tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348180892024-02-19T02:10:36.453-08:00there there kitten- life, love, and all the little things.Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-25695009701848012016-11-23T18:33:00.000-08:002016-11-23T18:33:00.328-08:00Moved - New Link<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theretherekitten.com/"><img alt="theretherekitten.com" border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixarrrbKLnVN3AQLIBdKpLoz6uqodiTA895FCUE3jic_QUwMSmoXwp20Pa-7QMUu3Pea5f57F1OiKkcQLAoQGxHHqWXYJIf34HsWvCYdab02PwamWjsA-09AozHDzaRI1chfEV/s640/movedluggage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>I've moved!</b></h4>
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<b>In case you're visiting directly from blogger, you won't find any new posts here. </b></h4>
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<b>Please change your bookmarks to link to <a href="http://theretherekitten.com/">theretherekitten.com</a>. </b></h4>
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<b> </b></h4>
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<b>Thanks!! </b></h4>
Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-42243366209108290772016-11-04T22:27:00.001-07:002016-11-04T22:45:50.582-07:00Five Minute Friday - Journey<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJJY7K3dCu3yP7VQfQURp94mLmdEhYtcLuie9eE5XVsFrohS7El_5wMUGkRCxS_0YBNQRaNcJx13lMqyOnwND4xuOqg_aGHITfgIeclScAIgf2nmRCljKKUBqKfLqM53oyryU/s1600/JOURNEY2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJJY7K3dCu3yP7VQfQURp94mLmdEhYtcLuie9eE5XVsFrohS7El_5wMUGkRCxS_0YBNQRaNcJx13lMqyOnwND4xuOqg_aGHITfgIeclScAIgf2nmRCljKKUBqKfLqM53oyryU/s640/JOURNEY2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Vibora at Six Flags Over Texas, 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I was chatting at lunch today with a few co-workers about our experiences on some amazing roller coasters at some of the best amusement parks across North America.<br />
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It's all about the ride.<br />
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We don't talk much about that short moment after, as the safety bar raises and you exit the car. That breath of relief, the plans for the next ride, the next activity.<br />
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We like to tell our story of the ride.<br />
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It's all about that journey, that ride, those ups and downs, every bone-shaking curve. It's all about the moments of anticipation as you clicky-clack up the hill and then the pause before the stomach-flopping decent. All the moments, thrilling or still.<br />
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Life should be that way, too.<br />
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Sure, we set goals or make plans, but make sure you don't miss the rest of life's journey.<br />
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It's all about the little things—the picnics along the way, the stops and starts, and restarts.<br />
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Life is about noticing the sunrises and sunsets.<br />
Enjoying the feeling of sand between your toes.<br />
The way your child or nephew or neighbourhood kid throws back their head to laugh.<br />
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It's about hugging a friend when they are down, having tea with your mother or grandmother, and taking a walk beside the sea on a windy day.<br />
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Life is a journey.<br />
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Don't forget that.<br />
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Stop for a moment, look around and enjoy it. <br />
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On Fridays a group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just write gather to share what five minutes buys them. <br />
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Just five minutes. Unscripted. Unedited. Real.<br />
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking<br />
2. THIS WEEK Link back <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/11/03/five-minute-friday-journey-plus-giveaway/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and invite others to join in.<br />
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments.<br />
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<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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<a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/11/03/five-minute-friday-journey-plus-giveaway/"><img alt="http://katemotaung.com/2016/11/03/five-minute-friday-journey-plus-giveaway/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DM3Q1fiCaF38IA-aeA_DjlzJ3xTmkD40r4ARy6HOQJnkUMoV0RmdM_v2uNP9r4qaGiCxBSy4nJ9n7uNLXl-sJ7XsOlQWbUdj-S6kZ4zN_jjEDcPx_EwvaGOVGo5kg5XMNRfO/s320/Five-Minute-Friday-4-600x600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com4Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-45960260788165004902016-11-02T12:30:00.000-07:002016-11-02T12:30:07.695-07:00Write 31 Days - Cut<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtDMO6nSBfKhkaWIjeR_nZT5ZDsMOAmTBXuwQauqOcRO-4UOGOS2Xvwith66QQmVNXxJfk_oHqkeB6cvoALcxJzXXRBgF7N2MDOdaiHKo3H7jyWTO19BuPv3yD6NaCkPE05kI/s1600/cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtDMO6nSBfKhkaWIjeR_nZT5ZDsMOAmTBXuwQauqOcRO-4UOGOS2Xvwith66QQmVNXxJfk_oHqkeB6cvoALcxJzXXRBgF7N2MDOdaiHKo3H7jyWTO19BuPv3yD6NaCkPE05kI/s640/cut.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have a scar on my left knee from a childhood cut.<br />
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I was a tough kid who played hard, so cuts and scrapes weren't unusual. But for some reason I remember getting this particular cut.<br />
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I was about 6 years old.<br />
We were visiting friends in a smaller town about an hour away.<br />
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All the kids were playing outside on the pleasant summer's day.<br />
Our friends, my siblings, other neighbourhood kids. <br />
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And there was a wagon involved.<br />
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I think we were riding in the wagon, down a hill, quite fast.<br />
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Something happened, maybe we hit a bump, maybe that little wagon was just not meant to be ridden downhill by two or three kids at that speed.<br />
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We tumbled out of the wagon and my knee hit the gravelly pavement, hard.<br />
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There was blood, and skin and though I was tough, there were a few tears.<br />
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My mom, in her calming way, dried my tears and took me inside to clean me up.<br />
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For some reason this is the first time I remember the feeling of <span class="_Tgc">hydrogen peroxide</span> being poured onto a wound. Being the rough kid that I was I'm sure it had been administered before that moment, but this was an instance I clearly remembered.<br />
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That dark brown bottle tipped up and for a moment the pain was searingly worse. Then the liquid frothed and bubbled on the oval open wound on my knee. Like a an injured cub I cried out, not understanding that this additional pain would be worth it, would help my wound and start the process of healing.<br />
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The sharpness of the treatment stung badly but my mom's gentle cool hands patted and bandaged and sent me back outside to play.<br />
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I'm sure we played some more and I'm sure I was into more mischief by the end of that day.<br />
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I even managed to make everyone laugh when we were leaving, slapping a neighbourhood boy on the back and proclaiming, "Well, s'long Jeremy!" (A memorable moment that has become a family saying ever since.)<br />
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Now, as an adult with a few more scars and bumps along the way, I notice that half-inch line of a scar on my knee once in a while.<br />
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I remember that even when we are wounded, the pain doesn't last forever.<br />
Though sharp and difficult to ignore, pain fades.<br />
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We can heal, we can be patched up, and sent back out to play. <br />
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<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-17887015185692306792016-10-31T14:52:00.002-07:002016-10-31T14:52:28.237-07:00Write 31 Days - Confront<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfF_xqt6w7zHMyGcgeDwNbBiQ2wAQ9vHrS8xuy0L4vpLdzLFtJWGLpWkjrQf67QcZoya9y5jlGWp7ZRHb_p3zDollPnECRzWZn6z2q38-GuP9wBx5b2nMp0cgmUYn_7k97ief/s1600/confront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfF_xqt6w7zHMyGcgeDwNbBiQ2wAQ9vHrS8xuy0L4vpLdzLFtJWGLpWkjrQf67QcZoya9y5jlGWp7ZRHb_p3zDollPnECRzWZn6z2q38-GuP9wBx5b2nMp0cgmUYn_7k97ief/s640/confront.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am not great with confrontation, good or bad. <br />
I don't like speaking up. I don't like when someone argues with me.<br />
I get warm and panic inside as the blood visibly rushes to my face.<br />
I never know what to say in the moment.<br />
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I am much, much better at ignoring a problem or letting it get buried deep down.<br />
But that's never a solution to confrontation. <br />
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This September I decided it was high time to confront something head on, no matter what the outcome: my health.<br />
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I hadn't seen my doctor other than briefly for prescription renewals over the past several years so it was time for a check up.<br />
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First he gave me an order for blood work for pretty much everything just to have a starting point.<br />
Then I had an appointment to go over all the test results.<br />
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Almost everything we tested was flagged at either too high or two low...and not in a good way. <br />
That was not quite a shock but still a little upsetting.<br />
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My doctor is on the quieter, more serious side, but he was kind and asked lots of good, thoughtful questions. We put some new treatments into motion addressing my lack of energy, poor sleep, and my weight issues, with which I've struggled all my life.<br />
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To hopefully avoid taking numerous new medications to lower some of those not-so-good numbers, for the next first six months I am going to try and start on a healthier path with better choices revolving around food and exercise. <br />
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Driving home after that appointment I was a bit of a basket case.<br />
The tears flowed and I just couldn't wrap my head around how I'd gotten to this point in my life.<br />
Not that anything was really bad, just borderline, and I could no longer ignore it.<br />
I was just so very overwhelmed with everything. <br />
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This was NOT where I wanted to be.<br />
I didn't want pain or discomfort or weight to every hold me back from anything. And I've truly tried to not let it, but I has been happening more and more.<br />
Now was time to put my plan into action for me to get health. <br />
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This had been coming for a long time. And now I was forcing myself to confront it.<br />
But that was a good thing. A difficult thing, but a step in the right direction.<br />
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So far, things are going well. I'm feeling good. <br />
We increased my dosage of my thyroid medication and I have more energy than I used to.<br />
I'm making better choices, thus eating better and I'm down 15 pounds since I starting keep track at the beginning of September. A small victory!<br />
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I still tend to get overwhelmed easily and shut down or off and ignore what I need to do.<br />
But I've been taking everything a little bit at a time, trying not to focus on the small tasks rather than the larger picture and have it overtake me. <br />
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I plan my week, taking time to make healthy meals that I can eat for lunch or supper. Lots of veggies, enough protein at every meal, less snacking, and forcing myself to get out to walk or some other exercise when I can.<br />
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I'm not thinking about this as a temporary thing...this is my life.<br />
I cannot waste a moment.<br />
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I need to confront what's not working head-on and change, bit by bit until my life looks and feels like healthy and whole, noting holding me back. <br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
Thanks for not judging.<br />
We are all on our own journey. <br />
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I'm sure I'll write more on this topic as the weeks go on, so stay tuned! <br />
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<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com2Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-46817482800958104902016-10-28T16:06:00.000-07:002016-10-31T16:08:30.186-07:00Five Minute Friday - Eat<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4T-v3QjxMBAqdNQ30nxAKrYQhoCYFNy_cT0vJySCF6Mss0Q9DuKOLtemj6peLOneh5iHeBE1qD3WW34qpUiy4X9y8KQJHL6o3iLXCfTgjl8VO-0lJzhl8N8QZ_j2vNhKXztP/s1600/eat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4T-v3QjxMBAqdNQ30nxAKrYQhoCYFNy_cT0vJySCF6Mss0Q9DuKOLtemj6peLOneh5iHeBE1qD3WW34qpUiy4X9y8KQJHL6o3iLXCfTgjl8VO-0lJzhl8N8QZ_j2vNhKXztP/s640/eat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lately I've been making a concerted effort to make healthy meals at home. <br /><i>(read about my <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/10/write-31-days-confront.html" target="_blank">health journey here</a>)</i><br />
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I know many of us can get into a bad habit of eating out way too often, which is never a great idea for your health, let alone your monthly budget.<br />
I've really been enjoying fresh local produce, yummy and filling salads, and easy hot meat and veggie dinners I can take to work.<br />
Here are a few of my recent favourites.<br />
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Salads: I used to dread making and eating salads! <br />
They always tasted the same. They never seemed filling or satisfying.<br />
They never felt like a good, hearty meal.<br />
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BUT!<br />
I've been experimenting and here are a few tricks I've learned that are helping me to LOVE my lunchtime or supper salads.<br />
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<a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=61" target="_blank">Romaine Hearts</a> - these crisp, dark green leafy lettuces have been my staple base for my salads. Romaine is packed with nutrients—vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and fiber!<br />
They tend to stay crisp in my fridge for a week or two and can even replace taco shells or wraps for a change at meal times.<br />
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<a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=50" target="_blank">Bell Peppers</a> - I never used to like peppers, but now I love the solid, tangy crunch these bright veggies add to my meal. I either dice them or I use my slicer (mandolin style, <a href="https://epicure.com/en/product/1004216" target="_blank">mine's from Epicure</a>) to make thin strips (which can also be stored and used later sauteed for fajitas for stir frys!). Bell peppers are full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits!<br />
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<a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=44" target="_blank">Tomatoes</a> - Most summers I've tried to grow my own tomatoes. I had a decent crop this year of small cherry and romas and add a good 6-10 of these small fruits to my salads. Did you know that tomatoes have long been linked to heart health? Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown to help lower total cholesterol!<br />
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I've also been enjoying using my slicer to add some more delicate slices of the more denser, hard veggies like carrots and radishes to my concoctions. (see photo above!)<br />
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I also have bulk bags of unsalted pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries in my freezer door and add a teaspoon or two of each to top off my lunch.<br />
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Some new toppers I've begun to incorporate are the Epicure brand nutritional yeasts—the <a href="https://epicure.com/en/product/1001519" target="_blank">Asian Umami</a> or the <a href="https://epicure.com/en/product/1006216" target="_blank">Garlic & Onion</a>. They contain inactive nutritional yeast offering a source of 8 essential vitamins & minerals. They have a rich almost cheesy flavour and have replaced my previous generous use of salt and pepper.<br />
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I'll also chop up an apple or add half a ripe avocado and finish off with some home made <span>Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing (simple olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette and <a href="https://epicure.com/en/product/1002645" target="_blank">Epicure dry mix</a>).</span></div>
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<span>Protein at every meal is also important, so I've either been adding some chicken I've made the night before, or from a store-bought BBQ chicken, or even my own homemade meatballs! </span></div>
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<span>Now, maybe this isn't the way you'd make a salad, or maybe you really want to tell me I'm doing it all wrong. But hey, it's working for me so far. I'm enthused about making and eating my lunchtime salads so back off and make your own. </span></div>
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<span>No really, I encourage you to experiment and try out some new combinations for your salads. Add a fruit like a pear or mandarin oranges, add nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds. </span></div>
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<span>I'd also encourage you to find out more about <a href="https://epicure.com/en" target="_blank">Epicure</a> products. Not because I want to push selling them (yes, I do work for Epicure!), but because I am enjoying them so much! They all enhance your food in a healthy, clean-eating way. I've already had to clean out my pantry to add all my new Epicure spice blends and other products and I'm having a blast discovering new uses and flavours from all the products I have. </span></div>
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<span>Happy cooking and healthy-eating!</span></div>
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<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DM3Q1fiCaF38IA-aeA_DjlzJ3xTmkD40r4ARy6HOQJnkUMoV0RmdM_v2uNP9r4qaGiCxBSy4nJ9n7uNLXl-sJ7XsOlQWbUdj-S6kZ4zN_jjEDcPx_EwvaGOVGo5kg5XMNRfO/s320/Five-Minute-Friday-4-600x600.jpg" width="320" /><span id="goog_956591111"></span></a><span id="goog_956591112"></span></div>
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Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-81472817388569103152016-10-27T16:20:00.000-07:002016-10-27T16:20:03.867-07:00Write 31 Days - Sign<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_Uho7OD9HvVnWY4PVew9ttc0GoGOJoPi33ZhOBpjQiGAGDcE9xD5sximCkLoybKs1vE2JF3BcXaK77XWHqCy8xxey8EOuYBRS1GNA3_KyFO5Qw4D5-SKkJXzMJyizJMIGlP3/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_Uho7OD9HvVnWY4PVew9ttc0GoGOJoPi33ZhOBpjQiGAGDcE9xD5sximCkLoybKs1vE2JF3BcXaK77XWHqCy8xxey8EOuYBRS1GNA3_KyFO5Qw4D5-SKkJXzMJyizJMIGlP3/s640/sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do you ever ask for a sign?<br />
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Do you get stuck and need some help making a decision so you look up into the heavens with wide, desperate eyes and plead for some sort of amazing and obvious sign so you can make your choice and continue on your way, sure and confident, on your path?<br />
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I've have plenty of those moments and those signs have come in many different forms. <br />
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I've had decisions to make about whether or not to go back to school, what courses to take, what career path to follow...or not follow. <br />
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I've had to decide if it was right to leave University for a while and pursue something else, explore, find out what I didn't want to do.<br />
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I've had to choose whether to move back home, or move in with a friend, or which new home to settle in to.<br />
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I've had decisions come up regarding how to deal with issues in relationships, friendships, and co-workers.<br />
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Many large and small life decisions have found me asking for a sign, something visible, to help me on my way.<br />
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If you don't know me very well, you may not know that I have a strong belief in God and I am always striving to have a better relationship with Him.<br />
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I've asked Him for signs—for lightning, for rocks to move, and the sky to split. I've asked for clear direction and a blatantly obvious reveal to whatever choice had me stuck.<br />
<br />
But I've found that bargaining with God doesn't work.<br />
<br />
He works in His own time, not ours.<br />
<br />
Though possible, He rarely works in grand, Yes or No, This Way or That Way, signs.<br />
<br />
Most of the time, if you seek out His advice, His counsel, His directions, He does answer, but maybe not in the way you'd expect. <br />
<br />
I've heard His voice, a quiet, gentle reminder nudging me in the way I knew I should go, or the action I should take that best represents how He would have us treat each other.<br />
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I've had larger, more obvious doors close or open that helped me make a major decision or set me on a different course than I'd previously mapped out.<br />
<br />
Yet, if I didn't hear from Him, I still found a peace in knowing that if I trust Him and still fall, or stumble, or make a bad choice, He will be there to help me try again.<br />
<br />
Signs can come in many forms.<br />
<br />
A whisper.<br />
A timely phone call or text.<br />
A conviction of conscience.<br />
A reminder from past decisions made.<br />
<br />
I've learned how to listen for those small signs, though sometimes life can be too loud to hear them clearly.<br />
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I'm not usually gushy about my faith but some days I feel it's important to share how I'm feeling.<br />
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<br />
The passage below has been an important read for me today, a reminder not to bargain but to ask and trust God for what you need.<br />
<br />
I hope that perhaps reading this today finds you in a place where you can seek out the answers you've been struggling with.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Matt-7-7-Matt-7-11" id="en-MSG-9963">Don’t
bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a
cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for
bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare
him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t
think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So
don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?</span><br />
<div class="passage-display">
<span class="passage-display-bcv">Matthew 7:7-12</span><span class="passage-display-version"> The Message </span></div>
</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b_grEp-SZRHDTaiyrAe2U4BnXvIjyNoBVsQ_EvNPnW3cIO-kPURch23KiWkA8Smd-VlHyGZuZwaHidTP4L3WFIWXRW3_E54ejL7IbSW4v393Uf2A51Nu_3AA2Cowoi3OdieX/s1600/Ashford-Door-AskSeekKnock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5b_grEp-SZRHDTaiyrAe2U4BnXvIjyNoBVsQ_EvNPnW3cIO-kPURch23KiWkA8Smd-VlHyGZuZwaHidTP4L3WFIWXRW3_E54ejL7IbSW4v393Uf2A51Nu_3AA2Cowoi3OdieX/s640/Ashford-Door-AskSeekKnock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>
</h4>
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
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<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com3Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-67421717284405480202016-10-25T12:27:00.001-07:002016-10-26T08:56:06.882-07:00Write 31 Days - Global<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC2A2ni7Xc6wWupx8ImCZjmo6vSVP_dy7EoLQBe5KITxmHvcPrQnjGuYEn_nf7I5nUHu86ydR2fJltjpMr0gbg8VqOZ_WjOeoVUnXj98QlYgM-ikQkQPECsMJOt3hGPRn021m/s1600/global.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC2A2ni7Xc6wWupx8ImCZjmo6vSVP_dy7EoLQBe5KITxmHvcPrQnjGuYEn_nf7I5nUHu86ydR2fJltjpMr0gbg8VqOZ_WjOeoVUnXj98QlYgM-ikQkQPECsMJOt3hGPRn021m/s640/global.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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From the air, any country I've ever flown over, from Canada and the US to the UK or Central America, look so beautiful and yet so similar.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBltUB1CYjrRgO3dHNqsg0LcLgY33aJ2YtB2ap2J7m3VCIkj1gaZPM7iIIvKF9Iwzv6fhxRcKCNclWtKGXPln6n-NnEbdoBl8f0LGpYSGmZsh5R02i5m4Ufp-mJ_y2e7psmbN/s1600/global9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBltUB1CYjrRgO3dHNqsg0LcLgY33aJ2YtB2ap2J7m3VCIkj1gaZPM7iIIvKF9Iwzv6fhxRcKCNclWtKGXPln6n-NnEbdoBl8f0LGpYSGmZsh5R02i5m4Ufp-mJ_y2e7psmbN/s400/global9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish Coast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Everything is a mixture of hundreds of shades of greens and browns on land and over the coasts and lakes it always a swirling of blues, whites, and aquas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9CffjrXfVe2-z-c-Io8ve8NvFUimVGiSPeS96KwFtb4QDOrSxcs1qJw6aBYtxENq7KH4YW_nCRTIB011oMahDcp-piQqvDFrOUJ59g5PpOx7doQDedwT4h7znztbBiBvqeZF/s1600/global11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9CffjrXfVe2-z-c-Io8ve8NvFUimVGiSPeS96KwFtb4QDOrSxcs1qJw6aBYtxENq7KH4YW_nCRTIB011oMahDcp-piQqvDFrOUJ59g5PpOx7doQDedwT4h7znztbBiBvqeZF/s400/global11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The mountains, from 35,000 feet, are less intimidating and more like child-drawn rough lines across the landscape. Some are capped with the white and light blues of fresh snows, some are dusty and brown, barren and desert-like.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvOIUT33Wce8sTzj57AgDBHPZ3N09b-wdTfm8aQ26jVRR6X8ArafunFDtzZtAm_23Qzq-S-KTtMqDPQmTN5kQ6r-PzI5mjbdCboJnJ5enAlfdPmAdUOMQ9Cxvrn1l9ky1G4Wj/s1600/global2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvOIUT33Wce8sTzj57AgDBHPZ3N09b-wdTfm8aQ26jVRR6X8ArafunFDtzZtAm_23Qzq-S-KTtMqDPQmTN5kQ6r-PzI5mjbdCboJnJ5enAlfdPmAdUOMQ9Cxvrn1l9ky1G4Wj/s400/global2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I've flown over the Grand Canyon and it looks like the Earth is injured, a giant crack zipping through the plains, open and dry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXd_aRhcZCI3FkHIJLfc0tLFhItFHpCHwRKQ8hXiD3UH2eghu_J_oeBchVdtnLlY9RHxJA31GcYI7bPwGpwCNMXLbJEU9YzTFtBBne24J6ca8uC2_DKWBLxSOo96_vLZZiHyEX/s1600/global7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXd_aRhcZCI3FkHIJLfc0tLFhItFHpCHwRKQ8hXiD3UH2eghu_J_oeBchVdtnLlY9RHxJA31GcYI7bPwGpwCNMXLbJEU9YzTFtBBne24J6ca8uC2_DKWBLxSOo96_vLZZiHyEX/s400/global7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ireland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've sighed at the fresh green patchwork over Ireland, the green multi-sized squares bordered by darker greens, like a pieced-together grandma's quilt, lush and fresh and full of promise.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iHOcaGWzro7E7WPmK0umx9V9lf8FfsHfVc2jRi2Io-e2XlzhbOLpdIBIMSBunslLoA_qVbstDVMTwQS5-4YGfRMhIfLQ2rslSqZznNkIj8ydBChi9Rchut0BpxqnKBF3iPBD/s1600/global10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iHOcaGWzro7E7WPmK0umx9V9lf8FfsHfVc2jRi2Io-e2XlzhbOLpdIBIMSBunslLoA_qVbstDVMTwQS5-4YGfRMhIfLQ2rslSqZznNkIj8ydBChi9Rchut0BpxqnKBF3iPBD/s400/global10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexico</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Beaches up the coast of Mexico look dry and hot but where the white surf meets the tan sands, the heat looks inviting and beaches stretch in curving, drawn-out "u" shapes far into the horizon blurriness.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYl6clcl0kSkxx_moBoiO9uq8jzRunrYWX-6_joUUFuRPxD3A2mRdwbKJAMPeDgLPHTb2jBuCuouWUuIX7hG5Qmni8L8W8WysDhjyZSS3jh3am0PF5SLCWOMF_Gr6ZYg1mE3q/s1600/global3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYl6clcl0kSkxx_moBoiO9uq8jzRunrYWX-6_joUUFuRPxD3A2mRdwbKJAMPeDgLPHTb2jBuCuouWUuIX7hG5Qmni8L8W8WysDhjyZSS3jh3am0PF5SLCWOMF_Gr6ZYg1mE3q/s400/global3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dallas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Buildings and highways, industry and factories, they all grown small and shrink as we climb.<br />
They are tiny shapes, dwarfed by the sheer land mass they live on as we rise higher, able to view more and more at once.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFinUelu04LQLoKdZm_ndfzRbVxYrcYDPUq8Qo50EEGJV-9WA8ngk10etIkAgkGoycCP7_0n4R6IlAR0A8-Dqj1DyXjvjUFWIf7WZTqEbC3aky-X5s0kekp7jdmL-vOyS4kdxh/s1600/global1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFinUelu04LQLoKdZm_ndfzRbVxYrcYDPUq8Qo50EEGJV-9WA8ngk10etIkAgkGoycCP7_0n4R6IlAR0A8-Dqj1DyXjvjUFWIf7WZTqEbC3aky-X5s0kekp7jdmL-vOyS4kdxh/s400/global1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Juan Islands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Islands become scattered dots, elongated and stretched, surrounded by a flat concrete of ocean. Boats and ferries look less like fast transport and more like small insects, crawling slowly along the deep navy blue floor.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5wrCt_mJVcrMjxwSsFFo9k7_A85kcHn2sz8des2bkTFFXuDprAwkmsBLNbwdJo24qJdYdmzzpUze3zo1c9Y6d-M5cDxEZJfEzSJAanbp3MSO_NXrq4dtkkfkvq4eHtL53kCb/s1600/global6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5wrCt_mJVcrMjxwSsFFo9k7_A85kcHn2sz8des2bkTFFXuDprAwkmsBLNbwdJo24qJdYdmzzpUze3zo1c9Y6d-M5cDxEZJfEzSJAanbp3MSO_NXrq4dtkkfkvq4eHtL53kCb/s400/global6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere over the Atlantic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As we move up ear-poppingly higher into the clouds, floating and streaking through the beautiful white and sliver fluff, I forget. <br />
<br />
I forget about the busyness of life.<br />
I forget about deadlines and projects and upcoming appointments.<br />
I forget about drama and stress and what lies ahead.<br />
I forget what's below me for an hour or two.<br />
<br />
Yet as I forget I'm reminded.<br />
<br />
I remember that down there, life goes on.<br />
Down there, people can be the same wherever I travel.<br />
People can be kind, understanding, and helpful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXydkZ8AW2jdjJKbuJ1H5RhXD30SwMDhEY5DYQneyuoQUHhyphenhyphenQUv2nvVJE3DnLOmGGQxJ4e_d8pcSLKD7OTPJvx0mMhErsbSIdKD0TUI565jQfwr8cd7_bk6UdhEI7GpxJ0tu2/s1600/global8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXydkZ8AW2jdjJKbuJ1H5RhXD30SwMDhEY5DYQneyuoQUHhyphenhyphenQUv2nvVJE3DnLOmGGQxJ4e_d8pcSLKD7OTPJvx0mMhErsbSIdKD0TUI565jQfwr8cd7_bk6UdhEI7GpxJ0tu2/s400/global8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toronto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A small souvenir shop owner can chat with me about making our own jewelry and he can take the time to hand craft me a wire flower to take home. His gift to me, a fellow crafter.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIHh5MHANkV9vDN8-Ps2TW77_R8ySKpeZM2SR7dmBWA3Ubc0-9VMDzZ6l9sktbRwFv49BgKF2a9vePC0r5YE9nvqrPRT146E4_OGyEQV4Jd18NJGYX5kmE2eLjhtq10juGu2v/s1600/globa14l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIHh5MHANkV9vDN8-Ps2TW77_R8ySKpeZM2SR7dmBWA3Ubc0-9VMDzZ6l9sktbRwFv49BgKF2a9vePC0r5YE9nvqrPRT146E4_OGyEQV4Jd18NJGYX5kmE2eLjhtq10juGu2v/s320/globa14l.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Eduardo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A driver in Costa Rica, who spent the week carting luggage, driving a small packed bus full of noisy single women, can bond over the love of our pet dogs back home. We slowly heard his life story, and a quiet and gentle giant of a man was transformed into a friend. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD0r2wPeRZVj_AN1_ZTf-ejllUbdLokXkOpilgRmxxdFEs13iim6nFR0j-JaKGvmd_cFwynEKiZ1SJ2Ph8wzSi-MwOFw0fidw2-p5PKxOZrrSfN7GqGFlBU7z7GvWzm4bkSFN/s1600/IMG_7754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD0r2wPeRZVj_AN1_ZTf-ejllUbdLokXkOpilgRmxxdFEs13iim6nFR0j-JaKGvmd_cFwynEKiZ1SJ2Ph8wzSi-MwOFw0fidw2-p5PKxOZrrSfN7GqGFlBU7z7GvWzm4bkSFN/s320/IMG_7754.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark & Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A tour guide in Scotland can make a single traveler like me feel welcome on a bus full of families and friends. As we seek out castles and battlefields he can chat with me about our shared love of history and music and entertainment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyLgR2dWbIUMZTTOQMuZ5_Wnec9nngYlobW-ukWm9Z-gOlmGDtKfErsG1Ig8fXhNgQBW0DUjPSKkp6p9zLQ6kJ93blStJgzkulcMz1Juc73YjLfVGqWlZUiwpcBVk0H2EjFcK/s1600/global13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyLgR2dWbIUMZTTOQMuZ5_Wnec9nngYlobW-ukWm9Z-gOlmGDtKfErsG1Ig8fXhNgQBW0DUjPSKkp6p9zLQ6kJ93blStJgzkulcMz1Juc73YjLfVGqWlZUiwpcBVk0H2EjFcK/s400/global13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A waiter at a resort in Mexico can be funny, full of jokes to make us laugh and tell us about his children and how proud he is of them. We can see how hard he works for his family though he only sees them one weekend out of two.<br />
<br />
There are people down there, families and business people, people with dogs or cats, old people, children, schools and shopping malls full of people, and they all are driven by mostly similar <br />
motivations.<br />
<br />
All people want to be loved and needed.<br />
All people want their own voice heard.<br />
All people want what they do to matter and to feel good about their lives.<br />
<br />
I won't forget about that, whether I'm flying high above the earth or walking down the street in my home city, I'll remember that inside, people are just like me. <br />
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We are the same, all over the world.<br />
<h4>
A global family.</h4>
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<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-29699512697367542622016-10-23T11:45:00.000-07:002016-10-23T11:55:18.551-07:00Write 31 Days - Off<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlIzN06rvtC_r_e6W2g_ATikVMubrebsVtiOcBusHY86okEMmjoGv1H-unEfJoe1PMDY4oV-p7f52QSUlWy-RQUBHxgbKzIHpif_CBAb_U38IAQyNMuZzx0w1ym48Uc6w-oFh/s1600/off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlIzN06rvtC_r_e6W2g_ATikVMubrebsVtiOcBusHY86okEMmjoGv1H-unEfJoe1PMDY4oV-p7f52QSUlWy-RQUBHxgbKzIHpif_CBAb_U38IAQyNMuZzx0w1ym48Uc6w-oFh/s640/off.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I skipped a day of writing yesterday because I needed a day off.<br />
<br />
I've never written this frequently in my life, barring when I was in school, and even then I don't think I wrote so much!<br />
<br />
I've really been enjoying writing every day this month. I stumbled across the "<a href="http://creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">Write 31 Days</a>" challenge a few days into October but jumped on board with both feet.<br />
I had been wanting to write more regularly and figured this would be a great way to start.<br />
<br />
Yesterday's word, humorously enough, was "Off".<br />
<br />
I needed a day off yesterday. A day just to chill, relax, and not put any pressure on myself to really do anything.<br />
<br />
I had a few weekend plans, which you can read about <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/10/write-31-days-weekend.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and accomplished a couple of them.<br />
I watched some Netflix (Walking Dead Season 6 Marathon to <a href="https://youtu.be/sU0eizwlejs" target="_blank">catch up</a> for tonight's Season 7 Premiere!), went for an awesome long evening walk along the ocean with my dog, and even started a few new jewelry projects.<br />
<br />
I have today, Sunday, off as well.<br />
<br />
I never used to have Sundays off.<br />
At my previous job I worked all day Sunday and then had Mondays off.<br />
While I liked my Sunday job, and I really loved my quiet Mondays off, I felt my weekends were always so disconnected. I hadn't had a normal 2-day weekend in almost 12 years!<br />
<br />
Now, it feels luxurious to have two whole days off in a row! I even feel like I'm cheating or skipping out on work staying home for two days.<br />
<br />
Today the sun is shining and the Autumn air is crisp but I see blue sky and no rain in sight.<br />
Today, my day off, feels full of possibilities.<br />
Maybe a nice drive, maybe a walk on a beach, maybe both! Whatever I feel like on my day off!<br />
<br />
<h4>
What do you do on your days off?</h4>
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<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
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<i><br /></i>Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-17740106586564665992016-10-21T16:00:00.000-07:002016-10-21T16:00:03.452-07:00Write 31 Days - Weekend<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDypc8HEvWAWznhvKtTrMfGWK0USS851L1jrbHDD-AV5CTiYPdYbvzDny741F00Qa7HmWhHYWQlRplwfNB768pSdePlIztQ_UlPxtiuRZAJNebTBo46dt4YNvdhmy5zc0pMc4/s1600/weekend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDypc8HEvWAWznhvKtTrMfGWK0USS851L1jrbHDD-AV5CTiYPdYbvzDny741F00Qa7HmWhHYWQlRplwfNB768pSdePlIztQ_UlPxtiuRZAJNebTBo46dt4YNvdhmy5zc0pMc4/s640/weekend.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
It's finally the weekend! Are you excited?<br />
Do you have any big plans or are you a snuggle up at home kind of person?<br />
Me, I'm a little of both, although this weekend I don't have any big plans lined up as of yet.<br />
<br />
I am going to try and hit a movie this weekend. I've been wanting to see Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children or The Accountant. Check out some of the other movies I can't wait to see in the <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/09/movie-reviews-2016.html" target="_blank">upcoming months here</a>.<br />
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Just last night I caught a movie with my dad. We saw The Magnificent Seven. A fun, shoot-'em ALL up western with a good cast and a downright nasty villain. I'm sure I'll write a formal review at some point. <br />
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I also hope we have a few non-rainy hours this weekend so I can take my dog for a good walk somewhere. We love going down to Dallas Road where I can let her off-leash and she can run and play with lots of other dogs. Although Island View Beach has also become a favourite, see photo above. <br />
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Anther weekend goal for me is to get out and sort through all my jewelry-making supplies and stock because I've signed up for a few Christmas Markets with my jewelry and gifts line "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastKreations/" target="_blank">West Coast Creations</a>".<br />
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<table align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZCC4VchoxfvHiFCc7V-RDPc0cqp3XYNof_pbenzn572Dpw-X7ytLQJMoF3mE8wSYXOJ1LG0HrTcIoT8NYLanzIrjIKglK7zVrXJA-1zDMQxEqcLDUFderjQSWe63AttudZsG/s1600/vintagegraphicnecklaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZCC4VchoxfvHiFCc7V-RDPc0cqp3XYNof_pbenzn572Dpw-X7ytLQJMoF3mE8wSYXOJ1LG0HrTcIoT8NYLanzIrjIKglK7zVrXJA-1zDMQxEqcLDUFderjQSWe63AttudZsG/s200/vintagegraphicnecklaces.jpg" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE7-SI5vctdqrq8fBETsaMfp866w5s-7zSfd3I_c6qSwt8XlLkVBnujrMZiVDRSMS7G4mzEPxoj822RoorLiSj38GZhPDyXwMmjPMXzOYlPoxDlPSmsKu6_Z_Dg_IJXaOFmkT/s1600/chainmaille-AutumnHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE7-SI5vctdqrq8fBETsaMfp866w5s-7zSfd3I_c6qSwt8XlLkVBnujrMZiVDRSMS7G4mzEPxoj822RoorLiSj38GZhPDyXwMmjPMXzOYlPoxDlPSmsKu6_Z_Dg_IJXaOFmkT/s200/chainmaille-AutumnHeart.jpg" width="250" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZpsQjZghZgPpfT4qOHjNz3bvqu1qak7vQILbr4r2stuV96aop554IG8mUSRGNTzkGE3ksmUCEVuGwM1QzcgAnvlqgB4ZDQDeUv11gJhH2aeLloD_NqXp3CtGaTzgXDIoL1Z8/s1600/steampunknecklaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZpsQjZghZgPpfT4qOHjNz3bvqu1qak7vQILbr4r2stuV96aop554IG8mUSRGNTzkGE3ksmUCEVuGwM1QzcgAnvlqgB4ZDQDeUv11gJhH2aeLloD_NqXp3CtGaTzgXDIoL1Z8/s400/steampunknecklaces.jpg" width="500" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
I have a few items still left from last season and a bunch of new ideas for fun creations for this year.<br />
Watch for further updates as I'm sure I'll write about my creations again, or better yet, LIKE my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastKreations/" target="_blank">West Coast Creations Facebook page</a> and you'll always be updated and you can even order items from me via Facebook! <br />
<br />
I also might work on my Halloween costume. It involves tulle, glitter and bright colours! You'll just have to wait to find out what I'll be!<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
What are your weekend plans?</h4>
<ul>
<li>A cozy fire and some popcorn and Netflix or a good book?</li>
<li>A movie or dinner out with your special someone or some awesome friends?</li>
<li>Working around the house, getting some projects done that have been waiting for you?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<br />
<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-10354723755133983692016-10-21T09:30:00.007-07:002016-10-21T09:30:56.284-07:00Five Minute Friday - Park<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DM3Q1fiCaF38IA-aeA_DjlzJ3xTmkD40r4ARy6HOQJnkUMoV0RmdM_v2uNP9r4qaGiCxBSy4nJ9n7uNLXl-sJ7XsOlQWbUdj-S6kZ4zN_jjEDcPx_EwvaGOVGo5kg5XMNRfO/s1600/Five-Minute-Friday-4-600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DM3Q1fiCaF38IA-aeA_DjlzJ3xTmkD40r4ARy6HOQJnkUMoV0RmdM_v2uNP9r4qaGiCxBSy4nJ9n7uNLXl-sJ7XsOlQWbUdj-S6kZ4zN_jjEDcPx_EwvaGOVGo5kg5XMNRfO/s200/Five-Minute-Friday-4-600x600.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
On Fridays a group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just write gather to share what five minutes buys them. <br />
<br />
Just five minutes. Unscripted. Unedited. Real.<br />
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking<br />
2. THIS WEEK Link back <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/10/13/five-minute-friday-mail/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and invite others to join in.<br />
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Thems the rules!<br />
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OK, are you ready? <br />
The topic for today is:<br />
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<h3>
Park…</h3>
GO!<br />
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<br />
I wasn't 16 when I finally got my Driver's License. In fact, I was just over 18.<br />
It's not like I didn't want it, I just had other friends and family who were driving me all the time anyway, I didn't see the urgency.<br />
I took the written Learner's test at age 16, passed and just never got around to leaning and taking my driving test. I took the written test a few more times to keep my Learner's permit—at that time I think your Learner's ran out after 6 months.<br />
<br />
Finally I was feeling ready to take the driving test. <br />
I had been out driving and practicing with my dad several times.<br />
He was a great driving teacher and gave me all the basics I needed not to crash and burn or endanger anyone else on the road.<br />
<br />
I even had one or two driving moments with my mom, but they didn't turn out great considering I was driving her manual transmission little car in which I hadn't really practiced before. And there was a hill, and it had been raining! I believe we even had to stop and switch places mid-hill because I just couldn't get the hang of shifting.<br />
<br />
One of the best things my parents did for me was give me one driving lesson with a professional driving school instructor.<br />
<br />
I was doing well with him on the road, in traffic, until we pulled down a residential road and he asked me to parallel park between two cars.<br />
"Park? Here? Now?" I asked, trepidation evident in my wavering voice.<br />
"Yes, right here looks good. Go ahead"<br />
"But I've never..," I was terrified I would do it wrong and scrape both the instructors car and the cars on the street. Wasn't there some practice area with orange cones I could demolish first?!<br />
<br />
However, the wise instructor calmly walked me through what to do.<br />
"Pull up right beside the front car, back up and turn to a 45 degree angle until your front passenger window is even with the other car's back bumper then slowly straighten out as you continue backing into the space" he instructed as I nervously turned the steering wheel. (Of course he added all the safety checking necessary.)<br />
<br />
A few moments later, and ta-dah! I had done it! My first time parallel parking and I had nailed it!<br />
I had just needed the right description and the right instructions, simple and straight forward.<br />
<br />
I still use his method of parking and still feel like a pro every time I ease into a tight spot without frustration. And I did get my driver's license after one passed road test! <br />
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<br />
<b>STOP</b><br />
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<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com4Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-18806754250908236332016-10-20T09:37:00.003-07:002016-10-20T09:37:32.302-07:00Write 31 Days - Notice<br />
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<br />
<br />
Today's writing prompt is the word "Notice", and I'm stuck.<br />
<br />
Usually when I sit down to write the words flow from memories, or a personal anecdote, or something I'm interested in. But today, "Notice"....I've got nothing.<br />
<br />
I tried to think about maybe a time when I received a notice in the form of mail or a bill...but no one wants to hear about those overdue notices. Yuck.<br />
<br />
Then I thought maybe I could write something about being noticed, wanting to be noticed, and not being noticed. But I wasn't really feeling that angle.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I could talk about stopping to look at the little things and notice details in the mundane. But I feel like I just talked about that in my "<a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/10/write-31-days-study-dahlia.html" target="_blank">Study</a>" post.<br />
<br />
Maybe I could write a short piece of poetry about being noticed? I could even already feel the repetitive line "Notice me...notice me..." but I am super cautious and aware that many people close to me read my blog and I wouldn't want them too read too much into what I'm saying. I'm not in a weird or bad place right now and I'm not using this blog as a cry for help in any sort of way.<br />
<br />
For me, this blog is therapeutic and calming and fun. It's something I enjoying doing and if any of my personal stories or insights make someone else laugh or feel something or relate, it's worth splaying some of my insides for the world to read.<br />
<br />
So no poetry today. <br />
<br />
Maybe I just hope the right person notices my writing. Not for any acclaim or renown for myself. I want the right person at the right time get what they need from my little scribbles. I want someone else who struggles with some of my own stumbling blocks to be able to not feel so very alone on their journey.<br />
<br />
Notice me and I will notice you. <br />
<br />
You aren't alone. There is always someone who can relate to what you are going through.<br />
You are noticed.<br />
You matter.<br />
<br />
And I say that to myself as well as to all of you. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Whatever it is that make you unique and wonderful and quirky and different, embrace it and let it shine! Don't hide behind yourself, get noticed for who you are.<br />
<br />
If you like math, or reading comics, or bird watching—do it, love it! If you are good at tying intricate knots, or playing on retro video consoles, or public speaking—do it, enjoy it! If you really want to learn how to knit, or hike all the nearby mountains, or speak another language—do it, learn it!<br />
<br />
Me? I like sci-fi and fantasy TV shows/movies/books, I know a lot of random details about dog breeds, I can sing harmony to almost anything or anyone, and almost every day I listen to nerdy podcasts* analyzing movies or TV. <br />
<br />
Don't let being noticed for your uniqueness hold you back. Pick up your green polka-dotted Pogo stick and hop to it! <br />
<br />
There. I did it.<br />
I found my voice and used it to get noticed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>What are YOU going to be noticed for today?</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>*Podcasts I enjoy: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/watching-westworld-podcast/id1159411537?mt=2" target="_blank">Watching Westworld</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/decoding-westworld/id1163344992?mt=2" target="_blank">Decoding Westworld</a>, <a href="https://bkhemphill.wordpress.com/category/any-given-saturday/" target="_blank">Any Given Saturday</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-empire-film-podcast/id507987292?mt=2" target="_blank">The Empire Film Podcast</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/game-of-thrones-the-podcast/id508647267?mt=2" target="_blank">Game of Thrones The Podcast</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fighting-in-the-war-room/id762922035" target="_blank">Fighting in the War Room</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/cast-kings-game-thrones-podcast/id515836681?mt=2" target="_blank">A Cast of Kings</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/storm-spoilers-game-thrones/id952917333?mt=2" target="_blank">A Storm of Spoilers</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/watching-dead-walking-dead/id473532017?mt=2" target="_blank">Watching Dead</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/serial/id917918570?mt=2" target="_blank">Serial</a> (real-life stories), <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-moth/id275699983?mt=2" target="_blank">The Moth</a> (real stories read by real people) </b></i><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-66536512014193863402016-10-19T09:52:00.000-07:002016-10-19T09:52:12.210-07:00Write 31 Days - Neighbour<br />
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I moved into my current suite almost 4 years ago and I still miss my old neighbourhood.<br />
Don't get me wrong, I love my place, I have room enough for a kitchen table, I now have normal height ceilings that shortie little me can't touch, and I have access to a great fenced-in yard that my dog (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/westiewillow/" target="_blank">Willow the Westie</a>) can romp and play in. But I do miss my last neighbourhood.<br />
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At my previous home, living in a smaller suite and not having a yard forced me to get out and walk my dog much more. We had wide grassy boulevard-lined streets, we were close to the ocean beach on both sides, and we always met a lot of other lovely people walking their dogs, too.<br />
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This is how I met some of my neighbours.<br />
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Something magical happens when two dog owners meet on the street or beach or park and let their dogs play—you chat naturally, you already have a common interest, and you find out more about the people living right next to you. You build a trust and a friendship.<br />
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There was the teacher with a sweet little dog. She even looked after my dog when I was in a pinch one time. She and her husband were such kind and lovely people. I knew I could depend on them should I ever be in need.<br />
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There was the older couple down the street with a busy retriever dog who loved to play fetch. My Willow would run beside their dog for a while then wait half way for her to come back to play. <br />
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There was a kind of kooky single lady with a cute little fluffy dog, who had puppies a few times that I lived near her. She also always had her neighbour's big dog along on walks with her but never quite had a handle on that dog's rambunctious behaviour.<br />
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There was also a kind, older man with the BEST bushy mustache ever who would always be walking by himself. He had a dog food delivery service and we chatted quite a few times. One day I was sad to realize he must have moved as I stopped seeing him or his truck anymore.<br />
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There was the couple who lived right beside the local park where I walked my dog everyday and let her off leash to run and play. They would always come to their fence with a dog treat for her, pet her and chat with me. I've gone back a few times since moving and if they are home, they'll come out to say chat and ask how I'm doing. <br />
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I loved meeting my neighbours. I made a few great connections and still feel like I could stop by anytime and say hello. <br /><br />
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There was one other time growing up where I felt like we knew our neighbours and could trust and depend on them.<br />
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When my family moved to Victoria after leaving Calgary, Alberta, my dad built a house on the outskirts of the city up on the top of a hill in a newer development. To get to the neighbourhood you had a good couple of minutes drive up a very steep and winding road with rock cliffs and forest on either side. <br />
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There were about 20 homes atop the hill and many families with kids around my age. We quickly met our neighbours both near and further up the twisting road. I met and made friends with quite a few other kids and soon my even cousins moved onto the street, adding more kids to our usual band.<br />
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This was long enough ago when we spent every minute we could outside playing until dinner or dark. We made clubhouses and forts, explored the forest behind our houses, visited other kid's houses to play and even had sitting-down skateboard luge-like races all the way down the hill, wearing out the soles of our shoes as brakes in the process!<br />
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From this small community my mom ended up looking after two neighbour girls before and after school, I ended up taking piano lessons from the wife of a doctor who lived in the largest house at the end of the street, I had a few haircuts from a neighbour mom who worked from her home, and we all felt a sense of trust with one another.<br />
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If any of us kids were walking up the hill, almost any of the adults (parents of one of us) would stop and pick up us, zipping us to the top in seconds instead of minutes of steep walking. <br />
Soon, my dad built our second house up the street from our first, once it sold, and we continued to spend a few more years in the area.<br />
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When we finally left, as we knew we one day would since my dad's business was to build homes, sell when the market was decent and build again, I was sad to lose that small neighbourhood feeling.<br />
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Hopefully one day, when I have a family of my own, I can again live on a street where I meet my neighbours more and lend a hand of kindness and care, building that trust and feeling of community I've had a few times.<br />
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<i><b>What has your experience with neighbours been like? </b></i><br />
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<i><b>Do you prefer to keep to yourself, or do you long for a good, trusting community you can depend on?</b></i><br />
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<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
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<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-82530227316984382182016-10-17T23:41:00.002-07:002016-10-17T23:41:30.082-07:00Write 31 Days - Study: The Dahlia<br />
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I've mentioned before that I'm not very good at taking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/10/five-minute-friday-test.html" target="_blank">tests</a>. I did well in school but I lacked the patience to really hunker down and study, to go over and over the subject until it was ingrained and embedded into my pool of knowledge.<br />
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Now that I'm a bit older and hopefully a bit wiser I've learned the value of study. Not particularly the studying of school subjects, but studying something to see the beauty and intricacies in the most simplest of details.<br />
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That brings me to my favourite flower: the Dahlia.<br />
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I'm not sure exactly why I love it so much, but perhaps because dahlias are always a riot of colour and shape and texture. They can be living contradictions, both delicate and bizarre, simple and complex.<br />
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They are bold, strong, and wild yet fun, pretty, and sweet.<br />
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Did you know, there are over 42 different species of dahlias, and they can range from blooms as small as 5 cm (2 inches) up to 30 cm (1foot) across!!<br />
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If you looked at a garden full of dahlias from afar you'd see a beautifulrainbow of shades from hot pink to pale yellow to scarlet and violet.<br />
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Then stop, get closer and study each flower and you'd be surprised to find that just one blossom is made up of hundreds of tiny, perfect, repeating petals that fan, or curl, or spike out into an amazing creations.<br />
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I love visiting a local hot tourist spot, <a href="http://www.butchartgardens.com/" target="_blank">Butchart Gardens</a>. My parents and I always get annual passes so we can go walk the pretty pathways anytime throughout the year. I can even bring my little sidekick, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/westiewillow/" target="_blank">Willow the Westie</a>!<br />
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August and September are my favourite months in the Gardens because that's when the six-foot-plus tall dahlia flowers are in full glorious bloom!<br />
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I somehow manage to take photo after photo of each amazing flower, even if I've already seen them the week before. I really cannot get enough of them.<br />
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I've grown dahlias myself many times, but my simple container gardens are sweet but pitiful compared to the giant plants at Butchart! <br />
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They are not only pretty to look at but so wonderfully and intricately made.<br />
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Here's a few of my favourites from this season.<br />
Notice all the different types of petals and shapes and colours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm_JU1K7KlQVgkm17UMwRv5FPh0qM4U5uo2t-T4rI-1JwoNsV5p4_AOQAJJYRoNNsjFu0RvHnW83TvoByGQMuHvUAH-5ZoF5s6EUtBYYGSH2u-2QxLA2Zv7n30MygKNshtZNj/s1600/IMG_4257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm_JU1K7KlQVgkm17UMwRv5FPh0qM4U5uo2t-T4rI-1JwoNsV5p4_AOQAJJYRoNNsjFu0RvHnW83TvoByGQMuHvUAH-5ZoF5s6EUtBYYGSH2u-2QxLA2Zv7n30MygKNshtZNj/s400/IMG_4257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm amazed every time I study one a little bit more closely.<br />
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<br />
If a simple flower can be so marvelously made it gives me great hope that no matter what we feel about ourselves and the scrutiny we put ourselves under, we, too, are so magnificently intricate and beautiful and unique just the way we are. <br />
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<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<i><br /></i>Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-82252802818672356962016-10-17T09:46:00.002-07:002016-10-17T09:46:14.730-07:00Write 31 Days - Little<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iK6o92UAzO_P8wEE0nHSYRdM-5ijo1-EL1bANVQtOQzAiGmZEPYmTst9hKIbXIBAm7CFe-CGltUMYY_hNutWE3EZYHsWAj_9M8kr8FBQrivbCtTMzy4A3pIBlP2wphoVB45G/s1600/little.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iK6o92UAzO_P8wEE0nHSYRdM-5ijo1-EL1bANVQtOQzAiGmZEPYmTst9hKIbXIBAm7CFe-CGltUMYY_hNutWE3EZYHsWAj_9M8kr8FBQrivbCtTMzy4A3pIBlP2wphoVB45G/s640/little.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little me in the centre.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
((I'm a "little" behind on my #Write31Days, but I'll catch up.))<br />
<br />
<br />
I remember being little.<br />
<br />
I remember the feeling of being the youngest, the only one of my siblings not yet in school.<br />
I remember my mom and I going to the wading pool and having to make friends with the other little kids who were there on their own with their mothers.<br />
<br />
I remember my dad teaching me how to spell my name on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Huat89z2WrA" target="_blank">Lite-Brite</a> one evening, after he had come home from a long day working on the farm.<br />
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I remember getting up so early that it was dark outside to watch morning cartoons with my brother and sister—the bright, flashing lights reflecting off of our enraptured faces. Spider-man was the best!<br />
<br />
I remember the feeling of success after learning how to tie my shoes.<br />
I remember kids camps and family camps and day camps.<br />
I remember taking the bus to school and feeling so small in those big green seats, my feet dangling, my face barely high enough to see out the window.<br />
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I remember the fear then thrill of learning how to swing super high then launch myself off the swing, feeling like a super hero.<br />
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I remember learning how to tell time on a clock.<br />
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I remember Pet Day in Grade One, where several hundred kids brought their cats and dogs to school for a "Pet Parade" in the gym. I remember how my farm cat, Cuddles, whom I'd probably never actually cuddled before, freaked out and had to stay in the van.<br />
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I remember playing so hard that I'd always rip my shirt, or dress or somehow get grease on pants.<br />
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I remember being bold and asking lots of questions but learning how to feel the tension enough to know when not to ask them.<br />
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I remember making our own bows and arrows at the lake.<br />
I remember stories from my grandfather on road trips or in their backyard in the old army tent.<br />
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I remember getting in trouble, a lot. I remember it was almost always an accident or not my fault.<br />
I remember adults getting angry at me but others standing up for me, because I was a good kid at heart. <br />
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I remember being little, small, young, the youngest, yet confident, sure of myself, blunt.<br />
<br />
I remember that little girl.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to make sure some of that confident little girl stays with me, always. <br />
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<br />
<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-9163709380595680562016-10-15T13:41:00.000-07:002016-10-15T13:41:16.826-07:00Write 31 Days - Move<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRvGzSLEWpjyAt24GsuruLy-JjBaQ628KQnjaZakLiwpoWl7YV9CgtN_-XKJp5_ILYWHqL9n-RSADgGL5rLZVEoCinJmO80Il-nqh_K5PRgOLMLg4woYmHSs3VgJWz95l6e31/s1600/move.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRvGzSLEWpjyAt24GsuruLy-JjBaQ628KQnjaZakLiwpoWl7YV9CgtN_-XKJp5_ILYWHqL9n-RSADgGL5rLZVEoCinJmO80Il-nqh_K5PRgOLMLg4woYmHSs3VgJWz95l6e31/s400/move.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I did a quick exercise and wrote down all the homes I've lived in and was shocked that it had been so many. I have moved 18 times in my life. Currently, that means I'm in my 19th home!<br />
That's a LOT of packing and unpacking. Some, true, were only for a few months, but they were moves, nonetheless.<br />
<br />
I started in Calgary, where I was born and we lived in one home on a farm there until moving to Victoria when I was 6 years old. I never thought I'd get over moving away from my friends, from our farm, or from the prairies in general. However, I quickly became a very West Coast girl and love Victoria!<br />
<br />
My dad built three of the houses we lived in once in Victoria. In between houses, my family rented or stayed in guest suites for a short time. So the moves sure added up.<br />
<br />
I don't mind moving, and I should be good at it now, but I hate the packing! Unpacking is like Christmas, you find surprise items in each box and search out a new place to put them. Packing is like Spring cleaning, only on a worse scale because of the time pressure and all the under-layer of things you find after packing up all the essentials. Yuck!<br />
<br />
Moving was always a part of my life. It wasn't a big deal, in fact it felt sort of fun to search out the next place and make it our own. (I'm certain my parents would disagree!) Sure, it would have been fabulous to have stayed in one great house my entire life, but we always made it an adventure. Setting up house in a new place always felt like a new start, a fresh beginning where anything was possible. My parents always took care of us when we had to move and anytime I had to move as an adult God always seemed to take care of helping me find the perfect place, even when the pressure was on and time was running out. <br />
<br />
I'll never dread moving because I can make anyplace "home". <br />
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<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<br />
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<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-16876979847634514272016-10-14T00:43:00.000-07:002016-10-14T10:31:51.575-07:00Five Minute Friday - Mail<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DM3Q1fiCaF38IA-aeA_DjlzJ3xTmkD40r4ARy6HOQJnkUMoV0RmdM_v2uNP9r4qaGiCxBSy4nJ9n7uNLXl-sJ7XsOlQWbUdj-S6kZ4zN_jjEDcPx_EwvaGOVGo5kg5XMNRfO/s1600/Five-Minute-Friday-4-600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DM3Q1fiCaF38IA-aeA_DjlzJ3xTmkD40r4ARy6HOQJnkUMoV0RmdM_v2uNP9r4qaGiCxBSy4nJ9n7uNLXl-sJ7XsOlQWbUdj-S6kZ4zN_jjEDcPx_EwvaGOVGo5kg5XMNRfO/s200/Five-Minute-Friday-4-600x600.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
On Fridays a group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just write gather to share what five minutes buys them. <br />
<br />
Just five minutes. Unscripted. Unedited. Real.<br />
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking<br />
2. THIS WEEK Link back <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/10/13/five-minute-friday-mail/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and invite others to join in.<br />
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Thems the rules!<br />
<br />
OK, are you ready? <br />
The topic for today is:<br />
<br />
<h3>
Test…</h3>
GO!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzP7FywfriFx6WwE6tWL5_ToQyMDFA8lENACZ9ufB-6bA6bZwY9bs0dhVurY5iIgTIrwXy0S0N3eBfPMnPkxm-yG3lCXR_oCEV3o1rAdiwSscqKqSx62fbM7nLaLZSd6bj3Ra/s1600/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzP7FywfriFx6WwE6tWL5_ToQyMDFA8lENACZ9ufB-6bA6bZwY9bs0dhVurY5iIgTIrwXy0S0N3eBfPMnPkxm-yG3lCXR_oCEV3o1rAdiwSscqKqSx62fbM7nLaLZSd6bj3Ra/s640/mail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandmother, Dorothy Cole, is on the baby being held by her father, my great-grandfather. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I was never very good at sending mail. I'm pretty sure I still have several birthday cards tucked away on my shelves bought for certain people but never sent.<br />
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But of course, I love getting mail! Good mail, not junk mail or bills and the like.<br />
<br />
The best bit of mail I received every year for quite a while growing up were my birthday letters from my Grandma.<br />
<br />
She would take the time to hand write a letter to each of her grandchildren for many years on their birthday. And these weren't just letters about what she was up to that week, these were precious letters filled with memories of what she or my grandpa's life was like when they were our same age.<br />
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I heard all about living in Northern BC, about throwing dough out to feed chickens, about taking a boat to England and living there for a year, about all the handsome young soldiers who were stationed in her town and all about my grandma starting her own family and the mischief they got into and so forth.<br />
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These letters, though difficult at times to decipher with her famous shorthand and abbreviations, became a treasured gift every year.<br />
<br />
I hope in this digital age, I can find a way to send special mementos and memories to my family.<br />
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STOP<br />
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<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com4Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-38481941763721796982016-10-14T00:03:00.000-07:002016-10-14T00:03:08.776-07:00Write 31 Days - Aware<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigp_NB-ZJq1tnJRNIT-2SghlScu0ks3X7YPHYKep-XsvF94_z3lASMmTRasPASs70_Uac0DmuvQQKh9COmVCtV_qmkY2b7n9mIb1a1J0yORKG3_2yjv-9KeVK0awytTQFiuDbS/s1600/aware.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/AVvXsEigp_NB-ZJq1tnJRNIT-2SghlScu0ks3X7YPHYKep-XsvF94_z3lASMmTRasPASs70_Uac0DmuvQQKh9COmVCtV_qmkY2b7n9mIb1a1J0yORKG3_2yjv-9KeVK0awytTQFiuDbS/s1600/aware.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I've always been a sensitive person. I take what others say and do and have a very difficult time not taking it to heart. I'm sensitive but sometimes you won't know it.<br />
I tend to laugh off how I really feel, or bottle my emotions up so everything on the surface looks okay.<br />
<br />
In fact, Okay or Fine are part of my everyday language.<br />
Often times I feel like I *need* to be "Okay"or "Fine".<br />
If I'm not those things...then I'd have to actually deal with not being fine or okay. <br />
<br />
A lot of my time growing up I was the glue.<br />
I was the glue in between friendships at school, I was the glue for family to keep everyone laughing, I was the glue that helped situations stick together. And when I couldn't be the glue, I could at least bounce between groups who weren't getting along and still be friends with everyone.<br />
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I was aware of what everyone was feeling and I'd always try to compensate. I'd try to fix, to mend, to stick back together whatever had broken down just by lightening the mood.<br />
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Somewhere along my journey, being aware and feeling...well, ALL of the feelings around me, it became too much.<br />
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In addition to trying to make everyone around me get along, or laugh or feel good, I wasn't good at expressing my own real, deep-down emotions and they'd build up until they would overflow.<br />
Words had hurt me. But I had buried how deeply they had cut. I had been burned and let down and used a few too many times to trust easily again. <br />
<br />
So somewhere, sometime, I turned down my "aware-ness" radar.<br />
I limited who I let in and who I chose to be around.<br />
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I didn't turn it completely off, mind you, my dial went from say, a 10 down to a 2 or 3.<br />
I now have a close-knit group of friends on whom I can depend and care for in turn.<br />
<br />
I've been working on some things in my life over the past year and slowly I'm finding ways to healthily deal with my own emotions and past feelings, but also learning how to deal with interacting with those around me.<br />
<br />
I don't mind that I'm a sensitive person. I'm learning how to process when words get too hurtful or too close to stinging me and not to let myself get tread on too much. I'll speak up, or try again, or just let things slide off. <br />
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I'm aware and I'm making a conscious effort to get better at just doing life. <br />
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<hr />
<br />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<br />
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<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-70447503406542956112016-10-11T23:14:00.001-07:002016-10-11T23:14:55.779-07:00Write 31 Days - Sky<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMcExYrU55gKweAInV_u_RHtNC3TCSa8vKUjKvfQKb2GbHdtJpR7AqK7sAfAr-pbWpDeNaZ2XqfUSjTitqRV7bpfUnb5u8JAOvUPrY0xdNqwa2fNnt5HuGpB0TKqly8IEaV_H/s1600/sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMcExYrU55gKweAInV_u_RHtNC3TCSa8vKUjKvfQKb2GbHdtJpR7AqK7sAfAr-pbWpDeNaZ2XqfUSjTitqRV7bpfUnb5u8JAOvUPrY0xdNqwa2fNnt5HuGpB0TKqly8IEaV_H/s640/sky.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have you ever had a dream where you were flying?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ever felt yourself soaring through the puffy clouds, wind grazing your face as you squint against the bright light of the warm, yellow sunlight?</div>
<br />
Obviously, I have!<br />
<br />
I've had dreams where I was flying, free of any encumbering plane, or apparatus, or jet pack...just flying. Who knows how, maybe I had super powers in those dreams. <br />
<br />
I've also had a few dreams where I was piloting a super small helicopter, zooming over marshes and fields and forest, climbing over mountain peaks and down the slopes of glaciers.<br />
And by super small, I mean my tiny helicopter was basically a glassed-in bubble, just fitting around me with the typical helicopter joystick for controls and small but powerful blades above my head.<br />
I'm not sure why, but those mini helicopter dreams always wake me with such elation and joy.<br />
<br />
I think maybe my second calling in life is to figure out a way to make tiny, personal flying devices.<br />
Okay, perhaps not.<br />
<br />
I do love to travel, though, and for me, one of the best moments is that tension-filled, exciting pull as your airplane surges forward on the runway finally freeing itself from the ground. I love that take-off moment!<br />
<br />
I know maybe people don't care to fly, or even have major anxiety flying, but I've alwsy found the adventure in flight.<br />
I always try to get myself a good window seat and stare out at the miniature world below as we climb into the clouds.<br />
<br />
I'm not so sure, after all, that I would like my own personal aircraft, I feel pretty safe in my comfy seat with someone else who is skilled manning the controls. I like the rush but I don't really want to drive.<br />
<br />
Sometimes we need that. We need to let go and let someone else be in charge.<br />
<br />
Sometimes stepping back or down is the most difficult but best thing we can do. <br />
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<hr />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></b><br />
<br />
<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com1Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-67288412381998703902016-10-10T23:45:00.001-07:002016-10-10T23:45:50.774-07:00Write 31 Days - Thanks<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFDLNwAXd3HObA26TxEokP8gk3qC-fNL30u_i6qWJbK2ULgsc38lBO6UPUkoae3vq5k1Kl5ZhETEyw7L4kD7yXfrUf9V_zB3IcaHJ2ceyIJNsSLqt00YFc_A6moiyQbVd-mGO/s1600/thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFDLNwAXd3HObA26TxEokP8gk3qC-fNL30u_i6qWJbK2ULgsc38lBO6UPUkoae3vq5k1Kl5ZhETEyw7L4kD7yXfrUf9V_zB3IcaHJ2ceyIJNsSLqt00YFc_A6moiyQbVd-mGO/s1600/thanks.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and no, not "Canadian" Thanksgiving...just plain old Thanksgiving.<br />
I live in Canada, it goes without saying.<br />
<br />
I had a great weekend visiting with family, enjoying my Mom's homemade turkey dinner with all of the fixings, and especially her scrumptious pumpkin pie!<br />
<br />
We talked a bit about being thankful, and I am, very thankful. <br />
I've even made a huge list of things I am thankful for over the past few years.<br />
<i>(You can find the posts that cover that list <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/thankful" target="_blank">here</a>.)</i><br />
<br />
<h4>
<u><b>Today I have a few more items to add to that list. </b></u></h4>
<ul>
<li>I am thankful for a friend who went to the trouble of putting a card and gift on my door on a day when I really needed some encouragement. </li>
<li>I am thankful for a doctor who actually listened and asked thoughtful questions to get to the bottom of some issues I've been having. </li>
<li>I am thankful for parents who support me when I succeed but also when I'm feeling like I am stumbling along. </li>
<li>I am thankful for co-workers and bosses at my new job who are super encouraging and even nominate me to be "Star of the Month!" I've only been there for four months and already I am feeling accepted and appreciated!</li>
<li>I am thankful for the gifts and talents that have been given to me that I can use to make the world a better place, even on such a small scale as this blog. If I can turn around and encourage one person, it's worth it. </li>
<li>I am also thankful for all those who have spoken into my life over the years and for those amazing people who I know have prayed for me. You know who you are. I am eternally grateful and thank you from the bottom of my heart. </li>
<li>My last thanks goes out to anyone who is reading my blog posts. Welcome! Look around and comment to let me know if anything speaks to you. </li>
</ul>
<h4>
<i><b>For Thanksgiving I just want to say to all of you, "Thanks!"</b></i></h4>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></b><br />
<br />
<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com1Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-1580225418615100792016-10-10T07:30:00.000-07:002016-10-10T07:30:31.521-07:00Write 31 Days - Unknown<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5cw34LRH4k6L-DPszKcrnO85524xj7YrNSyjSWF0gJTg2-_j-73jZHZPZT_W5hCbSe6sE2Ra3_F0_CnZ5DFk4kpxAO7rR35ZRP4tW6EAfea0LQow1iIKf-dQzAZ1MGcEJniK/s1600/unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5cw34LRH4k6L-DPszKcrnO85524xj7YrNSyjSWF0gJTg2-_j-73jZHZPZT_W5hCbSe6sE2Ra3_F0_CnZ5DFk4kpxAO7rR35ZRP4tW6EAfea0LQow1iIKf-dQzAZ1MGcEJniK/s640/unknown.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When I was little I had a good idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up.<br />
There was "Policeman", "Cowboy", even "Ballerina" for a short time.<br />
And no, it didn't phase me that those vocations were probably not suited for a shorter, non-athletic, day-dreamer of a girl...who was definitely NOT a man or boy or dancer of any sort.<br />
<br />
But there it was, I was a dreamer.<br />
I told stories, I imagined things on a grand scale, and I played with an intensity that never seemed to dull or give in to the mundaneness of life.<br />
<br />
I came by my big-thinking honestly. I had a mother who enjoyed life, who always commented on the beautiful mountains or pointed out even the smallest of wildlife to us on car trips. I had a father who cared for us and worked hard so we could enjoy our life, who showed his sly sense of humour at just the right times to make us laugh uproariously.<br />
<br />
As I grew and learned and read and poured into my knowledge-eager brain, the possibilities of my future expanded to include "Writer" or "Teacher" or...anything! (Except perhaps mathematician or accountant!)<br />
<br />
The only problem was that I was unsure of the unknown.<br />
I didn't really know what I wanted to be, or what I wanted to do.<br />
<br />
I tried out many things in school, even attending University and trying out a few different types of courses. Yet, I still felt like I was facing some big unknown.<br />
<br />
I didn't have one single burning passion for a specific career choice as some young people seemed to. I didn't even seem to think that the things I was good at would translate into a job somewhere down the line.<br />
<br />
I was facing the unknown void and staring at it as I traveled along my side of the crevasse, hoping to discern what lay ahead.<br />
<br />
Years and several different jobs have gone by and I can tell you now that I am no longer staring into the unknown. My future didn't hang or depend on one single choice, I traveled my path, learning along the way, honing my skills, finding out what I was good at and here, now I am happy.<br />
<br />
The unknown no longer shadows my steps.<br />
<br />
I am living and enjoying life as I bring whatever gifts I have into the world to make it better.<br />
<br />
It may have taken me a bit longer than most, but I've left the unknown behind me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com1Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-63497932389299444132016-10-09T07:00:00.000-07:002016-10-09T07:00:01.516-07:00Write 31 Days - Post-it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheumAwFlqC33JnoO9mWAe9IzFVtbwNYkcznRc0WHFNGD6fAQdqWB8A2qbGBW6pkMVnn5vX6A7_cMAjjjSGpRM5VMA-Z7_3ViuS66rNyZm5Y7Lv1okqEjH4megGp6nDBn7iRQTm/s1600/Post-it2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheumAwFlqC33JnoO9mWAe9IzFVtbwNYkcznRc0WHFNGD6fAQdqWB8A2qbGBW6pkMVnn5vX6A7_cMAjjjSGpRM5VMA-Z7_3ViuS66rNyZm5Y7Lv1okqEjH4megGp6nDBn7iRQTm/s400/Post-it2.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
<br />
Once, when I was younger, though old enough to know better, I was on a road trip with a large group and we took the BC Ferries over to the mainland. For some reason I had a pack of brand new Post-it arrows in my bag, exactly like the image above. And maybe it was all the fun and laughter we were having, or maybe it was the momentary thought of doing something silly and bad just to make my friends laugh, we started pulling out these little orange arrow sticky notes and placing them all over the walls of the ferry.<br />
Silly? Maybe.<br />
<br />
They were plain, small arrows, with no writing on them, and not stuck on the walls haphazardly, but with careful purpose to have them all lined up straight and orderly as if they were all directing people towards something.<br />
Getting funnier? Hmmm...<br />
<br />
Of course we had a few laughs as we walked around and saw people puzzling at these arrows that led to nothing. And later we heard from some others in our group that a ferry employee was walking around removing them after us. Luckily we were never caught putting them up but the thought of what we did still makes me smile.<br />
Truly funny? Maybe not.<br />
<br />
But I also think about that ferry worker, or the people who were confused by our directionless markers. Our actions certainly didn't make them smile or laugh. And what a disappointment someone may have had to follow the arrows only to find them end or disappear, not to mention the possible danger if there had been an emergency and someone mistook our fake arrows for directions to safety!<br />
<br />
It makes me smile but I also feel foolish.<br />
Foolish that I was a young adult but still making childish decisions. And I wonder how I would feel, if I were following some interesting path only to have it be a joke or a prank or just dissolve into nothing.<br />
Not fun.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel like our actions imitate our lives.<br />
I have felt at some points in my life like I was heading down a certain path, direction clear, roadway marked only to have the future suddenly look uncertain, and the path not as crisp and clear anymore.<br />
But Post-its, I find, are probably not a good permanent source for leading someone on a path.<br />
They are meant to be used as a reminder, a quick note, or as an afterthought stuck to the front of something permanent. Eventually they will un-stick, fall off, or be removed.<br />
<br />
In life, I don't want to follow a removable Post-it trail.<br />
<br />
I want to put my faith, my trust and my effort into following something with meaning.<br />
I want to have my steps count, my effort build towards a promising end, and my way set out with a purpose.<br />
Sure, I may not know what that full meaning or purpose is all at once, but along the way I can find what I'm good at and use it to make the world a better place.<br />
I can trust that, though the path is not marked like my silly little orange arrow Post-its, my feet are being directed the right way forward.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<i><b>What are you following? Something worthwhile? Or something fleeting?</b></i></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinej0u6ErJrMIvO5f4X-lL0f4AlMkMxl2XjoV2liNChvs0Ika06Uda-lyFknDdel1dfil4ooQ5Aal5uu6K0GGjsTdzF62wyxECltBVqybRlEW3JmPCmEy-u5sqA5vnRymmVHis/s1600/Post-it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinej0u6ErJrMIvO5f4X-lL0f4AlMkMxl2XjoV2liNChvs0Ika06Uda-lyFknDdel1dfil4ooQ5Aal5uu6K0GGjsTdzF62wyxECltBVqybRlEW3JmPCmEy-u5sqA5vnRymmVHis/s400/Post-it.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
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Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-55767098665163556542016-10-08T14:00:00.003-07:002016-10-08T14:00:55.392-07:00Write 31 Days - Muddle<br />
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Muddle<br />
<br />
I'm not the best at handling confrontation.<br />
But I'm working on it.<br />
<br />
Usually I muddle my way through.<br />
I make mistakes, I may clam up and not say what I really want to, or lash out with emotion too soon, too fast.<br />
But, as I said, I'm working on it.<br />
<br />
I'm a great observer, I have been for most of my life.<br />
I watch, I listen, I taken in sides, I try and ascertain motivations and reasons. <br />
I've been an observer, on the sidelines per se, for many situations that I'd rather be playing on the field.<br />
So you'd think, by now, I'd be adroit in my handling of many different types of situations and confirmations.<br />
However, I have found that it takes practice, conditioning, and trial and error in order to not to muddle my way through.<br />
<br />
I can stock up my knowledge and earn a quiver full of examples but until I am placed, smack-dab into a situation, I'm not sure how I will handle myself. <br />
I will rely on what I've researched, observed, and learned.<br />
Hopefully I won't make a mess of future confrontation, good or bad, when faced with it.<br />
<br />
I don't want to muddle through.<br />
I want to be prepared.<br />
I want to be strong, calm, and have tactics on hand to deal with anything that comes my way.<br />
I'd like to take "muddle" out of my vocabulary when pertaining to my personal situations and confrontations.<br />
<br />
I'd rather be known as a problem solver than a mere muddler.<br />
I'll do my best and try and be prepared. That's all we ever can be. <br />
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<hr />
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<i>This has been a writing prompt post from <a href="http://www.creativeandfree.com/31-days-of-five-minute-free-writes-2016-edition-link-up/" target="_blank">#Write31Days</a>, join in the fun. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Catch up on all my 31Days + 5MinFriday posts by clicking <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/Write31Days" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br />
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Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com1Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-21778537656893075672016-10-07T11:43:00.000-07:002016-10-08T13:15:37.322-07:00Five Minute Friday - TEST<br />
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On Fridays a group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just write gather to share what five minutes buys them. <br />
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Just five minutes. Unscripted. Unedited. Real.<br />
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking<br />
2. THIS WEEK Link back <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/10/06/five-minute-friday-test/">HERE</a> and invite others to join in.<br />
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Thems the rules!<br />
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OK, are you ready? <br />
The topic for today is:<br />
<h3>
Test…</h3>
GO!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s7dOCaIKICVIsiDmxJHxbn6FKJJRLPjw3HhkenP3j_wZXbbY-SBm9kVbs0NIjMOuKFREZ4Tr9KzCAy0n9J3cmt4rzX5N8uuTgNo4AwHY6HJdlvWwQrUTYaw9iACsxB2sg6aP/s1600/test.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s7dOCaIKICVIsiDmxJHxbn6FKJJRLPjw3HhkenP3j_wZXbbY-SBm9kVbs0NIjMOuKFREZ4Tr9KzCAy0n9J3cmt4rzX5N8uuTgNo4AwHY6HJdlvWwQrUTYaw9iACsxB2sg6aP/s1600/test.jpg" /></a><br />
Test.<br />
I hate tests.<br />
<br />
It's not that I'm not good at them. I just hate studying for them.<br />
<br />
I skim the material, make a few notes, and think I've got it.<br />
But then I go to take the test and I'm not prepared.<br />
I'm put under pressure and I panic.<br />
Beads of perspiration dot on my forehead and my hands shake enough to worry me.<br />
The page blurs and I fight my own exasperation with my foolishness. <br />
I don't know the answers.<br />
I guess. I estimate. I make it up.<br />
I fudge my way through until the time is up or I've exhausted all the possible responses I can dredge up from the shallow depths of my knowledge.<br />
I breath deep, try to fill in any last blanks and hand it in.<br />
Done. Finished.<br />
Relief.<br />
Sort of.<br />
<br />
I walk away unsatisfied. Knowing I could have done better.<br />
Feeling shameful that I wasn't like all the other good students out there who had studied more than just the night before.<br />
I crammed. I procrastinated.<br />
I relied on my ability to fake my way through.<br />
<br />
And that's how I'm living my life.<br />
<br />
Enjoying myself, yes, but not paying attention to certain things that should be fixed, time spent on, waded through bit by bit instead of glossing over and not seeming to care.<br />
I can't procrastinate any longer.<br />
I can't ignore the warnings.<br />
This is my life-test.<br />
<br />
The pressure will only get worse and if I want to avoid feeling the shakes and the anxiety and the possible volcanic eruption of my buried mistakes and avoidances...I need to wise up and put in the work.<br />
I need to smarten up, shape up, and do the work.<br />
<br />
I only have one life to live and this pressure, this test, isn't going to go away.<br />
I can pretend only for so long until something gives and I fail.<br />
<br />
And failing isn't an option for me.<br />
<br />
Stumbling along the way, sure.<br />
I know I can get back up and try again and work harder and find more support. Do whatever I need to in order to pass and succeed, to do and BE well.<br />
<br />
But failing now, quitting, giving up...they are not options.<br />
This is one test I cannot get out of.<br />
<br />
This test is my life. <br />
<br />
STOP.<br />
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<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com2Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-75327411577901760982016-10-06T12:55:00.000-07:002016-10-06T12:55:10.878-07:00Firefly-like Gems<br />
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Firefly, the wild west space-smuggler outlaw epic sci-fi series has long been one of my most favourite worlds to revisit. Though this series made for TV only lasted a single season, love of the series brought it back to life with an equally awesome feature film called Serenity three years after Firefly's cancellation.<br />
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Firefly and Serenity filled the gap for people like me who grew up with Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and the Star Wars movies with a bit of old west Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie (with guns and spaceships) tossed in. A space drama that was witty, action-packed, but still a little gritty, Firefly felt like what our world could look like in a few hundred years. The characters felt like people we wanted to know more about, route for, and finally see them win a little though they were underdogs and outcasts.<br />
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<br />
I highly recommend the TV show Firefly and the movie Serenity. They are in my top five favourites!<br />
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<h3>
<i><b>And if you like Firefly, you are going to love these two sci-fi gems I've recently found!</b></i> </h3>
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"Browncoats" like me have been yearning for some show to fill the Firefly emptiness after no future plans came through to continue the series or film, but nothing has seemed to live up to the awesome world Joss Wheadon created.<br />
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<h3>
However, two shows that began in my home nation of Canada have risen to the top of my sci-fi radar: <b>Dark Matter</b> and <b>Killjoys</b>.</h3>
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<h3>
<b>DARK MATTER (<a href="http://www.space.ca/show/dark-matter/" target="_blank">Space</a>, <a href="http://www.syfy.com/darkmatter" target="_blank">Syfy</a>)</b></h3>
I've been watching Dark Matter since it aired in 2015 and it just concluded it's 2nd season. The premise has a crew of six on a small ship wake up with their memories wiped and proceed to figure out who they are and what happened to them, while dealing with people and circumstances from their past lives. They end up calling each other number One through Six, in the order they woke up on their ship and though being little more confusing to keep track of who was who with just numbers, I found that the numbersstuck like names after a few episodes.<br />
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The world of Dark Matter feels as real and as rich as the world of Firefly. The setting is deep space with rustic mining worlds and space stations with giant corporations owning and ruling everyone. There is also awesome new technology ideas with hints of cloning, space travel, telepathy, new weapons and fantastic androids. Mysteries pop up around every corner with the crew not knowing who knows them and who they know, who to trust and who to run from or fight.<br />
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The cast is an interesting mix from the serious leaders, to the gun-happy brute, to a teen computer hacker. Without giving too much away, the main characters now have to grapple with not only finding out who they were but who they now want to become. Do they want to slip back into their past ways when they don't feel the same way about life? Will they keep their new-found sense of morality and fairness or will they seek to rediscover their past motivations?<br />
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Mostly, the crew quickly becomes a tightly-knit family, if a bit reluctantly from a few members, and they struggle through their new lives one situation at a time with remnants of who they used to be falling into their laps in awkward ways.<br />
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I'm super excited that Dark Matter has been renewed for a third season, airing in 2017!<br />
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<h3>
<b>KILLJOYS (<a href="http://www.space.ca/show/killjoys/" target="_blank">Space</a>, <a href="http://www.syfy.com/killjoys" target="_blank">Syfy</a>)</b></h3>
This sci-fi series has been around since 2015 as well, but I've just discovered it after looking for any other similar show to Firefly and Dark Matter. It, too, has Canadian roots, ordered by our Space channel and then picked up and co-produced by the US Syfy channel and first airing in 2015.<br />
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Killjoys follows a crew of three bounty hunters who live for the next warrant to apprehend people or property at any cost. It's set in a 4-planet system in deep space know as the Quad, whose worlds are detailed and believable, from the scummy towns of the poor mining and hard-labour colonists to the beautifully lush and green planets of the rich 9 families who seem to be the main governing body.<br />
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The trio is quickly set up with bonds of friendship and family but each seem to have their own personal secrets and past that creep out to haunt or trip them up along the way. As Reclamation Apprehension Coalition, or RAC, agents they remain neural in all conflicts with no allegiance to anyone or any ruling party, but several of their missions mixed with their own pasts seem to force them to make hard decisions about who to trust.<br />
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The three main characters work well and balance each other.<br />
"Dutch" is the main protagonist, a ruthless warrior woman who is more lethal than she looks, especially when undercover in fancy clothing. We quickly see snippets of her upbringing and how she received her brutal training. Her mysteries expand as we see more and more of who she used to be.<br />
John is her former-thief partner and they work well together, getting their warrants efficiently with amazing witty quips along the way.<br />
As the series opens, we meet the third cast member who joins the main duo and quickly learns the business but with troubles of his own past rearing up to cause them all to stumble along their way. (Plus it helps that he's super pretty to look at!)<br />
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The Quad and the Killjoys' world is fun, full of action, yet also ripe with mysteries and complex subplots moving ahead. I love the costumes, the weapons, the ships, the different and contrasting planets. It's like Alias meets Firefly in a new way!<br />
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I've only watched the first season so far, the second is ready and waiting for me to enjoy as soon as I can find the time, and happily, Killjoys has been renewed for Season 3 airing next year.<br />
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<h3>
I hope you try out these shows and find them as entertaining and complexly satisfying as I have!</h3>
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<h3>
Let me know what YOU think about these shows or tell me what are YOUR sci-fi favourites in a comment below. </h3>
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<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34818089.post-23314905005386453412016-10-05T17:00:00.000-07:002016-10-05T17:00:06.068-07:00Things I've Done - Updated!<br />
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Like most people do one or twice in their life, or maybe every January, a few years ago I made a list of things I hadn't ever done or tried. It wasn't really a resolution list or even a challenge, just a light-hearted list to maybe revisit once in a while and see what has changed in the normal course of my life. <br />
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The original list was written in November of 2011... <a href="http://theretherekitten.blogspot.ca/2011/11/things-ive-never-done.html">21 Things I've Never Done. >></a><br />
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Then in March of 2014 I updated that same list but called it "<a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2014/03/things-i-havent-done.html" target="_blank">Things I Have(n't) Done"</a>, crossing off a few items and adding some of the amazing and interesting things I HAVE done throughout my life. <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2014/03/things-i-havent-done.html" target="_blank">Read that interesting list here. >></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6dP8xPr7124tc2NJoppiUAD0LhkVaBWkTqqtCh_H15ANjeqLElXPkFGnvqaRv8lS-WiFwj29a4bmhs9sDuAC5VJ_8Ro1g2QLPjiKPxm8ANGWtMc_RWmlGtuxgOxs9D76Nw7j/s1600/Things-CR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6dP8xPr7124tc2NJoppiUAD0LhkVaBWkTqqtCh_H15ANjeqLElXPkFGnvqaRv8lS-WiFwj29a4bmhs9sDuAC5VJ_8Ro1g2QLPjiKPxm8ANGWtMc_RWmlGtuxgOxs9D76Nw7j/s640/Things-CR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Costa Rica trip, January 2016</td></tr>
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<h4>
Fast forward over 2 years later...<br />Here is my latest update where I've crossed out a few more items: </h4>
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</h4>
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I am now 37 years, 10 months and 14 days old.</h4>
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</h4>
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And I have never:</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWkJz66wHgL4TxXFhsWfmOLzVmhOnMJw1c4-v9FTpP5qIfBmAK04ceMh6I7ebf-BwM5tdb5HooZvv7BXEXp1PcQV-r5qM342L_GJweR76KoeuCmKBPNLz_sRvzqisW7Z-fNzk/s1600/Things-ICancun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWkJz66wHgL4TxXFhsWfmOLzVmhOnMJw1c4-v9FTpP5qIfBmAK04ceMh6I7ebf-BwM5tdb5HooZvv7BXEXp1PcQV-r5qM342L_GJweR76KoeuCmKBPNLz_sRvzqisW7Z-fNzk/s1600/Things-ICancun.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexico, April 2016</td></tr>
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<ol>
<li><strike>Drank a cup of coffee</strike> - <i><b>DONE! <a href="http://theretherekitten.blogspot.ca/2014/03/bean-trying-new-things.html">Read about it here >></a></b></i></li>
<li><strike>Been outside North America</strike> - <i><b>NEWLY DONE! UK, Costa Rica, Mexico - <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/search/label/travel">Read here >></a></b></i> </li>
<li>Seen the Niagara Falls</li>
<li><strike>Watched "The Notebook"</strike> - <i><b>DONE. Waste of 2 hours.</b></i></li>
<li>Hunted an animal</li>
<li><strike>Pet a dolphin</strike> - <i><b>NEWLY DONE! Swam with dolphins in April. <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/09/sun-sand-surf-mexico.html">Read here >></a></b></i></li>
<li>Gone on a cruise</li>
<li>Driven a bus</li>
<li>Run any kind of marathon</li>
<li><strike>Knit anything</strike> - <i><b>DONE! <a href="http://theretherekitten.blogspot.ca/2012/01/knitting-and-knowing-bumpy-project.html">Need Practice at it >></a></b></i></li>
<li>Tried surfing</li>
<li>Written a novel (Hmmm, STILL working on it...)</li>
<li>Broken a bone</li>
<li><strike>Help sail a boat</strike> - <i><b>DONE. </b></i></li>
<li><strike>Sat on a Mexican beach</strike> - <i><b>NEWLY DONE! <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/09/sun-sand-surf-mexico.html">Read here >></a><div style="text-align: right;">
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<a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/09/sun-sand-surf-mexico.html"></a></div>
</b></i></li>
<li><strike>Sold anything over the Internet</strike> - <i><b>DONE! via my side-business <a href="http://westcoastcreations.ca/">West Coast Creations</a> </b></i></li>
<li>Gotten a tattoo</li>
<li>Bungee jumped</li>
<li>Been to New York</li>
<li>Been engaged (to be married)</li>
<li><strike>Tasted a beer!</strike> - <i><b>DONE. Not really a fan.<span style="color: #4f2700; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"> </span></b></i></li>
</ol>
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Here are some NEW items to add to my DONE list...<br />
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<h3>
Interesting Things I HAVE done in the past 2 years: (hover for links) </h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN-5pQ8wIW0WESoiR_lWX25K5BqQOXU_jLuao_z0Dq_MNJQV5itJAqGv2742rz5d9sZ_glgMoD8vZje9rt3pPoKUsuN48rcrpAOZYZHV_pgMdqMfps7r1vfQxaUMNnH6X0wAm/s1600/Things-bumper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN-5pQ8wIW0WESoiR_lWX25K5BqQOXU_jLuao_z0Dq_MNJQV5itJAqGv2742rz5d9sZ_glgMoD8vZje9rt3pPoKUsuN48rcrpAOZYZHV_pgMdqMfps7r1vfQxaUMNnH6X0wAm/s200/Things-bumper.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumper Soccer, 2016</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Touched down on FOUR Continents in ONE day! (<a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/09/sun-sand-surf-mexico.html" target="_blank">on the way home from Mexico</a>)</li>
<li>Grew my own tomatoes all this summer to keep my salads supplied.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2015/11/the-day-i-shaved-off-my-hair-and-why.html" target="_blank">Shaved off all my hair.</a></li>
<li>Played <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKcbVv-juWu/" target="_blank">inflatable bumper soccer</a>!</li>
<li>Stood on the battlefield at <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2015/06/scotland-adventures-day-3-loch-ness.html" target="_blank">Culloden</a>.</li>
<li>Met my distant relatives from Ashford, Kent, UK.</li>
<li>Went on an <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/09/my-costa-rican-adventure.html" target="_blank">international vacation with complete strangers</a>!</li>
<li>Drove an <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/09/sun-sand-surf-mexico.html" target="_blank">ATV/quad through the jungle</a>. </li>
<li>Stood 10 feet away from a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAvrZ5sx_tw/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">wild sloth mother & baby</a>. </li>
<li>Managed and run <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBOmMwzx_k2/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">seven stage screens at once</a>...many times. </li>
<li>Tasted raw coconut right from the tree. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/kbsbackyard/" target="_blank">Watched baby birds grow up in my own flower basket.</a></li>
<li>Gave away treats and Valentines <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2016/02/valentines-day-challenge.html" target="_blank">to complete strangers</a>. </li>
<li>Eaten a (very tart) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA1IQ4WR_pt/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">star fruit right off the tree</a>. </li>
<li>Swam in TWO freshwater caves called cenotes. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA0xDgqR_pt/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">Zip-lined through the Costa Rican jungle canopy</a>.</li>
<li>Snorkeled with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BEPNvL-R_uL/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">wild sea turtles</a>.</li>
<li>Rode a double-decker bus and the Eye in London. </li>
<li>Sold my <a href="http://www.westcoastcreations.ca/" target="_blank">West Coast Creations jewelry & gifts</a> for THREE summers in a row! </li>
<li>Walked among the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. </li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudx9rSvfgIkNcERdFYwWdi-IJFTIepMRvkr1ftxIsSxIjpthPHchuOA-GWWcEmErYPpwrQdCSNkgmCVsh-zkNg_6VUzKQoCEuoBAVtppvBretQ4BE3T31YoiGf8JVu-kv0mAY/s1600/Things-londoneye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudx9rSvfgIkNcERdFYwWdi-IJFTIepMRvkr1ftxIsSxIjpthPHchuOA-GWWcEmErYPpwrQdCSNkgmCVsh-zkNg_6VUzKQoCEuoBAVtppvBretQ4BE3T31YoiGf8JVu-kv0mAY/s200/Things-londoneye.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London, 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li>Pet and fed a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/37CX61R_tD/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">Highland cow</a> in Scotland.</li>
<li>Kissed our Costa Rican guide <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BA1IQ4WR_pt/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">Josue</a> on the cheek. :) </li>
<li>Flew from <a href="http://www.theretherekitten.com/2015/06/scotland-adventures-day-1-skye.html#more" target="_blank">Ireland to Scotland for $10</a>.</li>
<li>Changed jobs after almost 12 years!</li>
<li>Stood atop the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/3wjb88x_iw/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">"Cliffs of Insanity"</a>, on the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/32ArubR_u5/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">Giant's Causeway</a>, rode the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/3_pE2hx_ga/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">Hogwart's Express</a>! </li>
<li>Created a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theretherekitten/" target="_blank">Facebook Page for this blog</a>! Yay!</li>
<li>Toured <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/4T2y3aR_gR/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">Windsor Castle</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/4Uy7t9R_ow/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">Bath</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/4U97QLR_uP/?taken-by=keblackstock" target="_blank">Stonehenge</a>...in one day! (still need to write about that!)</li>
</ul>
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Phewph! That feels like a lot in the past 2 years!<br />
I still have a few adventures to write about here (the end of my UK trip!) and a LOT more adventures to come.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC9jJnb7jaJiGYHlnu3ovYg0EdaQyLXR0qiObFOV_d5wcLmDFYchMZbaFvuhhFiYId8UJKT55rv0cYoVTrRwk28oVBQMY6svHngGPeXTxG0ArB2RgWqoJsEg0MVRWQu2eyThp/s1600/Things-Alnwick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC9jJnb7jaJiGYHlnu3ovYg0EdaQyLXR0qiObFOV_d5wcLmDFYchMZbaFvuhhFiYId8UJKT55rv0cYoVTrRwk28oVBQMY6svHngGPeXTxG0ArB2RgWqoJsEg0MVRWQu2eyThp/s640/Things-Alnwick.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UK Adventure, June 2015 - Alnwick Castle (from Harry Potter & Downton Abbey)</td></tr>
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<h3>
<i>What are some amazing things YOU have done? <br />Share in a comment. </i></h3>
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<br />Kirsten B. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13777711966382915875noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3862737 -123.4463254 48.4705677 -123.28496340000001