. I am satisfied, I'm encouraged, I'm hopeful. <br />
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I believe this is because of the Gratitude practice that I began one year ago. Taking a few moments every day to reflect on my many blessings, to think about what I'm grateful for, was like putting a warm blanket around my life. It was a comfort, a mirror, a daily gift to myself.<br />
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My Gratitude practice helped me through some of the hardest <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/03/gratitude-day-64-65-and-66.html" target="_blank">times of the year</a>. It helped me rejoice in the <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/11/gratitude-day-306-314-nov-2-10-2014.html" target="_blank">good times </a>of the year. Gratitude was a way of life for me this year, even if blogging about it was a project <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/08/gratitude-days-234-241-aug-22-29-2014.html" target="_blank">put on the back burner</a> for a while. <br />
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Out of 365 days, I wrote a blog post 245 times... which didn't meet my goal of blogging daily, but which met my goal about 244 times more than would have happened if I hadn't set out this daily project.<br />
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I'm so grateful now for the gift I gave myself at this time last year, for being intentional about my gratitude practice. It has enriched my life!<br />
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I don't plan to continue the daily blogging effort, but I do plan to continue my gratitude practice in a private journal here at home. <br />
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Thank you, friends, for following along in this project this year. I appreciate each and every reader, every comment made. <br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Linking to:</span><br />
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Chatting At The Sky: <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2014/12/30/lets-share-learned-2014" target="_blank">What We Learned in 2014</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Click below to see all of my posts for my</span></div>
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<a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/search/label/Gratitude%20Project%202014" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="GratitudeProject2014" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/11697770245_880e4a90ae.jpg" height="79" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'd love for you to share in this project. What's making you feel grateful today?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please leave a comment to share your thoughts today.</span></div>
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Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-9357167986659006492014-12-31T04:00:00.000-08:002015-01-04T16:27:25.230-08:00My 2015 Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've finished planning my 2015 resolutions! I mentioned how I went about it this year in <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-my-list-of-resolutions.html" target="_blank">this earlier post</a>. I'm taking a new approach, and am trying to make resolutions that will help me <i>feel the way I want to feel</i> this year, rather than being a list of habits to break or places to visit or pounds to lose. I'm going to post the list here, and then make weekly updates to hold myself accountable and stay on track. I hope you'll join me each week! </div>
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I've separated my goals into five categories: Myself, Family, Friends/Community, Home, and Sweet Adelines. </div>
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<b><u>For Myself</u></b></h2>
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<i>I want to feel: At ease with myself, ever learning and growing, healthy and strong, beautiful, confident, spiritual. I want to grow, stretch, understand, trust, relax, allow, feel, celebrate, enjoy and love. To lead me toward these goals, I will: </i></div>
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<b>1. Get control of my weight and my health</b> - I'm not setting a weight loss goal per se, though I do want to lose weight. But mainly, I want to feel in control of my food choices, and I want to feel confident and pretty and healthy and strong. My main plan is to follow the Weight Watchers program, including attending meetings, doing weekly meal planning, journalling, trying new recipes, growing some of our own veggies, etc., and other ideas too, all to keep on track with good food choices.</div>
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<b>2. Walk 70,000 steps per week</b> - At 46 years old, I'm not going to turn into an exercise junkie any time soon. I've tried lots of different approaches to exercise, but the only thing that really sticks is walking. So, that's what I'll be doing. Getting 10,000 steps per day on average is a lofty goal considering I only get around 5,000 per day right now. </div>
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<a href="http://www.crowe-associates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/272_Journal_picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.crowe-associates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/272_Journal_picture.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><b>3. Try one new thing per month to stretch and grow</b> - this could be an intellectual pursuit, a travel opportunity, a new craft or project, a new exercise, a new cooking style or cuisine. I'd like to exceed the one per month goal, but let's be real - I've got a lot of things on this list. Let's start small.</div>
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<b>4. Daily journalling and reflecting</b> - I learned during 2014 that a daily Gratitude practice is invaluable for feeling happy. I want to continue that, but also add in a devotional practice and other self-reflective journaling to develop spiritually. </div>
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<b><u>For My Family</u></b> </h2>
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<i>I want to feel: Loved/loving, connected, supportive, and fun. To lead me toward these goals, I will:</i></div>
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<a href="http://factorydirectcraft.com/pimages/20120118112818-238955_med/my_sons_wedding_photo_album_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://factorydirectcraft.com/pimages/20120118112818-238955_med/my_sons_wedding_photo_album_medium.jpg" height="200" width="184" /></a><b>5. Stay connected to family (and friends)</b> via phone calls, video chats, notes and cards and in-person visits whenever possible. <span style="text-align: center;">With our family spread to the four corners of the US, it's a challenge to stay connected, though we do a pretty good job of it. I don't want to lose that. So I'm making it a specific goal to check each week.</span></div>
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<b>6. Participate in our son's wedding plans</b>. We'll be making several trips out to Minnesota for various events throughout the year, culminating in the actual wedding in October. There are things I could be doing from here at home, too, and I know my son and our future daughter-in-law want me to be involved (though not meddling, of course). </div>
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<b><u>For Friends and My Community</u></b> </h2>
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<i>I want to feel: connected, fun, involved, active, engaged, helpful, and contributing. Since we moved to Raleigh in Sept 2013, I've not made as many friends and community connections as I would like. Also, as a strong introvert, it's way easier for me to stay at home than to reach out and take a risk making a new friend. I want to focus particular attention on reaching out and making overtures to others. I want to be of service to my community. To lead me toward these goals, I will:</i></div>
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<b>7. Extend at least two invitations per month to friends</b> or acquaintances for getting together somehow. This could be to go walking, shopping, out for lunch, for a craft project, getting together with families, or any number of other ideas. I can easily combine this with goal #3 for extra fun.</div>
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<b>8. Volunteer at least three hours per month in my community. </b> There are several ways to do this, and this goal is a low bar which I hope to easily surpass each month. I may try a few different opportunities to see what I like best. As of this minute, I'm pretty sure I'll reach out to Habitat For Humanity as a starting point. </div>
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For Our Home</u></h2>
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<i>I want our home to feel: comfortable, pleasant, pretty welcoming, nurturing, organized, enabling, rejuvenating. I love doing projects around the house and working on our yard and garden. But in 2015 we'll be moving from Raleigh back to Maryland, and so there will be extra things to think about at home this year. </i><i>To lead me toward these goals, I will:</i></div>
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<a href="http://organize365.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/sortingandpurging01-500x332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://organize365.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/sortingandpurging01-500x332.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a><b>9. Purge and organize the house by May 1.</b> We've only lived here 15 months, and still our closets are a mess. We've got stuff in the attic, stuff in the garage, stuff in the kitchen, stuff in the craft room. Stuff, stuff, stuff!!! I've gotta get things cleaned up and get our load lightened up before we pack up and move at the end of the summer. And I want to <i>feel</i> lighter too! Getting organized will definitely help me feel like our home is a rejuvenating place, rather than a burden.</div>
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<b>10. Work in the yard at least 3 hours per week.</b> By the time spring comes, this goal will be easy-peasy to meet, but in January and February, maybe not so much. But with our balmy Raleigh weather, I should easily be able to get moving and get the yard in shape even during the winter months. I love the feelings I have when I'm working outside - it's very relaxing and cathartic to me. And I love the resulting beauty!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gJJF_aAk_4/U3F9IN4erzI/AAAAAAAABjg/KH1RW7nKjFY/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gJJF_aAk_4/U3F9IN4erzI/AAAAAAAABjg/KH1RW7nKjFY/s1600/photo-2.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></a><b>11. Allow time for at least two fun home decor projects per month.</b> I'd love to spend every day, all day, doing fun craft or home decor projects. But usually they get set aside in favor of other "must do" projects or jobs. I want to make our home feel great to live in, and this goal will help with that. This goal has the added benefit of exploring my creative side, and also should help our house show well when it comes time to sell it later this year.</div>
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For Sweet Adelines</u></h2>
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<i>I want to feel: confident, artistic, accomplished, involved, fun, sharing, creative, giving. I've had some great success in this area of my life, and I have some lofty goals for myself and my quartet that won't happen unless I focus a little bit more. I want to be a service-oriented contributing member to my two choruses both on and off the performance stage. <span style="text-align: center;">To lead me toward these goals, I will:</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.singerspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/singer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.singerspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/singer.jpg" height="141" width="200" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"><b>12. Personal singing rehearsal at least 4 hrs per week.</b> I am spotty at doing personal rehearsal - I do enough to keep up with the expectation of the chorus or quartet, but I don't do enough to make my performances "muscle memory", so nerves get in my way and affect the group. I need to up my personal commitment for the good of the group.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>13. Do daily vocal exercises for 15 minutes, for 30 days. </b> At the end of the 30 days I'll assess whether or not to continue with this. (I think I know it will be good to continue, but vocal exercises are about as fun as kissing your brother, so committing to 30 days seems about all I can do at this moment.)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>14. Complete the CHC New Member Handbook by Feb 28th.</b> I committed to doing this in 2014 and failed to make my commitment. So I'll pick up this project and get 'er done!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b>15. Serve the Region 19 Silver Sorority champion's organization with at least 2 hours of activity per week.</b> I was elected President last October, and I vowed to make the organization an active one. I need to make good on that promise and get some events and activities underway.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">That's it. Quite a lengthy list, I know. Maybe too ambitious, but maybe not. I'm kind of viewing this as a "strategic plan" for my year, which resonates with me because of my former career in management. There are lots of other things I know I'll be doing this year that didn't make the list. Most of these things are things that might not happen if I don't focus on them. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">So I'll see you next week with my first update and progress report. Have a great New Year's celebration!</span><br />
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Linking to:</div>
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Fluster Buster: <a href="http://www.flusterbuster.com/2014/12/flusters-creative-muster-party-104.html" target="_blank">Fluster's Creative Muster</a><br />
The Hankful House: <a href="http://www.thehankfulhouse.com/2015/01/get-your-diy-on-organizing-our-lives.html" target="_blank">Get Your DIY On</a></div>
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Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-77916683721142957292014-12-30T13:10:00.002-08:002014-12-30T13:10:46.680-08:00Gratitude - Day 363-364 - Dec 29-30, 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
All our family visitors have gone home. The kitchen has been emptied of sweet treats that were delicious but too tempting for my own good. The laundry is busy washing towels and sheets, and the wrapping paper and glitter and cookie crumbs have been vacuumed up. The house looks neat again. </div>
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It's quiet. Very quiet. </div>
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I'm so very grateful for the last ten days of family visitors. Christmas isn't really Christmas to me unless my kids are here with some extra family too. (I know that's a going to be a problem next year, when my son won't be coming home for the holiday, but we'll figure that out next year.) </div>
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I've loved having everyone here. Now that they're all gone, I'm left with memories of our good times together and pictures of their smiling faces. It's a sweet deal.</div>
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I'm so grateful for all of my blessings this holiday season, but most of all, family.</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Click below to see all of my posts for my</span></div>
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<a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/search/label/Gratitude%20Project%202014" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="GratitudeProject2014" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/11697770245_880e4a90ae.jpg" height="79" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'd love for you to share in this project. What's making you feel grateful today?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please leave a comment to share your thoughts today.</span></div>
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Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-80881252999495323122014-12-30T07:05:00.002-08:002015-01-04T16:26:49.926-08:00Creating My List of ResolutionsAs we approach the end of the Christmas season and head into 2015, it's time for a little reflection. A look back and a look ahead. Normally I don't really make a list of "New Year's Resolutions" per se, but for some reason, this year I'm feeling a real and urgent need to set some direction for myself in the coming year. I don't know why. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that I need to listen when my heart is telling me something. And right now, it's definitely telling me to get myself organized for 2015.<br />
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I've had two major influences this year for how I'm going to approach my resolutions. One comes from the <a href="http://www.daniellelaporte.com/thedesiremap/#&slider1=3" target="_blank">Desire Map</a> concept, originated by Danielle LaPorte. I'm intrigued by the concept of making plans based on How I Want To Feel, rather than what I want to accomplish. I want my life to <i>feel good</i>, not be a list of things to do or stuff to accumulate. I've been mulling over the last few weeks, thinking about what feelings I experience now that I want to keep experiencing, and what feelings I don't yet experience but want to. It's been in the back of my mind for a while now.<br />
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The other influence is Mavis Butterfield's 2014 project where she came up with a list of 12 things she wanted to accomplish in the new year, and then she <a href="http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/12-goals-for-the-new-year-week-1-of-52/" target="_blank">posted weekly about her progress</a> against that list. I like the idea of publishing my list, and reporting weekly on my progress. Not because I have anything to prove to anyone, but because getting into a regular practice of reviewing my resolutions will undoubtedly keep me more faithful to the list than if I just declare it in January and never return to it again. I like the idea of a regular check-in, and publishing it on the blog makes it more real and more official, somehow.<br />
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Right now I'm working on creating my list. Here's my process:<br />
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1. <b> I created five categories:</b> Self, Family, Home, Friends/Community, and Sweet Adelines. I wrote them all down on a sheet of paper, leaving lots of room for brainstorming under each category.<br />
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2. For each of those categories, <b>I'm writing down how I want to feel this year within that category</b>. For example, under the "Family" category, I want to feel Loved/Loving, Connected, Fun, Supportive. Under the "Sweet Adelines" category, I want to feel Artistic, Invigorated, Challenged, Creative, Fun. And so on, for each of the categories. There's no right or wrong answer here. There can be overlap between the categories - you'll see "fun" show up on almost all of my category lists. <br />
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3. Next, I'm brainstorming. I am <b>listing what kinds of things I can do so that I can end up feeling the way I want to feel</b>. This step is a true brainstorm - no judgment or evaluation of the ideas yet, just list anything that comes to mind that could contribute to the feelings I'm seeking. For example, under the Sweet Adelines category, if I want to feel Challenged, then I could take vocal lessons, try new kinds of music, take on a more active coaching role, etc. I'm making a big, long list of ideas, and really putting some "crazy" ideas down that will stretch me and put me a little bit out of my comfort zone.<br />
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4. Next, I'm <b>rearranging, organizing, and prioritizing the list of things to do</b>. This is the step I'm at right now. I've got way more ideas listed than I'll realistically be able to do, mainly due to time and money limitations. So I have to make some choices about which ones will be most likely to help me get to those feel-good feelings I'm looking for. What do I really want out of my 2015? What things will really help me get there? I'm paring down my list, choosing things that might cross categories, choosing things that will stretch me, or will most likely satisfy my wishes for feeling good.<br />
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5. Next, (when I'm done with step 4), I'll <b>make my list of Resolutions</b>, and publish them here. I'll do a weekly check-in here too. I'm committing to myself to not lose sight of my goals, to give myself the gift of follow-through. I'll have the weekly chance to evaluate and re-evaluate, and if things aren't working I'll be able to change things up to get back on track. <br />
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I'm in the middle of Step 3 and Step 4 right now. In the next day or two, I hope to have this process complete, and ready to publish. <br />
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This is by far the most thorough and involved New Year's Resolution activity I've ever completed. It sounds like over-kill maybe. Too structured? Too intense? I don't know. Maybe. But maybe it's just what I need right now. I'll give it a go, and check in later to see how it feels. <br />
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How about you? Are you making any resolutions for 2015? Or do you swear off resolutions? Are you doing something else to guide your path through the coming months? I'd love to hear about it. Please do drop a message in the comments, let's chat! <br />
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Linking to:</div>
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The Hankful House - <a href="http://www.thehankfulhouse.com/2015/01/get-your-diy-on-organizing-our-lives.html" target="_blank">Get Your DIY On</a></div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-23665626509635410722014-12-28T18:59:00.001-08:002014-12-28T18:59:40.912-08:00Gratitude - Day 360-362 - Dec 26-28, 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been spending the last few days just hanging out with our grown kids, our future daughter-in-law, and my husband's father, and it's been wonderful. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>We've been doing simple things, like playing board games, eating lots of cookies, going to movies, going for walks, working jigsaw puzzles, and playing MadLibs. </div>
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Nothing extravagant. Nothing out of the ordinary. But pure bliss.</div>
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I'm so grateful to have my family with me this holiday season.</div>
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There are many other family members in other areas of the country, and I miss them, and am grateful for their love too.</div>
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We're simply enjoying the season, and it's pretty darn wonderful.</div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Click below to see all of my posts for my</span></div>
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<a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/search/label/Gratitude%20Project%202014" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="GratitudeProject2014" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/11697770245_880e4a90ae.jpg" height="79" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'd love for you to share in this project. What's making you feel grateful today?</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please leave a comment to share your thoughts today.</span></div>
</div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-40956496868471146912014-12-26T04:00:00.000-08:002014-12-26T04:00:04.979-08:00The Work of Christmas Lies Before Us<br />
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<i>When the song of the Angel is stilled,</i></div>
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<i>When the Star in the sky is gone,</i></div>
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<i>When the kings and the princes are home,</i></div>
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<i>When the shepherds are back with their flock,</i></div>
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<i>The work of Christmas begins:</i></div>
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<i>To find the lost,</i></div>
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<i>To heal the broken,</i></div>
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<i>To feed the hungry,</i></div>
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<i>To release the prisoner,</i></div>
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<i>To rebuild the nations,</i></div>
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<i>To bring peace among brothers and sisters—</i></div>
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<i>To make music in the heart.</i></div>
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<i>And to radiate the Light of Christ,</i></div>
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<i>every day, in every way,</i></div>
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<i>in all that we do and in all that we say.</i></div>
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<i>The work of Christmas lies before us. </i></div>
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<i>- Howard Thurman</i></div>
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What will your 2015 look like? I'm still trying to figure out what mine will be. You know, the whole "resolutions" thing. Some years I've made earnest and well-intentioned resolutions, but they quickly lost emphasis and attention, as these things tend to do. I've not been very good about it, really. Like, ever. Well, except for the <a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/p/gratitude-project-2014.html" target="_blank">2014 Gratitude Project</a>, which turned out to be a pretty good daily (kind of) practice of Gratitude here on this blog. </div>
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But most years? Not too good of a record on the resolutions thing.</div>
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At this moment, my heart is telling me that my task in 2015 is to keep Christmas alive throughout the whole year, not just in December. I have a lot more thinking and meditating on this topic to do before I'll be ready to declare anything so lofty as a new year's resolution. I'm working on it. </div>
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In the meantime, I'm using these words and images to lead me to the right place.</div>
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How about you? What's your hope for 2015? I'd love to hear about it, please leave a comment and let's chat about intentions and resolutions and such. </div>
Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-35577848551092497592014-12-25T20:14:00.002-08:002014-12-25T20:23:57.476-08:00Advent 2014 - Christmas Day - Celebration<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">"As we find ourselves wrapped in the season of wonder and light, the astonishment that is life ignites our spirits, and we feel, if merely for a moment, that we are as we were meant to be.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">"May we hold fast to this sliver of mystery, this truth upon which we set the whole of who we are. May we call ourselves back to it time and again, until we are filled with the wonder that is our life– its hope, its peace, its joy, its love. Infused, then, with all that we are, may our energies be given to the transformation of this world–from despair into hope; from darkness into light; from fear into love. May we be bold. May we be daring. May we be love."</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">by Greta Vosper</span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">This reflection by Ms. Vosper hits the nail on the head for me - I want to keep the mystery and truth of Christmas with me all year long, every day, in every moment. I want the beauty and wonder, the "God with us" knowledge to be with me every day. Let us not forget on the cold dark days of winter, on the busy days of summer, that God is still with us. Let's stay tuned in to the miracles that we find anew each December. Let's keep Christmas all year long.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">In the quiet evening, with the soft Christmas music playing softly, with the family tucked in to beds upstairs, and the glow of the candles keeping me company, I'm thinking with my heart tonight, about what lies ahead. Plans, hopes, dreams. Yes, all of those. And underlying those, a soul-stirring desire for oneness with God. I don't know yet what it means, this longing. Even now as I type, the words are coming out unplanned, straight from the heart's whispers. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">"Who can know what tomorrow holds?" the music sings in the background. "Emmanuel, God With Us." Yes. That's my heart's desire this beautiful Christmas evening. To keep Christmas, Emmanuel, in my life, even when tomorrow takes us somewhere unexpected or new. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I'm not a religious person, having moved away from "church" and formal religion many years ago. My views are non-traditional and may not be seen as proper or right. But God whispers within my soul, and shows me perfect Love. I strive to listen and learn.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Merry Christmas, friends. As you celebrate your own way, with your own whispers of the heart, I wish you love and peace and joy. </span></span></span></div>
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Love lights the world this Christmas.</div>
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Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983270639169970246.post-45935027384900771622014-12-25T11:50:00.001-08:002014-12-25T20:25:30.808-08:00Gratitude - Day 357-359 - Dec 23-25, 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
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Amidst the busyness of this holiday, the noisiness of the gathered family, the continuous dishwashing and cookie decorating, the bits of wrapping paper and ribbon, I'm so grateful for all of my blessings. <br />
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I'm grateful for this holiday during which we celebrate the hope and joy of our divine God with us, our Emmanuel.<br />
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I'm grateful for all the beauty and bounty of my life, my family, my world.<br />
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I wish you love and joy today and every day.<br />
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Merry Christmas, Friends.<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Click below to see all of my posts for my</span></div>
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<a href="http://holidays-at-the-harris-home.blogspot.com/search/label/Gratitude%20Project%202014" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="GratitudeProject2014" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/11697770245_880e4a90ae.jpg" height="79" width="360" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'd love for you to share in this project. What's making you feel grateful today?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please leave a comment to share your thoughts today.</span></div>
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Jenny H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14592134140310108866noreply@blogger.com0