tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11158923781751380832024-03-06T01:16:40.988-08:00 The Yin and Yang of LifeHelenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-8263603878909595852020-04-05T06:51:00.000-07:002017-03-13T06:52:00.440-07:00The Yin and Yang of Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">A starting definition:</strong> Yin / Yang : Two halves that together complete wholeness. Yin and yang are also the starting point for change. When something is whole, by definition it is unchanging and complete. So when you split something into two halves – yin / yang, it upsets the equilibrium of wholeness. This starts both halves chasing after each other as they seek a new balance with each other.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>My life is one big adventure. Here are my suggestions.</b></span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><b>🔹If your life is not an adventure, make it so. Say yes more. Its to easy to say no and easy to be complacent. Learn and do.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>🔹Invest in people. The ones you love and the ones you just meet. They will always surprise you. (Good and bad but you cant have one without the other!)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>🔹Live your life now because its the only one you will get and another day is not promised.</b></span></div>
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I found out on Wednesday, that I have cancer. Specifically extraskeletal mixoid chondrosarcoma of the left index finger. Apparently it is a rare cancer, usually effecting men, and extremely rare on the hand. The good news, Yin, is that the scan of my lungs was clear so it appears it hasn't spread. The bad news, Yang, is that this slow growing type of cancer doesn't respond to Chemo or Radiation treatment, so the top 1/2 of my finger will need to be amputated. </div>
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I had a pea sized lump on the top of my left index finger for about 6 years (I combed old photos to determine the year). Originally I was told it looked like a bone spur and more recently a benign ganglion cyst. It was suggested that if it didn't bother me I should just leave it as it sometimes comes back after it's removed anyway. I lived with it but recently decided out of pure vanity that I wanted it removed. After trying to aspirate the cyst they decided it was more likely a fibrous cyst and it needed to be removed surgically. The doctor told me not to worry because cancer of the hand is exceedingly rare but as a matter of routine they would send the cyst for testing. I didn't worry, but when I went to get my stitches out, I got the bad news. 1. I have cancer and 2. It's not treatable with drugs so I have to have an amputation. Thank goodness I was able to get a chest scan right then and there. My doctor made sure to have the results asap and called me that evening. It was the longest 5 hours of my life. It's a very odd feeling when the best case scenario is to lose your finger and the worse is that a non treatable cancer has spread to your lungs and the prognosis is 5ish years.</div>
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I feel like I should be more upset than I am about it. I definitely have ups and downs and had lots of tears, but generally I just feel thankful that they caught it before it spread and that my prognosis is really good! It will be a threat for at least 10 yrs, but I will be scanned every 3 months for 2 years, every 6 months for another 2 and every year for 6 years after that. I am fortunate to have access to the best doctors in Philadelphia,(Penn) and have amazing family/friends advocating for me as well. My surgery is on April 15th. I am sure the months after the surgery will be difficult for me emotionally, but its the best option I have.</div>
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It all has been going so quickly. There isn't a lot out there on this particular cancer/location so everyone seems to be referring to other Sarcomas which are much bigger than mine and often more aggressive. I have found it frustrating to talk to the doctors about just how much of my finger needs to go. I feel like I am fighting for my finger. In my opinion there is a lot of guessing at the amount to remove. Being conservative and taking more than they need off for margins seems to be the norm. Initially they were talking about taking both of my knuckle joints and after meeting with 3 doctors and batting around the situation and specifics we have agreed I can keep one joint so I will only lose 1/2 of my finger. That means everything to me. Even 1/4 of an inch is hugely important to me. It might be vain but I have to live with this finger and look at it for the rest of my life. I want to be 100 % safe and cancer free, but I also don't want to just lop off more than is needed. Technology is great today and they can test the margins during the actual surgery. It takes more effort on the doctor's part but for me it gives me the piece of mind that I did everything I could to keep the most amount of my finger safely. That being said, I am happy for them to take the parts that they need to take so that I live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up.</div>
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I have been joking a lot about the amputation and am a fan of the dark humor :) I keep telling people they have to be really really nice to me until April 15th because "I have cancer"... but after that.. I am moving forward with the assumption that I will be cancer free and I don't want to dwell on it. :) </div>
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I think my second biggest fear (death being the first) is that having an amputated finger will be a conversation stopper. That people will find it creepy and feel uncomfortable. I am sure that this is just my perception and it will all be fine, but it's my fear, rational or not (I will add that even I think its creepy! lol). I think I need to come up with a cool story to tell. "I was camping in Alaska and a grizzly bear attacked my group. I fought it off so everyone got out safely, but it chewed off my finger." My son is designing me a cool 3-d printed robotic prostheses :) I like the idea of something interesting, not one that looks like its trying to be a finger. Maybe an ET finger prosthetic! lol</div>
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I am going to try to blog about this because this cancer is so rare and I haven't been able to find out much online. It might help someone else out there.</div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-76295944860576673572017-03-13T06:39:00.004-07:002017-03-13T06:57:10.528-07:001 Year and a Trip to Cambridge and Hamburg<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So it was, that nearly a year ago I had some seemingly benign cyst removed from my finger. I went off to Mexico for spring break with my family and thought nothing more of it. That was the beginning of my cancer saga. Fast forward to now and things are looking brighter. I am 1/2 a digit short but my chest scans continue to be clear. :)<br />
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So the Yang - There were 2 days that were the absolute worse. First was the day I found out I had cancer. They told me that the best case scenario was losing my finger and the worse was death. I am a fan of a 'win win' not a 'lose lose'! Anyway so far I got the best case scenario. The 2nd worse day was the day I removed the bandage and saw my finger missing. It still makes me weep tbh. Im not sure why not being whole is so devastating, but I can only imagine the mourning that must occur with people losing limbs. Life goes on and we adjust but something inside is still a bit broken. I feel like I shouldnt be complaining as I do have a charmed life and no one around me even seems to notice anymore... but its something lonely, deep and guttural that I feel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW4Op5qq9CSbj0K22ALpN5pZY0uw1d1NvSVS5EBAqeMHpFCJnrzA65nzMiOFMrvVx69tf8f0LylcqLImtqkBP9B0-PG9fW4J2q8aa-hElemgXEHvdJZ5l9XV3z1B203CfuzayYTxb3wM/s1600/IMG_3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW4Op5qq9CSbj0K22ALpN5pZY0uw1d1NvSVS5EBAqeMHpFCJnrzA65nzMiOFMrvVx69tf8f0LylcqLImtqkBP9B0-PG9fW4J2q8aa-hElemgXEHvdJZ5l9XV3z1B203CfuzayYTxb3wM/s320/IMG_3790.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51EtdaUlIERDPXMDRu4sQYNlsz6goIqleEGlHwEtNcP-ztaIGOWPJtpuwT8cxEmWkV49bmfD7elTW8zAHNOcP7YsOxoLk1usKX6Xha82Lsve1shu8NH0kweVwAPrLKUqGU4qGTAc04Ns/s1600/IMG_3802-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51EtdaUlIERDPXMDRu4sQYNlsz6goIqleEGlHwEtNcP-ztaIGOWPJtpuwT8cxEmWkV49bmfD7elTW8zAHNOcP7YsOxoLk1usKX6Xha82Lsve1shu8NH0kweVwAPrLKUqGU4qGTAc04Ns/s320/IMG_3802-001.JPG" width="240" /></a>Anyway onto the Yin. I had a lovely visit to Cambridge UK. What a charming city steeped in history. Got to visit the HQ of the gaming company that makes the online game I play and spend time with some long time friends I met through the game. Crazy world really... I travel the world with people I met online through a game. Life for me, is an ongoing adventure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORh2deZMIQYChw_UmZwE3V5vQTYmINWBzIbN0aujiMZJWVrUGfCvCQkUYbL7232kYE1vniU1qv8nCDd1Dj4tcSCReneiChN4tLEaUax8uS7KOqhuSkE1ck5YLKTeeRc0Wjx9VYg-IoEs/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORh2deZMIQYChw_UmZwE3V5vQTYmINWBzIbN0aujiMZJWVrUGfCvCQkUYbL7232kYE1vniU1qv8nCDd1Dj4tcSCReneiChN4tLEaUax8uS7KOqhuSkE1ck5YLKTeeRc0Wjx9VYg-IoEs/s320/IMG_3797.JPG" width="240" /></a>A friend and I went from the HQ meetup to Hamburg Germany to visit another gaming friend and her husband. What a fun city Hamburg is! From the history of the shipping industry to the nightlife of the Reeperbahn and the amazing food... we had an awesome weekend! I feel really lucky! <3 Next trip Mexico in 2 weeks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai44lxA20evazOfKw2sFO6sFjarQ3MPa2hRyrHMEYaojP8CjjV35zFkbIkhBx_pXNHvdXYbUFSguAvlw1pmDRwp0qzVclDRRmdbAj_-07T4k3prMLo5hEymSBhyphenhyphen8IMD5HAmYCSN2_amY/s1600/IMG_3869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai44lxA20evazOfKw2sFO6sFjarQ3MPa2hRyrHMEYaojP8CjjV35zFkbIkhBx_pXNHvdXYbUFSguAvlw1pmDRwp0qzVclDRRmdbAj_-07T4k3prMLo5hEymSBhyphenhyphen8IMD5HAmYCSN2_amY/s320/IMG_3869.jpg" width="240" /></a>A real HAMBURGER! </div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-1034162076891955502017-03-13T06:16:00.001-07:002017-03-13T06:16:55.686-07:00great site to use for new yr<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
http://www.basicgrowth.com/live-longer-stop-time-waste/<br />
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-5291293806383611402017-03-13T06:16:00.000-07:002017-03-13T06:16:45.057-07:00I'm Doing it all Right but it Still Feels Wrong!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_1185"><img alt="4 Fun Ways to Defy Your Age" id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_1184" src="https://s1.yimg.com/cd/resizer/2.0/FIT_TO_WIDTH-w500/e45217731847871b02c2a144cebc97bb9e6c33e8.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin-right: 20px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: bottom;" /></em></div>
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<em>If you make decisions based solely on how much time in your life has ticked by, you’ll miss out on some awesome experiences.</em></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;">By Ariane de Bonvoisin</span><br />
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Our society is obsessed with age. But thinking that you’re too old—or too young—to do something creates unnecessary obstacles. Your greatest career, relationship, and self-growth opportunities can happen at any time. I went from working in the high-stakes field of venture capital to becoming a speaker and entrepreneur. Along the way, I met a man nine years my junior, had a baby at 40, and moved to South Africa. My greatest sources of happiness have resulted from never having let my age dictate where I should be—personally or professionally. And you shouldn’t either. Follow these four tips to liberate yourself from the shackles of age-bound thinking.</div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_1216" style="font-weight: 700;">Let go of age milestones.</span><br />
We all have goals that we think we have to achieve by a specific age, such as getting married, having a kid, or buying a home. Ask yourself, What do I think I should have done by now? You’ll be stunned at how controlling your subconscious mind is. Now, look at what you have achieved. Odds are, you’ve accomplished more than you give yourself credit for.</div>
<div id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_519" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.180000007152557px; line-height: 28.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="font-weight: 700;">PLUS: <a data-rapid_p="21" data-ylk="elm:itm;elmt:link;t1:a2;t2:article;t3:body;t8:5e797dff-0f37-376b-83da-079d7b753b9b;t9:18;itc:0;" href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-relationships/what-is-the-sexiest-age?cid=Synd_YahooHealth_4FunWaysToDefyYourAge_Article_September14_TheSexiestAgeEver" style="border: 0px; color: #0e9be4; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Sexiest Age, Ever</a></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_1215" style="font-weight: 700;">Make friends who are not your age.</span><br />
A diverse workforce, social media, and fitness classes filled with folks of all ages present us with opportunities to make friends with people who aren’t our peers. Once you do, you’ll start to let go of age-based preconceptions. Their accomplishments may inspire you, or you could become an inspiration to one of them. You may even fall in love with one of these lovely souls!</div>
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<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_1217" style="font-weight: 700;">TRY THIS: <a data-rapid_p="22" data-ylk="elm:itm;elmt:link;t1:a2;t2:article;t3:body;t8:5e797dff-0f37-376b-83da-079d7b753b9b;t9:18;itc:0;" href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/girlfriends?cid=Synd_YahooHealth_4FunWaysToDefyYourAge_Article_September14_HowToMakeFriendsInRealLife" style="border: 0px; color: #0e9be4; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The 5 Rules of Lasting Friendships</a></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_528" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.180000007152557px; line-height: 28.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_1218" style="font-weight: 700;">Follow the +10/-10 rule.</span><br />
If your brain is telling you you’re too old or too young for something—such as starting your own business, taking time off to travel the world, or earning a new degree—use this simple query as a measuring stick: If you were 10 years younger or 10 years older, would you do it? If the answer to either is yes, then go for it!</div>
<div id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_531" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.180000007152557px; line-height: 28.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="font-weight: 700;">PLUS: <a data-rapid_p="23" data-ylk="elm:itm;elmt:link;t1:a2;t2:article;t3:body;t8:5e797dff-0f37-376b-83da-079d7b753b9b;t9:18;itc:0;" href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/how-to-look-younger?cid=Synd_YahooHealth_4FunWaysToDefyYourAge_Article_September14_4AntiAgingSkincareRules" style="border: 0px; color: #0e9be4; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">4 Anti-Aging Skincare Rules</a></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_15_0_1_1410131656871_534" style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.180000007152557px; line-height: 28.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<span style="font-weight: 700;">Do some age-inappropriate things.</span><br />
Forget about how old your body actually is and do some stuff you don’t think is age-appropriate. Go clubbing, ask for a lofty promotion, dye your hair a bold new color—whatever challenges your notion of maturity or immaturity. Many of us put restrictions on our actions; we want to be “normal,” avoid ridicule, and simply fit in. But trying too hard to fit in can be a joy sapper. So from now on, choose the paths that fit your personality and your desires, without age constraints.</div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-5852088867177059132016-04-19T12:26:00.001-07:002016-04-19T12:26:13.651-07:00Farewell to Cancer and to my Finger Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hosting a party may seem like a strange thing to do when you have just been diagnosed with cancer, but it gave me something positive to throw myself into while I waited for the day of surgery. 10 days after diagnosis I had a Farewell party. Dark humor kept it all fun and positive. I was surrounded with family and friends. It was wonderful. One friend had temporary tattoos for people to put on their pointer fingers in a show of solidarity and I even had one friend dye her hair pink in support. She's a nut :)<br />
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I lasted from 7-11 then hit the proverbial wall and pulled an Irish goodbye (going upstairs to bed without saying goodnight/goodbye to my guests) so that they continued to have fun. It was really fun to hear them all down there having fun on my behalf. I am so lucky to have such great support. <3<br />
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One last thought, if ever you come across a situation like this, never ever tell the amputee stories of when you sliced off the top of your finger with a mandolin. Or when your uncle had his fingers cut off by a saw... It doesnt make us feel better! Just sayin...<br />
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-8587623301350266042016-04-05T16:47:00.004-07:002016-04-05T16:47:43.491-07:00Events and Thoughts From Week 1 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wont blog about every day of every week, but I think this week is important.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weds I got the news. Needless to say, it was an emotional day. Not really a blur. It was more of an exhausting frightening time.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> No one likes to think about their mortality. Its not the first time I have had the experience of being bombarded with life changing bad news, but it was the first time it was about my life. I cried until I had no more tears, then after getting the good news about my clean lung scan, I told my children. I think because I was positive (and cried out) they handled it really well. No tears, just a lot of questions. It was one of the worse days of my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thurs, I was able to meet with the <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Chief, </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Orthopaedic</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> Oncology </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Director of the Sarcoma Program at Penn. She was more positive in her review than I expected. I was able to ask all of my questions, but it was clear that she felt I was an easy case. Just lop off that finger and you are good to go. I got little sympathy or hand holding, but she sees people with little hope all the time so I suppose my case seemed small to her and to her credit she did me and my doctor a huge favor fitting me into her schedule on less than 24 hours notice! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The surgeon wanted me to do the amputation the next day(Friday) but I really felt I needed to do research, and get other opinions on my situation. I was having a hard time wrapping my head around the situation. The oncologist indicated that it wouldn't matter to hold off 2 weeks to do my surgery so I opted to do that. One week would have been perfect. I think 2 might be a bit long to wait it out... but it was my only option. I was really feeling like they were guessing at what needed to be removed from my hand. Her comment was that I could be cancer free right now but that I would be rolling the dice if I didnt amputate. I wondered then if I could just take out the tissue next to the tumor not have to amputate... I knew in my heart the finger would have to go but I still tried to look for ways around it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My surgeon called that evening and I recounted the meeting with the oncologist. He had already spoken to the her. He, being the wonderful guy he is, offered to arrange a meeting between me and a PA he worked with at Penn that has an amputated finger (female with the same finger as mine missing). We agreed to meet after his surgeries Friday. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Friday, 4/1 I was really nervous. If I am honest I find amputations a bit creepy. I know.. its shallow and silly but I am being honest! Hers was lower than mine was but it didnt look bad. She was so gracious and encouraging. She even gave me her number so we can keep in touch. I mentioned that I was going to throw myself a Farewell to my Finger and Cancer Party and both she and my surgeon wanted to come. :) I cant say that seeing her hand made me feel better, but listening to her attitude about it really did. She embraces it as part of who she is. I felt really upbeat after the meeting. Positive and nearly happy. Its such a roller coaster ride.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Sat through Mon, I tanked. I have been depressed and so fatigued. I've barely left the house or my bed for that matter. Not good. I have several doctors appointments scheduled (dentist and knee ortho) which I will keep. I am going to try to focus on the party... and I am going to write. I think it will help me to blog this experience. Sunday I joined </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">http://www.rare-cancer.org/</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> . I was searching and found a woman with a similar story and a cancer that must be a cousin of what I have. She has had her finger and part of her hand removed. Her attitude is amazing and she had all positive things to say. It helps. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrGzS9G8APS0qq7un7sbBO_wj42VBA7iJS6H4ZfPTkTHDO-iYI0aE9a-SZXosv9-NwmRdP8LwabJ7mOkJP_B5iIRDQYFrkb7RRrF14jzRdxOsy95viBlBqBBmW-AcTVvLjYU7cXRZPmg/s1600/IMG_8178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrGzS9G8APS0qq7un7sbBO_wj42VBA7iJS6H4ZfPTkTHDO-iYI0aE9a-SZXosv9-NwmRdP8LwabJ7mOkJP_B5iIRDQYFrkb7RRrF14jzRdxOsy95viBlBqBBmW-AcTVvLjYU7cXRZPmg/s320/IMG_8178.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi283NI2vxdY8Qsnrg_aBmeEHAy3wba82aaYgpVbGBtLadsBLOynHxY8ihk6W65z1L5OODGjv2C8ARw0Tgchs-DLSrWPzueeWPlIURQLb3PCH4WZ6A40dTD5P7W0hDIYx42hpfBaPRn4VM/s1600/IMG_7797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 24px;">(before pic of the lump they thought was a ganglion cyst, and after surgery pic with the indication for where they will cut)</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Tues (day 6 since diagnosis) I feel like I am emotionally on the way back up. I met with a Psychiatrist today and while she was really expensive, I found her to be really helpful. She helped link a lot of my thoughts together. She gave me some tools... It was great. I will see her a week after the surgery. </span></span></span></div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-11151737050399381122015-04-28T12:51:00.000-07:002015-04-28T12:51:04.774-07:00week 24 - Green Beer and New Songs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C3uRqjA8UE&feature=youtu.be" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C3uRqjA8UE&feature=youtu.be</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;">Boom! Bap! Pow! - Suit </span></div>
<span class="watch-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Boom! Bap! Pow! - Suit"><div style="text-align: right;">
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<span class="watch-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Boom! Bap! Pow! - Suit"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><br /><br /><br />Your so cute I wanna wear you like a suit<br />I think you'd look pretty good on me </span></span></h1>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Your so cute I wanna wear you like a suit </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">I think you'd look pretty good on me </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">ok alright ok alright!</span></div>
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St Patricks Day 2015</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFFT0BE1Wqt4-OG30dvXidlkM1ysqoNE7KG501X1XpOwL8YYxr6ZYI809N-zSHcFyzQDCTV6WB15MnmvFx_Upu1uO67goCGKMqYrrELUBkCiuuQcZWsLWyPlnxftIgSmZXm2IcSXKt4E/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFFT0BE1Wqt4-OG30dvXidlkM1ysqoNE7KG501X1XpOwL8YYxr6ZYI809N-zSHcFyzQDCTV6WB15MnmvFx_Upu1uO67goCGKMqYrrELUBkCiuuQcZWsLWyPlnxftIgSmZXm2IcSXKt4E/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4ylGsKyRWxINuj8F-QdSRsAIc-Q_OZWFCFEttkcVzlai2fqWZwi6D1wgpfbrdC5zs5n40LKn6NFugovxGgbUK9R3dPqOgcQfV1rAVuOcXscMOdrl3O7y21X32EODbON6S49-633FY5o/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4ylGsKyRWxINuj8F-QdSRsAIc-Q_OZWFCFEttkcVzlai2fqWZwi6D1wgpfbrdC5zs5n40LKn6NFugovxGgbUK9R3dPqOgcQfV1rAVuOcXscMOdrl3O7y21X32EODbON6S49-633FY5o/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Its official... I have had Green Beer on St. Patricks Day! (Dont need to be doing that a second time lol)</span></div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-47711352706599443702015-04-28T12:43:00.002-07:002015-04-28T12:43:51.065-07:00Week 23 - Ted All Week Long!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The book Jill Bolte wrote about her experience as a neurologist and stroke survivor was really moving to me and I have since given it to 2 friends. When I heard that she was giving a Ted Talk I was eager to listen and meet this woman. I loved the venue and so I decided to watch or listen to one each day this week! :) Here is the link if you want to browse: https://www.ted.com/talks?page=2 .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For my week I sampled the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1. My Stroke of Insight - Jill Bolte</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2. Encryption Technology - Andy Yen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">https://www.ted.com/talks/andy_yen_think_your_email_s_private_think_again#t-615252</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3.http://www.npr.org/podcasts/510298/ted-radio-hour</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"> The Unknown Brain</span></h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">4.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #000017; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2;">Success (R)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #000017; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2;">Spoken And Unspoken (R)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6. https://www.ted.com/talks/ricardo_semler_radical_wisdom_for_a_company_a_school_a_life</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">7.https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime</span><br />
#Tedtalk #mystrokeofinsight</div>
Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-77343185899023946842015-04-28T12:34:00.001-07:002015-04-28T12:34:24.625-07:00Week 22 Movies <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This weeks firsts were intended to push me out of my comfort zone.<br />
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1. I invited a friend to the Member/Guest Paddle Tennis Tournament at my club.<br />
It was really fun but a bit unnerving. Its a round robin and we were out matched quite a bit. Still fun and you cant learn if you dont try new things! My first time doing it in the 5 yrs I have been invited.<br />
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2. This week I went to the movies alone twice AND I went to 2 really interesting cinemas.<br />
The Movie Tavern and the newly renovated Springfield Cinema.<br />
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The first is in Phoenixville. I saw 50 Shades of Gray<br />
(the really odd part was that there were only 5 other people in the theatre with me and 3 of us were alone haha) I had a salad, diet coke and watched. BTW It was good but there wasn't any chemistry between the actors. The book was better as usual.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2AuaBDwtgJa3BTrue3x6J_9bSCQhNQQNJ10H5qzpcqZU-Y8GLSEG63LggpKjd7iMm45iAR9jZPsHZHvscQUonAfpvCAIOGzB9ITzkDqnCLH3SRekYUsiFhl3hRfwNCe4oyPzcIm2e7k/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2AuaBDwtgJa3BTrue3x6J_9bSCQhNQQNJ10H5qzpcqZU-Y8GLSEG63LggpKjd7iMm45iAR9jZPsHZHvscQUonAfpvCAIOGzB9ITzkDqnCLH3SRekYUsiFhl3hRfwNCe4oyPzcIm2e7k/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>I saw the 2nd film in Springfield at a newly renovated cinema that had BARCALOUNGERS! lol http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcalounger Now if it only had a massage feature and someone doing my pedicure... would have been nearly perfect. </div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-24641624824301982892015-03-08T08:23:00.002-07:002015-03-08T13:40:54.134-07:00Week 21 Forget the Pasties... Go for Falsies! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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No, pasties weren't really on the table. That wouldn't have been very pretty when I was in my 20's so defo not something I would do now!! </div>
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False eyelashes though... now that sounded interesting! I am lucky that I have fairly good lashes. Dark and lots of them. </div>
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My first attempt was on Friday night. I had a friends 40th birthday celebration in Philadelphia. I thought it the perfect time to unveil the lashes! So the experience went something like this... - Watch 3 youtube 'how to' videos.<br />
- Trim lashes,<br />
- 4-5 attempts to put it on the first eye... with tweezers and without , not much luck ...lots of white glue showing (if you wait long enough it does dry).<br />
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I finally got one eye done and liked it, but then I needed to match it on the other side! That means, the same starting and ending points and the same distance away from the lashes. Not easy at first but with some practice I am sure it becomes so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxNl87BeQKKbrMowgPZpml0zzP0d_dRdpSwRFHS7S1rhpbNdRk3MRfMz_ypMqBCz2M1C7ojhbl1w12K6KTQouD28RGcxvv9wEcdbuQq_eV0FwwVjlB9QKxon9IShzqnF71gWlzy9RuRU/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxNl87BeQKKbrMowgPZpml0zzP0d_dRdpSwRFHS7S1rhpbNdRk3MRfMz_ypMqBCz2M1C7ojhbl1w12K6KTQouD28RGcxvv9wEcdbuQq_eV0FwwVjlB9QKxon9IShzqnF71gWlzy9RuRU/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl2IndDGROhRpBqj4gYw7D2SgliRrPmLn3uQUNUsopNCiEer-sQ0uH3AeLC7HTsh5fNnNU1swUTwVBkEjA8qewaJYHmNkS_KEYz1btSrtLqMza0KZwp2oXL1kkfvgHD2CtTpeyYV1-hU/s1600/IMG_4443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTl2IndDGROhRpBqj4gYw7D2SgliRrPmLn3uQUNUsopNCiEer-sQ0uH3AeLC7HTsh5fNnNU1swUTwVBkEjA8qewaJYHmNkS_KEYz1btSrtLqMza0KZwp2oXL1kkfvgHD2CtTpeyYV1-hU/s1600/IMG_4443.JPG" height="162" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_Ceh60LfboVvYr7OCzRH66l5UEOU5hnOvtVlPVa53Fc2UF9IGZbidOnZEANZgOcQO8vhS-_PEQ9JHAb4mYJGc4ns1YpSmCC4dkKY-JyJpoaeLbMkW9isSfQpNH1yWKnuq6H8DJFAyvA/s1600/IMG_4510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_Ceh60LfboVvYr7OCzRH66l5UEOU5hnOvtVlPVa53Fc2UF9IGZbidOnZEANZgOcQO8vhS-_PEQ9JHAb4mYJGc4ns1YpSmCC4dkKY-JyJpoaeLbMkW9isSfQpNH1yWKnuq6H8DJFAyvA/s1600/IMG_4510.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FAx5Gspu60NvwycKHhxfUvgeg1qQDM4p1U92vvSQgQFUx1-YJoIhWpjLnvEdmZR4e1aZmAFczAgERZnJ8eBvApNpkzRKMEHhnONOe5N8ibQ_bhGs0IWGH0acuA7q67MRFocgca9X5N0/s1600/IMG_4452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FAx5Gspu60NvwycKHhxfUvgeg1qQDM4p1U92vvSQgQFUx1-YJoIhWpjLnvEdmZR4e1aZmAFczAgERZnJ8eBvApNpkzRKMEHhnONOe5N8ibQ_bhGs0IWGH0acuA7q67MRFocgca9X5N0/s1600/IMG_4452.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Pretty results. I will say that you have to use fairly thick liner though to hide the seam of the lashes, so if you aren't a big makeup wearer this probably isn't for you, or have them done professionally. I should have saved the url for this video I watched and gave her a shout out but I forgot. I tried to find her again on Youtube but I couldn't... </div>
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(eek I cant believe I am posting a video of me without makeup AND all of these close up shots! haha Thinking that might be a first too!)</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHauTz5nTOVnrpirxqsg-28kqFlNuxwPT_Cxv9XtrBOE0Efuyp_21oV_ZzuMp6HZtDeNJ5E4kPsErACfrglg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV6A8qV4L3Wg3O1Rq_k1hEBfaId2I-OqBIGTcfC6NZggW_BJYRmvRVQaSGHWIHChvZZoQhz4AvyD4cizdJOA6FqCZiBW5sKUSPcrHQlQ4eXEuW_K0dlzFIj5hQd9g_y8r17NC9c9q9PY/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV6A8qV4L3Wg3O1Rq_k1hEBfaId2I-OqBIGTcfC6NZggW_BJYRmvRVQaSGHWIHChvZZoQhz4AvyD4cizdJOA6FqCZiBW5sKUSPcrHQlQ4eXEuW_K0dlzFIj5hQd9g_y8r17NC9c9q9PY/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" height="133" width="320" /></a></div>
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Saturday night I had another party so I decided to put them on again! No one noticed this time either lol. It wasn't any easier the second time, but it was still very fun to wear them. If I do it again I will choose longer thicker lashes. Also this makes me think I should try extensions! Found a blog that suggested dying your lashes as an option... ( http://loveswah.com/2015/02/beauty-tips-before-you-travel/ )Might have to do that over the summer! #falseeyelashes #lashes<br />
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-11056930073440125142015-03-08T07:26:00.000-07:002015-03-08T07:26:01.946-07:00Week 20 - Polar Bear Plunge <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was asked, several times leading up to the plunge, why would you want to take your clothes off in 28F snowy weather to jump into a 36F ocean?<br />
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Well, I am looking for things to take me out of my comfort zone. To try things I wouldn't have otherwise done... and who knows I might just discover something new about myself and the world! Soooo I scooped up some support and other adventurers and headed to Sea Isle City, NJ!<br />
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It was cold but the adrenaline rush that happened was amazing. Once we took off our clothes (I wore a bathing suit, robe, hat, scarf and throw away shoes) it kicked in and none of us were uncomfortably cold! My husband, friend B and I were the only 'Plungers' in the group. We brought 3 other girlfriends to cheer us along. <br />
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When the whistle blew, everyone began herding into the water. I got so caught up in the moment I forgot to drop my robe lol I hiked it up to my shoulders and ran. The entry was not bad. I plunged up to but not including my bathing suit bottoms (not much worse than a cold wet 90 min ride home) then headed out. The splashing was the biggest problem because as the first wave is running out, the next is running in! Its cold but you instantly go numb where you touched the water so you arent cold! Afterwards we went for pizza. The 3 of us plungers felt great until we ate... 10 mins afterwards we all started shaking and shivering. My lips went literally blue! I dont know that I have been thankful for a long hot car ride before, but I was on that day! It was a remarkable experience and all of us agreed we would do it again! #polarbearplunge </div>
Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-6544620851926022132015-02-17T11:50:00.000-08:002015-02-17T11:50:01.507-08:00Week 19 Battle of the Bulge..Monument<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I personally, am in a perpetual battle of the bulge, but that isnt what this post is about! lol </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />For years I have driven past these signs on nearly a daily basis without having the foggiest notion of where/what the monument was! I was in need of a first for the week so I decided to explore. I am so glad that I did!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Turns out the monument is on the campus of Vally Forge Military Academy (Specifically its on <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 24px; text-align: left;">Eagle Rd</span>. along side of the parking lot.) Siri (my Iphone BFF) had no idea what I was trying to find. I ended up googling it and finally found someone else who had posted about his visit and I stumbled upon it. (Shout out to Scott @ http://www.scottmanning.com/content/bulge-monument-valley-forge/ )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 21.6363620758057px;">The </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 21.6363620758057px;">Battle of the Bulge</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 21.6363620758057px;"> (16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945) </span><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 21.6363620758057px;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Bulge</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> The battle is significant in the course of World War II because it is seen by most as Hitler’s last major offensive. The battle was intended to split Allied lines and force negotiated peace, but the American forces were able to contain the battle! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Germans lost so many troops and equipment that they couldnt launch another attack on the Allied forces. The Battle of the Bulge is most significant because, in essence it brought about the end of the war. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> Really interesting stories from the soldiers themselves in the PBS link below.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/bulge-dispatches/" target="_blank">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/bulge-dispatches/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 24px;"> On the monument itself is a quote from Winston Churchill </span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">“This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war, and will, I believe be regarded as an ever famous American victory.”</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.6363620758057px;">Though I found differing statistics on how many troops were involved and how many casualties, All sources I read agreed on the importance of the war and the sever loss of life. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.6363620758057px;">The other interesting thing I uncovered while digging around is that Hitler may have had a son. <a href="http://www.hitlerschildren.com/article/591-did-hitler-have-children" target="_blank">http://www.hitlerschildren.com/article/591-did-hitler-have-children</a> J</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">ean-Marie Loret, claims his mother had an affair with Hitler when she was 16 and he was the result. He wrote a memoir, </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Your Father's Name was Hitler</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">, which is where he discusses what his mother said about his father before she died. Facts are still being validated. He died in 1985 but was survived by children. I wonder if we will ever know. #battleofthebulge #hitlerschildren</span></div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-1696802121054913332015-02-17T10:59:00.000-08:002015-02-17T10:59:26.996-08:00Week 18 Pescatarian for a Month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Pescatarian - someone who abstains from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish. In other words, a pescatarian maintains <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://vegetarian.about.com/od/glossary/g/Vegetarian.htm" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0099cc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a vegetarian diet </a>with the addition of fish. Thats me for one month! I have to say that I was going to do a strict Vegetarian diet but then decided that its much easier to include fish and the Omega Acids would do my brain good!</div>
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I havent found it difficult to follow (and really I am not eating a much fish). I have been eating sooooooo much more dairy and carbs though that I feel terrible. Bloated and tired. My body seems to crave the carbs (especially sweets). I have gained 5 pounds too. Thank goodness this month is nearly over! lol </div>
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I might actually try a Vegan week sometime. Just to explore how difficult it would be to eat that way. #pescatarian </div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-45222853302471809852015-02-04T11:06:00.003-08:002015-02-04T11:06:53.729-08:00Week 16 Grand Canyon - Prison Visit 2 with Stepmom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Though it makes my list of 'firsts', I have been to the Grand Canyon before. I include it because I haven't ever visited it all on my own nor have I stayed on the canyon rim overnight before! Both were highlights of my year so far! There is something so spiritually rejuvenating about the place. Mind boggling to think of its age (far older than the dinosaurs) with people inhabiting it for 3000-4000yrs!<br />
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After 3 hours in the medical walk in clinic in Flagstaff, AZ (I had Pink Eye and Bronchitis), I found my way to the Grand Canyon. It was about a 2 hr drive from there. Even the drive was extraordinarily beautiful! I checked into my cabin at the rim and had a look around. It was early evening so I got to see the sun set. It was a bit cloudy and snow forecast. </div>
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Snow at the canyon is interesting. They dont salt and barely throw down dirt to help with slippage. It had snowed that night but by about 10 the next day it was near 50F and all melted.</div>
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I drove my car to the furthest point of the trail open to the public, then hiked back. Later I took the shuttle back to my car. Guessing I did between 5-10 miles. I was concerned about my knees but they have the rim trails paved so it was easy walking most of the way. One morning I woke at 5am and went out to look at the stars. It was magical. So little light that the sky appeared clouded with stars! Breathtaking.<br />
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A herd of Elk were just lounging around the grounds the entire trip. Once I had stopped the car to catch a glimpse of a male across the road from me and while I was busy looking at him, a female decided to cross directly in front of my car! lol<br />
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Friday I got my Stepmom from the airport and we visited with my brother the next day. It was traumatic for her to see her son in that situation but it was still really nice for them to spend time. Living right in an alley between 2 of the prison buildings was a group of homeless people. Guessing about 7-10 of them. One morning we brought breakfast for them. I should have done it more than once but I kept wondering about safety. In the end I felt great for getting them a hot breakfast on that chili day. Next time I will do more. <br />
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When we weren't visiting my brother, we went to the Phoenix Botanical Gardens, a place called Hole in the Rock archaeological site and Old Scottsdale. Shout out to Frankie and Lupe's restaurant. They had wonderful Mexican food and a pobleno cream sauce to die for! Really great trip. I love Arizona! #Grandcanyonsnow #frankieandlupes #holeintherock<br />
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This is definitely not a first that I aspired to have but it is one none the less. My brother is in an AZ St Prison for DUI charges and I went to visit him this month. Since this was my first time in a prison I did some research and I have to say it is not easy. I want to give a shout out to one blog I read that did help me <a href="http://www.jessicasoperationorange.com/faq" id="yiv6564512441yui_3_16_0_1_1420117931792_21942" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #196ad4; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 17.7777786254883px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">http://www.jessicasoperationorange.com/faq</a> </div>
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She (I am assuming through her family and friends since I cant imagine that she has access to the internet)has answers posted to the simplest questions. What to expect, What to bring, and What to wear. With all that valuable knowledge it still took me 3 tries and two trips to Walmart 2 times before I got in. Looking, I might add, like the poster child for Walmart as well! lol</div>
My first set back was my V neck shirt. When I mentioned that it doesn't stipulate no Vnecks on their website, and that when I called no one told me I couldnt wear one, the guard looked at me and said, " Well honey, I am telling ya now." Soooooo off to Walmart I went! haha<br />
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Me (above) in the Walmart bathroom changing into prison attire... seems that the hooks from my bra set off the metal detectors, so I decided to change 100% of my clothing so I didnt have any other issues. 3rd time was the charm! </div>
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The 2nd day I saw him I wore the same outfit but with sneakers (flipflops in the car just in case). You only have one failed attempt through the metal detector or they escort you out and you aren't permitted visitation that day.</div>
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The only things you can bring with you are 30$ in quarters in a plastic bag for the vending machines, your drivers license and the key to your car (with nothing else attached). #azprison #orangeisthenewblack #visitinginprison<br />
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So I had 8 hours with my brother the first day and 4 the second. Lots of Mountain Dew and vending machine junk food. To be honest, that $30 goes pretty quickly over 8 hrs! </div>
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There were loads of visitors wearing jeans (with buttons and zippers!) and tight clothes. No "V" necks though lol. I changed one small thing each time I went to visit him and on my final visit the 2nd weekend, I was in jeans, Toms, a tee with a cardigan over it. Dare I say I looked nearly normal! lol </div>
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The stories he had were so interesting. He never has felt unsafe thankfully and flies under the radar as much as possible. The gang mentality of life in prison helps with order and safety. How everything is ordered is generally by race and the inmates rule the roost. I learned some new terms like PCing (Protective Custody - when an inmate fears for their life due to getting in trouble with other inmates for things like getting caught snitching or not able to pay off debts.) They are then immediately put in "the hole" and then transfer to another prison. Getting a "Hot One" or invited to the back to get beat on for a minute or 2 in order to teach a lesson (ie wash your hands after you use the toilet, dont embarrass your race doing something you shouldn't etc. Keistering... well you can guess that one... up the butt to smuggle in drugs, phones, nearly anything! </div>
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One of the most interesting experiences I have had in a while.</div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-31337824895239513552015-01-31T13:10:00.000-08:002015-01-31T13:10:02.241-08:00Week 17 - Fleetwood Mac Concert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Fleetwood Mac in Atlantic City. Great concert and wow they are all impressive for their ages! Stevie is 66... Mick Fleetwood and Chrissy are 71! They spent 31/2 hours full on entertaining. Great special effects. Fun weekend with friends! :)<br />
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Always fun to go to a concert where you know all the words to all the songs! The only downside to the week is that my son ended up in the hospital for 2 days because of a Mrsa infection in his elbow... maybe thatssss why he didnt clean his room?!?!? lol He is fine now! #fleetwoodmac #atlanticcity #Mrsa</div>
Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-37958378884616723632015-01-31T12:13:00.000-08:002015-01-31T12:13:12.120-08:00Week 14 James A Mitchner Museum and NYE Wedding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The James A Mitchner Art Museum has been on my list of places I wanted to see for years, It is directly across from the Mercer Museum. It once was an old stone prison which makes its bones and story as interesting as its art! <span style="text-align: left;">http://www.michenermuseum.org/</span></div>
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New Years Eve, 12/31/14, I went to the wedding reception for one of my oldest dearest friends at the museum. Fabuloussss setting for a wedding and bonus... I got to see the museum as well! </div>
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We pledged our sorority freshman year together (Thats me right over the Sigma in pearls, and her 3rd row from the top, left side, second in, wearing brown stripes).<br />
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#Jamesmitchnermuseum #kimswedding #nye</div>
Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-68545936658289200342015-01-31T11:45:00.001-08:002015-01-31T11:45:03.434-08:00Week 13 Mayan Museum - Cancun Mexico<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
***MEXICO*** Its been a family tradition for the last several years to go away between Christmas and New Year. We have gone to Cancun for the last 4 yrs and never once left the resort to explore any of Mexico's rich culture. This year,(as a first for me and my family) I forced the troops to the Mayan Museum. It was directly next door to our hotel so it wasn't too difficult a sell. The only unusual/difficult thing is that its the only place in the area that doesn't accept US Dollars or even credit cards so we had to exchange money to get in. We were unprepared.<br />
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(Sunset Beach Vollyball and pineapple drinks were not part of the museum admission price!haha)<br />
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The grounds are well kept and impressive. There are several Mayan ruin sights there, as well as some other structures. Its not a place that will leave you awed but it was worth the time and effort to get a taste for the culture. Some huge Iguanas and interesting native trees. Big termite mounds all over...<br />
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Inside (raised onto a higher lvl so that there isnt the risk of flooding) there is a nice exhibit of ancient remains found in Tulum dating about 14k yrs old. There is another of the remains of La Mujer de las Palmas or "the Woman of the Palms". They believe these are the remains of a person that lived 10k yrs ago during the Ice Age! Some other tools and bones of wildlife are there as well.<br />
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Can you see the drawings in the rocks above?<br />
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-52737873473381289032015-01-04T17:04:00.004-08:002015-01-04T19:19:27.831-08:00Never Fear! I might be unmotivated but I am keeping up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Mayan Museum in Mexico, old friends and a New Years Eve wedding posts coming soon.<br />
Plans in the works for the Polar Bear Plunge in Feb. Off to a prison in AZ next week!<br />
Life is good!</div>
Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-28864283296024228172014-12-22T16:09:00.000-08:002014-12-22T16:09:02.467-08:00Week 12 - Dog Park Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My first ever dog park experience.<br />
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My friend Betsy and I brought our pooches out this week. We chose an overcast but lovely, 50 degree winter day. <br />
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A little background, Betsy has a beagle, Katy, that is adorable and well behaved. Unless there is food involved, then her listening is a bit more of a crap shoot. She is on a special diet due to food allergies so is always hungry or eager for different food providing options like trash cans and friendly people...) My lovely critter, a 10 pound Alpha male maltese, Theo, is an OCD-ish dog that loves people but does not play well with other animals. He has some anxiety issues and a bit of a Napolian Complex as well (hence why I havent brought him to the dog park before! lol).<br />
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Hartford Park has an off leash park for dogs,<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9999408721924px;"> located within the 31 acre Harford Park. The area for dogs (off leash) is about 5+ acres and includes a stream that dogs are allowed to splash in and a dog-friendly drinking fountain. There was a steady stream of social, well-behaved dogs running free when we arrived. I kept Theo on his leash but was able to graduate him from 3' to about 20' of line by the time we left. He is a smart dog and finally figured out that picking on the giant dogs is probably not in his best interest! This park must be as close to paradise, for a dog, as is possible. I would swear that all of the dogs had smiles on their faces!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9999408721924px;">The downside to this experience was that my dog came home COVERED in burrs! I spent about an hour Googling how to remove burrs and another hour picking/cutting out the burrs and bathing the dog. Still after all was said and done, it was fun for all of us! At one point one of the dogs there, pooped out an orange sock. Not many places you could discuss that and have people laugh with you then share their ugly stories with you. Like the time we had guests and my dog came prancing into the middle of the room with someones hot pink underwear in his mouth! lol </span><br />
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-10473890022807003512014-12-13T06:52:00.001-08:002014-12-15T10:39:24.509-08:00Week 11 - Christmas Songs and Epiphanies <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last week I had an epiphany.<br />
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I have been rushing around trying to make firsts happen when in fact, they are all around us each and every day! It was pointed out to me that technically trying a new shampoo (Yes I found one that will change your life!!!) DOES count as a first. New foods, even striking up a conversation with a stranger is a first.<br />
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The issue I have with using these as my weekly first, is that they dont help me achieve my actual goal. The reason I am doing this with the firsts, is, in part, to prove to myself and others that at any age, you can have new experiences, adventure, growth, learning and LIVE! Age is not just a frame of mind. Old is old (wow that was profound! haha) You can give in and acquiesce to being old orrrr you can jump in and swim like Michael Phelps until the current takes you away! There is always time for growth, reflection and new experiences. My belief is that its when you stop trying, when you stop moving through the pain and going out of your comfort zone, you step closer and closer to death. That is just me though and I know there are people out there that will read this and think I am out of my head. Maybe... but its my blog and my life... so I can be :).<br />
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Sooo back to my first for the week! I was asked to participate in an international rendition of a classic Christmas song. 10 people from all over the world, each have a part. Out of my comfort zone for sure!! I used to be a pretty good singer. Loads of solos at school functions, chorus and even sang with a band for a spell for fun... phew... those days are gone! Yikes I suckkkk now! haha So I am supposed to sing the 4 Calling Birds part of 10 Days of Christmas.<br />
I have to redo it because I found out I have to sing it all the way back through the numbers... eek! lol I will add in the finished video when it is complete! =]</div>
Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-74813407518139076182014-12-13T06:49:00.003-08:002014-12-13T06:49:42.820-08:00Week 10 - New Places - Bonita Springs/Naples<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">Bonita Springs Girls Weekend for my Birthday</span></u></b></div>
I am late in writing my post for this week. Its been busy busy busy! I went with 3 of my favorite people to celebrate my birthday. One of my friends has a house in BS so we stayed there. It was great! Weather was 80 and mostly sunny.<br />
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Karen and I went down a day earlier so we spent Thurs exploring the area, grocery shopping for the weekend and then saw a beautiful sunset over the water. There is about an hour difference in sunset time from PA to Southern FL. I figured it would have been a little different but not a full hour more daylight. (One more reason to move to Florida! haha)Thurs night we went to Pub Night at the Clubhouse where we were staying and met some nice people. Most of them were well older than we are. We felt like young whippersnappers ( Wondering... exactly what is a "Whippersnapper"??)<br />
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Friday night the other 2 of our friends arrived. Sat we shopped, ate at a great restaurant called AZN in the Mercado section of Naples. We saw the sunset at The Turtle Club in Naples. On the way home we crashed a Christmas party and danced a ton! Great fun. =] </div>
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I didnt love Sanibel, but I think Naples is a place I could live or spend winters! =] I loved the area. (Loads of restaurants and shops just steps from the beach! People of all ages too...) Now to get my spouse to agree on that! haha I dont think it will happen. #whippersnapper #naples #Girlsweekend</div>
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<h3 class="definition" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 7px 0px 7px 36px;">
<a class="anchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="s58555" style="background-color: #e3412f; box-sizing: border-box; color: white; display: block; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; height: 17px; left: 0px; line-height: 17px; padding: 0px 5px 0px 4px; position: absolute; top: 7px;" title="noun">n</a>someone who is unimportant but cheeky and presumptuous</h3>
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<dt style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; float: left; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 70px;">Synonyms:</dt>
<dd style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding-left: 70px;"><a class="word" href="http://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/jackanapes" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #22558a;">jackanapes</a>, <a class="word" href="http://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/lightweight" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #22558a;">lightweight</a></dd></dl>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-36369290626526087682014-12-01T09:11:00.001-08:002014-12-01T09:11:57.296-08:00Week 9 - Poker Tournament with World Champions and As Seen on TV <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our Annual Texas Holdem Tournament was held at our house again Monday. Approximately 60 (7 tables) people including special guests! Professionals Annie D uke, Eric B rooks and another poker </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;">champion gold bracelet winner</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> joined this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Usually this is a male only event but since there would be a female player (Annie), a handful of women from the league I play in were also invited. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-q1gpIlgmzFH-5SOGe9a_1c9lvJJN_0BrHZGVL3YdpnPj_1jtwb2mgEE2T_Zq3g1OYSFAGU6GHypDInB5J7sXAZAOao0VHw4Z4os1rJOZDsRbMQPW9vgI2Y9NEj4b8D-R9ncy7HIMSwc/s1600/IMG_2269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-q1gpIlgmzFH-5SOGe9a_1c9lvJJN_0BrHZGVL3YdpnPj_1jtwb2mgEE2T_Zq3g1OYSFAGU6GHypDInB5J7sXAZAOao0VHw4Z4os1rJOZDsRbMQPW9vgI2Y9NEj4b8D-R9ncy7HIMSwc/s1600/IMG_2269.JPG" height="200" width="184" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW4pXc2uVMwI9uCnmF-lsYW9HN9BfHlLPtvrAH9GI0AZ3U7vkx8yMXi_piqtP3_GbfmRATOtt8yA4oPgmk4RdJF_BsYtKmEh3kfnzoVQUcIqAafTHNYKFDuDdM0DJMhpC0VeDKUIUBlk/s1600/IMG_2280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW4pXc2uVMwI9uCnmF-lsYW9HN9BfHlLPtvrAH9GI0AZ3U7vkx8yMXi_piqtP3_GbfmRATOtt8yA4oPgmk4RdJF_BsYtKmEh3kfnzoVQUcIqAafTHNYKFDuDdM0DJMhpC0VeDKUIUBlk/s1600/IMG_2280.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEoJ3ulehvDwrYOlMkCvJhdv1utZ-CKyGYf48N4pLHsv9HiwdWsYm5UYW3mwPZqONKSi8KaBUNRWVg3GfwbPSQTYjRjJWVUBtQ_ntJdj40XAVnheRHIDm2LrHE6gpRqUn-Zv5diSipVU/s1600/IMG_2268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEoJ3ulehvDwrYOlMkCvJhdv1utZ-CKyGYf48N4pLHsv9HiwdWsYm5UYW3mwPZqONKSi8KaBUNRWVg3GfwbPSQTYjRjJWVUBtQ_ntJdj40XAVnheRHIDm2LrHE6gpRqUn-Zv5diSipVU/s1600/IMG_2268.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My son and I had the honor of playing with both Annie and Eric at the first table! Last year Annie was the Tournament champion (Yes I was realllyyyyy nervous!). This year she was probably just being gracious in returning the champion trophy and didnt win (not to mention she was sick with a lousy cough). In any event it was a really fun evening. By the first merge, our table knocked out both Annie and Eric. In the end I was the longest standing female, top 13th. Top 9 were paid with the winner taking home 1K! Playing with and even just watching a professional player is interesting! They were helpful with tips, fast to correct and overall really lovely to play with the lot of us! Speaking of tips... </span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxBZxUSLTso" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxBZxUSLTso</a> Annie's Top 5 Poker Tells!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t21enOjMv_c87mkffoxoewxFKxNSBLTs8KwWqHJ8ZV583LQymrJGNeYQNTYYNgCRagzK635jTOdn1XPnxVGjtEa_mqm5w4UF2pyktI7PPRQ7dLzasYQJn-Y2VnWb6GsqJGXdNTaj9rs/s1600/IMG_2293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t21enOjMv_c87mkffoxoewxFKxNSBLTs8KwWqHJ8ZV583LQymrJGNeYQNTYYNgCRagzK635jTOdn1XPnxVGjtEa_mqm5w4UF2pyktI7PPRQ7dLzasYQJn-Y2VnWb6GsqJGXdNTaj9rs/s1600/IMG_2293.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkLF7NyE61z7zik-PtezhHCgwun-0i8BCroq5LKycpa7Cd-JO4FFGaWdRfdXRcxKY5lgLa4NIzY-ufybxyQeddWyjU1-0NDT58jgXJPJjuMDFrfGf4q115Fhn47DDnGAHTjH7a4sCqH8/s1600/IMG_2311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkLF7NyE61z7zik-PtezhHCgwun-0i8BCroq5LKycpa7Cd-JO4FFGaWdRfdXRcxKY5lgLa4NIzY-ufybxyQeddWyjU1-0NDT58jgXJPJjuMDFrfGf4q115Fhn47DDnGAHTjH7a4sCqH8/s1600/IMG_2311.JPG" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
Also on my list of firsts this year an As Seen on TV gizmo! "Veggetti "I will post a video asap but I will say that I dont think it was worth the money.( $9.95 at Ross so thats really discounted). It didnt work with parsnips. Worked well with zucchini but I cant see it working well with many other veggies. I will give it a go again soon. My hope was to use it to make veggie pasta for sauce. Ohh and snow for Thanksgiving!! I didnt host this year. We spent it in Maryland with family. My nephew announced he was getting married and that he and his gf were expecting in July '15! It will be so nice to have a baby in the family again and my first nephew getting hitched!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3F9tXhLlNdyefmdHc6mknLodvnjDPASuPDSxNdMq_r4WCxqiC6ucoxSvFKaABTAfhgURsNy1hoDIZwsWDgvVXSr8kAH17ufWlHyiwzqY0fvoiCoBGIaUCBhdfWCeMkOFxjcMp-PC6_s/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3F9tXhLlNdyefmdHc6mknLodvnjDPASuPDSxNdMq_r4WCxqiC6ucoxSvFKaABTAfhgURsNy1hoDIZwsWDgvVXSr8kAH17ufWlHyiwzqY0fvoiCoBGIaUCBhdfWCeMkOFxjcMp-PC6_s/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
#veggitti #pokertournament #thanksgiving #babies</div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-18023153968645221342014-11-28T06:33:00.002-08:002014-11-28T06:33:23.569-08:00Thanksgiving/Holiday Season Rant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I try to follow the moto that "The family that plays together, stays together." There was NO play in my family growing up, so I want to make sure that my kids enjoy their time with me and want to spend their soon to be valuable and scarce holiday time with me. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQiQisJ696CNznEZJ9gI1HtYECkEOxpE7OYKbfvN3iHKIQz8s1xhQZXaZlOC7pH75_G9NspPTzKUTFD_K-PJyMKjQWK48FW2UnsP0WDbDMWrSuxjCOHt4v9JqitpWYL5F7h9T9SKnlrQ/s1600/happy-thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQiQisJ696CNznEZJ9gI1HtYECkEOxpE7OYKbfvN3iHKIQz8s1xhQZXaZlOC7pH75_G9NspPTzKUTFD_K-PJyMKjQWK48FW2UnsP0WDbDMWrSuxjCOHt4v9JqitpWYL5F7h9T9SKnlrQ/s1600/happy-thanksgiving.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love Thanksgiving because its about being thankful (for friends... family... health... and even distance haha). Its Xmas and even Hanukkah (a sort of purposefully made to be materialistic holiday)I dislike the most. All this hype and spending under the pretense of religion when there is very very little religious about the season for 90% of the people. Bah Hum Bug! haha </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0E4SdHO4dRUA6Kw_ggSnWD1V_aMQV5o7deObDxB31jmdWEVkRO65g7FKv8ioDD5HEbvUe9ZcDKafTqelfb_MP-Iz9efD1NcjOZpIctfZE6sWcWmdbQS9D0EudktYH61V90E8ZZl8FvM/s1600/1463876_610433912325405_186182016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0E4SdHO4dRUA6Kw_ggSnWD1V_aMQV5o7deObDxB31jmdWEVkRO65g7FKv8ioDD5HEbvUe9ZcDKafTqelfb_MP-Iz9efD1NcjOZpIctfZE6sWcWmdbQS9D0EudktYH61V90E8ZZl8FvM/s1600/1463876_610433912325405_186182016_n.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></span></div>
<div id="yiv0972576800yui_3_16_0_1_1416848951100_48744" style="color: black; font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: normal; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv0972576800" id="yiv0972576800yui_3_16_0_1_1416848951100_48747" style="color: #141823; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I saw this posted on Facebook. It always gets touchy this time of year...I agree with this pic but in reverse. If I am Jewish tell me Happy Hanukkah, If I am Christian then wish me Merry Christmas and if I celebrate Kwanza then bid me a joyous Kwanza holiday... but If I dont celebrate something why would you tell me to enjoy Ramadan, or happy Holi/ Dhuleti to me just because you celebrate it? I do not view it as a political issue or some right being taken away. If you care to say something nice to me, for my benefit, then know me well enough to know what I celebrate. If you dont, dont think that wishing me your holiday greeting, that I dont celebrate, is saying something nice to me. We live in a multicultural world now. There might have been a days when we didnt but like it or not, the world has blended and changed. I for one, believe that there is no way 'God' could have just one religion. The world is made up of lots of wonderful people believing with diverse religious views. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #141823; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I think we often forget that these are religious holidays and everyones beliefs are different. So, spread joy, peace and love this holiday season. Celebrate your holidays to the fullest and may the spirit of the season, whatever you celebrate, be upon you. #holidayseasonrant #sayinghappyholidays</span></span></div>
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Helenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02250741727241511661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1115892378175138083.post-88549805675209736132014-11-23T17:03:00.002-08:002014-11-23T17:03:34.041-08:00Week 8 - Jewish Weddings, Old friends and a Red Wrap Dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> This week I had some sentimental firsts. Two old college friends got married in a beautiful traditional Jewish ceremony. This was the first traditional Jewish wedding I have ever attended. That might not seem so unusual unless you knew that I'm Jewish! lol All the Jewish weddings I have attended that were officiated by a Rabbi were also dual religion. My own wedding there was a Priest and a Rabbi. It's a lovely blend, but some of the traditions were lost in the mixing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This wedding had all the bells and whistles! They had a<u> Huppah</u>, or wedding canopy (apparently the custom dates back to tent dwelling nomadic days in the desert!) The bride and groom '<u>circled</u>' each other 7 times (traditionally it was only the bride that circled but modern times calls for each to circle the other 3 times then they both circle together once. I read that it is supposed to represent the 7 wedding blessings, 7 days of creation or demonstrate that the groom is the center of the brides world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">I think the<u> breaking of the glass</u> is the most popularly known part of the wedding ceremony. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Depending on whom you ask its supposed to be </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"> a symbol of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a representation of the fragility of human relationships and or a reminder that marriage changes the lives of individuals forever. It's also the finale and official signal to shout, "<u>Mazel Tov</u>!" A few prayers and good wishes and we were off to celebrate the official coupling! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There was the <i>H<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">amotzi</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px;">, or blessing of the challah bread, then the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px;">the </span><i style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hora </i><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">generally called the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px;"><u> chair dance, </u>to the song </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 17px;">Hava Nagila. =] I didnt do that at my wedding and now I am sorry. It looked like such fun and is part of a long cultural tradition. Once that was done, the bride and groom made a speech, we ate, drank and were merry. Loads of photos including one of all of the UD graduates >> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Among the UD graduates were 3 of my sorority sisters (me with 2 below). I haven't seen them in decades! They hadn't changed a bit! <3 So you might be wondering about the significance of the red wrap dress... When I was 16 I had my Bat Mitzvah (yes its usually at age ... thats a story for another post! lol). I wore my mothers red silk wrap dress. When I was looking for a dress to wear to the wedding, I became all nostalgic. Because I was thinking about my traditions and missing my mother, I went out in search of another red wrap dress. Thank goodness for Diane von Furstenberg and her classic style of dress still being available! lol You might not believe me, but I haven't worn a wrap dress (mostly because it wasn't figure flattering ) since I was 16. #jewishwedding #redwrapdress #doubledelmarriage</span></div>
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